Beautiful Strangers

by Ellen Dean

  Beth could hear snippets of the conversation, but had no inclination to join in. Wishing they would shut up and go away so she could sleep, one sentence hit her with crystal clarity. They said they were on holiday from California. That did it. Suddenly she was wracked with a tremendous longing for Lou. Drowning in waves of emotion, Beth gripped the sides of the sun lounger to steady herself in a vain effort to suppress the sobs threatening to overcome her; the mention of California had finally cracked her emotional paralysis.

  She needed to be with Lou. Her sense of logic successfully broke through the solid wall she had built in her mind, launching her onto an emotional roller coaster.

  Sitting bolt upright she looked over at Hyacinth, who was still entertaining the strangers. Overcome with urgency, she scrambled to her feet and started to gather her things together.

  H was quick to notice Beth’s distress. Leaving her new found friends, she hurried back. ‘What are you doing, Beth?’

  ‘I’m sorry, H, but I have to go. I need to find Lou. Really, I do.’ Beth’s voice although quiet was determined.

  ‘After what she’s done to you? I don’t understand.’ H unsuccessfully tried to probe Beth’s mind, but she failed. Why?

  ‘Those women are on holiday from California,’ Beth’s eyes swung across the beach towards them, ‘and that’s where Lou is now, and I should have been there with her.’

  ‘But you didn’t go, did you? You caught her cheating on you with Vanessa.’ H frowned, and shook her head. She tried again to access Beth’s thoughts.

  ‘I need answers. I need for Lou to tell me herself that she and Vanessa are an item.’

  ‘Darling, please don’t go. You’ll only suffer more hurt. Why won’t you just believe what I’ve told you, and let it go?’ H wrapped her arms around Beth and pulled her close. Then it hit her; nothing she could say would stop Beth going to see Lou because what they had was true love. She held Beth for a few seconds longer, then pushed her away. Beth had built her brick wall again, locking her out. A thousand curses on true love.

  ‘I have to go.’ Beth insisted.

  ‘Yes, of course you do, darling.’

  ‘Thank you for understanding.’

  ‘Come, let’s get back on board and I’ll help you pack. I’ll charter a private jet for you — don’t look so surprised. I want you to see just how your life would be if you were by my side.’ H paused, ‘And what about what happened between us yesterday? You can’t deny we have a connection.’

  ‘I was dreaming.’

  ‘Dream or not, you instigated it, and that means you want it to happen physically.’

  ‘There’s no denying our mutual sexual attraction, but I love Lou.’

  The surf started to pound on the shore matching the rhythm of H’s pounding heart. ‘You will come to me Beth. I can wait.’

  * * * * * * * *

  H added a little surprise package of her own to Beth’s luggage as she helped her pack.

  ‘I’m coming to see you off,’ she said when Beth was ready to leave.

  ‘You don’t have to.’

  ‘I want to. Look, the car ’s here. Your plane is waiting, and I’ve arranged a limo for you at LAX to take you wherever you want to go.’ She was gutted that Beth was leaving her, but in true ice maiden style, she wished her well.

  Her heart was breaking as she watched Beth walk away from her, again.

  Chapter 45

  With butterflies in her tummy, and an aching body and soul from lack of sleep, Beth’s plane touched down in LA.

  Had she done the right thing? Was Lou here? She’d find out soon enough.

  Her chauffeur-driven limo glided through the traffic taking her to The Grand Hotel. The hotel she should have been staying in with Lou. It seemed as good a place as any to start looking. In her rush she never thought to contact Sarah, Lou’s agent, who would have been more than pleased to tell her exactly where Lou was staying.

  * * * * * * * *

  Al Robson, Lou’s director, thought she was marvelous. He was in awe of someone so young and beautiful who could portray a grieving widow with such depth and intensity. She is an enigma, though. All work and no play. Lou declined all offers to go for a meal or a drink after the day’s shooting finished, preferring to head straight back to the Bel Air house the production company had rented for her.

  Today, Al had been able to complete shooting in record time despite the fact they were working on a particularly intense part of the film and he’d envisaged doing take after take. Clever Lou had got it in one. To show his thanks he was determined to take her to dinner tonight. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer, and was surprised when she accepted his invitation to dine with him and his wife. Perhaps it was because Dee was going to be there. Al had noticed how Dee was the only person who Lou really talked to. He was wise to the fact that actors liked to keep makeup artists sweet knowing they could make or break them, but his intuition told him this was something more.

  Lou had been feeling peculiar all day, uneasy, sort of expectant yet still in the depths of despair. She dialed Lindsay’s number and was devastated to learn Beth was in Cannes.

  Without thought, Lou showered and dressed for dinner. At least Dee would be there so the night should not be too tedious. Dee had instinctively sensed Lou’s anguish, and became a friend and confidant, giving strong unconditional support just when Lou needed it most.

  Checking her reflection in the full-length dressing room mirrors before leaving, Lou was appalled at the sad, frail reflection staring back. The expensive black dress did nothing for her except to emphasize her overly-thin body and the haunting sadness in her eyes.

  Right, Lou, this cannot go on, she sternly told herself. Get changed, you’re supposed to look glamorous for God’s sake, not like a skeleton in mourning.

  Going back to the closet, she pulled out the slinky, scarlet Versace gown she had bought especially to wear for Beth.

  What is the point of saving this? She sensuously fingered the liquid material. It’s not going to happen. Beth is on the other side of the world, thanks to Vanessa. She would never understand in a million years why Nessa had done what she did in the nightclub. Kissing her like that, pretending there was something between them. Even when she’d gone to see her, demanding an explanation, Vanessa had refused point-blank to give one. She was shifty and evasive, insisting she had her reasons, incapable of looking Lou in the eye. Lou had come away even more frustrated. But enough of this wallowing in self-pity, she told herself. Onward and upward will be my motto from now on.

  She changed, leaving the discarded black dress on the floor. The red dress was perfect. The silk skimmed her figure, rising high at her neckline, dipping low on her back. Its sumptuous folds disguised her protruding bones and put some much needed colour into her pale face. She fastened the lucky horse shoe necklace around her neck, Beth’s birthday gift to her that she was never without.

  In The Grand Hotel restaurant Lou’s party enjoyed a pleasant evening with Dee fussing over her like a mother hen, and she managed to eat some food.

  * * * * * * * *

  While Lou was in the restaurant, Beth was upstairs contemplating what to do next. She sat out on the balcony in the warm night air gazing at the bright lights along Wilshire Boulevard asking herself why she had been so foolish to come here. Feeling silly at her impulsive flight to LA, lost because she was here alone and couldn’t reach Lindsay on the telephone, she had a need to get out of her room, to explore the shopping mall in the hotel. The need for retail therapy, Beth decided, should not be ignored. Picking up her shoulder bag she headed for the lift.

  Sifting through the stylish clothes on offer, Beth’s attention was naturally drawn to the jewellery section. While she studied a tray of diamond rings a flash of scarlet in the restaurant distracted her. Peering through the glass into the crowded room she saw Lou wearing her beautiful scarlet gown. Laughing, and at ease in the company of three other people, Lou didn’t give the impression of a woman suffering
any kind of heartbreak.

  Transfixed, Beth stood watching her, torn between the desire to rush in and take Lou in her arms or turn tail and run. They looked like a happy foursome enjoying an intimate get together. The dark-skinned beauty was paying Lou a lot of attention. When the woman lifted Lou’s hand to her lips and kissed it Beth cried out in anguish. Maybe H was right. Maybe Lou doesn’t love me at all and never has. Dejected, Beth ran to the safety of her room.

  Lou’s happy, she looks great, she has someone else, and

  she doesn’t need me. I was stupid to think she might. Beth’s harsh thoughts punished her relentlessly. Home, I must get home. Get the hell out of here.

  * * * * * * * *

  Lou was not enjoying the evening, although no-one would ever have known. Pulling on every resource from her acting career, she portrayed the successful, happy, carefree young woman with convincing panache. Even when Dee paid her the huge compliment of being the easiest actress in the world to make up, kissing her hand in appreciation, Lou’s heart cried out for Beth. This trying to be positive and move on she had promised to do, wasn’t easy.

  Finally the meal was over and Lou was able to excuse herself saying she had an early morning call. She thanked her producer for a delightful evening, and insisted they all stay and finish their brandy. She left the noisy restaurant desperate for the solitude of her temporary home.

  * * * * * * * *

  Two taxis left The Grand hotel within minutes of each other, one taking Lou to Bel Air, the other taking Beth to the airport.

  Beth spoke into her mobile phone, ‘You were right, H. She doesn’t love me. She’s with another woman now.’

  ‘My poor darling,’ H cooed. ‘You must come straight back to me, to Jesmond. I arrived home last night. I’ve been waiting for you to call.’

  ‘I’m on my way to the airport. I haven’t got a flight.’

  ‘Leave it to me. I’ll arrange everything. I have contacts, I might as well use them. I’ll have a car waiting for you when you fly into Newcastle. I’ll text you with your flight details.’

  ‘Thanks, H. You are a true friend.’

  I intend to be much more than that. She attempted a gentle mind probe, and was elated to discover Beth’s barrier was down, allowing her access. Immediately she started sending Beth loving thoughts, wrapped in sexual frisson.

  Beth’s head fell back onto the headrest. Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to be with Hyacinth.

  George Dickinson opened the front door to his Jesmond home just as Hyacinth finished texting Beth her travel details. He hadn’t expected his wife to be here. Dropping his briefcase he walked hesitantly down the hall and opened the door to the living room not knowing what to expect.

  ‘Hello, George.’ H rose to her feet as he entered the room. ‘Whisky?’

  ‘Please.’

  Crossing to the laden drinks cabinet H mixed a large Scotch, and water. She handed the drink to her husband, and returned to sit on the sofa.

  Glass in hand, George didn’t move.

  ‘George,’ she eyed him up and down, her eyes hard and calculating, ‘I want a divorce.'

  Chapter 46

  George had left the marital home he shared with Hyacinth before Beth returned from LA. A victim of jet-lag, she crashed out in one of Hyacinth’s guest rooms, and slept the afternoon away. Then she couldn’t sleep during the night, endlessly tossing-and-turning until the smell of toast and bacon wafted up to her nostrils, telling her that H was up and about. Thank goodness it’s time to get up. She had a quick shower, hoping it would wake her up, then pulled on a pair of black leggings, an oversized white T-shirt and followed the delicious smell of bacon.

  In the conservatory, during breakfast, H said, ‘I’m sorry, darling, some unexpected business has come up that needs my attention.’ She stroked Beth’s hand, ‘Will you be all right here on your own? I hate having to leave you. Shall I arrange for Alison to call in and keep you company?’

  ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll go to my flat. I want to get back into a routine. I’ll be fine.’ Beth folded her napkin and set it down on the table. ‘I plan to return to work soon anyway, but I need to get over this jet-lag, it’s making me feel rather unnecessary.’

  ‘I can see the dark shadows under your beautiful eyes, darling.’

  Beth lifted her arms and stretched, then slumped forward like a rag doll. ‘Well, that didn’t help. I’m still shattered and feel as though I should be in bed.’ Restlessly, she gathered up her long hair with her hands and pulled it back from her face.‘It must be something important,’ she yawned, ‘to take you away from me.’

  ‘It’s Penny,’ H shook her head, ‘she’s got herself into a situation.’

  ‘I heard she was financially embarrassed. You’d better go and sort her out then, and call me when you get back.’

  H’s pulse quickened. She didn’t want to draw Beth into a futile conversation about Penny’s financial affairs. Instead, she said, ‘Don’t worry about seeing George. He’s absolutely delighted about the divorce,’ she got up from the table and walked over to a small ornate cabinet. She opened the door, reached inside and lifted out a brown medicine bottle then returned to her seat. ‘I’ve never seen anyone look so relieved when I told him I wanted out of the marriage, and wasn’t going to take him to the cleaners money-wise. He’s moved in with his secretary.’

  ‘Really? I was concerned he might start asking me questions about us.’

  ‘He knows better than to do that. He’ll tread carefully in case I change my mind and ask for a share of the Dickinson millions. That would put him into therapy.’ H opened the bottle and poured the liquid into a fine china tea cup. ‘Here, drink this,’ she handed it to Beth, ‘it will help with the tiredness.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Just a little potion I made especially for you.’ H smiled encouragingly. ‘Drink it up, darling. There’s a good girl.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Beth lifted the cup to her nose, and sniffed. ‘It smells disgusting. Are you sure it’s to take, and not to rub on my skin?’

  ‘Drink! When it smells foul it means that it’s good for you.’

  ‘That’s an old wives tale.’

  ‘Drink every drop. You’ll thank me for it.’ If this potion works like it’s supposed to, you’ll want no-one but me. Lou Scott will never get her hands on you again.

  Beth took a sip. ‘Yuk! It tastes as bad as it smells. Get the bucket, I want to be sick.’

  ‘Don’t be so dramatic. Nip your nose and swallow it.’

  Beth swallowed. ‘Why does my skin feel damp, and clammy? Phew, I’m hot too,’ she wafted a hand in front of her face. ‘Is it something to do with this potion?’

  ‘It’s humid, darling. There’s a storm coming. Look at the dark clouds.’

  A flash of lightning lit up the sky. Beth watched as rain lashed against the windows, followed by a loud clap of thunder that rattled overhead making the conservatory vibrate.

  ‘Isn’t nature powerful.’ Beth said.

  ‘Absolutely. And talking of power, do you have any idea of the powers within you, Beth?’

  ‘I know I’m psychic, I always have been. I know you are too. You can get into my head, and read my thoughts.’

  ‘That’s right. But, you’re clever. I know you can block me when you want to.’

  ‘So I’ve discovered.’ Beth paused. ‘It’s like having an intruder in your home, you wouldn’t just let them in.’

  ‘Together, we could become one powerful force.’

  ‘It scares me,’ Beth shuddered, ‘and I know it could be dangerous, messing around with the supernatural.’

  ‘It’s not supernatural, it’s one of nature’s gifts. You must have heard the saying, when the pupil is ready, the teacher appears.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You, my darling Beth, are the pupil, and I am the teacher. We’ll start on your new education soon.’

  ‘Education?’

  ‘I’m going to educate you into the ol
d ways, call it psychic development.’ H’s face glowed with heightened colour.

  Beth nipped her nose again, and finished drinking the foul liquid.

  ‘The next time we speak, it will be on a different level.’ H said.

  * * * * * * * *

  A few days later, fully rested, Beth was dressing for work.

  Will I wear my hair up, or down? Which will match my mood today? She looked into the hall mirror.

  ‘And what is your mood today, darling?’ H’s face appeared in the mirror.

  ‘How do you do that?’ Beth said. ‘You’ve done this to me before, appearing in the mirror like this. It was you, wasn’t it? You came to me on the morning of my first day at St. Gregory’s, and before that even.’

  ‘Of course, it was me.’

  ‘How did you find me in the first place?’

  ‘The moon Goddess brought you to me. I sent out my thoughts to the universe. I asked for an unusual and talented woman to be sent to me. Someone with outstanding psychic abilities, and someone who would fit into my lifestyle without standing out like a sore thumb. And, you arrived. The instant I saw you at my garden party, I knew you were the one. My perfect beautiful stranger.’

  ‘Flattery will get you everywhere.’

  ‘That’s something I’m very good at, Beth.’ H smiled. ‘I want you to treat this as your first lesson. I want you to practice your telepathy, by getting into my mind.’

  ‘You make it sound easy.’

  ‘For you and me, it is. I won’t block you in any way.’

  ‘So, come on then wise one . . . how should I wear my hair today?’

  ‘How does Lou prefer it?’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Wear it up. It makes you look supremely professional. Bye darling.’ H was gone.

  * * * * * * * *

  Beth’s first encounter of the day with George was a revelation. He literally exploded into her office.