by Hale, Beth
“Silence!” he thundered.
Norah opened her mouth, and then closed it, looking bewildered.
“Cut!” Thomas yelled. He gave her a disgruntled look. “Problem?”
“I’m sorry, Thomas; I forgot my line.” She rubbed her temples. “God, will this headache ever leave?”
“Fine, let’s take a break. Pop some more medicine and be back in thirty minutes. I want this shot tonight.”
Norah nodded and went to sit down. Emma appeared with three Tylenol, a piece of toast, and a bottle of water. She accepted them gratefully.
“Maybe these’ll knock it out,” Emma said with sympathy. She still remembered the morning after the bonfire.
Norah grimaced. “I hope so. I’m never drinking like that again. At least not until my next birthday.” She raised the water to her lips and spilled some down the front of the red taffeta dress she was wearing. “Fuck.”
“It’s ok,” Emma soothed. “I’ll go find a hairdryer.”
They dealt with the water spot and Norah went back to the set. Thomas gave her a knowing look and hid a grin. He had a headache, too. He gave the signal to begin again.
“Silence!”
“Pray, do not speak to me in that fashion, my lord,” Norah, as Isabella, replied stiffly. “I come before you today to ask for the return of my children.”
“No.”
I am their mother. I miss them.” Emotion thickened her voice. “I would have them with me.”
“The children are well cared for. As your holdings here have been seized, you have not the proper housing for them.”
“If you would but restore—“
“Will you swear allegiance to the Despenser family?”
“Never.”
“Then I fear the children will remain where they are.” He gave her a chilling smile.
“So be it.” Contempt dripped from the words. She curtsied, turned, and walked away.
“And cut!” Thomas beamed. “Finally! And in only six takes.”
Roger took off his crown and ran his fingers through his hair. “Took you blasted long enough.” Before Norah could snap back he grinned at her. “I understand, though. Both Janet and I woke up rather worse for the wear.”
“I want to get in one more scene tonight,” Thomas told them. “We’ll wrap up after that and start up again tomorrow night at eight.”
Norah sighed with relief and went to change her costume.
Chapter 16
“I swear he’s already grown some.” Emma cuddled baby Jake closer. “I’m in love.”
“So are we.” Alison stretched out on the sofa. “I’m glad to be home.”
“I bet. You don’t look like you just had a baby.” Alison’s waist was tiny again and her eyes shone with happiness.
“You’re sweet to say so. Jesus, I’m sore. The C-section played hell on my tummy muscles.”
Jack and Jacob came back in the room from inspecting Jacob’s new horse. “I expect you back at work next Monday,” he told her.
“Bite your tongue,” she returned glibly and grinned. “I’ll be back when Jake is three months old and not a day before.”
He grinned back. “Sure, put the baby ahead of me. I see where your loyalties lie.”
Alison laughed, and then caught her breath. “Oh, that hurts.”
Jacob ran a hand over her blond hair. “Would you like to stay for tea?” he asked. When they nodded, he excused himself and went to set the kettle to boil.
Jake began to make mewling noises and nuzzled at Emma’s breast. “Sorry, little guy,” she told him. “Mine don’t work.” She passed him to his mother and Alison began to walk out of the room.
“Where’re you going?” Jack asked her.
“To nurse him. Unless you’d rather me do it here?” She reached for the buttons on her blouse and raised an eyebrow.
Jack’s ears turned red. “Err, no. Sorry. Go, go on.”
Alison laughed. “Whatever will you do when
your future wife has your future children?” She hummed to the baby as she walked out.
Jack glanced at Emma, who looked back at him with dancing eyes. “It’s not funny.”
“You’d laugh, too, if you’d seen your face.”
“It’s Alison,” he defended himself. “I’m not supposed to see her…her chest.
“So that’s what flustered you,” she teased. “I thought it was the mention of your future children.”
“Yes, well. I’ve not been around many children. They make me nervous.” He gave her a considering look. “You seem very much at ease with baby Jake. Do you want children?”
“I do. Someday. Don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t know what to do with one.”
Emma laughed. “You’d love it, of course. Feed it, bathe it, and hope it would grow up to be healthy and happy.” Jacob came back wheeling a tea tray. She moved to help him serve.
Jack looked at her and an image formed in his mind of Emma rocking their child and smiling. There was a clutch in his chest when he realized the image pleased him.
***
“Won’t you stay and eat with us?” Alison pleaded.
“We don’t want to tire you, little mother.” There was fatigue in her eyes. Jack kissed her cheek and shook Jacob’s hand. “Get some rest,” he told them. “I’ll come again in a few days.”
“You, as well?” Alison asked Emma as they
hugged.
“I’ll try,” she promised. She smiled at Jacob and slid into the passenger side of Jack’s car.
“James texted and asked if we’d like to join him and Anna at Vivendo’s.” It began to rain and Jack turned on the wipers.
“I’d rather stab myself with a fork,” she replied pleasantly and Jack let out a bark of laughter. “Don’t get me wrong,” she continued with a smile. “Anna’s nice. But the fluff between her ears annoys me.”
“That’s blunt.” He laughed again. “But I have to agree. I’ll tender our regrets then. Is there anything you’d like to do?”
“I’m tired,” she admitted. “Can we just go home and watch a movie? Maybe order pizza?”
“That sounds wonderful.” They drove the rest of the way in silence as the rain continued to fall.
***
“Nora’s sausage, Jack’s works, and my peperoni” Emma passed the food around while Norah poured Chianti.
“This is a far cry from the last time we shared a meal, Jack. Emma’s not running away from you now.”
“No.” He grinned as he munched. “I’ve talked her around.”
“Oh, please.” Emma put Dances with Wolves into the DVD player. She picked up her plate and settled beside Jack on the sofa. “I wasn’t running. I was…deciding.”
“Sure,” Norah agreed sarcastically.
She scowled. “The movie’s starting.” Norah threw back her head and laughed.
When the food had been cleared away, and
another movie started, Emma sat beside Jack, threw her legs over his and dropped her head on his shoulder. “Comfy,” she decided with a contented sigh.
Norah was curled up in the armchair. “I love Indiana Jones,” she commented. “He always makes me want to find a sexy archeologist.”
“I know what you mean. There’s just something about the way he flicks that whip.” The women shared a laugh when Jack’s head turned sharply.
Norah stretched and pulled a blanket over her legs. “Have you talked to Chris lately?”
“Mmm. He called this morning; his new play was picked up and he’s beyond excited. I think he’s met someone, too. He mentioned a Luke several times.”
“That’s nice. Have his parents came around yet?”
Emma frowned. “No. I don’t know if they ever will. It’s not an easy thing to accept, I guess.”
“He’s lucky he has you then,” Jack commented.
“I love him,” she replied, her eyes softening. “He’s family.” She tapped a hand over her heart. Jack smiled at her and ran
his fingers through her hair. Their attention returned to the movie.
When the ending credits began to roll across the screen, Norah stood and yawned. “It’s time for bed. Want me to wake her up?” She nodded towards Emma.
“Jack looked down. “No,” he answered. “She looks so peaceful; I’ll sit here a bit longer before I interrupt her dreams.” Norah tucked the blanket around them both, turned off the lamp, and made her way upstairs.
It was almost a half hour later when Jack’s arm went numb. He gently shook Emma and she opened her eyes.
She stared at him groggily. “What?”
“Come on, love. Let’s get you into bed.” She stood and let him lead her up the stairs. Being so tired, along with good food and wine and a quiet evening, had conspired to make her stupid with sleep.
He led her up the stairs and into her bedroom. She managed to take off her pants, and Jack stripped her shirt off her and slid a nightgown over her head. She smiled at him as she lay down and he slipped in beside her. She turned on her side and was asleep again before his arm came around her.
Chapter 17
Jack stood by the bed and looked at Emma. She was still sound asleep, laying on her back with one arm flung up beside her head and the other draped across her waist.
She was beautiful. He was beginning to realize, more and more, that he didn’t want to be without her. He wanted to go to bed with her every night, to hold her while they dreamed. To see her dark hair curled across his pillow.
He wondered if it was love.
He went downstairs and found Norah in the kitchen reading the paper. She looked up when he came in. “Morning.”
“Good morning.” He poured a cup of coffee and joined her at the table. He rubbed a hand over his face and felt the stubble. “I need a shave.”
“I don’t know. You look even sexier with a beard.” Norah sat back and studied him. “I bet Emma would agree.”
“I can’t believe she’s still asleep.”
“She’s worn out. She’s been running hard, taking care of me. I’m not the easiest person to work for,” she admitted with a smile.
“She seems to handle it pretty well.”
“Emma is by far the best assistant I’ve had. She keeps track of everything and keeps me in line.”
“May I ask you something?” When Norah nodded, Jack continued. “Has Emma seemed sad to you these past few days?”
“She has,” Norah replied. “She hasn’t talked to you?”
“No. At first I assumed it was because we ran into her ex-husband the day before your party. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“Ryan was here?” Norah sat back, surprised. “She never mentioned it.”
“He really shook her, I could tell.” Anger rose in him again. “She was ready to cry when I saw them.”
“He’s a real bastard. He did nothing but tear her down. I thought she’s gotten over most of it, though.”
“All I know is she’s changed a bit since then. Quieter, a bit withdrawn. I’ve wondered if it’s something I’ve done.” He frowned into his cup. “I thought she might’ve told you what’s troubling her.”
Norah remembered their conversation and knew. “I think I know why. But,” she said as Jack’s eyes snapped up to hers, “it’s her place to tell you. She will, Jack, once it’s sorted out in her mind.” She patted his hand reassuringly as Emma staggered into the kitchen still wearing her nightgown.
Emma scooped her tangled hair out of her face. “Coffee,” she whimpered and Norah laughingly complied. She took a healthy gulp and looked at Jack. “Did I really sleep that long?”
“I’m afraid so, darling.”
“Are you as stiff as I am?” She flexed her back. “If so, then I’m sorry for trapping you while I slept like the dead.”
“I enjoyed holding you all night.” When Emma smiled, he teased, “Even if you did snore louder than James sleeping off a drunk.”
“I do not snore,” she replied. “Do I?” She turned to Norah.
Norah threw up her hands. “Oh, no, you’re not
dragging me into this one. Do you have plans today?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. Let’s hit the stores again, then go get seriously pampered at a spa.”
“That sounds great,” Emma agreed with enthusiasm. She looked at Jack. “If that’s all right with you?”
“Of course. While you two ladies are enjoying yourselves, I believe I’ll go home and catch up on laundry.”
“Exciting,” Emma grinned as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left.
***
“Oh, God,” Emma groaned as the masseuse’s
fingers dug into her shoulders.
“You’re very tense, Ms. Payne.” The man kept massaging. “Would you like to add another fifteen minutes to your session and then follow with a heated oil treatment?”
“Emma, please. What’s that?”
“We anoint the area with lavender oils, which sooth the senses, and wrap it with heated cloths. The heat penetrates the skin, helping the oils absorb. It aids in relaxation.”
“That sounds great; let’s go for it.”
“As you wish.” He moved lower and began to work on her legs. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift with the pleasure.
“Ms. Payne…Emma.” She felt someone gently
shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes and the
masseuse was smiling at her. “You fell asleep.” He
helped her sit up, being careful to keep her covered
with the sheet.
“Wow. I’m sorry.” She raised a hand to smooth back her hair and realized all the stiffness was gone. “Wow,” she said again. “You’re great with your hands.”
The dark haired man actually turned pink and he lowered his brown eyes. “Um. Thank you. I hope you feel better.”
“I do. I think that hot oil treatment worked, even if I did sleep through it. What’s your name?”
“Anthony.” He handed her one of the spa’s signature soft yellow robes.
“If I ever come here again, Anthony, I’ll request you.” She smiled at him and his smile flashed in return.
“I believe Ms. Jackson is waiting for you; you’re to have a facial next.” Anthony closed the door behind him and waited.
Emma let the sheet fall and wrapped herself in the long robe. She shoved her feet into the matching yellow slippers and joined Anthony in the hall. She followed him down a hallway lined with plush cream colored carpet and pale blue walls.
He opened a door on the left and ushered Emma ahead of him. Norah was already there, wearing a matching robe and stretched out in a chaise. She smiled when she saw her friend.
“You look rested,” she greeted her.
“I am.” Emma let Anthony lead her to the chaise beside Norah’s and plump the pillow for her.
“I’ll come for you when the session is up,” he told her, “and escort you to the dining area.”
Emma nodded and he left. She lay down and rested her hands on her stomach. “This is one of your better ideas. I actually fell asleep during the massage.”
“I’m not surprised. You’ve been running wide
open since we met up, and if you’re not focused on that then you’re with Jack. Beyond that, I know you’ve had a lot on your mind.”
Norah paused as two small, Asian women entered the room and moved to begin working their magic on them. They were exfoliated and treated to a face and neck massage. Their faces were deep cleansed and patted dry with fluffy towels. After the final layer of moisturizer had been rubbed in, and the women were satisfied with their work, they smiled and left.
Norah sat up and rubbed her cheek. “Like a baby’s butt, “she drawled in an exaggerated Southern accent.
Emma laughed. “Yes,” she agreed, stroking the smooth, supple skin of her own face. “This place is fantastic. What’s next?”
“We’ll eat and then go to the steam baths. Our evening rounds out with man
i-pedis.”
“Great.” They stood and followed Anthony as he led them down another hall and into the dining room. After seating them and beckoning a waiter, he left with another promise to return.
“What are you having?” Emma asked as they looked at the menus and the waiter hovered.
“The baked salmon and an ice water.”
“I’ll try the lobster bisque. And water with lemon, please.” Emma snapped the menu shut and handed it their server. He nodded and hurried off to place their orders.
She scanned the room, which was half full with women-and a couple of men-all wearing yellow robes. “Oh, my God. That’s Marilyn Summers.”
“Who?” Norah reached for a breadstick.
“She plays Dr. Becca Tucker on that soap opera Mama likes. Only One Life. She watches it religiously.”
“Oh. I’ve never watched it.”
Emma shrugged. “It’s ok. Some good actors, but sometimes the plots get downright ridiculous.”
Their food was placed on the table and Emma spooned soup. She hummed her appreciation while Norah took a second bite of her fish.
“It’s good,” she said. Then, “Why didn’t you tell me you saw Ryan?”
The question caught Emma off guard. Her spoon clattered against the bowl. “I guess I didn’t want to bother you. You’re working so hard, and I don’t want to….trouble you…with my problems.”
“I am your friend,” Norah pointed out. “No matter how hectic it becomes while I’m filming, or if we’re on hiatus, I will always be here for you to talk to.”
“I know,” Emma sighed. “But after, I just felt so stupid for letting him get to me. Again.”
“Tell me about it.” She forked more fish.
“We were shopping. Jack and I. He went inside to buy a present for Alison and I heard someone call my name. I turned around and sure enough, there stood Ryan.” Emma spooned more soup, let it drizzle back into the bowl.
“He looked just the same as the night I met him, as the night he left me. Just as gorgeous and well dressed. And there I was, in jeans and an old sweater. It didn’t matter that I was wearing a fabulous coat. My hair pulled up again. All I could think was ‘Oh, God, he’s not gonna like what I’m wearing.” Her voice cracked a bit and she looked away.