by G S Binkley
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Tony Kussler was disgusted with the news he read from the entertainment newspaper. So, when Blade sat down next to him, he was already in a foul mood. “What’s with the hair?”
Blade ran a hand over his buzz cut. “Like it? All the chicks do.”
“You’re so full of yourself. Did you get what I wanted?” Tony asked.
“First, I need a beer.” Blade waved the waitress over and ordered two beers just in case Tony dismissed him quickly after he revealed his news. Finally, he returned his attention to his boss. “Yep, I surveyed the place and it’s easily accessible. I can move at any time.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Tony demanded.
Blade accepted the beers with both hands. He downed one quickly before he answered. “The snatch? I’m ready when you give the word.”
Tony jolted across the table knocking the second beer out of Blade’s hand as he grabbed the young man’s shirt. “You don’t approach. I want anything newsworthy that I can use against her. I don’t want to be the news. Got it?”
“Sure. Sure thing, boss.” After Tony let the young man’s collar loose, Blade straightened back up. “It’s your money…. but, after what that chick did to you.”
Seeing Koda Kannon enter the bar, Tony dismissed the young man. “When do you go back?”
“Don’t.”
“What?”
“You said to check the place out… been there, done that. Didn’t know you wanted me to hang around.” Blade realized he had made his boss mad with that statement. “Okay. I’ll head back but I need more money.”
“Get out. I’ll call you.” Tony didn’t want Blade around with Koda in the bar. When Blade started to protest, he emphatically ordered him. “Out!”
Blade slipped out of the booth not happy with the way things went between them and decided to use his own instincts when it came to this job. You pissant, you don’t know what you want but I do.
Blade was well out of sight when Koda dropped down in the booth next to his old friend and drinking buddy, Tony Kussler. “How’s it going, Tony old boy?” This was not the first bar Koda had visited this evening.
“Great. Couldn’t be better.”
Shaking his head, Koda disagreed. “Not what I hear. All the buzz around town about Lacy’s new movie….bound to be a hit. Griffen’s putting out the word that it’s got Oscar written all over it.”
“His only interest is the distribution rights.” Tony shrugged off the glowing comment Koda had about the movie.
Slapping his friend on the back, Koda continued much to Tony’s dismay. “If it’s half as good as what I hear….. damn, I wish I’d have been in it.”
“Even if the movie is good, doesn’t mean it’s gonna draw a crowd. People don’t like Lacy now that she’s turned gay.” He spat sarcastically.
Koda leaned in close. “Don’t underestimate her. Her talent surpasses anyone one else out here…. not to mention her beauty. And, then there’s the fact that….. “ Tony cocked his head and glared at his friend. “…she’s the sexiest woman alive….you don’t just dismiss that so easily. Gay or straight.”
Tony grunted. “The snake has fallen under her charms and is bewitched like all the rest….. except me.”
“Ha!” Koda laughed. “You remember that scene she did with me where she was less than half naked. Those long sexy legs rubbing up against me…. and, God, her lips. I’m getting hot just thinking about it now. Don’t tell me, Tony ole boy that you were unaffected. There wasn’t one red blooded male…. or female for that matter that saw that scene and didn’t have some kind of….. stirring rise up.”
Remembering all too well the scene in question, Tony shifted his legs around and then shoved his friend away. “Oh, shut up!”
Koda let out a full belly laugh. “Ha, ha, ha…. I knew it. You did, didn’t you?”
Dismissing his friend, Tony said. “You’re drunk.”
Koda countered. “You’re horny.”
**************************
Thanksgiving came and went bringing with it news that Jason and Lisa were to be married the next summer. The more surprising news was that Hank and Jen were back together and decided to make it a double wedding. Lacy congratulated the foursome then said. “Maybe this way, both of you can help each other remember your anniversary.”
Dani was still having trouble with ‘that’ boy as she referred to him. Derek started gymnastics lessons in the afternoon after school let out. Sammy continued to warm up to Gage but still found his mother to be his favorite whenever she was around. And, over the thanksgiving weekend, Gage led her family in volunteering at the local Salvation Army. This was the start of a family tradition that helped teach their children the values of giving a helping hand to others.
Chapter Nineteen
A week before Christmas Lacy, Gage and their family flew to New York City for the premiere of their movie and Mark and Julie’s pre-wedding parties. The kids were out of school for Christmas vacation and after the party filled weekend, they planned to fly to England where Mark and Julie would be married and they would spend Christmas.
Lacy slipped on her evening gown as she got dressed for the premiere of HERE COMES JORDAN. “Gage?” The six and a half month pregnant woman’s insecurities reared its ugly head as she swirled around and asked. “Does this really look okay?”
A small smile spread across Gage’s face and lovely green eyes gazed upon the most beautiful woman in the world. “It’s a good thing the theater will be dark…. because no one would be watching the movie if the lights were on.” Lacy’s eyebrow popped up in question. “They’d all be looking at you. You’re beautiful.”
Lacy covered the space between them quickly and thanked her partner with a kiss. “The only pair of eyes I’m interested in are green.”
“Mmmmmm…. so, you want Stella staring at you?” Gage teased.
“No….” Lacy’s hand caressed her lover’s cheek.
“Then it has to be….. Griff?” The reply to Gage’s last question was answered with a hard frown from her partner. “Okay. Okay. Enough teasing.” Gage’s arms hung loose around Lacy’s waist as they stood together. “You feeling okay?”
Lacy fell into the warm caress of Gage’s lips on her neck and purred. “Yes.”
Continuing to nuzzle her lover’s neck, Gage mumbled. “I hope she looks like you.”
“What makes you think it’s a girl? As a matter of fact, and I hope you won’t be disappointed but……” Lacy pulled back just enough to look into Gage’s gleaming eyes. “I’m carrying this… our baby the same as I did with Derek and Sammy.”
Gage grinned then winked. “Lacy, it’s going to be a girl. I know it.”
“That would be how? Did you… did the doctor tell you?”
A small laugh erupted from the writer. “No. I just feel it. And, besides when I was talking with her the other day… while you were sleeping, she told me.”
“You talk with our….. daughter?”
Gage nodded. “Yep.”
“And what did she have to say?”
“That her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world and…. we’re going to be late if we don’t hurry up.” The blonde kissed Lacy passionately. Wet kisses exchanged between the two flamed a burning fire coupled with the excitement of the night’s upcoming events. Breaking from the heated exchange, Gage panted. “Later.”
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Crowds of screaming people lined the long walkway as cameras flashed illuminating the night sky. Lacy and Gage briefly exchanged greeting with the other actors of the film before entering the theater.
“Gage, Lacy, over here.” Mark directed them toward him. “Julie’s already seated.”
Lacy kissed Mark on the cheek before seeing Ryan White coming up from behind the tall businessman and producer. “Ryan? I’m glad you made it. Is everything okay?”
He hugged his star then said. “Yeah, Michael got started partying a
little sooner than the rest of us. That’s all.” Ryan’s brown eyes scanned the crowd of people.
“Looking for someone in particular?” Lacy quizzed.
“No.. yes.” Seeing the movie mogul, Ron Griffen, the director excused himself. “I’ll talk with you later.”
“Lacy? You ready?” Gage asked.
Lacy watched Ryan hurry over to Ron Griffen. “Ahhh… yes.” Taking Gage’s hand, Lacy started to follow her partner but the hand on her shoulder stopped her. Twisting around, the sight before her shocked her.
“Hi! Surprised to see me?” The snake like charming smile spewed venom.
Gage was yanked back when Lacy stopped short. Jerking around, she hurriedly slipped back next to Lacy. “Tony. Is there something you want?”
Without looking at the blonde, he answered her. “Not from you.” His next words were directed at the woman his dark eyes had never left and were burning a hole into before his demeanor suddenly switched, producing a smirking grin. “Best of luck on your opening. From what I hear around town…. it’s sure to nab a golden boy. At least, that would be my take on it if…… if I still had my old show.” Tony Kussler crossed his arms. “That’s right, you were the one who….”
“Tony, she had nothing to do with it.” Gage inserted.
Still ignoring the blonde, he continued. “Oh, well, that was a long time ago.”
“Tony, knock if off.” Gage stated.
“It’s okay, Gage.” Lacy interrupted her partner then said to Tony. “Go on get it out.”
“Yes, let me vent. After all, I’ve got a regular job now. It’s a good thing inquiring minds want to know… so I get to fill that rag mag with the stories they know aren’t true yet love to read. But, no hard feelings, right?”
Squeezing her partner’s hand tightly, Lacy glared at him. “Tony, you’re a little man.” The entertainment reporter stood erect. “Oh, not your height but in your mind… in your heart. You always will be until you decide to take responsibility for your life and where you are presently.” Flipping around without waiting for his reply, Lacy called. “Gage.”
The taller and younger man walked up behind the stunned Tony. “You let her get away with that?”
Without even turning around, Tony spit out. “Shut up.”
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Gauging from the audience’s reception, the movie was a huge success. After reading several reviews from critics, the partygoers were in full swing celebrating the triumphant news about their movie.
Marva slinked over to Gage. Dragging her arm around the blonde like a fisherman’s net, the over the top actress whispered. “Mmmmm… if it isn’t my favorite writer.”
“That’s a change.” Gage countered.
With a drink in one hand and the other holding a long cigarette, Marva leaned over in front of Gage to take a drag off of it. Exhaling, she said. “Change? Interesting. I’ve never tried that but….” She winked at the blonde before her craving hazel eyes raked over the blonde. “If you write it, I’ll act it out.”
Grasping the cigarette holding hand, Lacy intently removed it from around her woman. “Marva, you’ve got something that belongs to me.”
“Damn, Lacy. We’re old pals. We used to share everything.” Marva exclaimed loudly.
“No, we didn’t.”
Marva smiled. “Maybe we should have. Coulda been fun.” Swinging her arms wildly, the flamboyant actress sucked in a deep breath before giving an order to the man passing by her. “Waiter! Fill me up!”
The light haired waiter took her glass and gave her another champagne filled one. Gage slipped an arm around Lacy’s waist. “Do you think she meant that literally?”
Before Lacy could answer, Shanti James arrived. “Marva! Maybe we should go?”
“Hell, Shanti… how old are you anyway? Can’t keep up with your auntie?” The tipsy actress swayed slightly but found an anchor in Ben Thomason. “Come here, you man. You’ll see to my needs, won’t you?” She purred in his ear.
Smiling at his date for the evening, Ben calmly assured her. “It’s okay. Shanti. Would you mind if I dance with your aunt?”
Marva shoved a hand up against his shoulder, knocking him back slightly. “Dance with me! You big beautiful hunk of a man.” The tall woman ran a suggestive finger along his lapel. “If you dare?”
Shaking her head at her aunt’s antics, Shanti shrugged to her escort. “Go ahead and dance with her at your own risk.” Pausing only a moment to watch her date escort Marva to the nearby dance floor, Shanti turned to Lacy and Gage. “She’s a pistol.”
“And we love her in spite of it.” Lacy added.
Noticing Shanti’s glass was empty, Gage offered to refill it. “Be back in a bit.”
Both woman watched Gage leave then the younger woman turned to Lacy. “That kind of love… the kind she has for you. One day I hope to find that, too.”
“What about Ben?” Lacy asked.
Shanti glanced at him as he danced with her aunt. “Yes, he’s nice and lots of fun. A really great guy.” Without consciously thinking about it, her curious green eyes searched the room for someone.
Lacy took note of the redhead’s diverted attention from the conversation. “Looking for anyone in particular?”
“Oh, no…. not really.” Shanti summoned her full focus on Lacy. “It doesn’t matter right now anyway. I’m…. can I tell you something?”
“Go on.”
“I love acting really I do.” Shanti admitted then revealed her secret dream. “What I love more is…. I’d love to make some documentaries. You know, about the world’s problems… bringing awareness to the injustices of the world. Issues that really matter…. that kind of thing.”
“What’s stopping you?”
Shanti started to whip out her standard answer then hesitated. “Nothing actually. I was going to say funding… time. I’m not much good behind the camera. Though I am willing to learn.”
“What would it take? The funding?” Curiosity piqued in the conscientious dark-haired woman.
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Negotiating through the crowd with a drink in both hands, Gage was stopped by Mark Calico. “Gage? Over here.”
“Hi, Mark. Where’s Julie?”
“She’s talking with Ryan, I think. Just a minute.” Mark stepped around the corner and brought back with him his old college friend. “Gage, you remember Ron Griffen?”
Lifting her head slightly in acknowledgment, Gage greeted the older gentleman. “Hi. Yes, I do.”
Griffen jutted out his hand. He retrieved it when he saw the blonde’s hands full. “Two fisted drinker. My kind of woman.”
Grinning, Gage thought. Not really. But, I know where my kind of woman is right now. She stood straight up trying to catch a glimpse of her kind of woman.
“Ron’s got some….. Gage?” Mark waited as Gage returned her attention to them. “He’s suggesting an all-out campaign for the movie…. the whole gamut.”
“Great. I’d love to see Lacy get the recognition she deserves.” Gage readily agreed. “What’d we do?”
“I’ll take care of everything.” Ron patted his friend on the shoulder. “I know Hollywood like I know a great script….. all the ins and outs. There isn’t a thing that gets past me in that town without me knowing about it.”
Except the fact that your daughter’s gay. “Great.” Gage smiled. Gage noticed his bright fatherly eyes glowed as he looked over her shoulder. Great! She’s behind me. I just know it. Without looking around, Gage greeted the redhead. “Hello Griff.”
Griffen puffed on his smoky cigar before opening his arms wide. “Hello darling.”
Hugging her father back, she said. “Daddy…. how’d you like our movie?”
“Darling, you’ve got the same instincts as your daddy.” He turned to Mark. “She’s the one who gave me the heads up about this film of yours…. that’s why she wanted to work on the set.” And, that’s why I owe you this huge favor. Oh, well, it’s gonna n
et a few Oscars for us…. especially with me promoting it to the academy members.
“Well, I’ve got to get going.” Gage held up the drinks in her hands. “We’ll talk later?”
“Sure, why not?” Griffen winked as he hooked his thumb in his vest. After Gage left, the older man turned to his friend, Mark. “She writes well enough… don’t know what she’s got that Lacy would leave David for.”
“That’s not the way it happened Ron…. and you know it.” Mark corrected his friend and partner in distributing Lacy’s movie.
“I don’t know, daddy. She looks to me to have it all.” Exactly what I’d like to have… all of her.
***********************
“Are you serious? That would be awesome.” Shanti declared.
Seeing Julie Grant approach, Lacy finished her thoughts regarding the documentaries to Shanti. “Let me give it some thought. Okay?” Extending her hand to Julie, Lacy said. “Julie, you know Shanti James?”
“I do…. she was in one of my movies several years ago.” The movie producer revealed.
Shanti’s green eyes gleamed. “It was a bit part. I didn’t think anyone noticed.”
“I did and everyone will be wanting you after they see you in this film. You were great. I loved it. You too, Lacy.” Julie teased her good friend.
“Thanks, Julie. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I heard you’re getting married in England.” Shanti said.
Before Julie answered, Gage walked up with the two drinks in hand. She handed the champagne to Shanti and a glass of water to Lacy. “Julie, you want something?”
“No, thank you.” Turning back to the young actress, Julie asked. “We’re having a little bachelorette party tomorrow night, why don’t you join us?”
Shanti hesitated. “I… my aunt’s staying with me.”