Taking Chances: A Holiday Romance

by Lydia Rose

  Ashley opened her eyes in shock. She had not even thought about it when they got in the cab together and walked into the hotel. “I’m sorry, Jill. I was distracted.”

  “It’s okay, baby.” Jill placed her hands on Ashley’s arms and kissed her mouth softly. She turned toward the made up bed. “Ready to mess up the bed again?” Jill asked with a giggle.

  *

  While Ashley was in rehearsals with April, Jill went shopping. She wanted to wear a new outfit for their coming out event. Her dark wool coat and fur hat would work for the cold, but she wanted a winter white cashmere sweater and black pants for that night. New black boots would top off her outfit for the night. As the cab took her back to her parent’s home, the conversation she had with her manager and friend Lisa played in her head.

  “Hello, Marion. Happy Holidays,” Jill said quickly.

  “How’s New York?” Marion asked.

  “Wonderful, Marion.”

  Marion knew something was up. “What’s going on, Jill?”

  “I’ve been seeing Ashley Rowlands,” Jill answered, nervously waiting for Marion’s tirade.

  “I knew it. The way you two looked at each other the night you met.” Jill couldn’t see Marion’s head shaking back and forth. “Why do you think I tried to keep you two apart?” she sighed loudly. “She’s going to ruin your career.”

  “I don’t care, Marion.”

  “You’ve been begging for something better in your career and now you don’t care?”

  “That’s right.” Jill let out a long breath. “They have me playing gay on my TV show.”

  “That’s different.”

  “Has there been any negative press since that announcement?” Jill asked knowing the answer already.

  “No.”

  “So what is the difference? I’ll be a lesbian playing a lesbian. No big deal.”

  “Yeah, it could be. I’ve got to get hold of Terry.” Terry was the executive producer of the show. “She’ll have to know before this comes out.”

  “Well, you have until New Year’s Eve to tell her.”

  “What happens New Year’s Eve?”

  “Ashley is performing with April and I intend to kiss my girl at midnight.”

  “In front of the world?” Marion asked shaking her head again.

  “You’re damn right.”

  The next call was to Lisa. She and Lisa had become good friends after she became Jill’s booking agent. “Hey, doll,” Lisa said as she answered the phone.

  “Hi, Lisa. I have something to tell you.”

  “Is this about Ashley Rowland?”

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “I know you both are in New York and I saw the sparks that night you two met.”

  “How come everyone saw that except Ashley?”

  “I can’t believe she couldn’t see how into her you were.” Lisa paused a moment before continuing. “So you’re happy, Jill?”

  “Ecstatic, Lisa.”

  “I’m happy for you, kid. I may give you a hard time, but all I’ve ever wanted for you was to be happy. Have you told Marion?”

  “Yes. I just got off the phone with her.”

  “I’m sure she had a fit. I told her it was going to happen whether we wanted it to or not.”

  Jill giggled. “I just can’t resist her.”

  “Most women can’t. Even the straight ones. Are you going to be able to handle all the whispers of her cheating on you with her fans?”

  “I trust her, Lisa.”

  “Remember that when the rumors start that you’ve broken up.”

  “I’ll try. I love you, Lisa.”

  “I love you, kid.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Terry called Jill the following morning. “Hello, Terry.”

  “Jill,” she said letting out a breath. “Thank you for warning me.”

  “I’m sorry, Terry. I never expected this to happen.” Jill admitted, but truth be told it was inevitable the moment she met Ashley. “Do you think this will cause you problems for the show?”

  “Only time will tell.”

  “If you need to kill me off the show or something, I understand,” Jill said with a deep swallow.

  Terry laughed. “I don’t think we have to go that far. You are ready to give up your career for her?”

  “If I have to, Terry,” Jill admitted easily.

  “We will see what happens tomorrow. Enjoy your last night of freedom.”

  “Thanks, Terry. Happy New Year.”

  “Happy New Year, Jill.”

  Ashley arrived at Jill’s parent’s apartment at four o’clock. The family was going to have dinner together before the limo picked them all up to take them to the event.

  “How were rehearsals?” Jill asked as she kissed Ashley’s mouth softly.

  “Good. The crowds are out there already. Thank god it’s not raining or snowing.”

  Jill took Ashley’s performance outfit and put it in the coat closet. “Is April nervous?”

  “Yeah. I was surprised, but she said this is a big deal. Live TV and all that.”

  “Is Kevin with her?” Jill asked leading Ashley into the living room.

  “Uh huh.” Ashley chuckled. “He is just as nervous as April is.” She took Jill’s hand. “You know we don’t have to do what we planned. I could just kiss your cheek just like I’m going to kiss your brother and sister.”

  “No, Ash. When we go back to California I’m not going to hide our relationship. Let us decide when to make the announcement to the public and I think tonight is perfect.”

  Jeff and Natalie walked into the room and gave Ashley a hug. “Are you two excited about tonight?” Ashley asked smiling.

  “Are you kidding?” Jeff asked. “To be in Times Square on New Year’s Eve like some big shot. This is perfect. Just perfect,” he said grinning.

  “How about you, Nat?”

  “I’m excited too. Jeff is dying to meet Carla Williams.”

  “I’ll introduce you, Jeff.”

  “You know her?”

  “I met her at rehearsals.” Carla was this year’s co-host along with Ryan Seacrest.

  “This night is just getting better and better,” Jeff said clasping his hands and rubbed them together.

  “Where are your mom and dad?” Ashley asked.

  “Mom is in the kitchen cooking and Dad is in the den napping.”

  “Let’s go see if your mom needs help,” Ashley said already standing.

  The limo picked them up at nine thirty and drove them to the event. Once they were inside the barricades, the group was led to a trailer where they would wait. April stopped in to say hello and then Carla Williams came in.

  “Carla, I would like to introduce you to everyone. “This is Jill Thompson.”

  Carla smiled. “I think we’ve met before.”

  Jill and Carla shared air kisses. “I think you’re right.”

  “This is Jill’s sister Natalie and her brother Jeff.”

  Jeff stood up and shook Carla’s hand. “I’m a big fan,” Jeff said grinning from ear to ear.

  “Thank you, Jeff.” She looked at Natalie. “You look so much like your sister. Are you a model too?”

  Natalie giggled. “No. I leave that stuff to Jill.”

  A producer came into the trailer a short while later and announced, “Ms. Rowland, you are on in a half hour. We’ll position your guests near the stage.”

  “Thanks.” Ashley walked toward the back of the trailer to get ready. Jill followed. “Don’t look so nervous.”

  “I’m not nervous. Just excited.” Ashley smiled at her and touched her cheek. “Are you going to be warm enough?” Jill asked, seeing Ashley’s outfit of black pants and a silver blouse.

  “I’ll have a coat on until it’s time to get on stage.”

  “Showtime,” the producer announced as they stepped out of the trailer.

  April would be taking the stage shortly and Ashley would take the stage when the song ended. Jill and her
family were standing to the left of the stage. Now, one of the roving reporters stopped in front of Jill.

  “How are you enjoying the show?” he asked.

  “This is so exciting,” she answered.

  “Who are you here supporting?” he asked probing further.

  “We are here,” she waved to her sister and brother. “Supporting April and Ashley.”

  “You know them both?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes,” she said softly.

  April began to sing and Jill watched as Ashley removed her coat as makeup and hair were fussing over her. Once April’s song ended, Ashley approached the stairs and she was introduced to the crowd. She rushed up the steps and waved to the crowd. Ashley picked up her guitar and she and April sat on stools performing their duet.

  “This is fantastic,” Jeff whispered to Jill.

  Jill’s response was just to smile because her eyes never left Ashley’s face. She knew the camera had panned to them several times as they stood there. The duet ended and the countdown began. Ashley and April left the stage. Someone handed them their coats and Ashley was in front of Jill when the crowd screamed Happy New Year. It seemed like slow motion as Ashley stepped forward and kissed Jill deeply. Natalie kissed and hugged her brother and then Jill and Ashley hugged them both. Ashley put her arm around Jill and kissed her again. She knew the camera had moved in closer as they stood there singing with the crowd.

  Jill leaned toward Ashley. “There’s no turning back now,” she said giggling again spotting the camera coming back to them.

  “Are you okay?” Ashley asked, taking Jill’s hand as the reporter walked over to them before she could answer. Ashley felt Jill squeeze her hand tightly.

  “So you and Jill are dating?” he asked Ashley.

  “Yes,” Jill answered smiling.

  “I know you are going to be playing a gay woman on your TV show. Is this for research?”

  Jill leaned forward frowning. “No. I wouldn’t do that to Ashley. I’m gay, Steve.”

  The group turned and walked away. “You have it, folks. Jill Thompson just came out.”

  The moment they stepped into the trailer, Jeff took Jill into his arms. “I’m so proud of you, Sis.”

  “Me too,” Natalie said hugging her sister. She turned to Ashley. “Jill must really love you because she always said she would never come out.”

  Ashley looked at Jill shocked and then looked at Natalie. “I feel the same way about Jill.” They moved into each other’s arms. “I do love you, Jill.”

  “I love you too, baby.” They kissed softly and then both their phones began to ring. “It begins,” she said looking at the screen.

  Once again in the limo, Ashley took Jill’s hand and whispered in her ear. “Are you coming back to the hotel?”

  “Ash, I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’m leaving tomorrow to go back to Los Angeles.”

  “What time is your flight?” Ashley asked trying not to show her disappointment.

  “Eleven.”

  Ashley nodded as Natalie and Jeff professed their gratitude for the evening. “We had such a great time, Ashley,” Jeff announced.

  “My friends are going to be so envious of us,” Natalie said smiling. “My sister is very lucky to have found you.”

  “I’m the lucky one, Nat,” she said with a squeeze of Jill’s hand.

  “We’re both lucky, Natalie.” Her eyes found Ashley’s in the dim light.

  Natalie and Jeff left the limo after hugging Ashley good night. They went into the apartment building giving the lovebirds some time alone. “I guess I’ll see you back home.” Ashley rubbed her fingers over Jill’s hand.

  “When are you going back?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.” Ashley looked at Jill’s mouth before she tenderly kissed her. She made a silent prayer that they could both survive the firestorm that was sure to greet them back in Los Angeles.

  “Give me a call tomorrow,” Jill said moving toward the car door.

  “I will. Good night, Jill.” Ashley smiled. “Thanks for being so brave.”

  Jill nodded. “Good night, Ash.”

  CHAPTER 16

  Jill boarded the plane and took her seat. Her eyes stared out the window, but she didn’t really see because thoughts of Ashley crowded her mind. The few hours she managed to sleep last night only managed to add new questions. How would the public feel about their relationship? Would her coming out hurt the show’s ratings? Would her career falter? Then she thought about the love she had for Ashley and none of those questions seemed to matter. A smile appeared on her face as she turned her head.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  Jill looked up. “Ashley.”

  Ashley took her seat. “It’s me. I couldn’t let you fly back to Los Angeles all by yourself.”

  Jill put her arm through Ashley’s arm and rested her head on her shoulder. “I love you.”

  Ashley touched her head to Jill’s. “I love you too, honey.”

  One of the flight attendants was spending too much of her time coming to their seats asking if they needed anything.

  “What’s up with that?” Jill asked after the third time. Ashley just shrugged because she kept staring at her. “She’s flirting with you as if I’m not even here.”

  The flight attendant returned again. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I just had to tell you how much I love your new song.”

  “New song?” Ashley asked with her brows furrowed.

  “From your new album. I bought it this morning from iTunes.”

  “Thank you,” Ashley said so she would walk away.

  “I didn’t know your new album was ready for release?” Jill asked.

  “It’s not being released until next month.” Ashley knew she’d have to call Richard her manager when she landed. “Let’s not worry about it for now.” The two women snuggled together for the rest of the flight.

  As they stepped off the plane, Ashley asked, “Are you ready to meet the world as a couple?”

  “As ready as I can be,” Jill answered putting her hand through Ashley’s arm.

  They walked out of the gate and watched as the photographers began to take pictures. “Ashley and Jill over here,” one photographer called out. The two women hurried to the baggage claim area not answering any questions being yelled at them. Eddie was waiting for them at the baggage claim.

  “I’ll get your bags. The car is right out front,” he said taking their claim tickets. Eddie loaded the bags and got into the front seat. “It’s like a feeding frenzy out there.”

  “Let’s get out of here, Eddie,” Ashley called from the back seat. “Are you okay?” she asked Jill.

  “Yeah.” A small smile appeared on her face. “I think my life just changed forever.”

  Ashley squeezed her hand. “They’ll forget about us quickly.”

  “I love your new song, Ashley,” Eddie called from the front seat.

  “Eddie, you are the second person to say that. What song?” Ashley asked.

  “It’s You,” he answered.

  Ashley’s face paled. She had written that song for Jill before she thought they would ever get together.

  Eddie continued. “I heard it three times on the way over and I bought it on iTunes.

  .”

  “Eddie, can you play it?” Jill asked, wanting to hear this song.

  “Sure,” he said, already connecting his phone to the sound system.

  The music began to play through the speakers and Ashley watched as Jill listened intently to the song. Midway through Jill turned and looked at Ashley. “This is about me.” She didn’t ask. It was just a statement. Jill went back to listening to the song. When it ended, she turned to Ashley and kissed her mouth deeply. “I love you.”

  “You liked it?” Ashley asked surprised. The song was about loving a woman she couldn’t have and thought she never would. The lyrics said how broken hearted she was as she watched this woman from afar and couldn’t find a way into her
heart.

  “I loved it.” Jill leaned toward Eddie. “Thanks, Eddie.”

  “It’s a great song, isn’t it?”

  “Wonderful,” she said sitting back.

  Ashley took out her phone. “Richard, what’s going on?”

  “What are you talking about?” Richard asked playing dumb.

  “I thought we agreed to wait until next month to release any songs.” Jill could hear the anger in Ashley’s voice.

  “When Steven Parker heard that song,” Richard said explaining, “he didn’t want to wait.”

  Steven Parker is the president of her record label. “He doesn’t own my music,” Ashley insisted.

  “Ashley, in the first hour of its release,” Richard took a breath, “it was downloaded nearly a half million times.”

  “A half a million?” Ashley asked making sure she heard correctly.

  “Yes, and that was just the first hour. You have a blockbuster on your hands, Ash.”

  “I’ll talk to you later, Richard.” Ashley hung up the phone.

  “Eddie, would you play the song again?” Jill asked.

  As they neared Jill’s apartment, the paparazzi were outside waiting for her return. “Will you call me later?”

  “Of course,” Ashley answered as Eddie got out of the car to get Jill’s bags.

  “I do love your song, Ash. If we hadn’t gotten together, we would have after I heard that song,” Jill said touching Ashley’s face.

  Ashley chuckled and tapped her head. “That’s all it would have taken to win your heart? Just one song?”

  “No. The right song,” Jill answered. She kissed Ashley softly before she opened the car door. As soon as Jill stepped onto the sidewalk, she closed the car door. Eddie walked with Jill to the door as flashes went off and questions were thrown her way. Once Jill disappeared into the apartment, the knocking on Ashley’s window began.

  “Let’s get out of here,” Ashley said when Eddie returned.

  CHAPTER 17

  Jill drove to the studio Monday morning to begin shooting the second half of the season of LA Emergency. As she walked to her trailer, Melissa was just driving up in her golf cart. “Hello, Melissa,” Jill called out as she opened the trailer door.