by Maggie Brown
Sophie’s eyes were clouded, her pulse jumped in her throat. Her voice was breathy when she answered, “I know we can’t possibly be a couple, Eleanor, but does that matter? What’s wrong with having a night together?”
“If only it were that easy. Lord knows we both could do with some loving, but let’s act with our heads. Once we go down that path, we can’t go back. You know that as well as I.” Eleanor leaned forward and pressed their foreheads together. “If I were staying in Australia and didn’t have such a lifestyle, I wouldn’t be hesitating. We could pursue this fledgling relationship and see where it went. I think you’re a lovely woman, but you deserve someone who can offer you more. I had a wonderful time with you tonight, so…please…let’s leave it at that.”
“But that’s the problem, Eleanor. Tonight was so special you’ve wrecked me for anyone else. You haven’t been fair.” Sophie said, her eyes now awash with tears.
“Oh my dear. Can’t you see you’ve had the same effect on me? I can’t go back to the women who see me as a stepping-stone in their career, or to the Hollywood princesses. Fame doesn’t interest me. Though I thoroughly enjoy my career, the public facade that goes with it depresses me. To be always on show isn’t an ideal way to live.”
“Okay…so please explain what we do in the coming weeks. I don’t want to spend my time wanting to drag you off to bed like a caveman and making you scream out my name.”
Eleanor laughed spontaneously. “Now that’s an exciting thought. The mind boggles.” She grasped her hand. “Come on. It’s time to get some sleep. I think we can manage to be adults about this and keep our libidos in check. But it wouldn’t hurt to have some time apart tomorrow. Do you want to go fishing with Doug? I heard him tell you he was going out and I know you’re keen. I’ll take the opportunity to catch up with my correspondence. I also have to start doing something about learning the new script.”
“Okay, I’d like that. He’s heading off early, so I’ll walk down. There’s no need for you to get up. I’ll leave your breakfast on the bench.”
“Don’t worry…I can get my own. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Eleanor watched her disappear down the corridor before she climbed the stairs, relieved that Sophie had agreed to go away for the day. It would give them both a breathing space from their raw emotions. The night had left Eleanor physically and mentally on edge. Sophie had made her feel like a girl on a first date, so anxious to please it was almost pathetic. All her blasé words about control and being adults were really a load of rot. No way would it be so easy to turn off her feelings and she envisaged it would be the same for Sophie.
After a quick shower, she slipped naked beneath the sheets. Through the open window, the night sounds drifted in—the rustling breeze in the trees, the singsong of insects, the faraway cry of a seabird. The moonlight that spilled into the room landed in a jewelled glow on the bedspread. She let her consciousness go. As she sank into her imagination, she visualized Sophie’s fingertips stroking her flesh, her muscles coiling and liquid under the touch. Her head tilted back in submission as the dark shadow of desire took her to the trembling precipice. When she slid her fingers into her warm wetness, almost immediately she toppled into the abyss of pleasure.
* * *
Sophie had already left when Eleanor made her way to the kitchen the next morning. She was relieved she didn’t have to face her, but conversely, wished she were there. Normally content with her own company, she felt a little lost as she poured out a bowl of muesli. Though once she adjourned to the terrace to eat the cereal, it was impossible to ignore the glorious summer’s day outside. Her spirits lifted, for rarely had she been in such a perfect corner of the world where she could completely relax without the pressure to perform.
Half an hour later, she checked her watch. Four p.m. in LA—a good time to ring her mother. After she moved inside, she settled down to make the call. She made herself comfortable in a chair with a footrest—it wouldn’t be a short conversation. It never was. Over half an hour after her mother’s voice came on the line, she turned off the phone, wondering if her LA house would ever be the same again. It was obvious from the background laughter, there was more going on than just entertaining a few neighbours. She could only hope that her possessions and reputation would survive the onslaught. Not that there was any point worrying about it. She had to trust that her sensible father would put a brake on her mother’s enthusiasm.
Eleanor made another cup of coffee to fortify her nerves before she rang Carol, also in LA. No doubt, she would be in the doghouse because she hadn’t phoned since she arrived on Eurydice. It was a cert there would be a few snide remarks, for she’d learnt over the years that her agent didn’t appreciate being ignored. Everything about Carol smacked of self-discipline: her sharp-featured arresting face was always meticulously made-up, no strands of her short chic hair were ever out of place, nor did any crease ever mar her immaculate suits. Though Eleanor didn’t always like her aggressive tactics, nor did Carol approve of Eleanor’s dislike of the limelight, a lasting friendship had begun the moment the contract had been signed. Their closeness had endured over the years.
But now that Carol had made it clear she wanted more than friendship, Eleanor found her possessiveness suffocating and annoying. She was at a loss to know how to let her down without damaging their bond. In a way, Eleanor mused, it was a shame she didn’t harbour any romantic feelings for her agent. They were from the same industry, with the same social network. In this business, where love interests came and went at regular intervals, sometimes a relationship with an agent was as close to a good marriage as some people came. And their connection had already been forged, so it would be only a matter of taking it to the next level…to the bed.
At the image of a bed, her thoughts swung straight back to Sophie and she smiled. Hell, it was a no-brainer. There was no way that Carol’s sophisticated good looks could compete with Sophie’s allure. Cocktail parties, red carpet premieres, and intimate dinners at expensive restaurants might be perfect for Carol, but she wanted more. A lover to come home to, someone she could proudly introduce to the world, a family.
With a sigh, she dialled the number with a faint hope that the answering machine would come on. No such luck.
“Carol Barton speaking.”
“Hi, it’s me.”
“Eleanor, are you all right? I was getting worried.”
As she heard her genuine concern, she felt a flicker of guilt. “I had a small setback, but I’m fine now. How is everything with you?”
“There’s been good feedback from your interviews down there. The film has finished final editing and is close to ready for the premiere. Nigel said there are no problems. What do you mean you had a setback? How sick were you?”
“I had to have complete bed rest for a while, but Sophie took good care of me.”
“Who on earth is Sophie?”
“She’s the housekeeper that Mum found for me.”
“You didn’t mention you were getting help. What’s she like?”
“She’s excellent and a fantastic cook. Very caring too. It’s nice to have someone looking after me for a change,” Eleanor replied.
Then she cursed herself for being so indiscreet when Carol said in a clipped tone, “That’s good. How old is this paragon?”
Eleanor felt a flash of impatience. Sophie’s age was not Carol’s business. “Old enough to be a good employee. Now, did you check through the new contract?”
“Everything’s okay with it. It’s ready to be signed when you get back to the mainland. So, what’s the place like? You sound very happy with this…ah…fabulous help, or should I say companion.”
Eleanor gripped the phone tighter. Stuff Carol! She launched into a glowing recital of the holiday, determined to let her know she was having a good time and not pining to come home. When she finished talking, Carol said in a cold voice, “This Sophie does indeed sound a very versatile woman.”
Eleanor grimaced, not realizing she had
mentioned Sophie quite so much. She should have shut up. Carol would never let it go now. She was very adept at making Eleanor feel guilty. “Yes, she’s fun.”
“Fun? That’s an interesting description. She sounds a bit more than that. Be careful, Ellie. You’re recuperating from a debilitating illness, and your defences are down.”
Eleanor bristled. “What exactly do you mean by that?”
“Just don’t get carried away and think you owe her something. You’re too generous with your money as it is.”
“For heaven’s sake, Carol, Sophie is not after my money. Give it a rest,” Eleanor snapped. “Why do you always think the worst of people?”
“Because you’re so gullible.”
“That depends on your viewpoint. I give to charities because there are needy folk in the world who could do with some financial help. Now I’m going to say good-bye.”
Immediately the voice on the other end of the phone became conciliatory. “I’m sorry. I worry about you…you know that. Since you’ve been so sick, I’ll come over earlier.”
Eleanor drummed her fingers sharply on the arm of the chair. A visit from Carol was the last thing she wanted. “I told you it was too far to come.”
“I’ve a spare five days on my calendar at the end of next week. I do want to see you, Ellie.”
“Really Carol, what’s the point? Come over for the premiere and we can get together then.”
“I told you we need to talk about our future. I want your undivided attention without any outside pressures. Besides, I have to come to Australia to sign up a new client, so I’ll kill two birds with one stone.”
Angry resentment threatened to derail Eleanor. How dare Carol presume she would be welcome. Wanting to talk about a future that Eleanor considered nonexistent, grated on her nerves. It was obvious they needed to have a frank talk, but not here, not in this paradise, especially not with Sophie in the house. There was no way she would expose Sophie to Carol’s not-so-subtle barbs. “You don’t need to come. I’m fine.”
“What’s the problem? You know I care about you, Ellie. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“It’s not that I don’t value your company, Carol. I do. But I took this holiday to recuperate and to be away from everyone I know. It’s my alone time, and if I wanted to share it with you I would have asked you to come.”
“So you’re really against me coming, is that what you’re saying?”
Trapped, Eleanor struggled with the need to say she definitely didn’t want her here, but she knew it wasn’t an option. Carol would take it as a personal slight and she did have a temper. “Very well…come if you’re set on it.”
“Well, don’t do me any favours.”
“It’s not as black and white as that and you know it. I wanted this break away to be about my welfare and to think about my future. I need to revalue what I want in life.”
“Oh? Are you thinking about changing your future direction? What the hell does that mean?” Carol’s voice had raised an octave with anger.
Eleanor shook her head, frustrated. Typically, Carol tried to put her on the defensive. Well, not this time. “When I’m ready to tell you, I shall.”
“Now you’ve got me worried. I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about. Why would you want to change your life? You’re at the pinnacle of your career, successful beyond your wildest dreams. You command seven figures per picture. What more could you want?” Carol made a ticking sound before she snapped, “Really, Ellie, I can’t understand you sometimes.”
“I didn’t say it was simple. We all come to crossroads in our lives, and I feel I’m at one now. I love my job but…well…I want something more. I want a life. Can’t you understand that?”
A heavy silence seemed to wrap around the phone before Carol said in a kinder voice, “I think so, sweetheart. You’re burnt out. Don’t worry…medication and a good rest will fix the problem. I’m glad I decided to come over now rather than later. You obviously need support and some loving.”
Eleanor sank back in the chair, stymied. There was no point arguing with the woman. There are none so blind as those that will not see. “Whatever. I’ll see you next week.”
“Good-bye, Ellie. Take care. I’ll email my flight details.”
Eleanor clicked off the phone, trying not to dwell on Carol’s upcoming visit. She needed to chill out and plan. She hurried out the back to the pool, not bothering to put on a swimsuit after she stripped off. The cool water on her naked body brought tingles of pleasure, as well as a welcome feeling of liberation. Her emotions calmed as she swam lap after lap until, finally, with a sense of peace, she floated in the water. The conversation with Carol had made her more determined to do something about her life. It was time she made something happen.
Eleanor knew the problem of Carol could be easily solved. All she had to do was find someone else, and Carol would back off. At that thought, she gave a wry groan. She’d already found the one she wanted, and that begged the question. Was a romance with Sophie so unrealistic? Had she arbitrarily flicked it into the too-hard basket? Maybe it was feasible. Not here and now, for Sophie was still her employee, but later. She would just have to keep her distance on the island, which shouldn’t be a problem if she was vigilant. Once Sophie’s housekeeping stint was over here, there would be no reason why they couldn’t see each other. She wouldn’t go back to LA immediately. Her new movie was to be made in Australia, so she could stay over until they started filming to be together.
They could see each socially—see how it panned out.
Much happier now, Eleanor floated on her back and stared into the blue sky.
Chapter Sixteen
Through the doorway, Sophie watched Eleanor returning from the helicopter pad. Since their date, everything seemed back to normal, at least on the surface. They kept to themselves: swam, read, walked on the beach, and amused themselves with the games in the cupboard.
But Eleanor hadn’t been quite the same with her. It wasn’t obvious, she was still gracious and warm, but any spontaneity had disappeared. She also had become very adept at avoiding physical contact between them. Sophie felt the loss acutely, for as much as she tried to be circumspect, her feelings only deepened. She was so wrapped up in her now, if Eleanor asked her to lie down to be her footstool she wouldn’t have hesitated.
Although Eleanor hadn’t put it into so many words, it was obvious she wasn’t happy about her agent’s visit. Curious, Sophie studied their visitor as she climbed the stairs. She was nothing like what Sophie expected. Somehow, she had imagined her to be the stereotypical agent, a no-nonsense person who wore a perpetual frown and glasses. Instead, she was confronted with a very attractive, stylish woman, who was looking at her with an unsmiling stare.
“Carol, this is Sophie Ryan. Sophie, this is my agent, Carol Barton,” said Eleanor calmly, though Sophie could tell by the way her fingers moved restlessly, she was nervous.
Carol gave a nod. “Hello, Sophie. Can you bring my suitcase up my room? I’ll have a shower before lunch.”
“I’ve prepared the guest room at the top of the stairs. I’ll take it up at once.” Sophie clamped her teeth shut as she heaved up the heavy bag. The woman must have rocks in it.
Eleanor gave her a suggestion of smile before Sophie walked off with the luggage. When she turned after she deposited it beside the bed, Carol was in the doorway.
“Here,” she said, passing over a five-dollar note.
Sophie nudged the hand away. “There’s no need, Carol. We don’t tip in Australia and Eleanor pays me a generous wage. I’m only too happy to help you.”
“Oh, I bet she does.” Haughtiness crept into her voice. “Household staff members do not call me Carol, so I’d appreciate if you remember that. Ms. Barton if you please.”
Sophie froze, confused. She either was a gross snob or had her knickers in a knot about something. From the glare she had given Sophie when they first met, she guessed it was the latter.
; “Of course, Ms. Barton. You may call me Ms. Ryan then. A fair trade-off.”
Sophie watched the astonishment in the blue eyes flare into fury. “Be very careful, my girl. I’m not one to be trifled with.”
“The last thing I’d want to do is trifle with you, Ms. Barton. And I am neither a girl, nor yours. Now I’d better get back to my employer.”
“I haven’t finished with you.”
Simmering, Sophie struggled against the urge to stalk out, but waited as curiosity won out. Why was the woman so antagonistic? Then an unsettling thought came. Maybe she had found out Sophie was spying on Eleanor. Shit! With a deep breath, she said, “Go on. It was obvious you had a problem with me as soon as you arrived.”
“You’re taking advantage of Eleanor while she’s in a vulnerable state.”
“What? My job is to look after her, and I’ve been doing that to the best of my ability.” Suddenly Sophie felt a flash of intense hurt. “Has Eleanor complained about me?”
“No, but by the way she talks about you, I’m aware how you’ve wormed your way into her affections. She’s a very wealthy woman.”
“We do get on well, though that hardly is grounds for implying that I’m after her money. It’s ludicrous.”
“Eleanor is a soft touch when it comes to the needy.”
“Well, I’m not the person you think I am. Nor am I needy. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to prepare lunch,” said Sophie not bothering to wait for an answer.
She ran down the stairs, as angry as she’d been in a long time. The words had made her feel dirty, and guilty. She was taking advantage of Eleanor, only not in the way Carol thought. Eleanor was in the kitchen waiting for her. As much as she tried, Sophie couldn’t bring herself to look her in the eye, so she slipped around her to open the fridge. She felt a hand on her arm. “What’s wrong?”