Playing the Spy

by Maggie Brown

  “Come on,” he urged. “Just one.”

  “I don’t want to be rude, but I said no and I meant it.”

  Then a soft voice spoke close behind her ear. “I think you had better move on. The lady refused your offer.”

  Sophie froze, the scent of the familiar perfume swirling around her. She felt the soft body press slightly against her back as the would-be charmer, hesitating for only a second, moved off into the crowd. She gripped the side of the bar to keep her back ramrod straight. Was she dreaming? She didn’t know, but she didn’t want to move to break the spell.

  “Hello, Sophie,” said Eleanor and fleetingly brushed the back of her neck with her fingertips.

  “Ellie,” she managed to gasp out. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve come to see you.”

  Sophie swivelled, her heart pounding. Eleanor was dressed in a flowing white dress, her hair elaborately braided on top of her head with strands curling around her ears, and her eyes and nose covered by a glittery black mask. “You’re at a masquerade?” she asked incredulously.

  A chuckle puffed out of Eleanor. “This was the only way I can go unnoticed.” She gestured to a table on the far side of the room. “I’m out with a group of friends from my theatre days. We decided to go in fancy dress so I could have a night out in peace.”

  “How did you know I’d be here?”

  “I cannot tell a lie. I pumped Brie for the information. Would…would you come with me so we can talk in peace?”

  “I’m with friends.”

  “Yes, I understand. We won’t be long. I booked a room in the hotel where we can catch up without interruption.” Eleanor grasped her hand in a tight grip. “Please, Sophie. Will you?”

  Sophie found herself drowning in the warm eyes. They were so mesmerizing she couldn’t get her lips to move. Eleanor must have interpreted it as reluctance, because she uttered another, this time more desperate, “Please?”

  “Okay,” Sophie whispered. “I’ll take the bottle of champagne over to the girls and meet you at the lift.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  After Eleanor disappeared to the other side of the room, Sophie picked up the bottle and headed back to the booth.

  “Finally,” said Alice with a knowing grin, leaving Sophie in no doubt that they had been watching her at the bar. She wriggled her fingers. “Give me your glass.”

  “If you all don’t mind, I’ll sit this one out. I have to duck away to see someone. I shouldn’t be too long.”

  “Oh?” said Janet, her eyes glinting. “To see which one? The spunky bloke or the masked babe?”

  Sophie rolled her eyes. They hadn’t missed a trick. Well, let them guess. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she said with a little wave good-bye.

  Alice’s voice drifted over as she reached the door to the hallway. “I gotta get me a pair of those pants.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Eleanor waited nervously at the lift. When Sophie appeared beside her, she smiled more with relief than welcome, and hit the button. Once inside, they were both silent as the lift rose to the thirty-fifth floor. Eleanor, reluctant to break the spell, stood against the back wall with her hands clasped together. She had trouble reading Sophie’s expression—enigmatic for the usually open woman, more melancholy if anything.

  In the room, she switched on the lamp in the sitting area and pulled back the curtains until the lights of the city appeared over the balcony. Then she removed her mask. Sophie watched her without a word, seemingly content for her to be the first to speak. Eleanor began with the question she’d wanted to ask since the conversation with Brie. “How have you been, Sophie? I heard you resigned from the paper.”

  “As well as can be expected? And you?”

  “Not so good.”

  “Me neither.”

  Eleanor edged closer and carefully brushed away a stray strand of hair from Sophie’s forehead. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Have you?”

  “Dreadfully.”

  Sophie studied her closely, her brown eyes even darker in the muted glow of the lamp. “I thought you didn’t want to see me again,” she said solemnly.

  “I was angry. Angry and hurt. I couldn’t believe you’d betray my confidence so appallingly.”

  “I know. I should have told you…no… I never should have taken the assignment in the first place. I didn’t really have a choice.” She sat down with a thump onto the edge of the bed, her hands roaming restlessly over the quilt. “I’m not here to give you excuses, but I want you to understand what my life was all about. I worked hard to get where I was…very hard. And I couldn’t throw it all away by refusing an assignment. I put myself through study by working in the restaurant at night and on the weekends. And on top of that, I wrote voluntary articles for the Globe so I’d be considered for a position there after I finished my degree. Sometimes I was so damn tired I’d barely make it to bed. Nobody really seemed to appreciate how tough it was: not my boss or my family. Then you came along, Ellie, and you made me feel as though I mattered.”

  “You do matter. You’re one of the kindest, most loving people I’ve ever met.”

  Sophie dropped her eyes. “That sentiment went down the toilet in a hurry, didn’t it? I know you thought I was a worthless shit when you found out who I was, but you didn’t give me an opportunity to explain. You said you loved me but you didn’t give me a chance.”

  A cold chill swirled down Eleanor’s spine as she searched for words that would make everything right, but none came. “I know. I should have swallowed my pride.”

  “It shouldn’t have just been about pride, it was about love too.”

  “What do you want me to say…that I didn’t love you enough?” Eleanor paced around the room. “We both have to share the blame. I know you never said you loved me, but…but I thought you did. You should have told me why you were working for me before I heard it from that ghastly man in a parking lot.”

  “I know. But I needed to…sorry…I must sound like I’m whining. I’m heaping the culpability onto you, but ultimately I’m the bad guy here. I apologise for turning this into a blame feast. I…I’d like it if we could at least be friends.”

  “Of course we’re friends.”

  “The ironic thing is,” said Sophie with a bitter smile, “in the end I threw in my job. Anyhow, I’m going to put it all behind me. I’m off on Tuesday to backpack through Southeast Asia. When do you start your next film?”

  Eleanor walked over to the window and stared out, fighting back the tears. She felt like her heart had been ripped out. Sophie was moving on. “I fly back to Sydney on Monday. We begin walking through the new script next week.”

  She heard Sophie get up, though didn’t turn around. It was too painful.

  “I suppose I’d better get back then. The girls will be waiting for me. It’s my thirtieth birthday celebration,” Sophie said with a distinct quaver in her voice.

  Eleanor swung back around with determination. What was she doing letting Sophie walk out of her life? Her dreams couldn’t end in a painful “mea culpa” conversation as if they’d never been passionate lovers. “Then I’d like to give you a kiss for your birthday. I have nothing else.”

  To stall any argument, Eleanor strode forward quickly and grasped Sophie by the shoulders. Ever so slowly, she gently pressed her mouth to her lips. For a brief moment Sophie went rigid in her arms, but then her body became soft and her head fell back. Eleanor gave a low moan, sliding her fingers down Sophie’s back to pull her firmer into the embrace. When Sophie opened her mouth to her questing tongue, the sudden burst of her sweet essence flooded every cell of Eleanor’s body, and her belly tightened.

  When they broke apart, she gasped, “I missed you so much, my love.”

  “I’m sorry for what I did, Ellie You deserve someone who…”

  Eleanor kissed her firmly into silence. This time when she pulled away, she undid the buttons of Sophie’s shirt, slid the fabric and bra as
ide and cupped her breasts. “No more recriminations. I want to make love to you and I hope you want me to. Do you?”

  Sophie feathered her lips down Eleanor’s neck, then nibbled the tender hollow at the base. “I’m yours, Ellie. I always have been. Please…I need you so bad it’s hurting.”

  Eleanor gave a pleased murmur and took her by the hand to the bed. She slid her hand up a thigh, massaging through the leather. “You may have to help me pull off those pants. Then I won’t be stopping until you’re screaming out my name.”

  * * *

  Eleanor, still slightly dazed after her intense orgasm, lazily stroked Sophie’s abdomen as they spooned together on the sheets. “My sweet, sweet darling, that was wonderful.”

  Sophie gave a tearful sniff. “I’ve missed you something fierce, Ellie.”

  “Me too. I’m only half a person without you.” She searched Sophie’s face. “I love you.”

  “I love you too my beautiful Ms. Godwin.”

  “I know you’ve made plans, but I’d love you to come with me to Sydney. Would you consider it? I need you with me. You make me complete.”

  Sophie’s hand stilled. “But you’re not out. I can’t just move in. The tabloids will have a field day.”

  “I’m ready to make the announcement. Are you?” said Eleanor firmly.

  “I told my mother last week and my friends tonight.”

  Eleanor’s heart leapt into her mouth. “And?”

  “So far so good. They’ve all been wonderful. Tomorrow night I’m breaking it to the rest of the family.” She shivered. “That’s going to be a bit harder.”

  “Not with me by your side.”

  “You’d do that for me, Ellie?”

  Eleanor propped her body up on an elbow, her gaze level. “Do I have to spell it out again? ‘I love you’ means being by your side through thick and thin. Anybody messes with you, messes with me. You better remember that.”

  “I adore it when you act tough. I think Aunt Angie might be about to meet her match.”

  Smiling, Eleanor glanced over at the clock on the side table then gave a hiss. She scrambled out of bed, snatched up her dress that sat crumpled on the floor. “God…look at the time. The others will be wondering where we are.”

  “Didn’t you tell your crew that you might be a while?”

  Eleanor shook her head. “I said I was going up to my room to make a call.”

  “Help me pull up these rotten pants. I’m never going to do it on my own.”

  “How did you get into them?” Eleanor asked. Her mouth twitched as she struggled for composure.

  “With great difficulty. The last time I wore them I was nineteen. I’ve put on a few kilos since.”

  “Ah…I’m glad I met you now, not then. I love your curves.”

  “Behave and pull,” growled Sophie.

  * * *

  Eleanor grasped Sophie’s hand firmly as they made their way back into the cocktail lounge. She could breathe again. Her life was back on an even keel now her mate was by her side. It was a warm comfortable feeling knowing she wasn’t alone anymore. She felt Sophie stumble slightly when her four friends came in to view, but her step firmed as they approached the booth.

  “Hi,” said Eleanor with a smile. She could see them looking at her curiously, probably wondering what she looked like under the mask.

  “This is Ellie, everyone. Ellie this is Brie, Vera, Janet, and Alice.”

  The women gave welcoming smiles, moving up so she and Sophie could fit in.

  “What are you all drinking?” asked Sophie brightly.

  “Still on the champers,” said Brie. “Stay there and I’ll get another bottle and an extra glass.”

  “What’s with the mask?” asked Alice.

  Eleanor watched her, interested to see if there were any negative vibes about Sophie being with her. She couldn’t feel any. In fact, all the women looked quite comfortable with the situation. But they were clearly protective of Sophie. “We’re having a masquerade party. My friends are over the other side of the room.”

  “So,” said Janet. “Are you going to take it off?”

  “Janet,” admonished Vera. “That’s rude.”

  “Sorry. So what do you do, Ellie?”

  “I’m in the entertainment business. What about you ladies?”

  “Janet’s an orthodontist, Vera’s an accountant and Alice is a solicitor. And you know Brie of course,” piped up Sophie.

  “She knows Brie? She didn’t tell us that,” said Alice.

  “Who do I know?” asked Brie, who appeared with a bottle and an extra flute.

  “Sophie’s friend,” Alice replied.

  Eleanor flicked a glance over at Sophie, who looked as if she’d swallowed a lemon. Eleanor patted her thigh reassuringly when Sophie, eyes wide, wrinkled her nose at her. She leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry. Hold my hand tight…I’m coming out.”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t quite place you. Where did we meet? Your voice does sound familiar,” said Brie as she handed her a glass.

  Eleanor tipped up the mask with a sly smile. “Now do you remember? Sorry, I’d better put this back on or we’ll be swamped by photographers.” She pulled it quickly back down.

  With a twitchy blink, Brie swallowed noisily. “Eleanor,” she gasped.

  “Lovely to see you again, Brie. I have to say your photographs were first class. Well done.”

  Brie preened, clearly flattered. “Thanks. You were a fantastic subject. I just loved your dress. And those shoes were to die for.”

  “Fuck me,” exclaimed Alice. “You went to the bar and picked up Eleanor Godwin. Geez!”

  “Shush,” muttered Sophie. “I didn’t pick her up. We met when I was away. We became good…um…friends.”

  Eleanor brought Sophie’s hand to her lips and kissed the palm. “Lovers actually. I’ve asked Sophie to come to Sydney with me while I work on my next film, so we’ll see where it goes. Our romance is a bit new yet, but I think she’s wonderful.” She looked over at Brie. “Remember what you said about what sells papers. Well, I’m giving you an exclusive interview. I’m coming out of the closet.”

  “Really,” exclaimed Brie. “Me? I get the exclusive?”

  Eleanor smiled. “You’re Sophie’s best friend, so I know you’ll give me a very fair go. It’ll be a private interview, nothing to do with your paper, so the copyright of the article is solely yours. I’ll sign a paper to say as much. Perhaps Alice would agree to be your attorney on this transaction to make sure all legalities are adhered to. Naturally, I’ll pay the costs. The women’s magazines will give you a great deal of money for it. Globally. I think you’ll be able to syndicate.”

  “So you are gay. Merilee Watts is going to be so pissed off,” said Alice with a snigger.

  “Isn’t she just,” said Eleanor with an answering chuckle. “That woman needs to be taken down a peg.” She stood up, pleased to see Sophie rise unhesitatingly as well. “I have to get back to my party. Would you all like to join us? We’re top heavy with men, so I’m sure they’ll be delighted if I turn up with four attractive women.”

  “Just show us the way,” said Janet.

  Eleanor looped one arm through Sophie’s and the other through Brie’s. “Come on then. Let’s go celebrate with the birthday girl.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Sophie wanted to be patient, but patience wasn’t her best virtue. Eleanor was due to arrive at seven thirty—still fifteen minutes to go. Even though the party had started at six thirty, they’d planned for Eleanor to make her entrance an hour later. That way, Sophie reasoned, the festivities would be in full swing and guests, with a couple of drinks under their belts, would be less likely to notice when she entered her uncle’s restaurant. That was the theory anyhow. They had no other game plan. Nor had Sophie any idea how she was going to do this coming-out-of-the-closet thing. Eleanor assured her they would work out a way, but Sophie wasn’t so sure. It was going to take a lot of courage.
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br />   Her agitation must have been noticeable, for she looked up to catch her mother’s eagle eye. She beckoned Sophie over. “Whatever is the matter with you? You’ve been glancing over at the door for the last ten minutes instead of attending to your guests. Angie has been trying to gain your attention ever since she sat down and she looks annoyed.”

  “I’ve a friend coming and she doesn’t know anyone. I’ll talk to Aunt later.”

  “I’m sure your friend doesn’t expect to be mollycoddled. She can amuse herself for a while. There’s plenty to eat and drink. Is it someone from work?”

  “No. Look, I’ll see Aunt later, so don’t nag. I don’t know why everyone is expected to be at her beck and call.”

  Valeria pursed her lips. “It’s your funeral.”

  “How come you’ve never stood up to her, Mum?”

  “I did once,” answered Valeria with grimace. “It didn’t end well for me. It’s easier not to aggravate her…not poke the tiger.”

  Sophie glanced across at her aunt. Still an attractive woman in her sixty-eighth year, Angelica Sacchi had a Mediterranean complexion, with liberally silver-streaked hair framing nearly black eyes and a square tight face. Though they looked somewhat alike, she lacked the softness of her sister Valeria. At this moment, she was sitting bolt upright in the chair, frowning at them from across the room. Sophie gave a little wave before she turned back to her mother. “It’s about time someone stood up to her.”

  “I wish. It would have to take a superman.”

  “Or superwoman,” murmured Sophie.

  “We can only dream. Now, what do you think of Jolene’s boss?”

  Sophie chuckled. “Mum, Kathy’s more interested in the food. She’s a would-be chef, and all she wanted was an introduction to the cook.”

  “Oh, that’s a shame. I had…” A startled expression lit up her face as she peered over Sophie’s shoulder. “Santo Cielo! Is that who I think it is?”

  The room fell into silence. Sophie turned quickly, knowing who was at the door. When she saw Eleanor, her first feeling was one of relief. She had come. The second was one of wry amusement. So much for slipping in unnoticed—everyone was gaping at her. Eleanor, casually elegant in blue slacks, a turquoise blouse, and dangling retro earrings, stood in the doorway looking a million dollars. She was, in that moment, the embodiment of a fairy-tale princess for Sophie—grace and panache wrapped up in a very attractive package. The best birthday present of all.