California Summer

by Anita Hughes

  “What did you do?” Rosie asked.

  “I marched up to him during cocktails and asked him how his mum was. She had a bad case of gout and I asked if it was any better. He almost spilled his drink, he was so desperate to get away from me.”

  “This is different. I invited Ben, but I didn’t know Mary Beth would be at the party too. When he finds me it will be so embarrassing.” Rosie wavered. “I’m better off if I go back to the cottage.”

  “You still have to talk to Ben. I followed Neil to the porch and we had a real conversation. I told him I loved being a butler and he admitted Amber was driving him crazy. She left her bras and panties all over the house and she ate cookies in bed.” Morris chuckled. “Neil can’t stand a mess.”

  “You think if I talk to Ben, he’ll admit screwing Mary Beth was a mistake and beg me to take him back?” Rosie turned to Morris.

  “Not necessarily.” Morris shook his head. “You’ll realize that you’re both just people leading your lives: nothing’s perfect and no one’s got the lock on happiness.”

  “Ben sounds happy.” Rosie grimaced. “He’s starting a modern-art collection.”

  “Go on.” Morris propelled her gently to the French doors. “You’re going to be the fish taco queen.”

  * * *

  Ben stood on the lawn with a tall blond woman and two men. He wore a black tuxedo and a white bow tie. His hair was slicked back and his cheeks were tan and smooth. He held a champagne flute in one hand and his arm curled around Mary Beth’s back.

  Rosie was transfixed. She couldn’t move forward and she couldn’t retreat. She closed her eyes, but when she opened them Ben was still there, whispering in Mary Beth’s ear.

  Mary Beth wore a flapper-style blue dress with a flared skirt. A strand of pearls hung around her neck and gold bangles dangled at her wrists. Her heels were so high they were almost stilts, and her dress was so sheer Rosie could see the outline of her thighs.

  Rosie wanted to run to the cottage or turn back to the kitchen. But Morris guarded the door like a soldier, so she willed her legs to move forward.

  “Rosie!” Ben said brightly as she approached the group. “There you are, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  “Angelica and I were in the library and then I was talking to Morris in the kitchen,” Rosie said, thinking that Ben had been too busy planning his new art collection to spend time looking for her. “It’s nice to see you.”

  “It’s great to see you too, you look lovely.” Ben smiled. “This is Colby Young, and Colby’s manager, Ryan Addams. And this is Mary Beth Chase. I didn’t even know she was going to be here; we ran into each other when we arrived.”

  “Ben mentioned something about a Fourth of July party in Santa Barbara, but I’ve been so busy on the set, I didn’t pay attention,” Mary Beth said sweetly. “Then this morning an old friend said he was going to a holiday bash in Montecito and asked if I wanted to be his plus one.” She fluttered her long eyelashes and chuckled. “It’s such a small world, I should have known it was the same party. I called Ben but he was already on his way and I couldn’t reach him.”

  “What a crazy coincidence,” Rosie said through gritted teeth.

  “I’m glad I came, it’s a fabulous party.” Mary Beth nodded at Rosie and then turned her attention to Ryan. “Colby’s new single is number one on iTunes!” She flashed a white smile. “How do you do it? You haven’t let another artist get the number-one spot in months.”

  “It’s all Colby,” Ryan replied. He wore white tie and tails and white sneakers with purple laces. He was in his mid-thirties with short light brown hair and sharp cheekbones.

  “It’s never about the talent.” Mary Beth leaned towards Ryan conspiratorially. “You have to tell me your secrets.”

  “Are you in movies or music?” Colby asked Rosie.

  “I was in the movie business, but I’m sort of on sabbatical.” Rosie blushed. “I’m staying with the Pullmans. I’m opening a fish taco shop in the village.”

  “I grew up in Pismo Beach!” Colby exclaimed. “I love fish tacos.”

  “Colby still eats like a teenager.” Ryan chuckled. “We have to keep the tour bus stocked with Ho Hos and Twizzlers.”

  “He looks like a teenager,” Mary Beth drawled. “Those blue eyes and baby cheeks.”

  “Colby turned twenty last month.” Ryan smiled. “Broke the heart of every tween girl in America.”

  “How have you been?” Rosie turned to Ben.

  “Shooting’s almost wrapped, and I’m considering a few projects.”

  “Ben is so modest, that’s what’s refreshing about him,” Mary Beth cut in. “All the major studios want him to direct; he gets new offers every day.” She squeezed his arm. “Luckily he has me. I’ll make sure he gets the deal that Ben Ford deserves.”

  “Rosie!” Angelica called from across the lawn. “I need you in the kitchen.”

  “Excuse me,” Rosie mumbled, her tongue suddenly made of rubber.

  “It was nice meeting you.” Colby shook her hand. “Let us know when you open your taco shop; we’ll come by and chow down!”

  * * *

  Rosie crossed the lawn and took deep breaths. She kept her eyes on Angelica, who stood at the top of the steps waving a white napkin.

  “I wasn’t going to cause a scene,” Rosie insisted, climbing the steps to join her.

  “You looked like you needed saving.” Angelica followed Rosie into the kitchen and poured a shot of vodka.

  “No, thank you.” Rosie shook her head. “I’ve been drinking champagne.”

  “Champagne is sugar water; you need medicine. Drink it.” She handed the glass to Rosie.

  Rosie downed the shot and sank onto a chair. “It was humiliating. Mary Beth pretended she didn’t know it was the same party that Ben was invited to, but I could tell she was lying. She only came because he was here; she practically glued herself to his side.”

  “Forget about it,” Angelica instructed.

  “She’s a piranha!” Rosie took the bottle and poured a second shot. “No one is safe from her. She was ready to get into Ryan Addams’ pants because he manages Colby Young.”

  “Does Colby really have that dimple on his chin or do they photoshop it in for his photos?” Angelica inquired.

  “I don’t know, I wasn’t looking at Colby!” Rosie gasped. “I was being annihilated by a python in designer shoes. How can Ben stand next to her, let alone sleep with her?”

  “Men have a fascination with snakes, it’s something biblical,” Angelica responded. “Ryan seemed kind of cute. I could get Dirk to fix you up with him.”

  “I don’t want to be fixed up. I don’t want to date. I don’t even want to be at this party.” Rosie’s eyes filled with tears.

  “Ben’s the one who’s missing out. He won’t realize how good he had it until you’re gone for good,” Angelica said firmly. “You’re beautiful and smart and you’re opening your own store. Morris said you’ve been spending a lot of time with Josh.”

  Tears fell down Rosie’s cheeks. She remembered Josh’s lips on her mouth. She thought about their conversation in the garage, how he just wanted to be friends.

  “Josh and I are nothing,” she whispered, and slipped outside. “I should leave before I embarrass myself and spoil your party.”

  “Rosie!” Angelica stood at the kitchen door.

  Rosie took off her shoes and raced across the lawn. The band played “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and she didn’t stop until she reached the lake.

  * * *

  Rosie sat by the lake, throwing pebbles in the water. She couldn’t face going back to the cottage. She had spent hours getting ready for the party, and she didn’t want to see the bottle of perfume or her new lipstick sitting on the dressing table.

  Her mind was blurry from vodka, but she saw Ben as clearly as if he was standing in front of her. His tux had fit so perfectly she knew it wasn’t rented. He was a glossier, more sophisticated version of Ben, but whe
n his eyes met hers there was a glimmer of the boy she knew.

  Rosie thought about Mary Beth and had the urge to throw up. Mary Beth had looked at Rosie as if she was completely unimportant. She clutched Ben’s arm like a gangster’s moll in a blue dress and heels.

  The grass was soft and Rosie lay back and closed her eyes. When she opened them again the lake was shrouded in fog and the music had stopped. It was midnight and the party must have ended an hour ago. Her legs were stiff and she was cold and damp. She longed for a cup of hot chocolate and walked towards the house.

  The lawn was almost deserted. Waiters loaded silver trays and band members packed up their instruments. The lights were on in the house, and voices drifted through the French doors. She looked closely and wondered if Ben and Mary Beth were still there.

  The remains of the chocolate cake rested on a red silk tablecloth strewn with roses. Rosie grabbed a knife and cut herself a thin slice. She found a fork and sat at one of the round tables facing the dance floor.

  “There you are!” a male voice exclaimed. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  Josh wore a white tuxedo jacket and a white silk shirt. His hair curled behind his ears and his blue eyes were luminous in the dark. He wore a black bow tie and he had a red handkerchief in his breast pocket.

  Rosie wiped chocolate from her mouth. “I was feeding the ducks.”

  Josh sat down and picked up a fork. “This cake is amazing! Peg went all-out. Her prime rib was delicious and the oysters were perfect.”

  “I thought you hid in the garage all weekend,” Rosie recalled.

  “I came to find you,” Josh offered. “I figured we could brave the party together.”

  “I didn’t last very long,” Rosie said, and smiled weakly. “You were right about the fake tans.”

  “It’s like being at the circus, but the animals talk.” Josh ate another bite of cake. “You look beautiful.”

  Rosie glanced at her wrinkled dress and looked at Josh. “You look pretty fancy.”

  “Estelle and Oscar take the party seriously.” Josh smoothed his collar. “It’s fun to dress up now and then. It’s too bad we missed the band.”

  “Do you like to dance?” she asked, and ate a bite of frosting.

  “I love jazz, I’m a huge Cole Porter fan.” Josh nodded.

  “I didn’t feel like dancing,” Rosie said, picturing Ben and Mary Beth standing so close they were almost one person.

  “Let’s dance now.” Josh stood up. “There aren’t any other guests to disturb us.”

  “We can’t dance, the music stopped.” Rosie waved at the empty stage.

  “I’ll hum.” Josh took her hand. “I know all the tunes.”

  “I’m really cold. I fell asleep on the grass.” Rosie felt the pressure of his palm on hers.

  “I’ll warm you up.” Josh pulled her to her feet.

  Josh led Rosie onto the dance floor and started humming “Begin the Beguine.”

  Rosie rested her cheek on his shoulder and his hand pressed the small of her back. She smelled Josh’s aftershave and felt the stubble on his chin.

  “Rosie,” Josh whispered. “I’d like to kiss you.”

  Josh pushed Rosie’s hair behind her ears and touched her lips. Then he stopped dancing and pulled her to him. He kissed her so urgently, Rosie couldn’t catch her breath.

  “Come with me,” he urged.

  “Where are we going?” she asked and wanted him to kiss her again.

  Josh didn’t answer. He walked quickly across the lawn, keeping her hand in his. He entered the garage and closed the door behind them.

  “I can’t see anything.” Rosie peered into the darkness.

  Josh reached the Bentley and opened the door. The interior light came on and bathed them in a yellow glow.

  “Come here.” He pulled Rosie into the car. He kissed her harder, sending an electric current down her spine.

  She kissed him and tasted chocolate and champagne. “We shouldn’t be in here,” she said, rearranging her hair. “What if someone comes into the garage?”

  “I just wanted to be with you somewhere warm and quiet.” Josh took her hands and held them in his. “The caterers are still cleaning up in the kitchen.”

  “It reminds me of the party scene in Sabrina; it’s one of my favorite movies.” She leaned against the leather headrest. “Audrey Hepburn sees William Holden dancing with a woman on the tennis court. She’s always been in love with him and hoped tonight they’d be together, so she’s devastated. She sneaks into the garage and turns on all the car engines. Just when she’s about to faint from carbon monoxide poisoning, Humphrey Bogart appears and saves her. She should be grateful, but she’d rather die than be without the man she loves.”

  Josh stiffened beside her and adjusted his bow tie.

  “Is that how you feel? You’re still in love with Ben and I’m the guy who’s rescuing you?”

  “No, of course not,” Rosie said in surprise. “I was just remembering a scene from the movie.”

  “It doesn’t sound similar to me at all,” Josh responded and opened the car door. “Maybe this was a bad idea. We should go, it’s late and someone might find us after all.”

  The mood was broken and Rosie didn’t know how to get it back. Josh stepped onto the concrete floor and she followed him.

  “I had a lovely time dancing.” She peered at him in the dim light. “It was the best part of the party.”

  “So did I,” he said, and his face softened. “I’m just tired, it’s been a long day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  * * *

  Rosie entered the cottage and slipped off her sandals. Had she made a mistake with Josh by mentioning the movie? She didn’t mean anything by it and she had enjoyed kissing him. His mouth was warm and when he held her she didn’t think about anything else.

  A car drove down the driveway and the last light on the lawn flickered off. She unzipped her dress and climbed onto the quilted bedspread. Her eyes closed from exhaustion and she fell asleep.

  Nine

  The late-morning sun filtered through the curtains and Rosie stretched her arms. It was the day after the Fourth of July party and people were lounging on the veranda, leafing through newspapers and sipping cups of coffee. Estelle had on a yellow hostess gown and a wide-brimmed hat, and Oscar wore white slacks and a V-neck vest.

  The whole night had been too much: Mary Beth coming as another guest’s plus one and seeing Ben and Mary Beth together for the first time. Mary Beth acting like some kind of viper and then Rosie falling asleep and waking up cold and damp beside the lake. And just when she and Josh were having a good time and she was finally enjoying herself, he got angry because he thought she was still pining over Ben.

  Was she still in love with Ben? What did it matter anyway when Mary Beth was wrapped around him like Fourth of July streamers on a lamppost. Rosie had invited Ben to the party so they could talk and they hardly said a word to each other except to comment on the fish tacos and Colby Young’s music.

  Her phone lay on the table and she picked it up. Josh hadn’t left any voicemails and she wondered if he was still upset. It had been lovely kissing him and she didn’t want whatever they were starting to stop.

  The phone buzzed and Ben’s number appeared on the screen. She was tempted not to answer it, but then she’d spend all day wondering why he called.

  “Hello,” she said tentatively.

  “Hi, Rosie. It’s Ben. I hope I’m not calling too early.”

  “It’s almost noon.” Rosie glanced at the clock on the desk. “I was just getting ready to go to brunch.”

  “I called to apologize,” he began. “I had no idea Mary Beth was coming; I was completely surprised when she appeared. I may have mentioned to her that you invited me to the Pullmans’ Fourth of July party, but we’ve both been so busy. It was a last-minute thing for her. She and Scott have been friends for years and she thought it would be good for networking.”

  Rosie didn’t
know what upset her more. That Mary Beth pretended she didn’t know it was the same party, or that Ben was so infatuated, he couldn’t see that she was lying.

  “I looked for you all night to talk to you in private,” Ben cut into her thoughts. “But I couldn’t find you. I wanted to know everything you’ve been up to.”

  “I’m very busy,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. “You know, getting the taco shop off the ground and doing things around the estate.”

  “You certainly seem to have a lot going on,” Ben agreed. “Are you too busy to meet me for brunch?”

  Her palms sweated and she clutched the phone tightly. “Meet you for brunch today?”

  “I’m staying at the Biltmore. Mary Beth had to go back to LA this morning, an emergency on her latest project. We could meet at the Coral Casino. They serve the best burgers in Santa Barbara.”

  The Coral Casino was part of the Four Seasons Biltmore and it was one of the most glamorous places on the coast. It was built in 1939 and all the big movie stars used to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway for its society events. She had seen pictures of Gary Cooper and Gregory Peck drinking martinis at the pool bar with the sun setting behind them and the palm trees lit by gold and silver lights.

  “I suppose I could get away for a couple of hours,” Rosie said, wondering if Estelle would mind. But the house was full of guests; Estelle wouldn’t miss her at all.

  “Great,” Ben said enthusiastically. “I’ll wait for you by the pool, see you soon.”

  * * *

  Rosie pulled up in front of the Four Seasons and glanced up at the tall palm trees. The hotel resembled a Spanish hacienda and there was a fountain and lush foliage. Valets sprinted between convertibles, and men and women wore wraparound sunglasses and leather sandals.

  “Are you staying with us or joining us for lunch?” The valet opened her car door.

  “I’m meeting someone at the Coral Casino,” she said, checking her reflection in the mirror and wishing she had worn brighter lipstick.