by Lucy Gage
His reply was instantaneous:
I'll promise to show you the rest tonight if you show me...
Emily laughed and got a little heated at the same time. She texted:
It's a deal. Now I can't concentrate. Too busy imagining...
Right back at you. I'll count the hours... I love you.
Ditto. <3 Back to work.
How did anyone endure this kind of separation in the days before instant messages and video calls? Even that wasn't enough, but it was something to get through the days.
Park City, Utah, three weeks after New Year's...
Emily had hoped to see Meg while she was home, but she was at a conference that week. Em had spoken to Meg and Charlie numerous times in recent weeks, so she didn't feel that out of touch. But her parents had only called intermittently. Charlie said her mother was still annoyed about the whole situation, particularly Emily's argument with Annie. Em hadn't spoken to Annie once since then. Her sister had called a couple of times, but Emily refused to answer and Annie didn't leave a message. She could only assume it wasn't critical.
Before Em knew it, her time back in Maine came to a close. She and Liam made their way to the Jetport at the crack of dawn on Monday to catch an early flight to Salt Lake City. They had one layover in Chicago. Rob had a car take them to the house in Park City when they arrived in Utah.
Fortunately, they got a flight that landed in Utah just after lunch local time. It meant they had plenty of time to get settled before Em had to prep for her interview with the avant-garde filmmaker, Ronin Edgars. His film screening was scheduled for that evening and she'd interview him afterward. While in Maine, Em polished the gallery profile material and sent it for publication, then prepped for the interview with Ronin Edgars. She utilized her flight time and went over her interview questions, though she assumed there might be others once she saw the film.
As the car traveled through the Wasatch Mountains, Emily sighed in appreciation. It had been beautiful in summer, but the snow added a whole other layer. It was like driving through the White Mountains in New Hampshire, but the scenery was on steroids: mountains towered and loomed as you got closer; roads wound at highway speeds; emergency lanes had inclines for when trucks couldn't stop. She felt so tiny and it was both scary and exhilarating.
When they arrived in Park City, they passed the Olympic center and Em recalled how, in July, it seemed funny that it was located there. Now, it looked like the perfect place. Though she had been there before, things only appeared vaguely familiar. Winter changed the face of the area. She supposed it was like that where she lived, too, she had just never noticed.
They pulled into a house near downtown and Em was surprised that Rob wanted to stay somewhere with less privacy than she would have expected. But given the proximity to town and the ski slopes, she imagined that was the motivation. After all, it would be easier to get to the film festival events and skiing would be more accessible. Besides, he wasn't the only famous face in town this week.
Emily and Liam had barely stepped out of the car and Rob ran toward her, scooped her into his arms and spun her around.
“Hey! Don't spin me too fast! I'm not sure I've adjusted to the altitude, yet!”
Rob put her down and kissed her. “I missed you so much. I can't believe it's been less than a week. It felt like a century.”
She hugged him and kissed him back. “I know what you mean. Let's get inside. I'm wearing travel clothes and it's cold out here!” The three of them grabbed the bags and they made their way into the rental.
The place was bigger than it looked and it had a great view of the mountains from its deck. Rob promised that he would show her around the house, but first, before they could get further than the door, she was engulfed by the Deacons.
Kelly and Amy both ran up to her for big hugs and told her how excited they were that she'd be with them for a few days. They made sure to give Liam some love, too. Raoul shyly hugged her and kissed her cheek, saying it was great to see her again. Rick, who had patiently waited for his turn, hugged Emily and picked her up off her feet like his father had when she met Pat.
“It's a good thing you're here,” he said when he put her down. “Brian said he was a big baby all week.”
“Oh shut up, Rick. You said you didn't realize that you missed her until after you were home a couple days,” Rob teased.
Kelly looked at him. “Something I should know?”
Rick blushed. “No. I got used to her being around every day. It was weird not to put up with those two. And I said I didn't realize I missed you guys, not just Emily.”
Kelly kissed his cheek. “It's okay. I missed her, too.” She winked at Emily, who smiled. “Let's get you and Liam settled and you can join us for lunch. I'm sure you're starving. Plane food stinks these days and you're far past lunch time, right?”
Em nodded. “Is there a plan for dinner tonight? Because I've got that premiere for Ronin Edgars' movie this evening.”
“Rob mentioned that, so instead of trying to eat out tonight, which will be a zoo, we're making dinner here. Amy and I went to the grocery store earlier. Which means you and Rob have plenty of time to get reacquainted in between.” Kelly winked and Emily blushed. “Oh don't tell me that you weren't both thinking it as soon as you saw one another.”
Rob laughed. “Let's get you settled.” She followed as he carried her bags to a huge master bedroom with a king-sized bed.
“We didn't get the only king, did we?”
Rob grinned. “Should I be jealous that you're thinking of my brother and his needs in bed?”
“Ha-ha. I was just thinking that he's taller than you and he probably can't sleep in a queen.”
“I know what you were thinking. I was asking if I should be jealous.”
Emily took off her coat and snaked her arms around his neck. She kissed him, slow and deep and sensual. When she pulled away, she said, “What do you think?”
Rob shook his head, backed her toward the bed, shed layers of their clothes as he went and kissed her again.
“There are three king beds in this house.” His lips nipped her neck. “Only Liam is stuck with a queen.” He pulled her shirt over her head. “Now stop worrying about the rest of them, and show me how much you missed me.” Emily fell back on the bed when Rob lightly pushed her.
“What makes you think I missed you?” she asked.
Rob slid his body over Em's and pressed himself into her center, his mouth hovered just over hers. She moaned.
“That.”
Neither of them said anything else for a long time.
When they finally returned to the kitchen, everyone laughed. Emily blushed and Rob put his arms around her.
“Ignore them. They're just jealous.”
Kelly was wistful. “Yeah. Missed you sex is only second to makeup sex.” Rick picked up his wife and threw her over his shoulder. “What are you doing?” she squeaked.
“Showing you that 'no kids for a week' sex is the best of all.” She giggled and the two of them disappeared.
Amy looked at Raoul and said, “I'll gladly go with you to the bedroom, but don't you dare put me over your shoulder like a caveman. My brother is a Neanderthal.”
Everyone else laughed, but Raoul blushed. Amy grabbed his hand. “Oh, come on, you big baby.” And the two of them wandered off, as well.
Em looked over at Liam. “You're stuck with us again and without a woman.”
“Don't worry, Liam. Reggie will be here in a few days,” Rob said.
“Again with the whoring. I don't need your help.” He looked down. “I already talked to her.”
Rob and Emily both chuckled. Em said, “We'll keep you company for a little while, until they're all done.”
Liam looked at her. “You think they'll be done anytime soon? The four of them have kids at home. Rick has five. Today isn't a ski day. That means it's a sex day.”
Em laughed. “Like you'd know what that's all about?”
“Trust me, I hear enough
complaints from Rick about how little time they get in the bedroom. It's a sex day.”
Rob nodded. “He's right. We might not see them until dinner.”
Liam shook his head. “You know what, I'm headed into town. You don't need me and I'll just be a third wheel. I've heard enough of you two having sex. I think I'll pass this time. Especially since I won't be able to escape other people getting laid when I'm sitting here with three couples who all really want to be having sex instead of hanging out with me. I'm going to get in some ski runs while I have a chance to see the harder trails. I'll be back in time for dinner so I can go with Em to that screening. Later.” And with that, he put on his parka and walked out the door.
Rob looked at Em. “Much as I want to take you back to bed, I think our stomachs will be happier if we eat lunch first. We can reacquaint ourselves for a while after.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Em smiled.
Ronin Edgars' film was...interesting. He had started as a cinematographer, so he also did the camera work. Em didn't know that much about cinema, so she couldn't say for sure if he was actually a gifted filmmaker. But many of the shots were creative, taken from odd perspectives and interesting angles.
So, she reviewed her list of questions, ditched a couple generic ones and added in a few that addressed why he chose those shots. It was outside her usual box to make changes last-minute and she liked this new edge to her work.
By the time her turn came to interview him, Ronin seemed ready to be done and tired of the same questions over and over. Instead of leading with the pre-planned questions, Em decided to ask about the camera work and the shot choices, particularly a few that had struck her as notably modern and, therefore, of relevance to Art Wurks' readers. His attitude immediately did a 180. The conversation was going so well, his people had to remind him that he still had a couple of interviews left.
He stood to walk her out, which she found unusual.
“Hey, what are you doing after this?” Ronin asked.
“I'm headed back to our rental. Why?”
“Who are you staying with?”
“My boyfriend and his family.”
“Oh. You've got a boyfriend? Sure you don't want to ditch him and come hang with me instead?” he asked with a wiggle of his brows.
Em smiled. “Thanks for the offer, really, but I'll have to decline. I take it you don't know who my boyfriend is?”
“Nope, sorry. I don't make it a habit to get bios on all my interviewers. Why, should I?”
“Do you know Rob Deacon?”
“Yeah. Actor. Has some silly stage name. Why, he your boyfriend?” Em nodded. “Ah. I see. So you're the one they keep talking about. Saw a picture of you from the Globes. You're even hotter in person.”
Em laughed. “Thanks. I think.” They were at the door. “Good luck on the festival circuit. I'm sure I'll see you around sometime.”
“If you ever get bored with him, give me a call.” Ronin stood in the door frame, lounging like he was the hottest thing around.
“I doubt I'll ever get bored with him. He surprises me all the time. But thanks for the offer. Bye.”
Liam looked at her sideways. “What was that about?”
“Oh, someone being a typical Hollywood type. You know, douche-y, but with a quarter of Rob's fame and a tenth of his paycheck. And yet, he still thought I'd consider dumping my boyfriend to hang out with him.”
Liam laughed. “You're one in a million, you know that? Rob's lucky to have you. And I don't blame the guy. If I didn't think of you like another sister, I'd probably want to steal you from Rob, too. Lucky for Rob, he deserves someone as great as you. If he didn't, I'd kick his ass and tell you to dump him. I don't care if he is my boss.”
Em kissed his cheek. “Glad to know you're looking out for me, Liam.”
“Always, Em. Now, let's get you back to the house before another one of these Hollywood dicks tries to steal you from my best friend.” They walked back to the house arm in arm, laughing and joking as they went.
The premiere of Rob's movie, Not Worthy, was actually the most fun event she'd attended so far. She had enjoyed the gala and the opening, but she worked then, so she couldn't truly relax either time. The Globes had been alternately nerve-wracking or irritating when she was stuck with Rachel the witch. But this was like going to the movies. Except for the photographers taking their pictures and the autographs and interviews. But otherwise, it was like a movie date.
Rob's palms got sweaty before the movie started and Em had to keep squeezing his hand the whole time. Each time she did, she felt him relax. It was an uncharacteristic display of nervousness on his part.
At the end, there was a huge round of applause.
When the credits began to roll and Rob's name appeared in big letters as first-billed on the screen, Em whispered, “You were fantastic. I say that's Oscar worthy.”
Rob inhaled and smiled his thanks, glad it was over.
They headed to an after-party that was hosted by the production company. It was invite only, so Emily had hoped to avoid both Lola and Rachel whom, Jenna had warned them, were in Park City. She had no such luck. Apparently, both of them had recently finished films with the production company and because they were A-list stars, they were automatically invited if they showed up at Sundance. Emily groaned inwardly when Rob told her why they were there. Typical, Hollywood nepotism.
They stayed together and Rob steered away from both of his exes whenever they were near. But Emily had to use the ladies room eventually, so they split up and made plans to meet back at this spot near a banner.
She ran into Lola in the restroom and got a similar reception to the one she got at the Globes: surprise that Emily was still around and a veiled threat that it was only a matter of time until Rob was back on set and she was history. Emily answered her by being overly polite and gave her a backhanded compliment about her footwear, a pair of thigh-high, stiletto-heeled, leather boots which were completely impractical in Park City. Christopher was smart enough to put Emily in a pair of knee-high, fur-lined boots he said she got to keep. Lola didn't say it, but Em could tell she wanted them.
When Emily got to the spot where she was supposed to meet Rob, he wasn't there. She stood off to the side, observing people for a couple of minutes while she waited for him, when Rachel sauntered up to her.
“Oh! Ella. So nice to see you!” she cooed.
“It's Emily,” she noted flatly.
“Forgive me! I was confusing you with your character. People do that to me all the time. It's so frustrating, isn't it?”
Em sighed. “I don't know what character you're talking about. I'm not an actress, in case you've forgotten.”
“Why, Cinderella, of course. Deac is parading you around to different balls, isn't he? Unfortunately, you won't be around for the biggest one.”
“I have no idea what you mean.” Emily shook her head.
“The Oscars, of course.”
She raised her brows. “You presume a lot to say I won't go with him to the Oscars.”
Rachel scoffed. “You think he'll take you? A small-town girl with a college degree, frizzy hair and serious need of a nose job? Exactly what do you think qualifies you to attend that sort of event?”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm his girlfriend.”
Rachel snorted. “Like that means something.”
Emily's eyebrows shot up. “It means something to me. And it means something to Rob.”
“Well, the first part of that I believe. The second part, maybe not,” Rachel smirked.
Em furrowed her brow. “And why is that?”
“Because the only girlfriend who ever meant anything to him was me. He was crushed when I ended things between us. He's never been the same since. Everyone else is just a substitute.” She was smug.
Emily gestured as if she was conceding. “I can see why you'd say that about Lola. She's a younger, prettier, more talented version of you. I'm sure that's
what she thought when she pursued him too. But that's not me.”
Rachel scoffed again. “Oh, no. You're nothing like me. Not even a poor replacement like that tart Lola. You're just a temporary means to make me jealous.”
Emily laughed. “It must be working. Why else would you bother with me?” Rachel scowled. “Right. Well, in case you didn't figure it out already, I'm not impressed by you. I'm not awed by celebrity in general and I'm certainly not inclined to give a damn about people who are famous when they haven't really earned it. And more to the point, I'm not threatened by you, Rachel. You can try to tell me that only you meant something to him, but I don't believe it. Don't forget, I actually speak to his family. They're here on vacation with us, in fact. Would you like me to go get Rick or Amy or maybe Liam? Should I ask them if they think you meant more to Rob than I do? No? Didn't think so.” She shook her head.
Rob wrapped his arms around Em's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Catching up?” he asked.
“Something like that,” Em said. “It was so lovely to see you, Rachel. I'll give them all your regards. See you at the Oscars. Oh, wait. You're not going, are you? Well, I'm sure I'll see you around.” Emily gave her a 'ta' wave like Christopher always did and turned on her heel to leave. Rob, thankfully, followed without comment.
They wandered for a few minutes until they were far away from where they had left Rachel. Finally, Rob stopped her and said, “What happened?”
“Nothing I can't handle.”
“Is she giving you a hard time?”
“I told you, it's nothing I can't handle. She's a bully. I made sure she knew that I won't be pushed around. I'm at a loss to understand what you ever saw in her.”
“Will it help if I say she was nicer then?”
“No. I don't believe it. I think you were blinded by devotion.”
“Probably.”
“Definitely. She's a bitch. I doubt she's ever been otherwise.”
“That sounds a little harsh coming from you.”