Karl grasped her hands in his. “Actually I’m not, sweetheart.”
Bummer.
“Tomorrow night?”
“Sure, tomorrow then.” Anna was pleased, but would have loved nothing more than to be with him tonight.
“It’s a date.” He smiled his sexy, irresistible smile.
The corners of Anna’s mouth lifted and she turned away slightly. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait,” he replied, a glint in his eye that held promises she longed to have fulfilled.
As she turned toward the elevator, she glanced back at Karl as the make-up artist came back to him. “I’m off now, but if the blood needs touching up during the scene, my apprentice will attend to it, okay?” the make-up artist said, placing her hand on his arm and giving it a brief but definite rub with her thumb.
Anna’s shoulders clenched and she crossed her arms.
“And. . .” the make-up artist continued, “I’m really looking forward to tonight.” She spoke into his ear, softly, but loud enough for Anna to hear.
Anna’s jaw opened. What?
Karl took the woman’s hand in his and kissed it. “I’m looking forward to it, too.”
The woman slithered off and passed Anna as though she was invisible, taking the elevator and leaving Anna rooted to the spot.
Karl’s eyes caught Anna’s as he stood from his make-up stool. “I thought you were off home,” he said.
Anna rubbed at the heat rising up the back of her neck. “So, you and. . .” she pointed her thumb over her shoulder, “her. . .are going on a date, tonight?”
Karl nodded plainly. “That a problem?”
Was he serious? Anna’s eyes glanced around the room as though searching for an explanation. “Well, considering the fact you’ve been dating me, then yes, it is a problem.” Anna spun around and pressed the down arrow next to the elevator.
“Wait!” Karl was beside her in an instant. “Why are you so upset? You and I have only been dating a short time, it’s not like we’re exclusive.”
The elevator door opened and Anna stepped in, her heart shrinking.
Karl held out his arm and stood in the way of the doors closing. “Anna?”
“Have you dated her before?” She crossed her arms.
“A couple of times, but–”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Anna’s arms flopped by her side and she shook her head. “In my book, when you date someone more than once, you don’t start dating other people.” Curiosity raised one of her eyebrows. “Hang on, are you dating other women, too?”
Karl shrugged loosely. “Well. . .”
Anna held her palms out to silence him.
“Anna, c’mon, I really like you.” He grasped her hand but she flicked it away. “We’ve been having fun, I don’t want to stop seeing you, why can’t we just continue things as they are?”
“Because I want a man who’s faithful, that’s why. I’m not prepared to be second best.”
“You’re not second best.” Karl tried to take her hand again. “I like you just as much as the others.”
Anna shook her head as warm tears threatened behind her eyes. Karl’s ridiculous attempt at a compliment only emphasized the problem.
“Karl! You ready?” the director called out across the room.
Karl turned and raised a finger as if to say ‘one minute’, then turned to Anna. “Don’t rush off. Stay, let’s talk about this when I finish,” he urged.
“If you’re not prepared to be exclusive there’s nothing to talk about, Karl. Are you prepared to date only one woman at a time?” She gulped; realizing that even if he was, there’d be no guarantee he’d choose her over the others. Karl hovered silently in the doorway and scratched his jaw, unknowingly displacing some fake blood his other girlfriend had so expertly applied. “See, nothing to talk about.”
“Karl, c’mon man!”
Karl shot a quick glance toward the director, stepped out of the doorway, and although Anna’s eyes were focused on her shoes she could feel Karl’s eyes on her. His gaze froze her solid until the doors closed and she placed a shaky hand on the wall for support, her legs threatening to give way.
8
An ache welled up in Lulu’s heart, stronger than the ache in her feet after dashing out of Milton Tower as discreetly as possible to try to catch up to Charlie. The other angels had warned her about this, but that had done nothing to lessen the emotional impact of Anna’s pain as it copied and pasted itself into Lulu’s heart. The empathic connection she had with her subjects would get easier to handle as time went on, they’d told her, but right now, she felt like giving in. She wanted to go to Anna and tell her it would be okay, but couldn’t. She had to stay focused on her mission and not let emotions interfere.
Lulu drew a deep breath and squared her shoulders, increasing her pace until she was reasonably close behind Charlie and Vera as they walked up Pike Street and approached the intersection at 4th Avenue. She rubbed her earlobe.
“You’ll be missed, Charlie. Especially by Anna,” Vera said.
Charlie flicked a hand toward her. “Ah, she’ll be too busy with Karl to miss me.”
Vera placed a friendly hand on Charlie’s back as they crossed the road. “Why don’t you tell her how you feel?” she asked. “Before it’s too late.”
Charlie slid his hands into his pockets. “Might be best to leave things as they are,” he replied. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”
Vera nodded. “Well, if you think that’s for the best.” They walked in silence for a while.
Think, Lulu, think!
She’d have to act fast; they’d already passed the park where Anna was headed.
Got it!
Lulu circled a palm over her belly, round and round. C’mon, c’mon. . .She used her other hand to rub her earlobe a little more.
A grumbling sounded up ahead.
“Hungry, huh?” Vera asked, glancing toward Charlie’s stomach.
“I guess so.” He chuckled.
“Why don’t you come over for dinner? Jo’s cooking taco’s, there’ll be enough for three.”
No, no, no. That’s not what’s supposed to happen!
“Sounds great, thanks!”
“Oh, wing rot!” Lulu muttered, then covered her mouth. She hoped the supervisors at New Angel HQ weren’t monitoring her language. She had the bad habit of cursing when things didn’t go to plan, and Cloud Eight and Three Quarters didn’t take kindly to bad language among angels.
Last chance. Lulu rubbed her belly again, faster.
Growls emerged from Charlie’s stomach even louder than before. “On second thoughts.” He glanced back toward Westlake. “I have a strong craving for a chicken cabbage wrap from CC’s near the park.”
“Healthier than tacos,” Vera said. “And it is half-price Tuesday.”
“That’s right. Hey, are you trying to dissuade me from dinner at your place now?” He nudged Vera in the ribs.
“Of course not.” She smiled. “Just pointing out the benefits so you can weigh up your options.”
Lulu rubbed her belly and Charlie’s stomach growled again.
“I think I better eat something now before this grumbling causes earth tremors,” he said. “Catch ya tomorrow!” Charlie waved to Vera as he turned and walked away, and Lulu turned and pretended to examine something in a shop window. Once he’d passed her, she followed him until he crossed the road into the park.
Lulu stood on tippy-toes and eyed the crowd walking up both sides of Pike Street.
Yes! Anna was dawdling along and would reach Westlake in a minute. Lulu closed her eyes for a moment and set her intention in her mind. If all went to plan, two disappointed souls yearning for the same thing would cross paths very soon.
9
Anna ran her fingers through the thin sheet of water falling from the rectangular fountain, and tiny sprays splashed her face, blending with tears. Karl liked her, but not enough. Not enough to
devote himself to her only.
What is it with men?
The water cooled her fingers and she felt the urge to stand underneath it, rinse all her worries away. But she glanced around the busy park, filled with people who were participating in or watching the Dancing Till Dusk special event. She probably already looked pathetic with red blotchy eyes, no need to draw any attention to herself.
How could I be so stupid? Of course a guy like Karl would want to make the most of his status. I shouldn’t have allowed myself to fall for him.
She sat on the edge of one of the oversized round pots housing an array of flowers.
Maybe there’s another ‘K’ out there. Or maybe Karl just needs time. . .
“Anna?”
Her head flipped up. Charlie stood in front of her, his brow creased with concern and his hand holding a half-eaten. . .something.
“Are you okay?”
Anna pushed away the dampness on her cheeks with the heel of her hand and forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
Charlie tossed his food into a nearby trash can and sat next to her on the jumbo pot. “You’re not fine. What happened?”
“Didn’t you want to eat that?” She pointed loosely to the can.
“I’m not as hungry as I thought I was. Now talk to me.”
Anna glanced at Charlie’s hand as he laid it over hers. “Let’s just say Karl’s not the wonderful man I hoped he’d be.”
Charlie’s hand stiffened. “What’s he done?”
Anna snorted. “What hasn’t he done, more like it. One woman isn’t enough for him.”
Charlie squeezed her hand. “Ah, I had a feeling he liked to play the field, but I wasn’t completely sure. And you were so happy I didn’t want to burst your bubble.”
“Well, your feeling was right. And the bubble’s well and truly burst now.” Anna shook her head and lowered her chin to her chest.
“Hey.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “It’ll be alright. One day Karl’s going to wake up and realize he made a big mistake. Don’t let his weakness get you down, you deserve better.”
“I just thought. . .I mean. . .we were getting along so well, and. . .”
“Why wouldn’t he want what you want?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I’m sure it had nothing to do with you and everything to do with his need to validate himself as a desirable man.”
“Is that right, Dr. Phil?” Anna’s frown lifted a little.
Charlie grinned. “Actually, I did see something about that on Dr. Phil, talking about why some men cheat and want multiple partners.” He raised his eyebrows. “Not that I watch the show, it just happened to be on and–”
“No need to explain.” She placed her free hand over Charlie’s, which was still resting on hers.
“Sandwich hands,” he said, wriggling his trapped hand between hers.
Anna chuckled and clenched his hand firmly. “I’ll miss you.” She glanced toward the crowd of dancing couples, some of them children, twisting, turning, and laughing to the live music. How she’d love to just let loose, be with the right man and enjoy each other’s company. She’d had hope with Karl, but was now back at square one. Love sure was a bizarre game of snakes and ladders.
“Wanna practice our moves for the ball scene?” Charlie gestured at the dancing crowd.
“I dunno,” Anna replied. “I wouldn’t make a very good dance partner right now.”
“Of course you would. You just need a little time to get into the groove. C’mon, it’ll make you feel better.” He stood and tugged her hand, encouraging her with a tempting grin.
“Well, okay.” She stood and moved closer to Charlie. “But let’s not get trapped in that crowd, there’s more room over here.”
They walked to the end of the fountain and commandeered a segment of park. He placed one hand on the small of her back and entwined the other with hers as she held onto his shoulder. The park’s lights glowed as day gave way to evening and a refreshing breeze washed over them as they moved in rhythm to the music. Charlie lifted his hand and Anna twirled underneath it, the ache in her muscles easing, the hurt in her chest fading.
“Don’t even think about doing the chicken dance here in public,” Anna said, as Charlie’s enthusiasm soared.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He twirled her again. “Buk buk!” he teased, and Anna covered his mouth with her hand.
“Don’t you dare!”
His warm breath slipped between her fingers as he laughed, and the music slowed to a stop. The crowd clapped, men wiped their brows, and women urged their men for one last dance. Anna watched the band on the small stage, aware her tears had dried and a smile now graced her face. The singer strummed his guitar and a familiar tune filled the air.
Anna’s jaw hung open.
Moondance.
“Huh!” Charlie remarked. “How weird is that?”
A tingling sensation bubbled inside Anna’s belly.
“Remember? I was singing that this morning?”
“Oh, I remember alright.” She turned to face him. “Because I woke up singing this song, too.”
“No way!” His eyes widened. “You’re joking, right?”
She shook her head. “I swear on my caffeine-deficient soy hot chocolate.”
“In that case, I’m freaked out.”
“You and me both. I wonder what it means.” Anna didn’t believe in coincidences, but her heart was confused at what this serendipitous event signified. What was it Lulu had written?
“You need to remain open and aware of ALL possibilities.”
All possibilities. Was Charlie a possibility? They got along so well, but he only saw her as a friend, right?
“I think it means we need to keep dancing.” Charlie pulled her close and all his usual cheekiness faded. His chest rose and fell against hers, and they swayed together in their own kind of moondance. The soft skin of Charlie’s cheek with just a hint of stubble rested against hers, and his breath whispered in her ear, “I’ll miss you too.”
The tingles that had begun fizzing away inside at hearing the song intensified at Charlie’s words, and she felt like telling him to stay. To forget about L.A. and stay put in Seattle. But that wouldn’t be right. “You’ll make it big in L.A., I know it. You’re such a good actor, Charlie. That scene we did together in the corridor, the one that got cut. It was perfect.”
Charlie pulled back a little and looked straight into her eyes. “That’s because I wasn’t acting.”
She froze. Her eyes locked on his. Tried to look away but couldn’t. The same certainty she’d felt in that dream when she’d pulled back from kissing her soulmate to find it was actually Charlie, surfaced in her heart.
He cradled her cheek in his hands and his lips approached hers, as Moondance continued its sweet melody and the subtle breeze in the summer air tickled her skin.
This can’t be right.
No. She couldn’t let it happen.
Anna stepped away and took a shallow breath. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
He was her best friend.
And his name didn’t begin with K.
10
Despite a long walk to the waterfront to clear her mind when she wasn’t needed on set for a while, Anna’s mind was only filled with more confusion. She’d kept her distance from Karl and Charlie these past couple of weeks, but with only a few days left of shooting she couldn’t leave the show like this – unresolved emotions weighing her down and affecting those around her. She couldn’t let personal matters interfere with her final days on set, and couldn’t let what almost happened ruin her friendship with Charlie. She had to focus on work, let go, and let fate take its own course. How? Well that was another matter and would probably require another waterfront walk and a box of chocolates.
Anna breathed deeply and relaxed her shoulders, resisting the urge to hitch her handbag strap higher as the elevator delivered her to the third floor. The weekend would officially start in a few hours and she’d
have a chance to ponder her next steps and look into potential roles to audition for. She’d tried calling her agent earlier to check on progress, but Jean would be in meetings till late. Oh well, the weekend would also be an opportunity to work through her thoughts and feelings before next week. Hopefully she could make sense of those recurring dreams she’d been having, too.
Through darkened vision, still adjusting to having been out in the rare sun for so long, Anna could see Karl flanked by curtains in one of the temporary set-ups being used as the emergency room, where his character’s ex lay injured and clinging to life. This would lead to the couple reigniting their love once she recovered and would end the series on a happy note. Hmm. . .is that what it would take in real life for someone like Karl to commit to one woman? A life-threatening condition having him rush to her bedside in realization of his undying love? It should never have to come to that.
Anna tiptoed closer to the scene, glancing momentarily at Charlie who was having a deep conversation with the woman from the coffee stand. She was twirling her hair hypnotically, and damn her – it twirled perfectly! Hang on, was she hitting on Charlie? Although beautiful, she was clearly a good ten years older than him. Surely she wouldn’t be his type? An unfamiliar twinge twisted inside and she shook her head. What did it matter? Charlie was leaving soon.
Anna’s attention reverted to Karl, giving the performance of his life by his true love’s bedside. The scene halted for a moment as someone squeezed eye drops into Karl’s eyes, and the fake tears streamed down his face.
“Please wake up. Don’t leave,” Dr. Harper whispered through quivering lips. “I need you. I want you back in my life – for good.” He stroked the hair tenderly around her face and clenched her limp hand. A camera zoomed in to the slight but definite movement of the actress’s fingers. Dr. Harper looked at the hand wrapped in his and his eyes widened. He looked at his ex’s face as her eyelids flickered, then slowly opened.
“Baby? Baby I’m here! It’s going to be okay.” He stood and pressed the buzzer on the side of the bed, yelling, “She’s awake, she’s awake!”
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