by Every, Donna
Every year the band met at the beginning of the year with the management and PR team to discuss what they had planned for the year. They were supposed to meet on the first weekend of the year in Los Angeles. He’d call Steve and wish him Happy New Year and see if that was still on.
Steve’s phone rang for several times before he finally answered, sounding as if he was still in bed.
“Happy New Year, man,” Tim said cheerfully. “You sound as if you’re still in bed.”
“Tim? That’s because I am.” Steve sounded rough. “I’m on holiday in Barbados.”
Tim sat up. So Steve had been at Nick’s party. He’d have to tread carefully.
“I just wanted to touch base before I check into rehab tomorrow. I want to start my year right.”
“That’s great news, man!”
“Yeah. Sarah’s happy too. You guys still getting together this weekend to discuss plans for the year?”
Steve hesitated. “Yeah.”
“OK, well tell the others hello for me. I guess you’re going to the same hotel as usual?”
“Yeah, man. You know they have the best spa and food,” Steve joked.
“OK. All the best.”
He ended the call and quickly scrolled through his contacts to find another name: Angel Bell. He laughed. She was no angel. She was perfect for his plan. They’d met when he was at the same retreat a few years before. She was a wanna-be actress who had come on to Nick at the time when he was trying to be faithful to Patti and he hadn’t been too kind in putting her off. She must have caught him on one of his bad days. Tim was thankful that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. Angel had run into him after leaving Nick and was furious with Nick’s rejection. Tim had soothed her ruffled feathers that night and, since then, he’d called her whenever they were in town.
He’d already contacted her after the holidays to prep her about his plans. He’d promised her to talk to a producer he knew in Hollywood and see if he could get her connected. That and $10,000 was her price.
He pressed her number and she answered after the first ring as if she’d been waiting for his call.
“Show time, baby. I need you to get ready to act as if you’re auditioning for the last part in Hollywood and you’ll die if you don’t get it...Yes. They’re coming next weekend and staying at the same place. It’s up to you to get into his room with the stuff and do your part. I’ve already spoken to my friend and given him your contact information. Once it’s done, I’ll wire the money to you.”
Chapter 30
Nick was never one to wallow in self-pity and he couldn’t have gotten as far as he had in the industry if he didn’t have determination, so he saw Shari’s refusal as a temporary setback and didn’t put any pressure on her. Later that day, the group had lazed around, challenging each other to make outrageous resolutions and recovering from the party the night before.
The other couples were leaving on the 3rd so they’d planned to see a bit of the island the next day. The agents had arranged a van to pick them up for the tour and then drop them to cruise on one of the catamarans where they’d be able to swim with the turtles. He knew that Shari would enjoy that.
When the others left, they would get out of the villa and spend the day at the museum and George Washington House, which was close to the museum, to explore the history of Barbados some more. That would definitely be a better idea than hanging around the swimming pool with Shari in a bikini or some other tempting swimwear. This was harder than when he was trying to be faithful to Patti. At least then he was busy all the time, playing at concerts or rehearsing so that he would literally drop into his bed at the end of the day.
Now, he was on holiday and had nothing pressing to do other than think of all the more pleasurable things he could be doing with Shari. It wasn’t that he only thought of her in physical terms, but it was more a case of when you denied yourself something it became the biggest thing occupying your mind. He needed to refocus. He was sorry that he hadn’t brought a guitar with him because he could at least get out some of the music and songs that were knocking around in his head.
Brad had breached the no work rule to remind him about the retreat the next weekend. He had actually forgotten about it, although they had been doing it for a few years now. Shari was really messing with his head. He should talk to them about changing the venue. It was getting a little tired going to the same place every year and he didn’t need the constant reminder of how he’d flown off at that girl who had come on to him. He couldn’t even remember her name, but it hadn’t been a pretty scene.
It was at one of his lowest times when he’d been trying to be faithful to Patti but could already see the writing on the wall and was feeling that he’d failed in his marriage again. The last thing he had needed was some wanna-be star trying to get into his bed and he’d freaked out on her. He’d been Mr. Hyde to the max.
Thankfully, Tim had seemed to pick up the pieces which had eased his guilt a bit. He wondered if she’d ever made it in Hollywood.
For their last night together, Nick and Shari returned to George Washington House, which they had visited previously, for a special theatrical dinner show called Dinner with George. In 1751, George Washington had stayed at that house for six weeks on his only trip outside of the US and so it had become a famous landmark in Barbados. It had been beautifully restored and furnished to replicate the time of his visit.
Nick and Shari were drawn to the dinner show since it only catered to thirty people and so was less public than eating at a restaurant, although there were several award-winning ones in the island they could choose from. They were looking forward to the 5-course 18th century dinner served by waiters in traditional dress. The meal was accompanied by a number of fine wines as well as rum and local juices, but Nick drank very little, choosing to keep a clear head. Shari, on the other hand, appeared to be less cautious, having wine with her dinner and then adventurously sampling the rum punch that was being offered.
Nick enjoyed the theatrical dinner, but couldn’t keep his eyes off Shari. Tonight she was wearing another red dress, but this time with spaghetti straps and a draped neckline. It was quite modest compared to dresses that he’d seen other women wear, but her exposed shoulders and neck were doing a number on him. How pathetic he had become where a woman’s shoulders were stirring him. Not just any woman’s; Shari’s. Maybe that was the difference.
“That show was amazing. I love Barbados!” Shari declared enthusiastically and rather loudly as she wrapped her arm in Nick’s and made her way unsteadily to the taxi. “I don’t feel like going back home.” She added as they settled into the back seat of the luxury car.
“I know what you mean. I have to go to a retreat that we have at the beginning of every year to discuss the year ahead. I can’t find any enthusiasm for it, to tell the truth. I want to do something meaningful with my life.”
“That’s great!”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said. I can donate musical instruments to kids so that they can learn how to play and create music and I can also talk to them about my experiences, the dangers of drugs and stuff like that. I’ll bring it up at the retreat. Lily will probably love it but I won’t let her use it for PR. It’s not about that.” He now sounded more enthusiastic about going.
“That sounds wonderful, Nick. So many kids will be impacted by that and Lily will be thrilled. Where’s the retreat?”
“In Hollywood, though Lord knows why we keep going there. I plan to talk to Brad and Lily about moving it to another location. That one is getting tired.”
“Your documentary will probably air in a couple of weeks because it’s just about finished except for the bit at your parents’. I think that part alone will give the public a different perspective of you, as it gave me. Nick Badley, the family man. I’m sorry Brian wasn’t there to capture some of those moments. And you looked so cute in your family videos.” She pinched his cheek to emphasize her point.
“I believe
you’ve had too much to drink, Shari.” Nick said with an indulgent smile.
“Too much to drink? Really Nick, I’m a good girl. I never drink too much. Besides, I know that ‘wine is a mocker and…’ ” She couldn’t remember the rest of the quote. Nick laughed as she trailed off, puckering her forehead in concentration.
“Just as well that you’re with me and no one else. I would never take advantage of you in an inebriated state. You know that I would never force you to do anything against your will.” Nick looked at her intently. He wanted her to know that in spite of his many shortcomings he was no Tim.
“I know that, Nick. I trust you completely in that regard. It’s me that I’m having difficulty trusting,” she confessed, giving a self-deprecating laugh.
“In vino veritas. A weapon for my arsenal.”
“Believe me, you don’t need any more weapons in your arsenal. I’m on the brink of surrender. The only thing that is keeping me honest is probably my mother praying for me.”
“I love your honesty, Shari. That’s what drew me to you even before your hot bod.” He pretended to leer at her bosom. Shari rolled her eyes.
She loved when Nick was playful like this. He seemed to be everything she wanted in a man. Why couldn’t he see what was keeping them apart?
Nick closed the door of the villa behind them and locked it. He had given the staff the night off since he and Shari would be out for dinner and the others had left.
“I can’t believe that we have to get up at five in the morning to get to the airport on time,” groaned Shari dramatically.
Nick laughed. “I’m the one who’s usually going to bed at five not getting up, so think how hard this is for me.”
“Don’t remind me,” advised Shari. She knew the kind of hours that Nick kept when he was on the road.
“If you go to bed now you can still get about seven hours of sleep. I think I’ll have a drink on the patio before I turn in.”
“I’ll join you for a while, although I think I’ll pass on the drink. How much wine did I have, anyway?” She had felt a little dizzy when they’d stood up to leave the restaurant. “I’m sure those waiters kept refilling my glass when I was engrossed in the show.”
“It was probably more the rum punch you had at the end.”
“Why did I drink that?” She groaned. “It was delicious, but now I feel terrible.” She collapsed on a lounge chair by the pool.
It was a beautiful night; quite cool by Barbadian standards as it was the colder time of the year. Shari rubbed her hands up and down her arms as a slightly chilly breeze disturbed the nearby trees.
“Cold?” asked Nick, settling down next to her on the wide lounge chair and drawing her close. You really think you can do this? He asked himself.
“Not anymore,” she said contentedly, snuggling into his warmth. “I really enjoyed this time in Barbados, Nick. Thank you so much for inviting me.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Shari. It was definitely my pleasure. Speaking of pleasure, this might be a good time to call it a night before things go south.”
“OK,” Shari agreed.
Nick swung his legs to the deck and started to get up. He should never have looked back at Shari as she lay there not moving in spite of agreeing to go to bed. One of her straps slid down her shoulder, creating unwanted images in Nick’s mind of what would happen if he pushed the other one down. He groaned silently and turned to get up.
“Nick, I feel ill,” she cried plaintively. “Can you take me to my room?”
Was she for real? This was going to be torture. Talk about the dangers of drinking! If he ever had a daughter she would never be allowed to drink, especially if she went out on a date. Under normal conditions Shari would never have dangled temptation before him like this.
“Sure, Shari, but please don’t throw up on me,” he teased, picking her up in his arms. She giggled and put her hands around his neck.
“How much did you eat this holiday, woman? You weigh a ton!” Nick carried her weight easily, but tried to make light of the fact that he could feel her softness pressed against his chest and her hands were playing with the hair that brushed against his neck. He’d better get her to her room quickly.
“I do not, Nick Badley,” she protested. “Besides, you’re strong. Just look at those muscles.” She took one hand from his neck to caress his biceps through his cotton shirt. OK, that was it! He practically ran up the stairs as if she was weightless and deposited her on her bed, but Shari didn’t release him.
“Kiss me goodnight, Nicky.” Nicky? Shari was going to be mortified if she remembered any of this tomorrow.
“I don’t think so, Shari. Don’t play with fire.” He peeled her hands from around his neck and bent down to take off her shoes.
“That’s what my mother said. Great minds think alike.”
Nick shook his head. He couldn’t help smiling at this Shari, totally undone by a few glasses of wine and a lethal rum punch.
“Good night, Shari.” He bent down and gave her a brotherly peck on her forehead.
“That wasn’t what I meant.” She pouted in the cutest way.
He had to leave. Now.
“Anything else would be a bad idea.” Why was he still debating the issue with Shari rather than leaving? He knew why. He wanted to stay desperately; more than he’d wanted anything in a very long time. He battled with himself for a few minutes before he groaned and slipped onto the bed, taking Shari in his arms.
Their lips met as if by mutual agreement and Nick unleashed all the passion that he’d held back for the last three weeks. Their kiss shook him to the core. Shari caressed his back and restlessly moved her legs against his. He knew what she craved because he craved the same thing. He tore his mouth from hers and she protested, relaxing again and throwing back her head to give his tormenting lips access to her neck and her shoulders. She didn’t stop him when he pushed the straps off her shoulders as he had been tempted to do by the pool and his lips trailed lower, nuzzling aside the fabric of her dress. He pulled back and opened his eyes to enjoy the treasure that he was about to unveil and lifted his hand to do what his mind had already consented to.
Stop Nick.
His eyes snapped up to Shari, almost sure that she had spoken, but her eyes were closed and she was still in the throes of passion, breathing heavily. At his hesitation she opened her eyes, looking dazed.
You know it’s wrong. Stop now.
He knew that voice, or he used to. He sat up and held his hands in his head. Oh God! He had come so close to losing control and betraying Shari’s trust.
“Nick, what’s the matter?”
“Shari, I’m sorry. You had a lot to drink and I know it’s the alcohol talking. Tomorrow you would hate me and yourself if I let this go any further. I love you too much to risk that.” He pecked her on the cheek and left the room.
Shari touched her cheek as tears flooded her eyes and spilled over. Nick truly loved her.
Thank you, Father, for intervening and for sending me a man who truly loves me. I’ve been so weak but I know that you still love me in my weakness. Thank you.
Chapter 31
Nick dropped his suitcase in the big living room of his suite and went in search of the kitchenette. He lived close enough that he could have driven to and from the hotel every day, but Brad and Lily wanted them to stay on property. In fact, that was how he had bought his house in Brentwood. He’d been leaving the retreat a couple of years ago when he’d seen a For Sale sign on a property whose tree-covered driveway had looked interesting from the road. He’d called the number of the realtor who had been able to show him the place right away and the rest was history.
He wasn’t really looking forward to the retreat for more reasons than one. The biggest one was that all he could think about was Shari and all he could see in his mind was her lying on the bed with the straps of her dress down her arms and her eyes glazed with passion. He groaned out loud. Why had he stopped? He wouldn’t be in this
agony now if he’d ignored that voice. Who was he fooling? He would be in another type of agony because Shari would probably never have anything to do with him again if he’d taken advantage of her wine-induced seduction.
The second reason was that he didn’t know what he wanted to do that year. He hadn’t had the time to sit down and consider the options. They’d just come off a world tour so he knew what he didn’t want to do. What would Brad and Lily say if he announced that he was taking a year off? So many people depended on him for a living that he couldn’t just take a year off. But he didn’t want to tour and he didn’t want to record the music that he’d been given to listen to. What did he want? Maybe he could start with the cause he’d told Shari about.
He opened a mini bottle of vodka and poured it into a glass with some pink lemonade that he had found in the fridge. He brought his drink back to the living room and was about to sit on the couch to enjoy it when he heard a persistent knocking at the door. Couldn’t Lily give him a few minutes to himself? He had gotten there later than he’d planned, but they weren’t due to meet for another hour. Reluctantly, he got to his feet and headed for the door.
Pulling it open, he was prepared to blast Lily, but the words were cut off by his surprise. Standing outside was the woman that he had thought about earlier that week; the one he’d felt so badly about. Seeing her on the other side of his door was so unexpected that he was speechless for a minute. What the hell was she doing there?
“Hello, Nick Badley. Remember me? I’m Angel Bell.”