Here Comes My Woman: Book Three (The Woman I Love Series 3)

by G S Binkley

  “No. I hear she’s good and that will be good for the movie.”

  “She is…. and yes, I believe that’s true.”

  “I don’t have to like her though.” Gage pouted.

  Lacy stood up. “Oh, Gage. Would you get over it? You have nothing to fear. At least not from her.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Griff! I’d be more worried about her…chasing after you all day long on the set. Every time I look up she’s practically smothering you.” Lacy’s blue eyes flared with a jealous tint.

  “After today, I wouldn’t worry about her.”

  “Really? Why’s that?”

  Gage continued without responding to Lacy’s question. “Now, David’s another question. Why did he show up out of nowhere? And, tell me once again why you wanted me to re-write that scene so Hayston could be in the movie?”

  Blowing out a very frustrated sigh, Lacy pursed her lips. “When you tell me why you allowed Mark to hire Griff?”

  That question deflated the blonde. “I…. I…. Mark thinks that we could eventually use a favor from Ron Griffen for allowing her to work on the movie.”

  “And….”

  “And what?”

  “What kind of favor do you and Mark think you’ll be needing in the future?”

  “Lacy!” Frustrated, Gage slumped down on the couch. “The truth?”

  “That would be nice.”

  She started slowly to organize her words. “Lacy, I know that being with me….. doesn’t…. hasn’t been good for your career.” She stopped Lacy before the younger woman could protest. “It has. And, I know neither one of us would want it any other way. Mark…. and I think this movie… you, really, are going to be great. Have you seen the dailies?” The blonde didn’t get much of a reprieve from her lover’s frown. “He’s thinking Oscar and I am, too.”

  “I see.” Lacy scooted closer to her partner. “So having one of the most powerful men in Hollywood be on our side to promote the film….”

  “And you.” Gage added quickly.

  “Will make it smooth sailing for an Oscar nod.” Lacy concluded. “I don’t know if I should be happy or insulted.”

  “Lacy!” Gage twisted around to face her lover. “You don’t need anyone’s help. You’re the very best actor ever. That’s the truth. I don’t say it just because I love you. I do you know.”

  Lacy leaned her head against her lover’s temple. “I know.”

  “Our relationship may turn people away from recognizing your talents. So, Mark and I figured we… Ron’s a heavy hitter who has convinced many people to see it his way. Which is the right way… you’re great in this film.”

  “Is he distributing the film?” Gage nodded. “Thank you…. for loving me so much.” Lacy kissed her lover deeply before revealing a truth of her own. “The reason I had you change the script to have Hayston in the movie is that David and I made a deal.”

  Gage’s eyebrows shot up.

  “You remember what I gave you on our anniversary?”

  This spawned a blissful smile on Gage’s face. How could I forget? “The papers David signed allowing me to raise the kids if… you know.”

  “Yes. Hayston needed the work and her career is stalled out right now. David knows this film has potential and he wanted in on it. That’s a tribute to you, sweetheart. He may not be too fond of you but he recognizes talent. Your writing.”

  “Your acting.” Gage corrected her.

  “Are we okay now?” Gage nodded. “Good. So, it’s time to make up?”

  A wide grin spread across the blonde’s face. “Absolutely.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ryan had spent most of the day trying to get this shot filmed. The island party scene was running overtime and over budget. “Michael, we’re going to have to push back the balcony scene for early tomorrow morning.” The director spared his temperamental actress a look as Marva dramatically flung her arms around attempting to win Lacy’s approval.

  “Right. I’m on it.” Michael glanced quickly at Griff. He thought for one second that he would get her to help but quickly changed his mind. Ever since that fateful night together, Griff had acted cool toward him. Instead, he called on Shanti to help him since her part of the island party scene had been shot.

  “Come on, Lacy, we could have a real bitchin’ time playing against each other.” Marva exclaimed loudly.

  Lacy turned away. “Marva. It’s good the way it’s written.”

  She flipped the younger actor around. “Honey, don’t let your loyalties to the…. writer affect your good sense.” Lacy slowly raised both eyebrows allowing her anger to simmer as Marva continued. “If I’m going to play the wife and you the other woman - not to mention that I’m a mother - I need more lines. There’s great conflict here between our two characters…. we need to exploit it. Let it blow up and see where it lands.” Marva flipped an arm upright.

  The director interrupted the arguing actors. “Marva please. We need to get this scene shot. Now, if you will join us over there.” He pointed to a distant spot.

  She looked Lacy squarely in the eyes and stated. “This isn’t over. You know I’m right about this. Jordan is having an affair with my husband and if you knew what it was like to be the hurting wife…..” An accusing eye argued her point but to no avail as Marva remembered an important fact about a so long ago brief affair. “… then again, I guess you didn’t know.” With that she grabbed Ryan’s arm and allowed him to escort her away.

  Gage stepped up after Marva had left and noticed a faraway look in Lacy’s eyes. “Something wrong?”

  Nodding, Lacy rubbed her head. “Marva is one of those friends you can’t trust when your back is turned but you should be even more careful when she’s facing you.”

  Gage rubbed the small of her lover’s back. “You knew?”

  The dark haired woman snapped her head toward Gage. “I suspected. Yes. And, you?” Lacy alluded to Marva’s dealings with her then husband, David.

  Gage shrugged. “Michael filled me in with the rumors. How do you put up with her?”

  Leaning into her lover’s soothing touch, she answered. “I owe her.”

  “So, you want me to re-write the scene so Jordan and Edie can have it out?”

  Lacy turned to her partner. Running her fingers along Gage’s left side of her face, Lacy said. “No. She’s had her way much too long. Don’t get me wrong. I still like her in a lot of ways. It’s just that… she’s…. she needs to see me as an equal.”

  After the scene with Marva and a few other actors was over, the older actress returned to the scene of the crime where Lacy stood with Gage by her side. The cozy picture of the two didn’t sit well with Marva. “My God, Lacy, the only reason I took this part was to help you.”

  Before Lacy could respond, Gage countered. “And, the only reason you have this part is because of Lacy.” Green eyes drilled into shocked hazel ones.

  Defiant, Marva’s angry eyes flared. “How dare you? You’re no kind of producer I’ve ever seen and not much of a writer for that matter….”

  Lacy took a slight step forward. “One more word, Marva …. just one and you won’t be in any kind of condition to dare anyone let alone do anything about it. So, cool your jets.” With that, Lacy grabbed Gage’s hand and left Marva standing alone stunned by Lacy’s stinging words.

  ************************

  The last week of filming was smooth sailing for the happy director. Ryan finished up the last scene early Thursday and sent the cast and crew home for a long weekend. Marva DuLaine was the consummate professional after Lacy’s tongue lashing. She avoided Gage like the plague and only interacted with Lacy during the filming. Griff still played the iceberg around Michael the whole week, which devastated him. So much so he talked with Ryan about it.

  “It’s all over now… our friendship.” Michael felt tears fill his eyes. He tried to swipe them away before his friend noticed. “That’s what kills me. We were such good friend
s before…”

  Ryan pretended not to see the unshed tears in his assistant’s warm brown eyes. “Son…. “ The word slipped from his mouth before he could halt it. So, he coughed instead to try and cover the feeling he had toward Michael. “Hey, listen, you two have been friends for a long time. Been through a lot together. That kind of friendship always finds a way to….. work through difficult and awkward times.”

  Michael reminded Ryan of something that proved his sage words to be a moot point. “Like you and David?”

  The older man shrugged. “Different situation.”

  Michael had long ago realized he had fallen in love with the flighty redhead and relinquished his desire for Griff as her interest in partners didn’t include his gender. He remained her close friend and confidant through thick and thin. Michael became a safe harbor for Griff’s stormy relationships. Her idea of a relationship hinged on getting her interested target to bed, then maybe allowing it to last for a brief period, but she was never in it for the long haul.

  “What am I going to do, Ryan?” Michael’s shoulders slumped.

  Slapping the young man on his shoulder, Ryan offered another bit of sage advice. “Shanti.”

  “Huh?”

  “I heard things have cooled between her and Ben.” Ryan waggled both his eyebrows. “You need a soft place to fall and maybe…..”

  Michael’s earlier interest in the reddish-blonde haired beauty had distracted him from his yearnings for Griff. Thinking he would never have a chance with the woman of his choice, Michael mulled over the idea. “Think she likes me?”

  “I know she does.” Ryan nodded. “It’s up to you to see how much.”

  ************************

  On Friday, Lacy and Gage started packing for their return home. Mark put together a hurried wrap party for the movie so the couple and their children would be at their home in St. Troy for Dani’s birthday. It was set for Saturday night and cast and crew were ready to party.

  Stella had returned with news that Grace was doing much better and asked that Gage visit her before returning home. With Lacy’s urging, Gage agreed to visit her on Sunday. “Come with me, Lacy. Please.” The smile on her lover’s face assured Gage that Lacy would be by her side.

  As Lacy and Gage readied for the party, Dani came bouncing in the bedroom. “Grandpa called.” She eyed her mother’s new dress. Nodding, she gave her approval.

  “And?”

  “Oh.” Dani twisted around to scrutinize Gage’s attire. Shaking her head, she continued. “That guy you hired for the yard work hasn’t been around for the last couple of weeks.” When the blonde’s face showed concern, Dani sat on the bed and crossed her legs. “Don’t worry. Grandpa’s said he’d take care of it. Said you shoulda asked him in the first place.”

  “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

  Dani offered a look that said ‘as if you have to ask’. “Mom…. “ The young girl slid off the bed and headed toward the door. “You take it. I’d hate to break it to her and see her pout.”

  With pursed lips, Gage watched Dani hurry out of the room then she turned to Lacy. “Is it that bad?”

  Gracefully Lacy glided across the room. Her fingers toyed with Gage’s shiny gray shirt collar. “I love you.”

  Frustrated, Gage asked. “What about my shirt… the whole thing?”

  Lacy stepped back, eyeing her lover carefully. She let a deep sigh escape before choosing her words. “You are beautiful…. I love you in that outfit.” Of course, I’d love you in anything or nothing. “Satisfied?”

  Gage was draped in a dressy gray shirt with thin black vertical stripes and black pants. It was a simple outfit compared to what the rest of the people would be wearing but she was comfortable and that was all that matter. That and the fact that Lacy likes me in it. Comfort was the only word that described Gage’s philosophy on style. Lacy, on the other hand, inherently fitted the very description of style. No matter what Lacy wore, she was the perfection of what ‘in style’ meant.

  “Come on. Let’s go.” Gage took her partner’s hand. “I want to show you off.” When Lacy scooted up next to Gage, the blonde caught sight of the ample breasts of her lover bouncing happily in the low cut dress. She jerked back on her lover’s hand, halting Lacy’s progress. “Maybe you need a scarf.” When a questioning look appeared on Lacy’s face, Gage pointed to her partner’s overexposed chest.

  Lacy laughed. “Just for you. So, you don’t get distracted this evening by anyone else.”

  Gage happily followed the younger woman out the door. All Gage could think about was how bountiful Lacy’s breasts had become when she was pregnant with Sammy and how once more she would be able to wallow in that pleasurable, delectable sight again.

  ************************

  Marva reigned over the party as Lacy and Gage entered the room. Julie Grant greeted them as a waiter offered drinks. “Oh, no. Dennis, would you get our guests a couple of sparkling waters instead.” The waiter nodded then left on his mission. “Mark’s around here someplace. He wanted to talk with you Gage.”

  “Gotcha. That’s my cue to leave you two alone.” Gage winked, squeezed Lacy’s hand then headed off to where she saw Ryan White.

  “David’s here. He showed up a little drunk already.” Julie nodded her head in Lacy’s ex-husband’s direction. “Hayston is fuming to say the least. Something’s going on between Shanti, Michael and Griff and, of course, Marva’s regaling everyone with stories of you two …. way back when.”

  “Par for the course, I see.” And what Lacy was seeing from David did not bode well for any of them. David had his arm wrapped around one of the extras on the set of the movie. She could see Hayston seething from a short distance away. “Maybe I can do something about this before it goes too far.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” Julie felt immediate relief. “You want me to run interference with Hayston.”

  “No.” Lacy puzzled over her next move a minute. “Let me handle it.” She started off but suddenly stopped. “If Gage was distracted for a bit… that would be… helpful.” Julie nodded then left. No use stirring up more problems. This is something she definitely would not like. With that thought still lingering on her mind, Lacy put her plan into action.

  Lacy circled David and the extra like an Indian on the warpath surrounding a wagon train. Her piercing blue eyes shot arrows at the unsuspecting extra. She recognized the short brown haired woman as Susan, an actor hired during the last two weeks of shooting. Under the unbearable scrutiny of Lacy’s blazing blue eyes, Susan astutely excused herself.

  Hayston had watched Lacy waltz around her boyfriend and his temporary distraction all the while gripping the stem of her champagne glass like her life depended on it. Ben Thomason who had been talking with the ever-increasing angry young woman pried her fingers from the glass. Then grinned when she noticed what he had done. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.” Ben sat the glass on the bar. “Now, I think you have some place to be.”

  Hayston’s attention returned to David and Lacy. “Yes.” Like a hawk stalking its prey, the young woman made an overt show of circling the couple. David hated when she showed her jealous streak and Hayston did her best to stifle those feelings in front of him. Having watched her drunken boyfriend openly flirt with the measly extra was bad enough but to have her ex-co-star and longtime competitor openly claim David was more than she could stand.

  David relished the welcomed attention of his ex and swayed up against Lacy, pulling her close. “Hmmmm… you still have it.”

  Lacy eased away from him and countered. “And, you still don’t.”

  “Oh, come on, Lacy.” David slurred. “For old times’ sake?”

  “David….. look around.” She nodded as Hayston continued to slowly walk around to the front of them. “For your sake….” She moved closer to whisper in his ear. “I suggest you…..”

  “If I can’t have you.” David was aware of Hayston stalking them. He wanted to get
back at his girlfriend for her flaunting displays toward Griff on the set and if getting Lacy back in the process succeeded, maybe he’d make it a threesome.

  “You can’t…. rest assured. You can’t.” She guaranteed him.

  Knowing he was fighting a losing cause, David shoved Lacy back. “Stand aside, woman.” He opened his unsteady arms toward Hayston. “Come mere.”

  When Gage saw David pushing Lacy back, she bolted across the floor. Not fifteen feet away from Lacy, Marva flung her long arm outward striking Gage in the face. “Oh, did I do that?” She said to the blonde now lying flat on the floor.

  Lacy rushed to her side. “Marva!”

  “What? I didn’t see her…. really.” The older woman vowed. The insincerity in her eyes gave her away to her very astute friend.

  David smugly grinned at Hayston as he tried to put into focus the beautiful woman holding him. “Let’s get outta here.” Inhaling a sobering breath, he twitched his nose.

  “You need some fresh air.”

  Rubbing up against Hayston, he flirted with her. “That’s not all I need.”

  She guided him through the crowd that surrounded the blonde on the floor. That’s not all you’re going to get…. and, it won’t be what you have in mind either. Hayston was fed up with David’s womanizing that had only become worse as his drinking increased. Her mind was set. David would either agree or Hayston would leave him. It was a bluff she hoped would work. Hayston spared Lacy one last glance before they walked through the doors. They exchanged an unusual bonding look that would eventually help David past his addiction.

  Rubbing her forehead and moaning, Gage demanded and got Lacy’s full attention.

  “Oh, sweetheart, are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I guess.” Gage shot Marva a stern look.

  With a drink in one hand and a long slim cigarette in the other, Marva let out a small wicked snicker. “Couldn’t hurt that hard head.” Only the two very young and apparently very dense handsome men on either side of her laughed at Marva’s comment.