by J. M. Nevins
“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at eight.”
Sully guided Alexa in and led her to a table next to the window. As they sat down, they watched the activity starting to brew on the Sunset Strip. Eight-thirty on a Saturday night was still pretty early, but people were starting to trickle in little by little.
Before Alexa and Sully could delve into their conversation, a group of four girls approached the table excitedly and started talking up Sully. They congratulated him on the Diamond deal. One of them asked him to sign her cleavage with a black Sharpee pen. He obliged and entertained them briefly, gracefully shoeing them away after a suitable amount of time.
Alexa stared at him. “Wow, you’re good. Impressive there, Sull.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “So weird. It’s taking some getting used to.”
“Oh and it’s only going to get more intense from here.”
“No shit. Maxine interviewed me today. She called me.”
Alexa laughed. “For Rock City News?”
“Yep. She’s going to shoot some photos of us next week. And the guy from Circus Mag that talked to Kit called me too for the feature on Joe. I was a last minute addition before they went on press.”
“See, your star is on the rise already. Circus Magazine has national circulation. That’s great for your image, babe, happy to hear it. So, Sull, let’s cut to the chase, what do you want to pick my brain about?”
Kit pulled her car into the carport and frowned as she parked behind the red Ferrari that now belonged to Sully. When Joe owned the car, he got vanity license plates that said ‘Arpejio.’ Since the true term ‘arpeggio’ wouldn’t fit on a California license plate, he abbreviated it to suit his needs. Now, everyone locally knew the plate and since Joe’s passing, it was increasingly easy to track where Sully was in the city—all they had to do was look for the red Ferrari with that plate. And that celebrated car was sitting in Alexa’s space in front of her. She wondered what he was doing there.
She frowned as she got out of the car and grabbed her bag to head into the apartment. She walked in and immediately heard Sully’s voice as he emerged from the kitchen. She looked up at him with wide eyes as he grinned. “Lex is out with Wes tonight. She’s spending the night at his place, but I’m here.”
She dropped her bag and stared at him in disbelief. “Sull, babe, what are you doing? It’s almost midnight. Why are you here? Have you been waiting a long time?”
He smiled as he stood before her. He pulled a very large bouquet of red roses out from behind his back and presented them to her. “These are for you. Welcome home.”
Kit felt a bit uncomfortable, yet flattered all the same. Her heart thumped in her chest as she blushed and smiled. She rushed to him, hugged him tightly and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, baby! These are beautiful. Let me put these in some water. Come with me.”
Sully took her hand and followed her as she led him into the kitchen. “How was your trip?”
“It was great, relaxing.” She turned to face him. “Sull, what are you doing here and why do you have flowers for me? I appreciate them, really I do, but you’ve already thanked me for closing the record deal like a thousand times now.”
He pulled her toward him and looked deeply into her eyes. “Remember how you and I were talking about Disneyland after rehearsal one night and how badly you always wanted to go as a kid, but your dad would never take you because he said it wasn’t upper class enough? And how I always wanted to go but my family never had the money?”
She giggled. His intensity was getting to her and rather than let herself go with it, she resisted through nervous laughter. “Yeah.”
“Let’s go to Disneyland tomorrow, just you and me.”
She giggled again, this time wondering what was really going on. They had talked about Disneyland a time ago and it was a dream that they always wanted to fulfill. She never imagined that they would fulfill it together. She didn’t know whether he wanted to go as buddies or something else by the way he was acting. “Um, Sull, why this all the sudden?”
He took her hand in his and smiled. “Ok, let me make this perfectly clear. I’m asking you out on a date, Kit McKenna. You and me at Disneyland for the day and the evening—a place I’m certain no one will know who we are. I’ve wanted to talk to you about this since Max’s party and then the deal came through and we got caught up in that…
“Anyway, I’m feeling something pretty heavy for you that’s a lot bigger than friendship at this point. I didn’t really realize it until Max’s party. I like you, Kit. I think I always have and was too scared to do something about it. I want to know if there’s any possibility here. Are we even remotely on the same page?”
She smiled. She wasn’t expecting this and it was a pleasant surprise to come home to. She was momentarily speechless. The words wouldn’t quite come. Then the floodgates opened and they seemed to flow out naturally and easily. “Thank you for sharing all of that with me, Sull. That took a lot of guts. I would love to go on a date with you to Disneyland tomorrow. I gotta admit, I felt really jealous when I saw you with that girl at Max’s party. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I guess what I’m trying to say is yes… I’m on the same page. I like you too… as a whole lot more than a friend. I wasn’t able to stop thinking about you the whole time I was gone. For the first time since I met you, you actually messed up my studying!” She giggled. “So… what time are you picking me up tomorrow morning?”
His steel blue eyes lit up and his smile widened. “Nine a.m.”
She giggled. “Sounds perfect.”
Sully took Kit’s hand and smiled at her as they walked through the turnstiles of Disneyland the next morning. The moment they set foot on Main Street USA, they both stopped and looked around in awe, like two delighted children.
She giggled. “I’m actually here.” She looked at him. “Thank you for this, babe. You’ve given me something I have wanted my entire life. This feels so amazing.” She smiled as her eyes welled up with tears, completely moved by the experience.
He looked at her and smiled as he squeezed her hand tighter. “C’mon let’s go check it all out.”
They spent the day going on rides, eating junk food, laughing, and taking pictures with Kit’s camera. They were having the time of their lives and had easily regressed back to happy children living the dream.
Later in the day, as the sun was starting to set, Kit managed to corner a fellow tourist and ask him to take a picture. She and Sully stood in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, posing in each other’s arms and laughing. The patient tourist took several different shots for them, far away and close up. They thanked him profusely afterward.
Kit leaned over the bridge and watched the ducks peacefully swimming in the water below. She felt completely content in a way she had forgotten. She looked over at Sully who was right next to her leaning over the bridge too. She grinned. “Makes sense why they call this ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’ It really is and it’s even better because I’m here with you.” He gazed into her eyes and grinned. She giggled. When he looked at her like that, she felt like a teenager weak in the knees. She gazed into his eyes, trying to figure him out. “What are you thinking?”
He kept his gaze trained on her. “I’m thinking that I really want to kiss you right now.”
She giggled again, smiled, and raised her eyebrows. “Really? I’ll let you in on a little secret, I won’t stop you if you want to give it a try.”
He grinned and leaned in to give her a gentle, sensual kiss on the lips. He then pulled her into his arms and went for it, kissing her deeply and passionately. For several moments they were lost in their own little world, completely oblivious to the fact that they were standing in the middle of one of the world’s most treasured theme parks in a heated make out session.
When they finally came up for air, he gazed into her eyes again. “How was that?”
She giggled. “Um, I dunno what to say. I’m feeling a little weak
in the knees and kinda like an addict that needs another hit.”
He laughed. “I guess I better keep feeding your addiction.”
She smiled. “You’re a very smart man, Sully Foxx.”
They enjoyed the rest of their evening at Disneyland and stayed until the park closed at midnight. Sully bought them both sets of mouse ears with their names stitched in yellow. He bought Kit a big, red, mouse-eared balloon as they left.
As they strolled out to the parking lot toward Sully’s red Ferrari, they knew it wasn’t the mementos and photos that they would remember the most from that day, but what they were embarking on with each other. They were creating their own happiest place on earth and they knew they were in for a wild ride.
CHAPTER 18
Kit rolled over and opened her eyes slowly. She grinned and started giggling. Sully was lying next to her staring. “Good morning, beautiful girl.”
She leaned forward and gave him a long, lingering kiss. He pulled her toward him and kissed her more intensely and within minutes their naked bodies were completely entwined in each other, passion taking them over, unable to stop. Their bodies seemed to fit together like two perfectly carved puzzle pieces.
After a satisfying, morning lovemaking session, Kit laid there, her head resting on Sully’s chest. “I think we’re pretty damn clever that we’ve been able to pull this off so long. We’ve been together for a solid nine months now. No one has suspected we’re together. You did a great job with Scarlett, babe.” She sat up and looked at him.
He grinned and stroked her hand. “Thanks. She was a good sport. Nothing like having a rock star lesbian that no one knows is gay posing as my girl to deflect attention away from us.” He chuckled. “We’re breaking up, though.”
Kit frowned. “Huh? I thought we agreed you and Scarlett were going to keep that charade going for a while.”
He gently pulled her back down onto the bed with him. “It has been a while, babe. Scarlett got the green light from her publicist to back off. She’s going to have a supposed fling with another guy and then go public with her girlfriend after the New Year, which is right around the corner. Speaking of which, what are we doing for Christmas?”
She shook her head. “Don’t change the subject. Is her publicist going to work with Lex on this? Lex is the only one that knows about us. Although I think Jimmy is suspect.”
Sully looked at her. “Yes, Lex is on it. The plans are already in motion. Actually, instead of pitching me as this bad boy slut, why don’t we go public about us? I’m ready to let the cat out of the bag if you are.”
She sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed the robe that lay at the foot of the bed. She threw it on and started heading for the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. “I don’t know if that’s such a wise idea, yet.”
Sully frowned. “Huh?” He rolled his eyes, threw on his jeans and followed her out. He came up behind her, put his arms around her waist and kissed her on the neck, then rested his chin on her shoulder. “Why not, Kit? It’s not like this is a fluke thing. We’ve been secretly dating for nine months now. I haven’t been seeing anyone else. You know that. I’m completely in love with you.”
She turned around to face him. She threw her arms around his neck and offered a gentle smile. “And I’m completely in love with you too, babe. It’s the work thing. What will people say? I’m your manager. We’re in the studio recording your first album. You need good press right now and that means groupies and fans. You can’t let on to the fact that you’re off the market. We need to make you look like a spicy, bad boy, not a loyal, committed, die-hard romantic.”
He chuckled. “Are you telling me you want me to bang a couple groupies to make the band look good?”
She playfully punched him in the shoulder. “No, that’s not what I’m saying and you know it. Career wise, right now, it looks better if you’re unattached. Your star is on the rise and I don’t want to interfere with that.”
He shook his head. “You’re not.”
She gazed into his eyes. “I don’t want you to regret one thing. Going public with our relationship could be a hindrance to your career right now. You told me in the beginning you wanted me to make you a superstar.” She took his face into her hands. “Baby, that’s what I’m trying to do, but you’ve got to let me. Believe me, I would love to shout from the mountain tops that I’m head over heels in love with you…”
He grinned and interrupted her. “You are?”
She giggled and gave him a playful shove again. “Yes, now don’t interrupt me! Focus!”
He chuckled and kissed her. “Ok, ok. I got it. I trust you on this one. We’re a good team.”
She smiled. “That we are.”
Alexa was eating her breakfast cereal at the table while perusing the morning paper when Kit hastily padded out to the kitchen. She stared at Alexa until she looked up and laughed. “What’s wrong with you? What’s that look for?”
Kit stared with wide eyes. “I’m going to Chicago… for the holidays.”
Alexa raised her eyebrows. “You are? I thought you and Sull were staying in town and having a quiet Christmas alone. Going to see ol’ James and Deanna, huh? That’s surprising.”
She shook her head slowly and grinned. “Nope. Change of plans. I’m going to Chicago with Sully. He wants to introduce me to his family at Christmas.”
Alexa threw her paper down and was stunned. “What? Shut up!”
She took a seat at the table and shook her head, chuckling. “I know, right? I’m still in shock. I’ve talked to his mom plenty of times when he used to live with us. It’s kinda weird to think that I’m actually going to meet her in person. He’s been in L.A. for four years. Apparently, he’s never taken a girl back with him before. He’s never wanted to.”
Alexa’s violet eyes twinkled with excitement. “Kit, that’s huge!”
She worried. “I hope they like me. They’re South-Siders, Lex. I’m already the enemy because of where we grew up.”
Alexa chuckled. “Of course they’ll like you. You know his mom already does. She wouldn’t have made conversation with you when she called here for Sully in the past if she didn’t.”
She sighed. “This whole thing is a little intimidating. He’s got a big family. He’s got two brothers and three sisters. I guess I have the Irish Catholic thing working for me, right? I still know the appropriate times to sit, stand, and kneel.”
Alexa burst out laughing and then gave her a friendly grin of encouragement. “You absolutely do, love. You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure you’ll do fine. Do you know how they feel about Sully’s work?”
She nodded. “They’ve always been very supportive and they were super excited when we landed the Diamond deal. In fact, his mom called me to say thank you and sent me flowers. His parents came out to a show once, but it was when we were doing all the showcases for the record companies. I was busy talking to label execs, so I didn’t get to meet them in person. He told me they’re really happy about everything.”
Alexa smiled. “See. You’re making their son a star and more importantly you’re making him happy. They’ll love you. How couldn’t they?”
“Lex.”
“Yeah?”
She sighed. “He knows James and Deanna live in Lake Forest. He wants to meet them. He figured since we’re going to be with his family in Evergreen Park that we can make a trip over there since we didn’t have the time when we were back in Lake Forest for Joe’s funeral. I don’t know what to do. I haven’t talked to my dad since I moved out here. He wasn’t at Joe’s funeral. All he did was send flowers and condolences to the family. Such an asshole. He knew Joe well too. Some things never change. It’s always about work first, never about family or friends. The Valois family has always been close to our family. Anyway, whatever. I have to let that one go.”
Alexa put her hand on top of Kit’s. “Call him. The worse that can happen… he says no.”
She shook her head. “He’s going to hate Sully.”
>
“You don’t know that. He liked Joe.”
Kit stared at Alexa. “C’mon, Lex. Joe was from money. You know my dad.”
She sighed and forced a grin. “Ok, so maybe you have a point.”
“How long are you going to be in Lake Forest for the holidays, Lex?”
“I leave the twenty-third and come back the twenty-ninth. Why?”
Kit grinned. “I may need moral support while I’m there. I may need to call for backup in case I need to escape to a safe place.”
They erupted into a fit of giggles and continued their conversation for a while. Kit knew she couldn’t continue to avoid what she needed to do. She walked into her bedroom, closed the door, and dialed a number from memory. Seconds later she heard the receptionist answer. “McKenna, Donahue, and Grant. How may I direct your call?”
Kit’s breath caught in her throat for a moment. She centered herself and sipped in a shallow breath before continuing. “James McKenna, please.”
“I’m sorry. Mr. McKenna is unavailable. If you’ll leave your name and tell me what this is regarding, I’ll make sure he receives your message.”
She sighed, suddenly remembering how things worked at the firm. Her father never took calls from the main switchboard, only his direct line that went through his assistant and Kit had lost that number. She was grateful she wouldn’t have to go through with the awkwardness of a call with her father. She suddenly felt more confident. Leaving a message would be a piece of cake. She doubted he would call her back.
She grinned. “This is Kathryn McKenna… his daughter.” Relieved, she was poised for the conclusion of the call, happy she had escaped unscathed, but that didn’t happen.
The receptionist paused. “Hold one moment, please.”
Before Kit could stop her, she was putting the call through. She swallowed hard and grimaced when she heard her father’s voice answer immediately and call out her name.
Kit brushed her hair and touched up her lipstick. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She was nervous. It was Christmas day and she was due over at her father’s house later for Christmas dinner, along with Sully. They had planned to stop by the Valois estate on the way to visit with Joe’s parents, Veronique, and baby Brandon who was now eleven months old. She didn’t want to leave the confines of Sully’s parents’ house. She felt comfortable and welcome there, perfectly safe, and completely loved. Something she had rarely felt in her own home growing up.