The Promise

by River Laurent

  “Yes. Me, too. But that’s how things happen sometimes.”

  “It doesn’t have to be that way, you know.”

  “With all due respect, Catherine, you’re not aware of the full situation and it’s between Cole and me. I would prefer it stay that way.”

  “I’m very much aware of the full situation,” she argues in the same low, sweet tone of voice. “I think it’s you who isn’t aware of the true situation and that’s why I’m here. There’s a lot you don’t know, that Cole never told you. He doesn’t want to even now. He doesn’t know I’m here.” She grimaces. “He would be furious with me if he knew.”

  I can’t help it. I’m intrigued. “What is it you want to tell me?”

  She takes a deep breath. “Cole told me how upset you still are that he missed your audition eight years ago.”

  “No, I wouldn’t say that. I was upset, but I’m not anymore. Now, I just can’t trust him.”

  “Oh, sweetheart. He never told you, and he made me swear that I wouldn’t tell you, either.”

  I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting to hear what she has to say. “What do you mean? What didn’t he tell me?”

  “I’m ashamed, even though it wasn’t me who did this. It was my husband, but the worst atrocities are not done by just the evil perpetrators, but the good people who stand by and do nothing. I stood by and did nothing. I know now, I shouldn’t have. I destroyed my son’s life. I hope you can forgive me.” She looks at the floor. It’s the only time in all the years I’ve known her that I’ve seen her too ashamed to look somebody in the eye. “My husband told Cole that if he skipped the audition and went to work for him, he would make sure you became a star.”

  I scowl. That doesn’t make sense. “Your husband would never go out of his way like that for me.”

  She closes her eyes and shakes her head at my naivety. “He didn’t do that for you, Taylor. It was to keep Cole away from you.” She winces. “I’m so sorry. It sounds terrible.”

  It all dawns on me. I’m surprised a lightbulb doesn’t go off over my head. My heart is beating so fast I hear my blood rushing in my ears. “So he forced Cole to skip the audition?”

  “That’s right. He didn’t say it in so many words, he didn’t need to. My husband lives in Black Rock, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating him. He is an extremely powerful figure with vast influence in the financial, political, and entertainment worlds. His tentacles spread from Washington to Hollywood. He only had to insinuate that he could have kept you from achieving your dreams, and Cole would have understood exactly what that meant.”

  “Oh. I see,” I enunciate slowly, even though I don’t see anything! I can’t understand how his father can hate me so much. I have never done anything bad to him.

  “That was why Cole was in such a shameful state when you saw him that morning. He must’ve been utterly devastated. He had to get roaring drunk just so he could bring himself to let you down.”

  “I don’t understand why he made an agreement like that. He didn’t have to. We could’ve made it together. I’m sure we could have. Unless … unless his father would’ve sabotaged him, as well.”

  There is no hesitation in her. “He would have. Not out of spite, but because he wants something else for Cole. He didn’t care what Cole wanted only what he did. Cole is his only son so he needs Cole to take over his empire. My husband thinks he can control everything and everyone. Well, maybe he can.”

  I can’t get it all together. Cole, drunk the afternoon of the audition. Telling me he didn’t want to be part of my life anymore. So nasty. His words still sting, all these years later. It was all because … “Because he wanted me to have my dream,” I whisper, trembling.

  “Yes. Don’t you see? He wanted you to be happy. It meant more to him than even his own happiness. He had to let go of his greatest dream. You. Because he wanted you to have yours. He was willing to do anything for you.”

  “He wanted to be famous, too?”

  “Maybe, but not as much as he wanted you, Taylor. He was so in love with you, but his father wouldn’t allow it. This was his way of splitting you two up. For good.”

  I nod slowly, thinking it all over, the shock subsiding, and unbelievable euphoria bubbling into my heart. “And he just about succeeded.”

  Taylor

  The whole world shifts on its axis. I don’t know what to think about anything. Eight years of seeing things one way, and now this.

  “This all seems unreal.” I pace the floor and rub my clammy palms on my pants. “I mean, isn’t this all a little convenient? After eight years, and after telling Cole off for ditching me that day, it suddenly comes out that he was acting in my best interest?”

  “Yes, I realize it seems convenient, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I told Cole to be honest with you even at the time, but he refused, not just because it would hurt you, but he was afraid you would skip the audition too and give up your dream. He didn’t want you to play small-time gigs for the rest of your life.”

  I can’t argue with that. I would’ve skipped the audition and told that bastard to go straight to hell. “I always knew he didn’t think I was good enough for Cole, but I didn’t think he would go that far. So your husband somehow, what? Convinced the record company to sign me? Was sort of my agent behind-the-scenes? Did he grease palms or something?” I feel dirty. There I was, thinking I made it based on my talent. And now I find out it was all set up for me. I feel a cross between disgust and dismay.

  “Your talent got you as far as you’ve come, Taylor. You don’t ever have to question that. But let me ask you this: how do you think a girl as beautiful as you managed to reach the top as quickly as you did without a single moment spent on the casting couch? Hmmm?”

  I gasp. Something niggles at the back of my mind, things I’ve overheard, secret whispers about dark parties full of insiders that I’ve never been invited to, but I still don’t want to believe her. I can’t believe her. “The casting couch is for Hollywood not for the music business,” I say scornfully.

  A strange expression crosses her face. “Fame and fortune always comes at a great price, Taylor. There are millions of young girls with great talent and yet only a few are picked out to be superstars, what do you think informs the selection process?”

  Now that I look back, everything was so easy, if I am honest even too easy. Doors opened that I didn’t even knock on, because I didn’t know they existed. It all fell into place like it was meant to be, or like it was arranged for me.

  “Why didn’t Cole tell me all this three weeks ago? Why let me walk away thinking he was at fault?”

  “Because he didn’t want to take anything away from you. He didn’t want you to think less of your achievement.”

  I stare at her in horror. “My god, he must really, truly love me.”

  “Yes, he does. His love is much purer than I ever imagined.”

  “Will his father accept me now?”

  “No. You will never be acceptable to my husband. He wanted Cole to date and hopefully marry somebody, how do I say this? From our kind.” She winces. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it is for her, talking about her husband like this. She’s nothing if not loyal. To a fault, sometimes.

  “Let me guess, someone like Victoria.”

  She nods, wrinkling her nose. “Yes.”

  My mood darkens. “Did they ever?”

  “Never. At first I thought she would make a good candidate, but Cole couldn’t stand her.”

  “So, they were never engaged?”

  “Most certainly not.”

  “And she’s not pregnant with his baby?”

  “Unless she found one of his used condoms somewhere and used a turkey baster.”

  At any other time I would have laughed, but not now. “You don’t know how relieved you’ve made me. I mean that. Thank you for this.” I cross my hands over my chest and just about burst out sobbing. “I wish Cole had told me a long time ago. I feel so bad. I accused
him of being disloyal and unreliable and he has actually been as unshakeable as a rock the whole time.”

  She only shakes her head. “Oh, no, sweetheart. Don’t feel bad. What is past is past, but both of you are still so young. You have your whole lives in front of you.”

  “Do you think Cole will forgive me? I was very horrible to him at the airport. I think I really hurt him.”

  “There is nothing you can do to stop Cole from loving you. He sacrificed his own happiness so you could achieve your dreams. Even though he is a wreck now, he didn’t want me to tell you the truth. He did not ever want you to question your talent or wonder whether you deserve the fame you have found. He wanted you to believe you did it all on your own.”

  I stare at her speechlessly. Cole didn’t break his promise. All those years I thought he did.

  Catherine shrugs. “I am afraid I just undid all his work, but I felt it was important to both of you. What you do after this is up to you, but I have done my part. I hope you can forgive me.”

  “Forgive you?” I go to her and throw my arms around her neck. “I can’t thank you enough!” Questioning where my fame comes from means nothing, nothing to me compared to being without Cole, thinking he didn’t care about me, thinking he lied.

  She hugs me back, then smiles up at me. “I’m flying back tonight on our jet. Do you want to come with me?”

  Do I? “Yes. More than anything.”

  Taylor

  It’s nearly two in the morning by the time Catherine’s driver pulls up in front of Cole’s house. I can’t believe the way my heart is racing. I’m nervous and I’m excited and I’m happy and I’m scared all in one.

  “You’re sure he’ll forgive me?” I whisper, wringing my hands.

  “There’s nothing to forgive. It’s not your fault. Both of you were just pawns on my husband’s chessboard.”

  “You’re right. I just hope he sees it that way.”

  “Something tells me he will.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I’m his mother. I know these things. Now get out there and knock on the door.” She gives me a playful shove and I get out of the car. My heart is throbbing harder than ever. What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if?

  He doesn’t give me time to worry.

  As soon as I ring the bell, he throws open the door, our eyes connect, and he practically pulls me off my feet and into the house. Before I know it, I’m in his arms and he’s kissing me like there’s no tomorrow. I’m kissing him back with tears streaming down my face.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” It’s all I can get out between kisses, and I’m so breathless, I can barely even whisper the words. He doesn’t seem to care. He’s kissing my face, my mouth, my forehead, my chin.

  “I’ve missed you so much.” His arms are like steel bands around me, but I don’t mind. I never want him to let go again.

  “I’ve missed you,” I sob. “You have no idea how much. I’m so sorry, I was so harsh. I made such a mistake. I made such a mistake.”

  “No, no. You did the best you could. It’s all right. I’m so proud of you.” He pulls back to look at me, and there’s a brilliant smile on his face. “I love you, Taylor Rose McCarthy.”

  It’s like the clouds have opened and the sun is shining through. “I love you! I do love you. I was lying when I said I didn’t. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  “Stop saying sorry. You don’t have to apologize anymore. I mean it. It’s all right. You haven’t done anything wrong.” He holds my face in his hands. “It’s all right.”

  “Can I ask you a favor?”

  “Of course.” he smiles, stroking my cheeks with his thumbs.

  “Can we close the door and sit down?” We’ve been standing in the open doorway all this time. His laughter rings in my ears.

  “Yeah, come on in, even though I actually want everybody seeing you out here and getting the wrong idea …”

  Cole

  It’s like a dream coming true. One minute, I was sitting here, trying to lull myself to sleep by watching a brainless movie. The next, she came to the door.

  And that was it.

  Everything changed.

  Everything.

  I can’t stop touching her. It’s like I still can’t quite believe she’s real. She’s never going back. If I touch her, she’s really here. Finally. She must feel the same way, since she’s doing the same thing.

  “I guess you must’ve talked to my mother,” I say.

  “Hey! If I hadn’t, would I be here? She was only being a mom. It took guts to come to me the way she did—she was sure you would kill her.”

  “I’m not sure I won’t,” I growl.

  “Aren’t you glad I’m here?” she smiles.

  “Of course. It’s my stupid ego getting in the way.” I roll my eyes with a shrug. “I’m just a stupid man. What can I say?”

  “Yeah, well, I’ve been a foolish woman.” She shakes her head with a frown. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t hurt me the way I thought you did.”

  “You’re not a mind reader,” I remind her. “You couldn’t have known.”

  “You were stubborn.”

  “I thought I was doing the right thing. I’ll stand by that til the day I die.”

  She squeezes my hand. “I know. I’m not sure if I should thank you or slap you.”

  “As long as you slap me the right way,” I suggest, raising an eyebrow, and she giggles. I’ve missed that giggle. It’s like balm for my soul.

  “I mean it, though. I know you did it for the right reasons, and I love you for it, but you knew that was what stood between us—that day, the audition. Why didn’t you tell me at the airport?”

  “I wanted to,” I admit, “but would you have believed me? Be honest. Would you have accused me of making up stories?”

  She grimaced. “Yeah. I guess I would have. I wasn’t in my right mind that day.”

  “Who would be? You were attacked.” I wrap my arms around her the way I wanted to that day and she rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry about that.”

  “It’s an occupational hazard,” she murmurs, snuggling up against me. She smells like a funny mixture of hairspray, makeup, and sweat.

  “Did you have a show tonight?” I ask.

  “Yeah. Were you following along with me?”

  “No. I can just tell you were performing.”

  She straightens up, gasping. “Oh, my God! I probably stink!”

  “You don’t stink,” I laugh, “but you don’t smell the way I’m used to smelling you, is all. God, you must be exhausted. Performing, flying here …”

  “It’s no worse than moving on to a new city right after a show,” she points out.

  That gets me thinking. “You’re not missing a new stop on the tour for me, are you?”

  She shakes her head. “I have two days off, then it’s on to Philadelphia. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll never go back out there again.”

  “Philadelphia?”

  “Tour.” Her voice is firm, and her face is stony.

  “Are you sure you mean that? Didn’t you just get started?”

  “I’m not as happy doing anything as I am when I sit here with you right now. We have each other, finally. Why would I want to go back on tour and ruin that?”

  “You could never ruin that, no matter how hard you tried.” I cup her chin in my palm. “You don’t have to worry about me. You only have to worry about whether or not you’re really happy.”

  “You know I’m not.” She sighs. “But I did make a commitment, and I have twenty cities left to go.”

  “Wow. Twenty. I don’t know how you do it.”

  She grins. “I could do it standing on my head. I’m not concerned with the length or the number of cities.”

  “What are you concerned with?”

  “Not having you. You’re what I’ve been missing all this time. I was too shy to tell you that before, when we were together. It’s all you.” She shrugs as tears
fill her eyes. “When we performed together at Artie’s, it was like all the old feelings came back. I remembered why I used to love doing this. I got back what I was missing all along.”

  “So what are you saying? I should get up there on stage with you?”

  “No. You know that’s not what I mean.”

  “Oh, so you’re trying to hog the spotlight?”

  “Shut up!” She gives me a playful shove, then gets serious again. “I don’t know what I’m saying. I just want to be with you, is all. Knowing you’re in my life and that at the end of the tour, I’ll be coming back to you, will go a long way.”

  “What if I meet you whenever I can, wherever you happen to be? I can’t guarantee that I can follow you around everywhere, but …”

  “You mean, you can’t be my groupie?” she smirks.

  “I’ve always wanted to be a groupie, too. Damn. But I’ll do the best I can.”

  Her smile is radiant. “That would be amazing.”

  “Then, it’ll happen. Whatever you need. After this tour—well, we’ll talk about what happens next. I’ll stand by whatever you want to do.”

  “Thank you.” She winds her arms around my neck and squeezes tight, then chuckles. “I guess I’d better take a shower if I want to keep climbing all over you like this.”

  “Mm, climbing all over me. That sounds good. Maybe I’ll join you?”

  She stands and takes me by the hand, then giggles. “Here I am, trying to be seductive, but I don’t know where the bathroom is.”

  “I’ll lead the way,” I chuckle, and we go upstairs together. While I’m turning on the shower, she takes off her clothes. Hallelujah. I didn’t think I would ever get to see or touch her again, but here she is. In my bathroom, about to get into the shower with me. If I’m dreaming, I don’t want to wake up.

  Minutes later, we’re soaping each other up and making a huge mess, laughing through it all. Our laughter fades as we start touching more interesting places, and before I know it we’re wrapped in each other’s arms, leaning against the shower wall. I don’t know what’s hotter—her or the water.