What A Woman: Book Five (The Woman I Love Series 5)

by G S Binkley

  Gage walked around the table and placed her hand on Lacy’s shoulder.

  David started to get up. “Guess I should talk to her again.”

  “Hold on, David.” Lacy stood up, kissed her partner then touched her ex-husband’s shoulder. “I think this calls for a woman to woman talk.” With that, Lacy took the keys from her partner’s hand and left.

  Gage sat down. “You want some more coffee?”

  *********

  After Lacy talked with the Regent’s hotel management, she proceeded up the elevator to meet with Hayston. The young starlet was surprised by her former co-star’s appearance. Lacy perused the wrecked room before taking a seat on the sofa. She decided not to bring up what looked like a war zone. When Lacy didn’t say anything, Hayston couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

  “So, did you come to chastise me?” Hayston spat.

  “What do you want?” Lacy observed the young woman carefully.

  Hayston was surprised by the question. “I want…” She started then stopped abruptly. Hayston turned away and stared out the window for a long moment. “… I want…” She glared directly at Lacy. “… oh, I don’t know what I want.”

  “If you want David, you’re going about it the wrong way.” Lacy said, straight to the point.

  Hayston turned away.

  “Playing games won’t get you want you really want. This affair with Koda was just a ruse to get David jealous.”

  That statement made Hayston to twist around, ready to fire back at her ex-co-star. “What do you…” She bellowed before the words dried up on her lips.

  “What I know is what I saw years ago, Hayston, when you were in love with David when we were married.” She held up her hand to stop Hayston from speaking. “Oh, I knew but refused to accept at that time…” Lacy’s thoughts focused on a memory of years ago at a cabin on the lake. “…when I met Gage, it all fell into place.”

  For the first time, Hayston was ready to hear more. “But you had it all.”

  Lacy’s eyes dropped and she smiled at that statement. “Apparently, a lot of people thought I had it all but… when I was with Gage, everything else just seemed to peel away. I was no longer worried about my career or what others thought. Somehow she made me see life as very simple, uncomplicated. Having Gage and my children was all I needed in life.” Mentally she added her family as well. “Don’t miss understand, of course, I needed to work… we needed to provide for our family.”

  Hayston grunted. “With David it was always about the next project. Nothing seemed to be enough.”

  Lacy nodded. “I know what you mean. But, Hayston…” She moved closer to the younger woman. “…I think, maybe, David is beginning to see things differently.” When Hayston rolled her eyes, Lacy argued her point. “He’s different…better with his children and I know I’ve seen a change in him.”

  Hayston rubbed her hands together. “I don’t know.”

  “Then why don’t you see for yourself. First, you have to stop playing games. No one wants to be toyed with.” Hayston started to protest. “I know you were never interested… not really, in Koda. And, Koda, well for his part he’s…”

  “Easy.” The young woman finished Lacy’s sentence.

  “On that we can both agree.”

  Hayston looked around the room. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be…” Lacy cocked an eyebrow. “…when we start production again in January, you’re going to be a guest star in one of our shows…” Lacy paused. “…free gratis.”

  For the first time that day, Hayston laughed. “Deal.”

  Chapter Ten

  The week before Thanksgiving, the family gathered to watch Sammy’s fourth grade play. Not only was Sammy in the play but the teacher commented to Lacy that this was the first time one for students asked to help direct. His teacher was quite pleased with the young nine year old and his maturity. His dad, David, even managed to come back to St. Troy for the play after returning to Los Angeles with Hayston. Thanks to Lacy and Gage the two seemed to be working on their relationship with a heavy dose of honesty and trust.

  There were still accolades for Sammy about his success in the school’s play as they family sat down to dinner on Thanksgiving at Lynn and Dan’s home. Everyone had arrived just in time for their annual feast. Jonathan, along with his mom and dad, arrived early to help with the meal. Lacy and Gage brought along their children and Stella. Gage’s mom promised to bring all the desserts and had her daughter tote them in. Finally, Hank, Jen, Jason and Lisa showed up.

  Jason helped his very pregnant wife to the dining room table. “Honey, is this okay?” He wanted her to be comfortable. It had been a long and hard pregnancy on the thirty-five year old first time mother.

  “Thank you, dear.” Lisa soothed her husband’s caring hand on her shoulder.

  Hank grabbed a seat across from his youngest sister. He glanced at his business partner. “She sure has you hen pecked.”

  Jen slapped him upside the head. “You could take some lessons from Jason.” Hank’s wife waited patiently for her husband to take the hint.

  When his partner missed it, Jason glared at him. “Get up!” Hank did. “Her chair!” Hank moved it out so his wife could sit. “And?” When Hank just stood there, Jason rolled his eyes. “Help her scoot her chair to the table.”

  “Oh!”

  Lacy had witnessed the whole event. “I’m sorry, Jen. Our mother taught us better.”

  Hank sat down next to his wife. “Well, excuse me for living.”

  Several members of family chimed in, laughing. “There is no excuse for you.”

  Jen reached over and kissed her husband’s cheek. “Don’t be so hard on him. He promised later to give me a massage.”

  “I did?” Her imploring eyes melted his heart. “Yes, I did.”

  Dan witnessed his children’s behaviors so when Lynn carried a bowl of mashed potatoes to the table, he jumped into action. “Here let me.” Dan grabbed the bowl and placed it on the table. He then took his wife’s hand and led her to the head of table. Dan pulled the chair out, helped her sit before leaning down and kissed Lynn on the cheek. He winked at his son. “That’s how it’s done.”

  Gage nudged Lacy. “What’s with all the pomp and circumstance?”

  Lacy whispered. “I think it’s a matter of one’s upsmanship.”

  The blonde leaned closer. “Glad I’m not a guy and have to prove myself.”

  Her partner whispered to Gage. “You do every night.”

  Everyone wondered why Gage had a huge smile on her lips through the whole dinner.

  The dinner proceeded rather well until Lisa stiffened up with pain. “Honey!”

  Jason wrapped his arm around his wife. “What is it?”

  Hank grunted. “Even I know she’s about to have her baby.”

  Jason stared at Lisa than at Hank.

  “If you don’t move, she’s gonna have it right now… at the dinner table.”

  Hank’s words made Jason jump. The father to be was frantic and Hank was loving every minute of it. “He’s so easy.”

  “Hank!” Lynn admonished her son. “Dan, get the car.”

  Lacy sat down next to her sister. “It’s alright.” She got Jason’s attention. “Did you bring a bag?”

  “We came with Hank and Jen.”

  Lisa stifled a small contraction. “Yes, it’s in the car.”

  Jen was already on her way to the front door. “I’ll get it.” When she retrieved the bag, Jen hiked it up over Jason’s shoulder after Lisa got into her parent’s car. Lynn sat in the back with her daughter while Jason jumped in the front with Dan at the wheel.

  The rest of the family had gathered in the front yard, watching as Dan sped off toward the hospital.

  Stella gathered the children. “We can clean up if you guys want to go.”

  Lacy headed back inside her parent’s home. “We’ll help…”

  Derek tapped Gage on the shoulder. “Did you get to ask Uncle Hank about the
Island?”

  Hank overhead the question as he walked back to the house. “We’re still working on it…” He looked over his shoulder but his dad’s car was out of sight. “…it might take a little longer than we thought. Your uncle Jason’s gonna be busy for a while.”

  Lacy made sure the children had finished their dinner and helped clean up. Gage dropped her partner off at the hospital then took Stella and the children home before returning to the hospital.

  Hank and Jen arrived at the hospital to wait with the rest of the family. Denny, Crystal and Jonathan had made plans to visit her parents so they offered their best wishes before going back home. Denny told Hank to call when they had news.

  It was a long and drawn out delivery but Lisa and the newborn baby traversed it with ease. Jason was in the delivery room as well as Lynn. The new father handled it well and even he was pleased with himself.

  Jason held his wife’s hand throughout, whispering words of reassurance and love. Lisa was worn out after the baby was born but insisted upon holding their newborn. Suddenly, with the little one in her arms, a burst of energy and love fell over her.

  “Guess you better let the others know.” Lisa couldn’t take her eyes off the five pound, eight ounce child.”

  Jason burst through the waiting room door. “It’s a boy.” He turned around quickly and went back through the door. Stopped, turned again. “He’s beautiful and my lovely wife is doing well.” With that the new father was gone again.

  *********

  With all the excitement in the family, the next month went by fast. Lisa and Jason welcomed all of their family to see their son. The newborn was christened Max Daniel McIntyre.

  With Christmas around the corner, the Ballant family was shopping and enjoying the some time off. Hayley was the one most excited about Christmas. She diligently made Christmas cards and wrote some short poems in them. With the help of her grandma, Hayley decided to get some art supplies of her own so she could also paint pictures as gifts.

  As far as the boys, Derek and Sammy make a long list of things they wanted this year. When Stella perused their inventory of requests, she suggested they try to figure out what they could give as gifts.

  Dani pondered what to get Lane for Christmas. She had finished shopping for her family. Lane’s gift was the last thing she had to do before Christmas. Lane and his family decided to stay in St. Troy this year much to her and Lane’s delight.

  **********

  As the third season of Lacy’s television show reached the season’s finale, the old man sat directly in front of the common room’s television set. The rest of the crowd kept still while the finale aired. Once again, in the far back of the room a muttered voice was heard. “When I get out, she’s done.”

  Far away, as Lacy and Gage prepared for Christmas with their children and extended family, they had no idea that a storm was brewing in the heart of a very bitter man.

  **********

  The big reveal came when Lacy unveiled the painting she had been working on for months. So private and secure was work she did on her painting that Gage and Hayley never did get a peek at it. As the draped cloth dropped, the whole family cast their eyes upon a painting of all of them. Lacy had painted each family member doing something they loved. Dani was dancing, Derek saving an animal, Sammy in a race car, Hayley at Gage’s desk, Stella near the refrigerator, Gage fluffing her pillows and Lacy painted herself smiling at all of them.

  All in all it was another wonderful Christmas. After visiting family and friends, the kids were finally tucked in so Lacy and Gage made their way to bed. This time Lacy was in bed first trying to sort all the pillows the way her partner did. For some reason, the arrangement didn’t seem right. “Gage, sweetheart, I don’t know where this one goes.” When Gage didn’t answer, Lacy tossed it aside. “Maybe she won’t notice.” She made herself comfortable.

  Gage was taking an inordinate time in the restroom.

  Lacy frowned before yelling. “You ever coming out?”

  When her reluctant partner emerged, Gage sported her own frown.

  “What’s wrong?” Lacy surveyed the menagerie of pillows. “I know they’re not exactly…”

  Gage waved off her lover’s concern. “That’s not it.” The blonde crawled up in bed and this time she snuggled up to her partner.

  “This is nice.” Lacy stroked her lover’s hair. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Hmmm...mmm.”

  Gage stretched out along her lover’s body. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

  Lacy sat up, pulling her lover with her. “Okay, now you have me worried.” She pulled the blonde face around so she could look directly in Gage’s green eyes. “What is it?”

  “I went into the office before coming up…”

  “I wondered why you took so long.”

  Gage dropped her head, leaning it against her lover’s chest. “I saw the fax from Art.”

  “Oh!” The fax from her agent had been sitting near the machine for the last two months. With everything that was going on, Lacy had allowed it to slip from her mind. “We talked about it.”

  Gage sighed. “I know… but somehow it hit me tonight. All of a sudden I thought about losing you…” Her green eyes misted.

  Lacy held her lover tight. “We’ve done all we can… adding the extra security… besides the letters are the only indication of anything… it’s not unusual to get this kind of mail.” It was true actors received all types of fan mail, some fans delighting in everything an actor did, others not so much and even hate mail. Lacy even received some mail regarding her relationship with Gage. However, these three ‘threatening’ letters took on a life of their own especially as they seemed to be from the same person. “Besides all three letters were post marked from entirely different cities.” She tried to ease her own mind.

  “I don’t know… maybe I’m being sentimental with Christmas and all.” Gage pulled her lover tighter. “I don’t want to lose you or our children.”

  “You won’t.” It was then Lacy saw something in her partner’s eyes that she had never seen before.

  “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect you and our children.” Truer words were never spoken. Gage wanted her partner to know to what extent she would go to protect her family.

  “I love you. And I don’t want to lose you either.” Lacy kissed her lover. “We’ll protect each other…and our children.”

  It was an uneasy night for both. Gage fought her dreams that night while Lacy held her partner close.

  New Year’s had come and passed with relatively little going on. It was now time for the children to head back to school. Since their television shows fourth season was complete, Lacy and Gage were planning what to do over the next few months until the end of the school year. They hoped to work on a few projects around the house. Lacy wanted to paint some more and Gage worked on her writing.

  *********

  The guard shoved the bag hard against the chest of the just released prisoner. With a grunt, the prisoner shifted steely eyes toward the smug guard but decided to remain silent. Freedom. Within minutes, the prisoner sucked in a deep breath of clean air; glad to be rid of the stuffy cell that was home for the last three years. The New Year rang in an opportunity to exact his well-thought out plans. He shuffled past the guard to freedom. “Fuck you.”

  As the newly released prisoner passed, the guard smirked. “He’ll be back.”

  There was one thing and one thing only on his mind as he strode up to the beat up car driven by his jailhouse girlfriend. When he slammed the passenger door, the woman leaned to hug him.

  “Drive.” He didn’t have time for niceties.

  “Well, the least you could do is say thanks…after all I’ve done for you.” She had met him while visiting her brother in prison.

  When she chanced a glance at him, the prisoner saw his opportunity. It served them both during his three years. But now he was determined to execute his
well laid out plan but first he had to see someone. “Take me to the bus station.”

  The woman was devastated because she had envisioned a life together after he got out. But she knew him all too well and didn’t want to chance crossing him. He was dangerous. The one thing that attracted him to her was now the very thing that was scaring her.

  *********

  Dani was enjoying her last year in high school. Things were going along very smoothly with Lane. They had shared several group dates and a few just the two of them. Both were excited to be working on this year’s school play.

  Sammy was sad to see his mom’s show was over for the season. His dad went back to Los Angeles but promised to come back over spring break. Other than that he asked his grandmother for help with math. It was the only subject that as he said ‘caused his head to hurt’.

  Hayley decided that she would write more poems since her mom and Gage were delighted with the grasshopper poem. Even her teacher encouraged her to write more and she was allowed to read them to the class. Mrs. Johnson had done a complete turnabout after the parent teacher meeting with Lacy and Gage.

  Derek’s second debate was scheduled in February so he elicited Gage’s help again. “So, what kind of argument would I use when they bring up killing deer?”

  “Food is food, Derek.”

  “Huh?”

  “Okay, you’re arguing for animal rights and they, the other side, will be arguing against it.” Gage was somewhat confused on what side to take.

  “Not really against it… more like they say that human have rights and trumps animal rights.”

  Gage squinted her eyes at the young man. “So, you think differently…animals have more rights?”

  “No… but just because we are human, we should respect the rights of animals. They are not just for fun to kill them… or slaughter them for sport.”

  The blonde got up and retrieved a book. “Derek, you remember when I wrote ‘Heart of Africa’?”

  “Yeah… the movie.”

  “Well, before the movie it was a book… anyway, I wrote about it in there.” Gage handed the book to Derek. “Read it.”