by Thomas Briar
“What does it say?” Jennifer demanded.
She twisted the phone around so Jennifer could read the text.
“That’s wonderful news, Kara! I’m so happy for Bethany and Evan.”
“Me too.” Kara let loose a pent-up breath of anxiety. All day long she had walked around the apartment on pins and needles, and now that the suspense was over she felt physically and emotionally drained. Taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, she said, “I need a tall drink.”
“I agree.” Jennifer fetched two glasses out of the cupboard. She filled the glasses to the brim from the blender.
“To Bethany’s continued health.” Jennifer raised her glass in a toast.
Kara picked up her glass to clink Jennifer’s as she repeated the phrase before taking a large gulp. Since Bethany was out of harm’s way, her thoughts turned to Evan not dropping by to see her this evening. She wanted to see him. If only for a few minutes to make sure he was doing all right.
“You want me to run lines with you since Evan isn’t coming?”
“No thanks.” Kara took another large gulp, wanting nothing more than to embrace the relaxing properties of the alcohol.
“You want to watch a movie?”
“Not really.”
“Do a run-through of the script’s sexual parts?”
“No. I want to see Evan. I need to see if he’s all right.”
Jennifer took Kara’s free hand into hers. Sympathy filled her eyes. “He hasn’t changed his mind, sweetie, and he won’t. You remember last night, don’t you? I held you as you cried yourself to sleep in my arms. I don’t want you going through that again tonight. Let him go. It can’t work out between you two. It just can’t.”
“But I love him,” Kara despaired as all the pain and anguish she suffered welled up as tears in her eyes.
“I know. And it breaks my heart to see you like this. But some things are simply not meant to be.”
“Now I wish you would have never told me what you did with him,” Kara recanted the proclamation she’d declared to Jennifer several days ago.
“I do too. It was very irresponsible of me.”
“No it wasn’t. Not really. I shouldn’t have wanted to do it too. So actually, it’s really all my fault instead of yours.”
“I suppose I’ll take your word for it since you’re exactly right in this instance.” A faint smile curled the corner of Jennifer’s lips. “I still love you though, if it’s any consolation.”
“It is. And I love you too. Now let’s get sloppy drunk like in the old days when we had so few problems and all the time in the world to sort them out.”
By seven o’clock the alcohol had done its job and Kara was no longer tormented by Evan not coming over, or by his rejecting her proposal last night, or by having to go back to her life in New York early. Oh no, nothing bothered her now as she was passed out on the couch inside Jennifer’s warm embrace.
Chapter Eleven
“Nervous?” Jennifer gave Kara’s thigh a reassuring rub. They both sat on the sofa awaiting Evan’s arrival.
Kara shrugged. “Maybe a little. I think I’m just ready to get it over with and then get my ass back to New York where I really belong. I was a fool for ever thinking Evan would readily give up everything he knows to be with me. It’s the epitome of selfishness on my part. I had no right to expect that.”
Jennifer frowned. “Oh, sweetie, you can’t help that you’re used to getting what you want. It’s just a perk of your profession. I’m sure he didn’t take it personally. He’s just a realist.”
“How am I going to get through the scene with him today knowing I’ll never see him again afterward?”
“You’re a consummate professional. That’s how. So when he arrives, put on your smiley face, and do what is expected of you. It’s as simple as that. Besides, this is what you originally wanted, remember? You should be excited.”
Kara nodded, knowing Jennifer was right. Thus, she could only see this day to its inevitable conclusion. And she knew she would, and in an exemplary fashion, if there was any humanly way possible for her to do so. In the past she’d worked with co-stars she’d liked, as well as others she loathed, but never had she worked with one that she loved. This fact alone made her looming performance with Evan the most difficult of her career.
When the doorbell chimed, she snatched her head around to stare at the door.
“That’s probably him.” Jennifer reached over to hug Kara. “Just remember to put all your emotional bullshit aside and enjoy yourself. You have a stellar script and a stellar partner. Make yourself proud and don’t let your jumbled-up emotions cheat you out of an awesome experience.”
“I will and I won’t, I promise.” She returned the hug before standing up to walk over and open the door.
Evan appeared as handsome as ever in polished black wingtips, black slacks, and a blue dress shirt. He greeted her with a smile. “You look beautiful, Kara. I love your upstyle hairdo and that pink sundress is the prettiest one yet.”
“Thank you, Evan.” She returned the smile. “You look very nice as well.”
Rubbing his hands quickly together in obvious excitement, he asked. “Are you ready to go have some fun and get paid for it?”
“Yes. But if I may ask, how’s Bethany doing this morning?”
His smile stretched even larger. “She’s relieved beyond words and looking forward to living a very long and happy life.”
“How are you?”
He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “It feels like a crushing weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I swear I’m standing at least two inches taller today.”
“I was so happy for the both of you when you texted the news.”
His smile faltered. “Yeah, I started to call but…”
“I completely understand.” Kara forced her mind to transition into actress mode. In accomplishing this, she successful pushed all of her heartbreak into the recesses of her mind. She turned to wave goodbye to Jennifer. “See you later, girly.”
“Have fun.” Jennifer waved back. “And Evan, take care of her.”
“You know I will.” He extended an arm toward Kara.
They walked to the elevator arm in arm. Neither of them spoke a word on the ride down to the lobby or as they walked out to the waiting cab. But once they were on their way to wherever they were going, Evan sighed loudly. “I’m very sorry I didn’t make it by last night to rehearse with you, and for texting instead of calling. I should have at least called you. That was very insensitive of me.”
“It’s not a problem.” Kara waved his apology off. “I know my lines perfectly. So I’m sure it’s all going go great without any hiccups along the way. And please don’t worry about not calling. It’s not like we were ever really dating.”
“So you’re okay this morning?” Evan stared at her with doubt in his eyes.
She smiled her best actress’ smile. “Yes, I’m perfectly fine and looking forward to our one and only performance together. Afterward, I’m going back to my career in New York and forget all about you just like you’re going to forget all about me. That’s what we agreed to do last night, wasn’t it?”
He nodded, somewhat reluctantly it seemed.
“Then let’s not think about anything except having a good time today.” She made her eyes twinkle to reassure him. “Besides, there’s a lot of pressure on you, if you’re not aware?”
“How’s that?” He furrowed his brows.
“You’re my one and only chance to live out one of my sexual fantasies in a safe environment. I’m counting on you to make a lasting impression, in spite of the fact that I won’t remember your name a month from now.”
“That’s really cold.” The corners of his lips curled upwards. “Now I know how it’s going to be between us today. I’m going to get acquainted with sugar-coated, passive-aggressive antagonism.”
“You know it.” Kara nodded for emphasis, all at once noticing the cabbie navigati
ng them toward the upscale side of town. It wasn’t what she had expected, so she asked, “We’re not slumming today?”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Evan seemed bewildered.
“Jennifer told me the patrons like to slum in their voyeuristic delights. We’re headed toward an upscale part of the city. I was expecting something trashy.”
Evan shrugged. “After getting to know you, I didn’t want you to have to slum with me. So I suggested a change of venue. To my immense surprise, it was approved by the patrons without hesitation.”
The endearing sentiment behind his wanting to keep her out of the gutter tried its best to separate Kara from her blasé actress’ persona.
Why did he have to be such a gentleman? She bet he would even tenderly help her to her feet following their performance before wishing her a long and prosperous life without him.
Bolstering her resolve to not slip back into heartbreaking despair, she said, “Don’t be so nice to me, Evan. I need to be a little pissed at you until after we finish the scene.”
“No one’s ever asked that of me before, but okay, whatever suits you. I’m here to support you in any way that I can.”
“Thank you.”
The cab slowed to park alongside the curb in front of a high-end coffee shop. The glass windows and door were opaque, impossible to see through. Two hard-looking men in black suits stood on either side of the front door. A sign on the door read Closed for private party. Invitation only.
“One of the patrons owns it,” Evan explained as he opened the door to step out. He extended a hand to Kara.
Kara ignored his hand as she stepped out behind him into the warm morning sunshine. Glancing at his hand, she said, “That’s being nice, Evan. So stop doing it.”
“My apologies.” He dropped the arm to his side as a stony look settled onto his face. “Okay, go inside and directly to the restroom. Your clothes for the scene, as well as a female assistant to help you get dressed, are waiting. Once you come out of the restroom the scene has begun and isn’t over until it’s over. Just stick to the script and you’ll do fine. Okay?”
“Okay.” She turned and walked into the delicious aroma of freshly-brewed coffee.
As expected, the room was rather small with perhaps as many as ten smallish, four-person tables in the dining area. A few two-person tables were situated along the left wall and front windows of the store. Every table was vacant even though the service counter was a bustle of activity as authentic-looking uniformed personnel served coffee and pastries to well-dressed men and women of diverse ages. Several patrons, having already been served, were ascending a short staircase leading to a second story loft.
Kara kept her chin up as she ignored the curious stares on her way to the restroom. Once inside, a pretty older lady with graying hair and motherly features met her with critical eyes. “You’re my love interest, I presume. I’m Rhonda, your costume mistress.”
“Please call me Kara.” She extended her hand, which Rhonda gave a quick shake.
“Well, here it is.” The woman indicated a skimpy pink dress on a hanger along the wall. Draped over an additional hanger were a dainty white shelf bra, wispy white garter belt, and sheer white stockings. Beneath the dress, standing upright on the floor, a pair of pink five-inch peep-toed stilettos completed the outfit.
“It’s looks very nice.” And Kara really thought it did.
“Yes, I agree, even though it’s not much to wear for your debut. But, with your figure, I think it’s going to look really sexy on you. So please undress so we can get started.”
Kara quickly removed her shoes and sundress to stand there completely nude. She stepped into each of the stockings with Rhonda’s assistance. The garter belt was quickly cinched around her waist with the woman attaching the four depending straps to the stretchy tops of the stockings. The G-string panties came next, then the dress, and the shoes last of all.
Staring at herself in the mirror, she loved the way the dress was low-cut to reveal her ample cleavage and how the material clung to her every provocative curve. That the hem barely reached low enough to cover the tops of her stockings was especially titillating. Even she couldn’t deny she looked like a piece of delicious candy wrapped in pink and white.
“Your hair and makeup look spectacular.” Rhonda supervised the inspection. “And that dress is a perfect fit. Now all we need to add is the princess-cut engagement ring and we’re done.”
Kara, becoming totally enamored with her sexy appearance, offered up her hand as she smiled at her reflection. After the ring was slipped into place on her finger, she glanced at it, saying, “Thank you for helping me, Rhonda.”
“Ah, I didn’t really do much. Hair and makeup usually takes the longest. You saved us some time by already doing it for me. So thank you for being conscientious about your appearance and making my job a breeze today.”
“I just go on out there now?”
“Anytime you’re ready, sweetheart. Good luck.”
Kara turned toward the door. She took several deep breaths to center her mind. Her character’s name was the same as her own. Evan’s character was called Evan as well. He hadn’t given a reason for this anomaly, but thought it shouldn’t be a problem. She was only playing a character named Kara. The storyline had nothing whatsoever to do with either of them. She grasped the door handle to pull it open and reentered the coffee shop.
The dining area was now empty of everyone except for Evan. He sat at a table directly in front of the counter, head down, looking very much like the successful lawyer he was playing.
She approached him sheepishly, twisting the engagement ring around on her finger before clasping her hand into a tight fist to further hide the stone. She glanced about the empty room, an uneasy expression settling into her pretty face. “Hi, Evan. I came as you requested, but, if I may first ask, where did everyone disappear to? This place was bustling with activity a few minutes ago. Why did they leave?”
He looked up at her in ill-humor. “They close at eleven-thirty on Saturdays. When they began ushering everyone out to lock up, I told them you were in the restroom, and they allowed me to wait here for you. But now we’re stuck for the next forty-five minutes or so while they unload the pastry delivery truck. “ He sighed. “They assured me it wouldn’t take longer than an hour at the very most. So, it would seem my luck hasn’t changed for the better since the last time I saw you three weeks ago.”
Kara winced at the thunderstorm raging in his eyes and the sour expression on his face. She attempted a tentative smile, but failed miserably. “You look really good. I was so happy that you called wanting to see me today.”
His hateful eyes darted to her left hand, which she quickly covered with her right.
He demanded, “Did you bring it this time, Kara? Or are trying to string me along a little further? I paid a handsome price for that carat and a half and I want it back.”
She gave up a subtle nod and wilted down into the seat across from him. “Can’t we just talk this out? I still love you and want to marry you.”
He sneered. “You’re a good girl, remember? You always do exactly what your parents say. So marrying me is no longer an option for you. Now hand it on over and save me the drama of having to strip it off your finger. I’m all out of patience with your family’s condescension.”
Kara let her gaze sink to her lap where she held the ring protectively inside both hands against her stomach. She squeaked, “I told them off last night on the phone. I said for them to never call me again. That you didn’t want to work in the family’s law office and that you never would because you’re starting your own practice. I also said that I had every intention of marrying you this weekend if you’ll have me back.”
Shock cascaded over Evan’s face, to then be quickly replaced by disbelief. He sneered. “Sure you did. Just give me the ring and quit torturing me. We’ve already been through this. I’ve waited an entire year hoping you would cut the cord. I’m not waiting any longer. I’
m very sorry it has to be this way, but I really need the ring back. So please just give it up and let me get on with my life.”
She didn’t lift her gaze, trying her best to exhibit vulnerability. “I’ve also been practicing some of the things we’d started doing in the bedroom before I screwed up our relationship. I’ve actually become quite good at them since you abandoned me. I really miss you and your cock.”
He scoffed in derision. “Been sucking and fucking strange cocks to see how much they pale in comparison, I suppose?”
She jerked her head up to shake it vehemently. “I haven’t been with anyone since you left me. I’ve been practicing with a dildo I bought in a sex shop. I’ve also been experimenting with a few other things as well.”
“Why do you think that would interest me at this point? I didn’t leave you because I thought you were bad in bed, Kara. I left you because you always let your parents interfere in our lives.”
“I know that.” She offered up a contrite expression. “And I’m really sorry for letting that happen. I shouldn’t have done that to you.”
“No, you shouldn’t have. Now give me the ring.” Evan extended his hand, palm upward.
“But you haven’t let me show you my new gem plug yet. It’s the shiny chrome one we were going to buy for me a few weeks ago. If you remember, it has the prettiest shimmering pink stone set into its head. I’m wearing it right now and was really hoping if you let me show it to you that you might change your mind about wanting your ring back.”
He swallowed hard, his face becoming a mask of indecision.
“Oh yeah, I’m pretty sure I can fit all of you up my ass now. Not to mention down my throat. I’ve really been practicing in earnest for you.”
He leaned forward in his chair, curiosity dominating his expression. “What about the other thing we were experimenting with?”
She smiled beautifully, wetting her lips. “There’s only one way for you to find out.”
He abruptly sat back and resumed his former nonchalance. A weary-sounding sigh escaped his lips. “Don’t tempt me, woman. You know I’m not one to be teased.”