by C. J. Harte
A short silence floated across endless space. Susan held her breath. “I miss you too. A lot,” Maggie said.
Susan felt a spark ignite. Maggie said I am important in her life. She fanned that spark into a flame. She must love me! The spell was broken when Maggie told a funny story about an interviewer. Susan held on to that thread while she listened to Maggie’s tales.
On Friday, the M.J. Carson whirlwind arrived in a rather large caravan of white stretch limousines. With great flourish Maggie persuaded Ed to close the office for the day so she could take everyone to lunch. All afternoon, Maggie played the perfect hostess, and the office staff fell under her spell. They were already in love with her before she announced she had arranged for everyone, and family and significant others, to spend the next day at Disney.
Shortly before five, Maggie had everyone back at the office. Some of the braver souls managed photos and autographs. For once the office was slow to empty on a Friday afternoon. Finally only Ed, Maggie, and Susan were left.
“M.J., you are much too gracious with my staff. They will never want to work again.” Ed pulled up a chair. “If you have a few moments, I think I have the financing you’re seeking.”
By eight that evening Susan was numb, exhausted, and hungry. She tried to duck out of the office but was stopped by Maggie grabbing her arm.
“I’m sorry,” Maggie said. “I didn’t realize how late it was. Let me take you home, or at least, take you both to dinner.”
Ed declined, saying he had plans with his wife. When they were alone, Maggie asked, “And may I see you home?”
“Thanks, but I have my car.”
“Then may I ride with you? I have some rather lascivious thoughts I want to share with you.” Instant heat traveled up Susan’s body. She felt the blushing on her neck and face and she was sure her nipples were erect. She was too embarrassed to look.
“Come on,” Maggie said, “let’s go home before you have heart palpitations.”
After dismissing the limo, they headed toward Winter Park. Her mother had dinner waiting, and while Susan and Maggie finished eating, she put the children to sleep. When she returned to the dining room, she talked with them for a short time before excusing herself and wishing them good night.
“She’s not always subtle,” Susan said.
An awkward silence followed. As with all silences, there arrived a time when the quiet was deafening and only speaking silenced it. Maggie spoke first. “Well, shall we go to bed?”
Once in the bedroom, Maggie pulled Susan close. “I don’t know what’s wrong, but if I’ve done something…”
Susan sensed a hesitancy and something else. She realized this was a part of Maggie she didn’t know. She lifted her hand to wipe away a tear.
“Maggie, what’s the matter?”
“I don’t know. I just missed you. I guess…I don’t know.” She tried to turn away but Susan reached for her. Maggie grasped her, allowing her defenses to surrender to the love and acceptance she felt from Susan. “I don’t have a lot of experience with having a family. My mother died when I was young. My dad, a drunk, was rarely at home. My older brother and sister were left to care for me, but they were trying to find their own escape.”
Susan couldn’t imagine such a childhood. She stroked Maggie’s hair. In spite of the frustration and embarrassment she felt as a teenager with an unconventional mother, Susan always felt love and support. Maggie had gotten quiet. Susan brushed the hair off of Maggie’s forehead, wishing there was some way to wipe away the past.
Morning arrived too soon. Susan’s dreams were filled with strange shapes and anguished faces. Maggie, however, bounced out, ignoring any attempts to talk about the previous night.
*
Saturday was a circus, as Maggie’s trip to Disney had everyone excited. Even though she’d arranged for the entourage to come through a special entrance and receive preferential treatment, she was often approached by people and asked for autographs. The Disney people made a great effort at providing security, but it was impossible to keep everyone away.
Susan often found herself doing things with her mom and kids while Maggie signed autographs, visited with various Disney cast members, and spoke with various staff. By noon, she was tired of waiting for Maggie and decided to enjoy the rest of the day regardless of Maggie.
That evening Susan and Maggie had their first big argument. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” Maggie asked. “All afternoon I kept looking for you.”
“How could you possibly miss me with all those adoring fans? I can’t believe you even let some stranger ride with us at the Haunted Castle.”
“I didn’t let him. He jumped in. Where the hell were you? You know this is part of my job. My next picture is with Disney. Why can’t you be more cooperative?”
“Because my family and I are not going to be front-page fodder just to further your career. What difference does it make what we do?”
“Susan, what do you want me to do? Hold your hand while we walked around? Disney wouldn’t be happy—”
“Don’t go there. Disney has a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation.”
“I can’t risk my career. Besides, it’s good to sign a few—”
“A few! A few hundred. You love being the center of attention. Well, you are not my sun, and I am not a planet to be caught in your solar system.”
“I never asked you to be a planet. What I most appreciated is that you were my friend, not some ass-kissing, brown-nose sycophant.”
“My God! She does know words with more than four letters.”
“Fuck you!”
Susan saw the tears filling Maggie’s eyes as Maggie quickly turned away. This was not the way she treated people she cared about. “Maggie, I’m so-—”
“Wait!” Maggie said. “I’m sorry. I know I’m being short-tempered. Let’s go to bed and get some sleep. I don’t have to be anywhere for the next few days. We’ll talk tomorrow. Please.”
“Maggie, I’m sorry.” She reached for her hand. “I do love you. I know I’ve told you that before. I don’t know if you feel the same way or if I’m just the current entertainment.”
“Oh, God, Susan. You know me better than that.”
“How? How should I know? What do you feel?”
“I…I…I. There was someone a long time ago, but not like this. I…”
“You what?”
“I’m trying to tell you.” Maggie ran her hands through her hair. “You are very special.” Maggie struggled for the right words, but she wasn’t sure what they were.
“What about love? Do you love me? Or am I just a good friend?”
“No. I mean yes. I mean you are more than a friend.” What exactly was her relationship with Susan? Maggie had asked herself that question repeatedly. “I guess I haven’t really thought about… That doesn’t sound good. Let me start again.”
“Forget it, Maggie. You have a very neat life and I’m just a complication.”
“Please, Susan. Don’t walk away. This…this is all new to me. These feelings. I’m trying.” What held her back from expressing her feelings? Maggie struggled, but her self-protection was so strong. Maybe I’ll just show her how I feel, she decided. Smiling, she held out her hand and waited for Susan to take it. Maggie stood quietly waiting, anticipating rejection yet pleading for acceptance.
Susan stared at the long fingers and outstretched palm. Susan’s heart and head were again at war. Slowly, Maggie’s familiar smile emerged. She knew that Maggie had filled a place in her heart that no one else had even visited. Maggie was waiting with outstretched hand. Susan allowed her heart to answer.
*
Christmas week was relatively quiet, spent with Susan’s sister at her large house on the river near Jacksonville. Susan’s family, Derek, Maggie, and their children were all there and filled the two-story structure. Laughter and animated voices were everywhere and time moved too quickly for Susan. As they were preparing to drive back to Orlando afte
r Christmas, Maggie quickly hugged Betsy. “Thank you for sharing Christmas. I don’t know when I had a nicer time.”
“We all enjoyed having you here, especially my sister.” Betsy smiled at Susan. “Travel safely and I’ll talk to you soon.”
Maggie held Susan’s hand as they headed south. “Your family is wonderful. I don’t know when I have eaten so much or laughed so hard. The kids had a great time too. I can’t believe your brother-in-law talked Derek and Paul into staying another day just to have a guys’ day.”
“He can’t wait to tell everybody he had Derek Baxter at his house. And I’ll be glad to have you alone for twenty-four hours before the crowd heads back toward Orlando. Thank you for letting my kids and mom stay longer and come back with Derek and Paul.”
“They’ll be heading to the hotel with the kids so that they can have some special alone time with the kids. There’s plenty of room on Paul’s plane. They’ll just send Maureen and the kids in the limo to your house.” Maggie ran her hand across Susan’s leg. “Besides I have my own motives.”
There was something salacious about the way Maggie spoke that caused Susan’s clit to tingle. “If you don’t behave, I won’t be able to concentrate on driving and we’ll end up in big trouble.”
“Mmm. Whips and chains trouble?” Maggie laughed at Susan’s wide-eyed expression. “I’m only kidding. I’ll behave—until we’re alone.”
*
The entire week between Christmas and New Year’s was the most peaceful Susan had known since meeting Maggie. She was beginning to feel some semblances of sanity were returning.
Early on New Year’s Eve, Susan and Maggie arrived at the Disney hotel in plenty of time to dress for the evening’s festivities. Before Christmas, they had decided to postpone opening each other’s presents until they were back in Orlando. Susan had fretted over what to get her but had finally found the perfect gift. New Year’s Eve they would exchange personal gifts.
Since Maggie was part of the evening entertainment, she left for rehearsal and promised to meet everyone later. Paul and Susan sat in the living area waiting for Derek to finish dressing so they could head for dinner.
“I’m glad I’ll have some time with you.” Paul smiled. “I don’t know what kind of persuasion you have, but I have never seen Maggie so captivated by anyone. You’re great for her, Susan. I hope she’s telling you how much she appreciates you.”
“Paul, I feel like I’m the lucky one. Maggie’s smile can light up a room. She can be considerate, gentle, so…passionate.” Realizing what she’d said, Susan stopped, too embarrassed to continue.
Paul squeezed her hand. “Yes, those are all true. She can also be headstrong, determined, and single-tracked. At times, she is pure emotion and responds out of that, unaware of the impact on those around her.”
“She is definitely that. Sometimes I want to shake her, but I can’t resist her.”
“I think you care a lot about Maggie.”
“I do. I love her. I know that sounds strange. We’ve known each for such a short time. But I can’t explain it…I…she…”
“Believe me, I understand. The Carson-Baxters have very persuasive powers. I don’t have any regrets.” He paused as Derek walked into the room. “Speaking of which, there is a good-looking man.”
Derek greeted Susan as if they were close friends. He next kissed Paul. Susan noticed the ease they had around each other and hoped she could reach the same ease with Maggie. She accepted the proffered arm as they adjourned to the restaurant at the top of the hotel.
*
At nine thirty, the band began to play. Shortly thereafter, Maggie entered, microphone in hand as she began to sing. The blue sequined dress she wore highlighted her curves and breasts. Her long dark hair was held back with diamond hair clips that caught the lights and cast small rainbows as decorations in her hair. Diamond pendant earrings and sapphires and diamonds framed her head and wrists. She was elegant and sensuous. The crowd responded. Maggie was in her element. She warmed up the crowd with a romantic song. She might have been singing to the crowd, but Susan felt the words in her heart. After finishing her first set, Maggie joined them at the reserved table. People around murmured, but this was too glittery a crowd to ask for autographs. A sexual energy surrounded Maggie whenever she performed, and tonight was no exception. She was animated and attentive. Susan’s body ached to be touched. Maggie’s perfume filled Susan’s senses when she leaned near to whisper a rather sexual offer into Susan’s ear. Maggie briefly touched Susan’s hand before going back on stage. This light touch was electric, and Susan was filled with anticipation.
After her second set, Maggie again sat down. For the first time, Maggie was more aroused by the presence of Susan than by her own music. Susan had touched a deep place inside her, a place that had been barren and cold for so long. Tonight she sang for Susan. She wanted Susan to know how much she cared.
“You’re beautiful.” Maggie’s words were only loud enough for Susan to hear. “I never tire of looking at you. And I’m having trouble restraining myself. I’m glad I still have another set. Thanks for being here. You are sunshine in my life. I can’t wait to show you how warm, and wet, I am. Gotta go.”
As they moved closer to midnight, the band stopped and the crowd joined in the countdown. At midnight, Maggie began “Old Lang Syne” and the crowd joined in. This was a memorable evening for Susan. The tears refused to stop. For the first time, I am truly, deeply in love.
Maggie sang until one and then they headed for the reserved hotel suite. As the door closed, a pair of hands pulled Susan into a tight embrace. Maggie’s lips were warm and searching.
Derek coughed and asked, “My dear, can’t you even say hello before attacking this poor woman?”
Maggie’s laughter was as warm as her kisses. “Yes, how boorish. Hello, my name is Margaret Carson-Baxter. And may I know your body?” Before Susan could answer, Maggie rained down kisses on Susan’s neck and shoulders.
A knock on the door ended Maggie’s attentions as her staff and band entered. More people followed. Music came from somewhere near the windows and people began to dance. Maggie disappeared, but Derek and then Paul asked Susan to dance. Finally, a slow song played and Maggie, dressed in tight-fitting jeans, pulled Susan out to the floor.
“I think your name is on my dance card, ma’am.” She wrapped Susan in her arms and floated around the room.
Again, Maggie’s scent filled her nostrils and Susan felt her pulse race. Everyone else faded as her body responded to the heat and body close to hers.
“Did you know I’m dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room? Probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.” Maggie smiled at Susan’s surprised look. “There’s just one thing that would add to your beauty.” Maggie pulled out a large diamond and emerald necklace. “I think you add to their beauty. I like to see you in beautiful things, but they pale in comparison to you, Susan. You are so beautiful.”
Compliments, especially about the way she looked, were very difficult for Susan to handle. “Thank you,” Susan said, “but—”
Sensing Susan was about to issue a denial, Maggie put her hand on Susan’s lips. “And I honestly don’t think you have any idea how stunning you are.” Susan moved closer. Maggie pulled their hips close. She was beginning a slow grind. Maggie ran her hands slowly across the front of Susan’s evening dress, barely touching the tops of her breasts.
Grabbing Maggie’s hands, Susan whispered, “Come on. We’re going to bed.”
“Mmm. What has gotten into this lovely, reserved woman? Are you suggesting sleep? No, I guess not.” Maggie laughed. Maggie said good night to Derek and Paul and asked Maya to move the party to the bar downstairs.
“Your courage amazes me, Susan.” Maggie locked the door. “Just now, the way you led me out of the room. There are so many things about you that just blow me away. The way you put Karl in his place. The control you exerted in the meetings we’ve had.” Maggie moved closer. “The a
ggressiveness you sometimes show in our lovemaking.” She ran her hand across Susan’s back. “Your organization, your attention to detail.”
“Are you still talking about work?”
“I’m still talking about you. Come on.” She led Susan over to the couch. “We can sit and talk, if that’s what you want.”
“Not fair. You’re in jeans and I’m in this dress.”
“We can remedy that,” Maggie said as she helped Susan undress.
They made love, losing track of time until they were both exhausted. Susan was sure she had just completed a marathon. “No more. Stop.”
“But, darling, that’s only round one.”
Susan groaned and pulled Maggie close, wrapping herself around her. Susan slid her thigh against Maggie’s wet center and started a steady pressure and rhythm.
“I love you, Margaret Carson-Baxter,” Susan said when Maggie cried out, resplendent in orgasm.
Susan watched her fall asleep and wondered why Maggie still had not said the three words she needed to hear.
Chapter Sixteen
Maggie felt wonderful. The last week had been fantastic. Her career was moving. Soon she would leave on tour. Two songs were in the top 40 and moving up the charts. Her picture was the number-one draw at the box office, with great reviews coast to coast. “Not bad for a novice,” she said. In her hotel room she checked her schedule for the week. “Fuck,” she shouted. She picked up the phone and dialed Karl. “Who the hell scheduled the interview this week?”
“You did. Remember? You told Maya you wanted some Florida interviews, and I got them for you.”
“How firm is this?”
“Maggie, nothing is ever firm. If you want to stay in the business, however, you don’t screw with the media, even local media. It’s really easy to be yesterday’s news. And even easier to be forgotten.”
“I know. I know. Damn, but I don’t have to like it.” Maggie wondered how to keep her promise to Susan to have free time. “Fuck! Where the hell is Maya?” She called Maya and passed on the task of calling Susan and changing their plans. She promptly arranged for the rest of her staff to meet in her hotel room at noon and prepare for the two p.m. interview. The television interviewer had been promised an hour.