by Nicole Smith
Beth followed her sister into the large living area, feeling a strong sense of relief.
"Hi," Sam said. "How do you feel about wine?"
"I'd love some," Beth said. "Hi, Mom."
Her mother had come over to her as she entered the room. "I'm still not sure I like the bronze jewelry. I know, I know, it looks like rose gold, but still..." She reached out and hugged Beth. "You look comfortable. Whose tunic are you wearing?"
"Mom...I don't wear all designer stuff when you aren't giving it to me."
"Hmm. You really should let me send you some things, darling."
"If I say yes, will you stop commenting on my clothes while you're here?" Beth asked.
Her mother blinked twice and then smiled. "Yes, I'll stop."
Beth laughed. "Oh no, I'm sure you mean that. But I know you. You can't resist. Even so, send me the clothes anyway. It's been a while since I bought anything new."
They sat down on the couch. Ed Carter was on the floor with his grandson, building something elaborate. Eric had his guitar out and was picking a relaxing melody in the background. Sam said he was going to finish helping Anna with dinner, and Maggie, Beth noticed, Maggie sat across the room and continued to watch Beth. Her sister had always been one to poke and prod until she got the answers she wanted out of her brother and sisters. Then, she realized there was a way to use that as a good diversion.
"Hey Maggie, have you heard from Rose lately?" she asked.
Maggie frowned. "No. She's always too busy to talk on the phone. She couldn't come to the wedding because she was on duty. I know doctors are busy people, but she never takes any time off!"
Sophia shook her head. "I know. I've tried to get her to come home for a visit and she just says she can't. Personally, I think it's all about that clinic."
"What clinic?"
"She started volunteering at a clinic for low income people who don't have insurance. Whenever she's not at the hospital, she's at the clinic," Ed said. "I admire her giving nature, but the girl is going to burn out before she turns thirty at this rate."
"Is she involved with anyone?" Beth asked.
"When would she have time?" her mother answered.
Sam came into the room. "Talking about Rose, I see. Well, give the girl a break. Spaghetti is ready, so let's head into the dining room."
Joshua jumped up. "Pasghetti ready! Pasghetti ready!" he yelled.
"Yeah that's right," Sam said, picking him up. "Let's just remember this time that we eat the spaghetti. No throwing or you have to go to your room."
Joshua gazed into his father's face with an intent look, as Beth watched. Then he nodded and grinned. "Pasghetti!"
Beth turned to see Maggie watching too. "Are you ready for all this kid stuff, Mags?"
Maggie gave her a blazing smile. "I can't wait!"
Beth threw an arm around Maggie's shoulders, smiling at her, and the two walked into the dining room.
The meal was delicious, and Beth was too full to have dessert. Anna called her into the kitchen as she leaving, and handed her a container of spaghetti mixed with sauce. "For your lunch, tomorrow. Do you want some of this coconut cake too?"
"Yes, please. Two slices if you can?"
Anna laughed. "Sam loves coconut too. Yes, it's a big cake, so you can have two pieces."
"Everything was great, Anna. Thanks for doing this."
"My pleasure, seriously. I love cooking for family."
They walked out to the foyer and found everyone there saying good-byes. When Beth hugged her mother, she felt her mother's hands on her waist. "Mom...are you measuring me?"
"Yes. I just wanted to be sure you're the same size."
Beth chuckled. "I am. I'm exactly the same size as the last time you did clothes for me."
"You're wrong," Sophia said. "I'd say you're about a half an inch smaller in the waist. Probably didn't eat enough out in L.A."
"I give up," Beth said. "Do you want to get your measuring tape out?"
"Yes."
"No! I was kidding. I'm going home to bed. 'Night everyone!"
She left amid a chorus of good-byes. She drove the car directly out to William's house. When she'd left her apartment earlier, she'd brought a small satchel with clothing for the next day, along with makeup. As she drove down the long drive to the house, she felt herself relaxing for the first time that evening. She'd made it through a family gathering and everything was fine! She parked the car and walked around to the back of the house, where she saw candles burning through the plate glass window.
William opened the door and came out briskly to her. He picked her up and whirled her around as she laughed. "I missed you!" he said.
"I brought you cake," she said. She slid down until she was standing on her feet again. She pressed her lips against his and kissed him. And realized that only now, did she feel completely and utterly relaxed, safe, and wanted. She sighed with contentment.
"Let's get inside," William said.
"I have a bag in the car, and food."
They got her things and William took her into the kitchen, which was a sparkling white modern laboratory for making food.
"Wow," she said. "Like I felt when I was here before, this place looks too pristine for making dinner."
"That's why I never even try."
"Really?"
"Plus the fact that I can't cook."
"Ah, I see. Did you eat supper?"
"I ate both our leftover lunches."
"Want some coconut cake?"
"I only want you."
She stopped looking in cabinets for plates and turned slowly to smile at him. "That, I think, can be arranged."
"You think so, hmm?" William said as he approached her.
"Yes...but...here? In this kitchen?"
He did look around at that comment and frowned. "You're right. Race you to the bedroom."
She laughed and beat him out the door and up the stairs. They fell onto the bed laughing and in each other's arms.
"I even remembered to get more condoms, while you were away," he said.
She smiled. It had been pretty funny before, watching them both going through her handbag and his wallet looking for one. Surprising herself, she had found one tucked away in the bottom of her bag. Thinking of it, she frowned.
"You didn't go to any store in this town, did you?"
"Are you kidding? I went to the drug store at the mall."
"Good." Then she laughed as she saw boxes of them stacked on the dresser. "Ambitious, are we?"
"A good director believes in preparation," he said.
"So, what scene are we in now?"
"The one where the director just said 'cut' and we're back in real life. No act, no rehearsal, just real life."
"I like that best of all," she said softly. "Hold me for a minute, will you? I want to savor this moment of real life." His arms went around her.
She took in a deep breath and let it out. "I love how it feels, being next to you, your arms holding me."
He reached down and caressed her face with his gentle hand as she rested against his chest. "You know, it's going to be hard to act like nothing is going on between us, and it all starts tomorrow."
"I know. But I don't want everyone talking about us. I want it to be you and me in our own pocket of the universe. Is that selfish or wrong?"
"Not to me it isn't. I think it sounds perfect. We'll just have to be careful."
Beth turned in his arms until she was facing him. "But not tonight. Tonight we don't have to be careful or secret. Tonight it's just us. Make love to me, William."
And he did.
Chapter 6
Morning came with a loud chirping.
"What the...?" Beth woke up and looked groggily around the room. "What is that horribly irritating incessant noise?"
"Alarm," mumbled William from her side. "Cell phone."
"Well, where is it? So we can stop it before I have to smash it to bits?"
"Pants pocket."
She waited for
a second, staring at him, but he didn't move. "Fine, fine, I'll get it." She stumbled out of bed and finally found the phone. When the noise stopped, she sighed loudly.
"Thanks," he muttered.
"No problem, sweetie. Now get up. I need coffee and we can't be late today."
William sat bold upright in bed. "Beth! You're here...I thought I was dreaming."
She stopped pulling on clothes and stared at him. "You thought I was in your dream?"
"Well, you have been in my dreams almost ever since I met you."
She threw her tunic top over her head and then went to sit on the side of the bed by him. "That is about the sweetest thing I've ever heard."
"Beth..." his face reddened as he said it.
"Nope, you can't take it back." She leaned over and kissed him. "Last night was fantastic."
"I agree." He put an arm around her. "Can't we skip work today?"
"You have Milton and Angelo coming in at ten this morning."
"Damn. Okay, the coffee maker is in the cabinet by the refrigerator. I'll be down as soon as I take a shower."
She stood up. "I'll get my coffee. And maybe some cake..."
"Don't you eat my cake!" he yelled after her as she left the room.
In the kitchen she found a Keurig coffee maker and a bunch of k-cups. She had fresh coffee in a minute and sipped it thoughtfully. Gradually a smile spread across her face. She took the coffee with her as she climbed the stairs.
* * * *
William was rinsing shampoo out of his hair when he heard the glass door to the shower open. He whirled around and saw a naked Beth walk inside.
"Want a sip of coffee?" she asked, holding her cup out of the range of spraying water.
"I think I want more than coffee," he said.
She grinned at him and set the cup on a convenient ledge. "That, sir, was my idea, too."
Later, as he dressed in a black turtleneck and suit jacket over black pants, he thought that it might have been the best shower of his life. She was incredible. They were extremely compatible sexually.
She walked into the bedroom, makeup on, and hair brushed to a shining dark brown mass. She was wearing deep purple pants and a red and purple sweater that clung to her body and ended past her hips. He noticed her shoes and raised his eyebrows.
"Beth, you're not wearing boots...I'm stunned."
She swatted at him, but he dodged the hit. "I do have regular shoes. I just happen to love boots. But these shoes are okay." They were a rich brown leather. She put on a gold bangle bracelet and small gold hoops. "Ready."
"Okay then, my dear, let's go face our day. The actress and the director. Nothing going on."
"I'll stop at the Bakery and pick up pastries. See you at the office, Mr. Christopher."
He smiled at her and got one more kiss before they parted for the day. As they each got into their cars, he tried to decide if she had possibly gotten more beautiful since yesterday. Enough, he thought. Time to work.
Driving down the road, he was besieged by images from last night, and this morning in the shower. Hmm. This might be tougher than he'd thought. Pictures of her filled his mind, and he wondered how in hell he was going to be able to work with her. Seeing her on the desk in his office was what came to mind.
"The key is to spend time out of the office, clearly," he said aloud. He proceeded to call Milton and Angelo to schedule the meeting for the Playhouse instead of the office.
* * * *
She met up with Maggie at the Bakery. "Beth, buying breakfast?"
"I thought I'd take some into the office. Ooh, they have apple strudel again. That stuff is fabulous."
"Mom told me you read her the riot act about being in the play," Maggie said. "You're definitely going through with it?"
"Of course I am, and don't tell me you're thinking like Mom was. Let's go sit at a table for a minute while I eat some strudel."
They sat at one of the small round tables inside the Bakery, and Beth began to eat.
Maggie sat down and shook her head, short curls bouncing. "Nope, I didn't agree with Mom. I just wanted to make sure. I think the play is the best thing for you. Getting back to your acting life will help you get past what happened. That creepy director was the aberration, I would think. Mr. Christopher doesn't seem at all like he would go after you, and he's a director, too. Whoa, Beth, you okay?"
"Swallowed...wrong," Beth said, as she choked down her bite of strudel. "Yes, it's like I told Mom, that one thing happening doesn't mean I need to change careers or anything." Beth found herself being very glad she was good at acting. Fortunately, Maggie was changing the subject.
"So I thought to myself, why shouldn't I bring my wonderful brownies too? Berries and shortcake are okay, but we need chocolate don't you think?"
"For what?"
"The family gathering this weekend."
"Oh yeah. Chocolate would be great. Were any of you going to tell me my boss was coming to the dinner, by the way?"
Maggie looked at her guiltily, violet eyes wide. "How did you find out?"
"Yesterday at lunch. William mentioned it. He seemed excited to discuss the Playhouse with everyone. You can imagine that I was surprised."
"Frank was supposed to have told you. He's the one who invited him. He got some silly idea that you and Mr. Christopher have something going on. But I know, Beth. I remember when you stayed that night with us. You mentioned how attractive you found him. I haven't told anyone else that, but you do like him, right?"
"Sure, I do. But he's my director now. Besides, can you imagine trying to start up a love affair in this town?"
Maggie laughed. "No, because everyone will be all over it in a minute. I remember when I found out I was pregnant, everyone knew right away. Of course, that was Maelynne's fault."
"That woman. But that's exactly what I'm talking about. No, I think this is destined not to be." Beth wondered for a moment if she were going overboard, but she wanted to nip this in the bud.
"He is awfully old for you anyway, that's what I've thought all along. Ten years is a big gap."
"Well, I don't think that would matter. But what were you saying about the chocolate?"
Maggie shook her white paper bakery bag. "Just picked up a couple of chocolate donuts. I can't seem to go without chocolate for very long. I'm blaming the pregnancy."
Beth laughed. "Maggie, you've always loved chocolate."
"Well, yeah, but I love it more now. It's the baby. He, or she, must love it, too."
"Yikes, look at the time. I need to get into the office," Beth said, brushing a few crumbs into her napkin to throw away. "Where are you off to?"
"I have a project I'm working on at home. But I think I'd better get more donuts, because Eric wanted one, and there's no way both of these will make it all the way back to my house."
Beth smiled at her sister, thinking Maggie was absolutely cute as a pregnant woman. Of course she knew better than to call Maggie 'cute.'
When she walked into Julia's Place, Julia looked up and smiled. "Hello, Beth. How's it going? You look great, by the way."
"Thanks. You do too, but then you always do, Julia. Want some strudel? I went by the Bakery."
"No, I've had breakfast. Mr. Christopher is already up there at work. He seemed to be in chipper mood today."
"That's good. It's never fun when he's in a bad mood. Oh and so you know, I know he's attending the dinner this weekend."
"You do? Is it okay?"
"Sure, why wouldn't it be?"
Julia fiddled with her hair. "No reason, just...wondered."
"See you later for coffee," Beth said, and then walked up the stairs. She almost giggled, but remembered to stay in character. She had definitely been having fun this morning.
Once in her office, she turned on her computer and then took the bag of pastries to William's office. She knocked once on the partially open door and pushed it further open. "Hi. I brought some apple strudel from the Bakery if you want..." Her voice trailed o
ff as she saw the look in his blue eyes. "Oh...my."
He smiled at her, and she wanted to run to him and kiss him and...no, that wouldn't work at all.
"Pastry sounds...fine."
She advanced to stand in front of his desk and held out the small white box. He reached out for it, and touched her hand gently, caressing it, before he took the pastries. Her whole body tingled.
He gave her a sly look and she knew that he knew exactly the effect his touch was having on her. "You, are terrible," she said in a low-pitched voice.
"Miss Carter, why ever would you say that? Mm, this strudel looks great."
"You know why."
"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. All I want right now is to ravish you on top of this desk."
She gripped the edge of the desk, when her knees suddenly felt weak. "William!" she hissed.
He chuckled. "Yes, I know. Okay, to help us both out, I switched the ten o'clock meeting to the Playhouse, so I'll be out of here from then until lunch."
"Lunch...we'd have an hour."
"You know, that thought had occurred to me," he said, giving her an intense look.
"Meet you at your house at noon?"
"Absolutely."
She shivered. "This is hard."
"You have no idea."
"William!"
He laughed and waved a hand at her. "Out! Get out before I break all the rules."
She smiled at him and went to her office.
The morning seemed interminable to Beth. She was tracking down materials for the sets, as well as fielding calls from the actors about when rehearsals would start. They'd all been told the schedule would be emailed to them by tomorrow, but of course everyone was anxious. It seemed to reassure them that even the leading lady didn't have a schedule yet.
Beth absorbed herself in a report of costs for the final stage of construction at the Playhouse. There were times, she had to admit, when a spreadsheet could be just the thing for diverting the mind.
By ten minutes to twelve she had her keys in her hand, and was heading out the door, when Julia called out to her. "Oh, Beth, I wanted to know if we could have lunch today. I wanted to discuss possibly using the Foundation for providing the costumes."
Beth stopped walking, thinking fast, and turned slowly to Julia. "I would, because that sounds like a great idea. But I have to run to Ernie's after I grab a bite, and you know he's in the next town over. Can we meet about it here, after lunch?"