by Sasha Combs
Now Hamilton was digging in his other pocket, searching for what? Audrey bit lightly on her lower lip, then she said...
“Did you lose your cigarette case again?”
“I didn’t lose the other case.” He corrected her. “I left it on the plane.”
“Did you leave your cigarette case on the plane?” she said, pretending to mock him. Hamilton laughed, then he reached for her wrist. Raising her hand, he took a deep long drag from her cigarette. He inhaled the smoke filling his lungs, then when he released it, he tilted his head back, blowing out the smoke along with a moan. Audrey said with a smile...
“When was your last ciggy?”
“I don’t know. Twelve... Maybe thirteen hours ago. Maybe more.” He said with a sigh.
She did some quick mental math, then she said in stunned surprise.
“You haven’t had a cigarette since leaving LA, this morning?”
Hamilton frowned then he said...
“That sounds about right.” He’d been so concerned after talking to Precious last night. Then, when he arrived at the airport early this morning, he’d smoke one cigarette to calm his nerves. Since being with Precious, not once had he thought about smoking.
“Man, O man, you’ve got it bad.” Audrey said but her smile eased from her face and her smirky grin turned into a concerned expression.
One side of Hamilton’s mouth turned up into a half smile. Audrey knew him better than most, and he’d stopped trying to hide things from her. It wasn’t worth the effort on his part. He said...
“Tell Milt, I want the Sinclair matter to be his top priority. Whatever he’s working on.... Tell him to pass it on to someone else. I want him to spin whatever he can in Precious Sinclair’s favor. Do you get my meaning?” He asked. Audrey smiled, and he knew that she got more than just his meaning.
“Sure Hamilton. I’ll light a fire under Milt and if that doesn’t work. I’ll personally go to his office, and I’ll make him wish that he’d never met me.”
He smiled because Audrey had only one allegiance at his family’s company; and her loyalty was solely on his side. He looked at her cigarette, wanting to take another drag on it. She raised her hand, but he thought better of it and he waved her off.
He looked over her shoulder as another plane was being fueled, then he said...
“Are we changing planes?”
“Yes. You’re also changing pilots. New regulations...remember?”
He remembered. His father demanded that the pilots work no more than twelve hours. His pilot was way over due, because of him. Actually, his pilot had put in the extra hours because his conference with Precious had turned into something else. He frowned because just thinking about her name fueled a physical reaction. As they flew from Detroit, to LA; he’d wanted to reach across the isle and take her hand into his. He’d sensed her nervousness but his body had surprised him with its reaction. All it had taken was that one little bump in the isle, and his length had immediately stiffened. After his erection had finally eased up, Hamilton had felt ashamed. He couldn’t risk touching her again. He wasn’t sure what his body would do if he held her hand. He could see her father in his minds eye and he recalled his promises. He told himself that Precious wasn’t with him to fulfill his desires. As much as he wanted that to be the case, it wasn’t and he’d have to accept that fact.
He inhaled, then he said...
“Did you have any problems getting her the clothing that she’ll need?”
“Not a problem. The bags are on the plane as we speak.”
Hamilton turned back to the plane where Precious sat waiting for him. He spotted her staring at him through the window. She turned her head, pretending not to care and in that blink he knew that she did. She’d been watching him. When he turned back, Audrey was handing him a breath mint.
“One final reminder.” She said, while glancing at Precious who was staring at them again. “Please don’t forget to call Sammy. And please, please don’t forget to call Bobby.”
He smiled and said... “I will.”
Precious looked at her hands. Her fingers were trembling out of jealous nervousness. Where had that feeling come from? She stared at hands betraying her secret. As she considered this absurd notion; she choked back a laugh, disregarding the clandestine word. Truth be told, by the way Hamilton regarded her; she suspected he already sensed her interest in him. Precious could recall, with vivid clarity, the day and time the allure had been seeded. When she walked into the hotel suite, meeting Hamilton for the first time; there had beed an immediate attraction. Nothing overt, but the telling signs had been there. Notwithstanding a few accidental bumps and easygoing stares; during this past year her longings were best described as lingering thoughts and harmless daydreaming. Until now, Precious had never allowed her true feelings to surface. She reasoned, being out of her element; her desires had overtaken her, thereby flexing muscles, and unsheathing claws. She lowered her eyes, willing to accept this as her explanation but her savvy reasoning did not address her current feelings of possessiveness. She didn’t like the way Hamilton’s assistant flirted with him. She didn’t like that he’d smoked from her cigarette. The act of sharing the same filter tip on a cigarette; the gestures was akin to sharing a kiss. She wondered if his assistant was more than just his second set of hands or was she something far more important to him? Then there was that breath mint. The idea that she’d known in advance that he would need one. What did that say about their relationship? Precious didn’t know and she supposed, the breath mint explained why she’d never smelled cigarette smoke on his breath. Man, she thought to herself; she had never pegged Hamilton to be a smoker.
Her mind muddled on until she heard the sound of shoes walking up the planes steps. Then she saw Hamilton entering the cabin.
“We won’t be here much longer. The pilot is just waiting to receive his clearance from the control tower. We’ll be taking that plane over there.”
Hamilton leaned across her, pointing out the side window nearest to her. When he did this, his body brushed between Precious and the seat in front of her. He’d wedged himself into the space without thinking and the mistake had cost him plenty. A rush of adrenaline flooded his system, right along with a burst of testosterone. When he smelled the fruity fragrance of her shampoo, his brain created pictures of Precious naked in her shower with soapy water running down her shoulders then teetering along the peaks of her breast. He had to close his eyes for a second because the mental image was making him dizzy. When he straightened, he purposely made light of what he’d just done. In other words; Hamilton pretended that their brief contact had not happened. He thought this was the best course of action and he asked himself, how many more times would he have to play this mental game with himself.
Hamilton stepped back. He held out his arm, gesturing for her to lead the way out of the cabin.
“After you.” He said. She stood and while she walked Precious said...
“I didn’t see any luggage. Did your assistant have time to buy me some clothes?”
“Yes.” He said as he followed behind, watching her rear as she walked. As he stared at her from this vantage point, he questioned the wisdom in what he was doing. Hamilton didn’t fault himself for admiring her behind. In the past, his casual glances had always been innocent and his cursory glimpses had satisfied his hidden desire. Looking at her had never been a problem but he did fear being alone with her. This would be a test because since knowing Precious, Hamilton had always manufactured reasons that would keep a respectable distance between them. Back then, he’d told himself, it wouldn’t be wise to get involved with a cast member linked to one of his shows. Then, after he learned more about Precious; he’d told himself that his interest in her might affect her relationship with Stone Norris. When the show first aired, she’d still been dating Stone. However, a few weeks into the production; Precious had mysteriously ended their romance. Then she went on a string of casuals dates, and each time she told the men that sh
e was not interested in anything longterm or serious. Hamilton had not understood her reason for saying this and he still didn’t understand her aversion to marriage. For the most part, he’d found Precious to be extremely alluring, and her mystique had captured his full attention. But he knew underneath her exterior, something else lie waiting and he curiously wanted to explore all that made her Amelia Precious Sinclair. Hamilton had even made several trips to the city, even though those trips were completely unnecessary, but he’d found himself making these trips all the same. Even then he’d told himself that he was treading along a slippery slope but he’d been able to maintain his balance. But now he was breaking one of his cardinal rules by getting to involved with her. This was a matter for his public relations department to deal with. But, despite his better judgment, Hamilton was taking Precious to a place where they would be alone and she would be out of the publics eye. What was the word he’d used? Yes, he thought to himself; as he tried to find reason in this debacle. Isolation, that was the word he’d used. But where was the wisdom in this? He asked himself this question but Hamilton did not have any answers. He strolled over to the plane, watching as she glared at Audrey, but his assistant had been busy doing her job. Making calls and tying up his loose ends. Audrey had not seen Miss Sinclair’s dagger stares. On the inside, Hamilton was smiling. He liked that she was jealous and the sensation settled in a part of his heart. He didn’t know if he had the right to be happy over this; but he took pleasure in knowing that she cared and the emotion sure felt good.
While seated on the plane, in the rear, there were three bags unzipped for Precious to glance over. Hamilton had asked his assistant to see to this. After the way she’d stared at Audrey, he wanted to assure Precious that his assistant had more than adequately performed her job. Precious leafed through the open suitcases, pealing back slacks, shorts, teeshirts, sweatshirts and outdoor gear. There were a few sundresses and the undergarments were more along the line of utilitarian. God forbid that his assistant would buy her something lacy and feminine. That would be asking too much of her, Precious had thought. When she lifted her head, she spotted Audrey and Hamilton huddled, with their heads together, seated in the front of the plane. He was signing documents, and speaking to her in a low voice. Then with a clap of his hand, he raised his head, tilting to look at her.
“Is everything to your satisfaction?” he asked and Precious wondered what did he expect her to say. ‘No, it is not’, right in front of his assistant. So instead, she faked a smile and said...
“Yes, these things will do.”
Audrey’s brow rose a tad, then she looked at Hamilton. Precious supposed that the perky woman was looking for his approval. Hamilton grinned at her, then he said...
“Thanks Audrey.”
Audrey stood, straightening out her short skirt as she did this. It was a practiced move and Precious rolled her eyes, pretending not to notice. The woman was wiggling and giggling like a bowl of jelly. Nothing infuriated her more than women who refused to use their brains instead of their bodies to advance in their field. Precious zipped closed the suitcases then she stood. She peered around the plane looking to see where she would sit. Currently, she didn’t want to be anywhere near those two. While she did this, she heard his assistant when she said...
“Remember to keep your phone charged. The solar panels are with your luggage. Also...” Audrey smiled when she said...
“Don’t forget to call...” she left the question hanging, causing him to laugh.
“I know, I know. You don’t have to keep reminding me.”
“I’m trying to keep you out of trouble.” Audrey joined him in their laughter. While these two joked, Precious wanted to thrust a finger down her throat to trigger a gag. They were sounding like an old married couple. She didn’t know this woman, but the idea of Audrey playing and flirting with Hamilton; well, the thought made her sick to her stomach. Precious turned her head to the window but there wasn’t anything interesting to look at. Only the silver painted wall in the hanger and the Gantry Production Company logo.
Hamilton said...
“Keep the machine running while I’m away Audrey. And keep me informed.”
“Will do.” Audrey said, then she left the plane.
Precious could hear the sound of Hamilton’s foot falls as he approached her.
“Settled in?” With two words; his voice veiled her like soft downy velvet. A sound so comforting, it made her body unwind, relaxing into the curve of her seat. Precious cleared her throat, then she said...
“Yes.”
“Good.”
He buckled in, taking the seat across from her. She noticed that he carried a laptop. He lay the computer on his lap, powering it up once he was seated. Hamilton’s fingers tapped across the keys. Man, she wished she had something to occupy her time. Precious fixed her gaze on the headrest attached to the seat in front of her, then she said...
“Could you please thank your assistant for me.”
Hamilton lifted his eyes. His brows furrowed, because he was confident her thanks had already been conveyed. Precious gestured her head to the rear of the plane.
“The suitcase. She didn’t forget anything. Clothes, undergarments, shoes, toiletries... It’s all there. Could you thank her for me?”
He smiled, saying...
“Audrey’s the best. Best assistant I’ve ever had.”
“But you will thank her...won’t you?”
He frowned, not sure where this insistence was coming from, but he nodded.
“Sure Precious... I’ll let her know that you appreciate her thoroughness.”
“Thanks Hamilton. That means a lot to me.”
Precious didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings. Any woman in Audrey’s position would comprehend her gratitude. By telling Audrey that she appreciates all that she did; in fact, Precious would be reminding Audrey of her duty. By saying thank you, Precious would be putting Audrey in her proper place as an employee working for Hamilton Gantry.
She sat back in her seat, much calmer than she’d been earlier when Audrey had still been on the plane. As the jet was being pushed out of the hanger, then it straightened out using its own power. Precious exhaled, because soon they would be up in the sky, leaving LA and Audrey behind. In a little while, it would be just her and Hamilton. The man that had filled her dreams from the moment they first met. A week ago, she would never have pictured anything quite like this.
The plane did a quick up, then down maneuver. Its nose barely straightened out, before it pointed its wings back to the ground. Their short journey landed them in San Francisco. Precious didn’t even see any clouds during their rapid rise and descent. When they landed, the plane followed the towers directions, taking them to another Gantry hanger. But this time, instead of seeing planes, Precious saw a large black SUV with tinted windows. She looked over at Hamilton and he was busy logging off his computer. He spoke while he did this.
“We’re driving from here.”
“Driving where?”
“Outside of San Francisco. Actually, it’s quite a ways outside of the city. A little known place that I’m certain you’ve never heard of before.”
“Try me. Maybe I have.”
“Trust me... You haven’t.”
“I’ll bet your assistant knows. I’ll bet you tell her everything.”
Hamilton rested his elbow on the armrest. The pilot had throttled down the planes engine, bringing it to a stop. He peered at Precious through narrow eyes, when he said...
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, that I’m sure there are no secrets between you two. I saw the way she talked to you. Not like any assistant I’ve ever seen...and believe me, I’ve seen plenty.”
“I’m sure you have Precious... But I think you’ve confused me with someone else. My relationship with Audrey is strictly professional.”
“Professionals don’t allow their bosses to share their cigarettes.”
During their short flight, Precious had sat quiet with idle hands. Across from her, Hamilton focused on his work; choosing not to talk. With nothing constructive to occupy her mind; her thoughts drifted away like an untethered bird. In her brain, Precious had conjured up images of Audrey and that damn cigarette. She still couldn’t get the picture out of her head.
Hamilton frowned, because he’d allowed his habit to govern his behavior. At the time, when he inhaled from Audrey’s cigarette; he’d needed the nicotine to curb rough edges that were beginning to show. He’d not prepared himself to be alone with Precious, and her nearness had already begun to take its toll. Yet, now he was regretting that he’d stolen a puff from Audrey’s cigarette. When his assistant had offered him his own smoke, Hamilton had refused. As much as he wanted to fill his lungs with the nicotine; he couldn’t think clearly knowing that Precious was staring at him.
Hamilton drew in an exasperated breath but his deep inhale had been wrongly interpreted. Precious threw up her hands saying...
“I’m sorry. Excuse my behavior. I’m out of line and I shouldn’t have said that.”
He quickly corrected her.
“No, no... You’re not out of line but you have misinterpreted my relationship with Audrey. Look Precious. What you saw today... Well, yes... Audrey and I are rather close. Closer than most assistants are with their bosses. She’s been with me for six years and yes... I do trust her with most of my secrets but more times than not; the information pertains to my work. As for my personal life... If Audrey knows something about me; she knows it because I’ve chosen to tell her. She manages my calendar so it is important that she recognizes when a situation will affect my schedule.”
Precious wasn’t sure what her face looked like, because in her heart, the feeling was blank. She still couldn’t get one picture out of her mind. The way Audrey stared at him. She knew the look because on more than one occasion, she’d caught herself staring at Hamilton Gantry and she’d seen other women doing the same thing. She knew there had to be more that he wasn’t willing to reveal to her. But she also reminded herself; Hamilton’s personal life wasn’t any of her business. She heard this repeating chorus in her brain, then she said...