by Hoy, E. S
“Is all this too much for you Eve? I would understand if you felt overwhelmed, can I make any of it easier for you?” Eve took his face in her hands
“You are my anchor Nathan, the one thing that keeps me sane. You do enough for me just by loving me” Eve had surprised herself; she wasn’t one for sentiment so she flushed with embarrassment. Nathan loved the way she blushed and couldn’t help but take advantage of the moment to share a lingering kiss, Eve’s pulse shot up and she pushed him a way gently.
“We will be late Nathan, today is important we can catch up later!” Nathan wore a dinner suit and Eve was almost tempted to say stuff the meeting, he looked good enough to eat. He left to wait for her downstairs as Victoria arrived to help her get ready, looking a little flushed.
“Did you help Michel wash the dishes Victoria you seem hot and sweaty?” Victoria gave her a playful punch as Eve smirked at her
“Vive La France Eve that’s all I can say” The two girls set about fixing her makeup after falling asleep in the sun. Brushing out her hair Eve debated putting it up but Victoria talked her out of it. She had to admit the finished look was perfect the focus was her long brown legs and her glossy brunette hair.
“Eve remember to smile and pose, the better your posture the better the picture. Now let’s get you down stairs; fame and fortune await you lady, I can’t wait to ride the journey with you. If you have to film over here you must stay with us again, we’ve loved having you.” Eve gave her a hug she had grown quite attached to her surrogate family. Nathan was waiting at the foot of the stairs with his parents all wearing huge smiles. Nathan stepped forward to kiss her cheek,
“Perfect Eve, you look just perfect. Victoria you are very talented although with a body like that you don’t have to do much to make her shine.” Victoria laughed and his parents both kissed her as they left Rachel looked so proud. Sitting in the rear of Christopher’s limo Eve’s nerves were under control, she felt good about herself for the first time in her life. Nathan had restored a self-esteem that had been obliterated by Rory; being loved and desired had brought her back to life. She smiled over at him and they clasped hands both excited about what was awaiting them.
Chapter 17
Christopher’s home made the Matheson’s look like a holiday cottage, Eve was totally flabbergasted at the size of place. The press were all cordoned off in a separate area so Nathan took her to the stairs to pose for a few photos. They answered a few questions as Nathan’s attack had made the news over here too. Eve noticed a Vogue representative trying to get a closer look at her dress so she moved towards her, the woman smiled gratefully.
“Thank you I just don’t recognise the label, it is a wonderful dress and people will want to replicate it, who designed it?” Eve told her about VCM and where the store was located she didn’t mention the relationship to Nathan. Once she was known it would come out anyway, the woman was thrilled and thanked her for taking the time to speak to her. Nathan smiled proudly and they went inside holding hands stopping to pose briefly at the top. It was clear to all how much in love they both were. Christopher was waiting and embraced them both; holding Eve at arm’s length to look her over,
“You look absolutely stunning Eve you will steal the show tonight. Now come and sit I want to pick your brains before the vultures swoop” They were led into an enormous ballroom which was currently full of waiters running around adding finishing touches to the beautifully dressed tables. Eve was not surprised to discover he had his own bar. They ordered drinks and then sat together on two large sofas
“Eve I know you read the outline of the film, what did you think about Martha? Is she a person you could become for a few months? Your vulnerability on screen would be perfect for her fragility and your life experiences could bring an extra dimension to her character don’t you think” Eve agreed with every statement
“Yes to all, I love Martha and feel attuned to her already, I cried while I was reading it. The characters growth is intriguing and I would love to explore the emotions of being trapped inside your own mind. I can relate in part but the rest I can imagine totally.” Christopher nodded and turned to Nathan
“So could you play an arrogant spoilt brat who falls in love and finds his soul?” Nathan laughed out loud
“Yes I think the character fits me perfectly in fact I won’t need to act at all, now cut to the chase who will be playing our parents?” Eve froze with anticipation while Christopher grinned teasingly
“Eve your mother will be played by Sharon Stone who will be joined by George Clooney as Nathan’s father.” They both gasped Eve was a huge fan of George Clooney; Nathan may just find himself usurped on set as he was her childhood crush.
“That is fantastic, when do we start and for how long?” Eve’s eagerness was infectious and the three of them talked nonstop until they were interrupted by Mrs Novac requesting his presence to greet his guests. They were left with their drinks in total shock, Eve would learn so much from Sharon Stone. Talking with Christopher she had suggested that for the main part of the movie she go unscripted, as she was supposed to be locked in her mind then she should just mumble and talk nonsense. He agreed with her concept they would do some trial runs and see what worked the best, humming and singing was something else she wanted to add. Eve had a decent singing voice so she would learn a few songs that fitted the character and practice them.
The guests had started to arrive and from their dark corner they spied a few familiar faces, Susan Sarandon was there, Jody Foster and Eve spotted one of her favourites Kevin Bacon and his wife. The place was buzzing and Christopher wanted them to circulate so following behind him Eve clutched Nathan’s arm to steady her nerves. George Clooney loomed up in front of them and she was immediately struck by the twinkle in his eye. He stepped forward as they were introduced and made some joke about not being old enough to pass as Nathan’s father. He turned to Eve and smiled warmly at her
“Christopher you undersold this one, she is beautiful, Eve lovely to meet you I have seen you on film and it doesn’t do you justice. I am looking forward to working with you both.” Eve just grinned goofily at him totally dumbstruck; she hoped that didn’t stay with her for the entire shoot. Sharon Stone arrived late and was extremely elegant and very gracious; she and Eve had a very long chat about the film. They ended up swapping email addresses so they could share research on the type of condition Martha was suffering from. On the whole the night was a success and contracts were signed deals done.
Driving back to The Matheson home Eve was giddy from a combination of wine and excitement, she could hardly sit still. Nathan was excited for a totally different reason; he had seen Eve come to life tonight. She had floated through the room capturing everyone’s attention but had been oblivious to it all. Christopher had noticed and he and Nathan had shared a few knowing glances, she was a rising star everyone in that room tonight had witnessed the birth of Eve.
Once in their bedroom Eve started flagging, Nathan had wanted to make love to her but seeing her half closed eyes and remembering her troubled sleep he held back. Lifting her gently he carried her to the bathroom despite the pain it caused his ribs. Her shoes tumbled to the floor and he sat her beside the sink; grabbing a cotton wool pad he wiped off the makeup from her face. Squeezing toothpaste on to her brush; he watched her clean her teeth and handed her a glass of water to rinse.
Carrying her back to the bed he stood her up on her shaky legs and slid her dress up over her head pausing briefly when he realised she was bra less underneath. His control was further tested by the lacy briefs but he grabbed a t-shirt from his pile and slid it over her body to block it from his vision. Pulling back the covers he eased her under and covered her up sliding in behind her careful to keep his growing arousal away from temptation. Sliding his hands beneath her top he pulled her as close as was decent and sighed as she relaxed in his arms.
Eve was sound asleep but Nathan was still struggling with his own disobedient body, Eve moaned and he opened
his eyes she was dreaming again. Stroking her hair he whispered into her ear until the moans stopped and he soon drifted off inhaling her addictive vanilla scent. Next time he woke she was still and looked peaceful for the first time in days, she stirred a little and Nathan tried to turn over without disturbing her.
“Where do you think you are going, stay there” Eve reached her hand round to pull him back to her. Nathan nestled back into the curve of her spine; provoking an immediate response from his body. Eve was then fully awake and turned round to face him.
“So you are ready to play are you? I can help you with that” Nathan groaned as her hand grasped his length. His frustrations from earlier rose again to the fore; and he pulled her mouth to his own. Their lovemaking was raw and erotic, but so fierce it didn’t take long to reach a crescendo. Nathan savoured the relief and soon relaxed into the sleep his body craved. Eve watched him for a while until she too managed to find peace, and this time she slept dream free.
Morning dawned and Eve was torn with her feelings. She was happy to go and check on Tara and see her father, but she was happy here and would be sorry to leave. Nathan was still in dream land so Eve went down already in her bikini for a swim. Victoria was sneaking out of the kitchen as she reached the hall.
“Bonjour Victoria, early dining again I see?” Victoria giggled and then grabbed her arm and dragged her straight to the pool.
“You are amazing Eve look I have spread out the major gossip pages for you. Look at you, they love you and my dress made the news. Up and coming designer favoured by Eve Purnell, no mention of my name yet but they are digging. Apparently the website has gone crazy with orders and the store is packed with celebs. Thank you Eve so much, this will launch both of our careers now.” Eve sat down stunned at all the coverage she had, at least equal to if not more than Sharon Stone. They were being touted as the new Brad and Angelina, and she had to admit the pictures looked stunning.
“You did it all by yourself Vic, you are so gifted and for every red carpet event I will want a new dress so be prepared” Victoria filled up with tears and hugged her new friend; she would miss Eve when she left. Slipping into the water Eve sank beneath the surface. The weightless feeling returned and Eve moved around under the water; using the strokes she had been taught. When she resurfaced Nathan was watching her amazed at her prowess;
“You look like a water baby down there; you have taken to the water like a natural.” Victoria beamed with pride;
“My fabulous teaching that’s why, but seriously Eve you have picked it up so fast. Nobody would guess you hadn’t always been able to swim.” Nathan stripped down to his shorts and joined her in the water; alongside him she was more confident to swim full lengths. He swam at her pace in case she panicked but before long she was swimming up and down alone. She would miss the pool; perhaps she could find a local one and start having proper lessons.
Nathan received a text from Michael while she was playing under the water again. He shouted to her when her head bobbed up,
“Eve your favourite father has been trying your phone he is wondering why you haven’t spoken since yesterday? Should I text him our flight times and say you will call him when you get home?”
Eve nodded her approval; she would see him soon enough. When they got back Nathan was heading south to call check on Sasha and pick up some extra clothes before coming back to stay with Eve and Tara. Eve was thrilled he had decided to move in; she knew Tara would be fine and it seems Michael approved now too. Sasha was behaving perfectly by all accounts, Nathan received daily updates. No further signs of premature labour, and she was enjoying being pampered. Nathan was more relaxed knowing everything had settled down, the last thing they wanted was for his daughter to begin her life in an incubator. Sasha just had to hold on for another few weeks.
Rachel and Grant joined them for lunch; Eve felt that she had hardly spoken to Grant. He was very reserved and spent a lot of time working; she sensed no animosity but was most insecure about him. Rachel was full of the latest media news, Sharon Stone and George Clooney had both spoken of their excitement at working with Hollywood’s new rising stars. Rachel had been so thrilled George was the leading man as Nathan could take guests to the premieres, and Rachel wanted nothing more than to meet her idol. After lunch Grant said his goodbyes to Nathan, he had to go into to Fox to help with the launch of a new drama. After he embraced Eve he held her at arm’s length;
“Welcome to the family Eve, I know I haven’t see too much of you both, but I have a good feeling about the two of you. Rachel and I would like you to stay with us while you are over here filming, as the baby will be here anyway it makes perfect sense.” Eve gratefully accepted his offer and thanked him for his hospitality. She dried herself off under the warmth of the sun’s rays, relishing the last hour of LA heat. Nathan gave her a gentle nudge, her signal it was time to get ready. Regretfully she left the pool behind and went upstairs to finish her packing and dress for the journey home.
Chapter 18
Eve had more or less packed yesterday; apart from her cosmetics and travelling home outfit, so different from the one she arrived in. It consisted of a pale blue chiffon blouse and white short leather skirt. Blasting her hair dry; she tied it into a loose bun which looked rather less severe than her usual pony tail. Rachel did a double take when she reappeared
“Eve you arrived a shy young girl, you are leaving us a confident young woman. It rather makes me feel emotional, I have watched you blossom here. Whatever happens Eve don’t stop evolving; you are a very bright accomplished female and should be proud of yourself.” Eve threw her arms around her.
“Thank you Rachel, for all you have done. You and your family have made me feel so welcome from the moment I arrived. I can’t wait to come back again, I wish I could stay.” Victoria sniffled and excused herself
“I need to do some baking I hate goodbyes so I will do mine now. Don’t leave it too long before you come back you two. By the time the baby comes I will be hopefully living in the flat above the store. I promise however to be here every chance I get as you will need plenty of outfits for all your events. Thanks for promoting my clothes Eve; it looks like you have been the boost I needed so I will owe you for the rest of my life. It has been a pleasure meeting you, don’t forget to keep in touch with my website” Eve smiled, Victoria as ever the business woman. The two girls hugged, But Eve knew where she was going and blew her a cheeky kiss. Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist, he could tell this goodbye was harder than she had ever imagined.
The car was ready and it was time to go, Shona came to wave them off and Rachel kissed them both warmly. She was on standby to fly over as soon as the baby arrived. A nanny had already been hired, and she would fly over with Rachel. As soon as the baby was able to fly they would bring her back here. Nathan would probably return with her, Eve had a lot to consider when they got home. Everything was changing so fast; could Eve bear to be apart from Nathan? She had Tara and Michael to consider and couldn’t just up and leave, her father would be devastated.
Once settled into first class Eve reflected on the past four days, she had changed a lot. Rachel was right; it was down to Nathan of that she was certain. His love had released her, but now she was in a position where his love could also destroy her. Eve was fretting she suddenly doubted her decision to open her heart to the possibility of pain. Nathan who was looking almost completely recovered held her hand firmly.
“Eve; I can see that brain of yours overthinking again, are you having doubts?” The man was definitely a mind reader; she nodded finding it hard to put into words what was at the root of her worries.
“You are thinking about the baby, I can see that and don’t you think I have the same worries? Eve I have no clue how to be a dad, a baby is arriving and I am shipping her off to grandparents. People could say I am heartless, but I see it as a rescue operation. Sasha does not want her, I didn’t want a baby if I am being completely honest” Eve raised her eyebrows in shock, wow he
was being honest but she kind of sensed that anyway.
“I had no plans to have children until at least my thirties if at all, but fate had a different plan for me. I want you to be with me all the time now Eve, I can’t be apart from you.. We need to think about how we are going to be together between two countries. It will work out while we are in LA filming but in the UK I need to find a house where the baby can come too. I can’t expect my parents to carry the burden forever.” Eve knew he was right, she too had no plans for a family after all it was impossible for her anyway. She didn’t have a mother and couldn’t imagine feeling maternal about any child. Eve was actually scared that she would not be able to deal with Nathan’s daughter at all.
“I know that there is a difficult road ahead Nathan but I will feel awful if I end up resenting your daughter. What if I can’t bear her? What if I find it impossible to love her the way you will, it is biological for you. She will be nothing to me; I have never held a baby in my life I have no experience at all” Nathan wiped the frown off her forehead
“We will learn together; that’s if you still want to? I am shitting myself. Sometimes I wish I could take you and run away to the other side of the world.” Eve had the exact same feeling on a few occasions, she did want to try, she could not imagine life without Nathan now and he came as a package.
“I will try, with your help and hopefully your mother’s expertise we will be the best parents a little girl could hope for.” Eve meant every word and was surprised at the well of emotion in her chest. She didn’t want any other little girl to feel unwanted or unloved and Nathan’s daughter would be no exception. Food was served and they ate together in a comfortable silence, Eve noted that today was the first time they had really talked about their future. It was also the first time they had ever discussed the baby, they had both feared what the others reaction would be. They were in a good place at the moment and Eve felt for the first time optimistic about the future.