Both women sighed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes, I’m living with Shelby. How did you find out?”
“You aren’t the only one who can find things out, Lily.” Cora kneeled on the blanket. “So, are you sleeping with her?”
The question was cold and Shelby mentally counted to ten. “What Lily and I do together is not your concern, Mrs. Prescott. Now if you would be so kind as to leave. We need to get going.”
Bristling at Shelby’s demeanor Cora turned back to Lily. “You call her Mama all the time?”
Lily shrugged. “It started as a joke at the theater. It drove Shelby nuts at first, now it’s a habit. Why do you care?”
“You don’t think it’s strange?” Cora asked.
Shelby shrugged. “Like Lily said it started out to annoy me. Now I’m used to it and it’s not a big deal. Two of the other actors tease me with it every now and again as well.”
“Why did you move in with her?” Cora demanded.
“None of your business, Cora.” Lily scooted closer to Shelby.
“Then I guess you won’t mind when I take it to the tabloids that you’re living together.”
Shelby sighed. She had expected this at some point, she just hadn’t expected it from Lily’s mother. “Do what you want to, Mrs. Prescott. We have nothing to hide. As for the tabloids, do you really want to do that to your own child?”
Cora’s eyes dropped to the blanket briefly and then looked up and flitted between the women. “I just want to know why, Lily.”
Looking to Shelby for guidance and getting a short nod Lily let out a breath. “I made a bad decision a few months ago and the producer and director were worried about me and bad publicity—what that publicity could do to the show. Anyway, it was suggested that Shelby keep closer tabs on me and this seemed the best solution. It made everyone happy, and the show has been going strong since.”
“And you were okay with Lily being shoved at you?” Cora demanded toward Shelby.
“I actually offered,” Shelby smiled at Cora. “I figured she could do with a little guidance. This business is hard and one bad decision at nineteen can affect your entire career. I didn’t want to see her do anything to damage that. She’s good, and I want her to succeed.”
Cora nodded and stood. Looking down at Lily and Shelby she let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry I wasn’t what you needed, Lily.” Turning on her heel before Lily could respond Cora disappeared down the path and toward the entrance to the park.
“Is it me or did she just apologize for my shitty childhood?”
“Watch the language, young lady.” Shelby scolded gently. “But yeah, sounds like she understands it was shitty too.”
“Mama, you said a naughty word,” Lily giggled.
“I guess that will be our little secret,” Shelby tapped Lily on the nose. “Do you want to finish feeding the ducks?”
Dark eyes lit up and Lily’s head bobbed happily. “Yes, watch me feed them, Mama.”
“I will, baby.”
* * *
“Lily come here!” Shelby was brought out of her thoughts when she noticed Lily begin to toss entire pieces of breads at the ducks.
“But I wanna…”
“Now, Lily Anne.”
Turning from the pond Lily stomped to Shelby.
“Sit.” The single command had Lily on the blanket pouting before Shelby could get the bag of bread out of Lily’s hands. “I think it’s time we head home.”
“But the ducks are still hungry,” Lily protested.
“You’ve fed them half a loaf of bread. They’re fine. We’ll save the rest of for another day.” Shelby began to pack the bread as Lily laid down and stared at the tree branches above her.
“I want another hot dog, Mama.”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“You’ve already had two, Lily.” Shelby patted Lily’s thigh and made her sit up. “It’s time to head home for the evening.”
“I want another hot dog,” Lily tried again.
“If you’re still hungry when we get home I’ll make you a snack.” Shelby stood and helped Lily to her feet. “Help me fold the blanket.”
“Fold it yourself,” Lily pouted. “You’re the mama, you do it.”
Holding the blanket over her arm Shelby moved and leaned close to Lily taking her in check by the elbow. “That is enough attitude from you, young lady. You do not speak to me like that. I suggest you stop right now, Lily. That is unless you want corner time and an early bedtime tonight.”
Handing Lily part of the blanket, Shelby and Lily quietly worked together and folded the it before linking hands as they walked away from the pond and out of the park. Hearing something behind them, they both turned to find a photographer snapping away.
Ignoring the man, they continued to walk until reaching the curb. Noticing the photographer following them, Shelby hailed a cab. They climbed in and Shelby gave the man the address as she and Lily rode in silence.
* * *
Entering the apartment Shelby wasn’t surprised when her familiar mantra of “Shoes and bag,” made Lily sigh heavily.
Muttering about OCD Mamas, Lily put her things away before heading to her bedroom. Putting her own things away, Shelby pulled out her phone and made a call to her publicist.
Sitting on the couch and tucking her feet underneath her Shelby waited on hold for a few moments. “Jodi, we may have a problem. Lily’s mother found out that she and I are living together and threatened to sell a story to the tabloids. Of course she’s over eighteen! No, Jodi, I don’t really care what they print about me, you know that. I’m worried about Lily, she’s never really had to deal with fake stories in the tabloids before.”
Listening for a few moments Shelby nodded and then sighed, “Yeah, I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare her and let you work your magic. Yes, feel free to talk to Lou and Marv about the reasons she moved in with me. No, I’ll wait to hear from you before I say anything publicly. So far nobody knows unless they work with us and none of them care. Okay, I understand. Thanks Jodi. Bye.”
Ending the call, Shelby tossed her phone on the table and stood. The sooner she and Lily had this talk the better. Just as she was getting ready her phone dinged signaling a text. Picking it up Shelby saw red as a picture of her scolding Lily at the park came into view.
Want to talk, Mama, or want me to sell this to make up for my salary cut?
Growling at Cora’s text Shelby cursed wondering how the woman even managed to get her cell number. Deciding to let John do some digging among the crew Shelby knew she’d approach Lou and Marv by phone after she spoke with Lily.
Shelby replied to the text telling Cora that she would contact her later, and then walked down the hallway toward Lily’s room. Crossing the threshold of Lily’s room Shelby noticed Lily curled up on her bed. “Baby?”
Receiving no answer Shelby crossed to the bed and sat down next to Lily. Rubbing Lily’s back Shelby was almost knocked off the bed by the force of the hug. “I hate this,” Lily sniffed.
“Hate what?”
“Cora. Sober she actually has bits of the mother I remember before my father left. Drunk she’s out for herself and nobody else. I called my publicist, Shelby. Cora is going to try something.”
“What do you mean?”
Reaching toward her nightstand Lily handed Shelby her phone. “Look at the text.” Looking at the picture and message Shelby growled. It was the same picture that had accompanied Shelby’s text message along with a similar message.
“Did you answer Cora?” Shelby asked.
“Yeah, I told her to do what she wanted. I wasn’t going to let her blackmail me.”
“Good girl,” Shelby gave Lily a gentle kiss. “And just so you know I called my publicist too.”
Lily gave a wry smile. “And I imagine Jodi said the same thing that Marshall told me.”
“And that was?”
“To lay low, ignore everything and anything put out
in the public eye while he looks into things and tries to figure out damage control before anything comes out.”
Shelby nodded, “Yep. Essentially the same thing. So what do you want to do now?”
“I want cookies,” Lily grinned at Shelby. “We need cookies, and ice cream, and don’t forget the chocolate syrup.”
“No ice cream.”
“But we don’t have to sing tomorrow,” Lily protested.
“Cookies are fine, but not ice cream.”
“Fine,” Lilly huffed. “I still want to dip them in chocolate syrup.” Slipping from the bed Lily ran from the room. “I’ll get the syrup, you get the cookies!”
Groaning, Shelby followed at a slower pace knowing that whatever met her in the kitchen was going to be interesting.
When Shelby entered the kitchen she couldn’t help laughing heartily as she caught Lily standing in front of the refrigerator drinking the syrup from the bottle. Stopping her laughter, Shelby crossed the room and took the bottle from Lily’s hands. “You aren’t supposed to drink it from the container, Lily,” Shelby scolded gently.
“But it is sooo good when you drink it like that, Mama,” Lily giggled. “I love chocolate. Now where are those cookies?”
“Still in the pantry,” Shelby shook her head. “No more chocolate, Lily.”
“But I need the chocolate to dip the cookies,” Lily protested.
“You had enough chocolate, Lily. I will let you dip your cookies in soy or almond milk though.”
“Ewww,” Lily’s face fell. “That’s gross.”
“Then you can eat your cookies with water or juice.”
“Seriously, Mama, you need to learn to have fun with your cookies.”
Laughing again, Shelby put the bottle of chocolate syrup in the trash before moving to the pantry. Looking at the shelf where the cookies were typically stored Shelby frowned. Grabbing the step stool she moved it into place and checked the entire shelf, confused when the cookies were no place to be found.
Turning around, Shelby found the kitchen empty. “She wasn’t alone for more than two minutes how did she get to the cookies?” Shelby muttered to herself. She then called out, “Lily Anne, where are you?”
Getting no answer Shelby moved to Lily’s bedroom. Searching the room she found nothing and called out again, “Lily come out please.”
“That’s not how to play hide and seek, Mama,” a voice came from the hallway followed by running feet and Shelby shook her head.
“Of course, we’re playing hide and seek,” Shelby groaned as she realized she was talking to Albie who was lying on Lily’s pillow. “I’m coming to find you, Lily,” Shelby called out and then decided to head to the living room.
Not finding Lily there, Shelby heard giggling from her formal living area. Following the sound Lily was making, Shelby made her way to the baby grand piano. Bending over she poked her head underneath. “I found you, baby.”
Lily shoved another cookie into her mouth and then handed Shelby the bag. “We need more cookies, Mama. The bag is empty.”
Taking Lily’s hand, Shelby tried to remain calm. “You ate an entire bag of cookies?”
Lily shook her head. “Of course not, Mama; I ate half a bag.”
Lifting Lily up, Shelby put her on top of the closed piano lid. “Lily, that bag was full three days ago.”
Giggling Lily nodded, “But it was only half full two days ago.”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember when you decided to take a really long shower?” Lily giggled again.
“You mean when you were taking a nap?” Shelby confirmed.
“Yep. I woke up early and wanted a snack.”
“How did you get the cookies?”
“I used the barstool,” Lily grinned. “Wasn’t that smart of me, Mama?”
“It was something, baby.” Putting Lily back on the floor Shelby took Lily’s hand and led her from the room. “You and I are going to have a chat, little girl, about using furniture as ladders.”
“The barstools make good ladders,” Lily announced.
“Uh-huh,” Shelby moved into the kitchen with Lily. “We are also going to have a chat about the cookies and how I am going to find another place to hide them.”
“Aw Mama,” Lily groaned. “I don’t want to have to play hide and seek with the cookies.”
“And you won’t,” Shelby admonished. Patting one of the barstools she had Lily climb onto it and then sat on the other. “Okay Lily, no more using any furniture as a ladder. We have a step stool and that is what you need to use if you can’t reach something. I am speaking to big Lily and little Lily. If either of them crawls on the furniture again they will be spanked.”
Gulping Lily nodded, “Okay.”
“Now, as for liberating the cookies, we have had this discussion before. You were naughty, Lily, and I am going to have a reminder chat with your bottom about that.”
Sliding off the stool, Lily used both hands to cover her bottom. “No Mama, there’s no need to talk to my hiney. It didn’t take the cookies so you don’t need to talk to it at all. Nope, not one reason.” Backing up Lily turned and tried to run but was stopped by Shelby grabbing her shirt.
Pulling out a kitchen chair, Shelby sat down and pulled Lily over her lap easily. “I think that I do need to have a chat with your hiney, Lily. You’re right that your hiney didn’t take the cookies, but you did. And since your hiney is attached to you I think we need to discuss what happened.” Saying this Shelby divested Lily of her leggings and panties allowing Lily to squirm a bit in the uncomfortable position over her lap.
“This is not the first time we’ve had this conversation about you taking the cookies, Lily.” Shelby began to pat the white orbs in front of her with just enough force to make Lily know that Mama was serious. “I didn’t think I’d have to have this conversation with you again.” Shelby’s hand began to come down harder and Lily began to kick her feet as Shelby made her bottom burn.
“Mama, my hiney didn’t take the cookies,” Lily tried.
“It didn’t but maybe your hiney will do a better job of helping you remember not to take them this time.” Shelby’s hand sped up and increased in strength causing Lily to wiggle and try to squirm from Shelby’s lap.
“Mama! Please, my hiney reminded me this time, I just didn’t listen!” Lily kicked and almost fell from Shelby’s lap.
Stopping the spanking for a moment Shelby pulled Lily back onto her lap properly and adjusted her hold. Having Lily over her lap while sitting on a chair wasn’t a usual position for them but Shelby had no doubt she was making her point if the crying coming from Lily as well as the glowing cheeks she now had were any indication.
“Do not move like that again. I don’t want you getting hurt,” Shelby directed.
“My hiney is already getting hurt,” Lily wailed as Shelby’s hand descended in crisp swats two dozen times with enough sting that Lily would remember what happens when cookies are freed without Mama’s approval.
“All done, baby.” Shelby righted Lily’s clothing and sat Lily on her lap. Rubbing Lily’s back Shelby hummed quietly while Lily calmed down.
“My hiney doesn’t like talking with your hand, Mama,” Lily sniffed as Shelby wiped away the tears from her face.
“Then you need to remember not to do naughty things, Lily.”
“I’ll try, Mama, but it’s really hard sometimes.”
“I know, baby. I know.”
* * *
Looking down at her phone again Shelby shook her head. After the fourth day of texts and threats from Cora she had decided to take matters into her own hands. Entering the police station, Shelby was directed to the proper floor upon her inquiry. Becoming lost in thought as she rode the elevator to the fifth floor, she hoped that Lily would understand her motivation.
Pushing her way through the glass doors Shelby finally stopped one of the people walking past her. “Excuse me but I’m looking for Detective Kalter.”
“I�
�m Detective Kalter,” a slim man with caramel colored skin approached her. “How may I help you?”
“My name is Shelby Bishop, and you and I spoke on the phone earlier today.”
Recognition of the conversation showed in the detective’s eyes and he nodded, “Of course, Ms. Bishop. If you’ll follow me we’ll go somewhere a bit more private.”
“Thank you.”
Shelby followed Detective Kalter through the squad room and through another set of double doors before being led into a small room that contained a small table and a few padded chairs. “Please have a seat, Ms. Bishop. Would you like some water or a cup of coffee?”
“No thank you, Detective Kalter.” Shelby sat down in the offered chair and crossed her legs placing her purse on an empty seat. “I would just like to show you what I have and discuss what we need to do after you’ve seen and heard everything.”
Sitting down across from Shelby, Detective Kalter nodded. “I understand Ms. Bishop, please start from the beginning and I’ll take notes.”
Moving to her purse Shelby opened the large bag and removed some papers, “I’ve printed out all of our communication regarding the blackmail. I thought you might like to have these.” Passing the papers across the table Shelby then sat back and began to talk.
Chapter Nine
Entering the restaurant Shelby found the person she was looking for with ease. The week had passed with more texts showing various photos of her with Lily along with numerous threats of exposure. She’d had enough and it was time to end things.
“Cora.” Shelby sat down without invitation and put her phone on the table. “Tell me how you got the photos.”
“Not one for small talk, are you, Mama?” Cora spat.
“Do not call me that.” Shelby’s eyes narrowed and Cora sat back.
“I have a friend who needed to do me a favor.”
“A friend?”
“Let’s just say I gave him some photos a few years back that brought him some money and he returned the favor no questions asked.”
“And the memory card?”
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