She jumped out of bed, staring in the mirror at several purple hickeys surrounding her lips. “Oh, great! I can’t go to the airport like this.”
“You sound like you’re complaining,” he said, being a smartass. “No one will even notice them with some makeup.”
“Oh, bullshit. They are definitely going to notice these. Crap, I’ll never hear the end of this.”
“Was it worth it?” he asked gently, kissing her bottom lip.
“Yes.”
John, Tracy, JC and Shayla gathered at the airport to say their goodbyes. JC eyed her mom skeptically. Tess knew what was coming.
“Rough night, Mom? Makeup doesn’t cover those very well.” JC laughed uncontrollably, causing all of them to survey her lips.
“Ha ha ha very funny. Okay, get out of here. Love you.”
“We’ll be home in a few days, but we’ll be in California before we go to the cabin,” Tom said.
Shayla glanced at Tess’ lips and smiled sweetly, whispering to Tom. “I wouldn’t come back to California until those are gone.”
“Definitely,” he agreed.
The following day, Tom scheduled a meeting to hire a new publicist, Andy Johnson. Tess saw an entirely different side of Tom, very firm and assertive. He knew what he wanted and expected Andy to have the right answers for him. She loved seeing him so businesslike and learned a lot by sitting in on their meeting.
After Tom’s meeting, Tess asked apprehensively, “What exactly is going to happen when we get home?”
“It’s going to be an onslaught of media when we go home.” He admitted hesitantly, stroking her arm in reassurance. “Hopefully, you might actually enjoy some of it.” Tom smiled self-consciously, continuously spinning his wedding band with his thumb.
“Crap, do my lips look any better?”
“A little better, but the first time we have a few days in private…” He kissed her enthusiastically, giving her a promising taste of what would come.
“We need to go over our wedding photos and pick our favorites. Do you want to release photos with your kids or of just you and me? How will they feel about their pictures being in magazines?”
“I don’t know. I have no idea. I hate to leave them out. I’m proud of my kids, but I don’t want people bugging them either. I should’ve talked to them about it before they left.” Tess shook her head in frustration.
“Sorry, Tess. I didn’t want to bring it up before the wedding. I guess I probably should’ve, but I didn’t want to stress you out. I didn’t want it to be hectic with the press. I wanted it to be easy for the both of us.”
“I’m ready to go home as soon as my lips look better. I don’t care what people say. Bring on the madness. I’d prefer to release photos with the kids, too. If we don’t, they’re just going to try to get their own pictures, and that, I won’t like at all. I’ll discuss it with them first, but I would rather put all the cards on the table and get on with our life together.”
“I agree. We’re always going to be under a microscope. That’s just the way it is. But I actually think you have a knack for it.”
“I sure as hell wouldn’t go that far, but I did have fun at the premier.”
“This will be more entertaining than the movie premier, trust me.”
That night they went out for dinner and walked the streets of the village. Tess noticed Tom continuously spinning his ring with his thumb. “You’ll get used to it.” She smiled, watching him play with it.
He glanced down at his hand. “I love it. I’ve never worn a ring before.”
She was admiring her own ring when a bright flash blinded her. A young man had taken their picture. He wasn’t paparazzi, but he wasn’t an idiot either. Tom instantly approached the man, offering him money, but the guy acted like a jerk saying, “I heard you got married here. Nobody will believe this.” The damage was done. The man hurried away, muttering something about how much money he’d make off the photo.
“Maybe he doesn’t realize what we were doing.” Tess tried to be convincing.
“Come on,” Tom fumed. “He knew exactly what we were looking at. Our rings! We’ll have one day, maybe two. I wanted to do this my way, on my own terms. If Andy can move up an interview we might need to leave early.”
“It is what it is, Tom. So what? I don’t care. Bring it on! Nothing is going to ruin our honeymoon. The paparazzi can line up in front of the house. I’d be perfectly happy staying in bed for three days. I don’t care what we have to go through when we get home. I have what I want: you. That’s all that matters.” She threw her hands on her hips at the end of her little speech.
A slow smile spread across his face. “First off, this is not our honeymoon, second, we might have to go home early, and third, I could definitely stay in bed with you until we leave.”
“What do you mean this isn’t our honeymoon?”
“I mean this is unquestionably not our honeymoon.”
Returning home, Tom phoned Andy. They’d definitely need to leave early to go back to Malibu.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
On the flight back to Malibu, Andy called. Rumors had already started circulating online. Tess seemed more relaxed about it than Tom. He acted tense. “Tess, the paparazzi will be relentless when we land. It’ll be entirely different from before. I might phone Joey. It’ll give me a better idea of what to expect.”
Joey informed Tom it would be crazy when they landed. Tess thanked Joey for doing such a great job on the photos. He said it had been a long time since he shot a wedding, but enjoyed doing it.
“His pictures are amazing. I don’t know why he doesn’t do weddings instead of chasing movie stars all over,” Tess told Tom.
Tom smirked, “He probably makes more money.”
“Maybe he’s not shooting the right weddings.”
“You’re going to plug him aren’t you? Give his name out?” Tom asked her curiously.
“Of course. He’s wasting his talent hiding behind trees, taking pictures of stars.”
“Hey, don’t be stealing my ‘in’ with the paparazzi,” he joked.
“You can get a new one. He’s very talented.”
Tom continuously spun his ring with his thumb.
Tess frowned suspiciously. “You’re not going to ask me to take my ring off, are you?” His face confirmed her suspicions. “Let me rephrase that: I’m not taking my ring off. Don’t ask me to pretend for one second that we’re not married. I’ll put my hand in my pocket if that’s what you want, but I won’t take it off, Tom. I don’t care who is looking or what kind of hell we have to endure. I don’t want to play games.”
“I hope you’re ready for this.” His eyes filled with concern and his face strained as he rubbed his jaw anxiously.
The plane landed and Tom was back to his confident-self.As they hurried through the airport, everything passed by Tess in a blur. It was so frenzied, and she wasn’t sure how many paparazzi surrounded them. Several pushed their way next to her shouting, Did you get married? How was Greece? Show me your ring. Tom squeezed her fingers, striding in front of her to block them from getting too close.
More paparazzi awaited at their house in Malibu, snapping pictures of them in the car. It irritated her they would come to their home. It seemed more like stalking when they lurked in the driveway.
Shayla waited for them inside. Tess was relieved to see her, but she stayed only long enough to go over their schedule for the next week. They would be doing nearly a dozen interviews, starting the following day with People magazine, which changed their lead story to cover Tom Clemmins’ wedding. They’d have one day off so the magazine could release its issue. After that, the entire week lined up with interviews and talk shows.
Tess plopped down on the couch next to Tom, chewing on her lip and waving her sweaty hands in the air. Tom teased, “Weren’t you the one who said, ‘It is what it is, Tom. I’m ready. I’m fine. We’ll simply go with the flow.’ You were all tough two days ago. One little magazine cov
er and you fall to pieces. Come on, Tess, you’re tougher than that.”
“I was only being positive about the whole photo incident, not People magazine. Holy crap. I read that magazine at my doctor’s office.”
“It’s only the beginning.” he taunted. “They’ll be here tomorrow at one.”
Mary from People magazine showed up right on time, introducing herself cordially, appearing enthusiastic about the interview. Tom welcomed her into his home, showing her around, breaking the ice. They chatted outback before heading inside. Tom and Tess sat barefoot on the couch together.
Mary congratulated both of them on their nuptials. The interview went off without a hitch, going over the typical questions: How did you meet? How long have you been dating? How do your kids feel about Tom?
As the interview progressed, Mary’s questions became more direct. “Tom, there are going to be a lot of people out there who are betting your marriage will never last. They say you’ll never be with one woman. You’ll never settle down. What do you say to those people?”
Tom shifted his head from side-to-side, him-hawing. “Well, you can’t print what I would really say. So, I will say, I’ll take that bet. I wouldn’t have asked Tess to marry me if I wasn’t one hundred percent certain of how we feel about each other. Obviously Tess is beautiful, but she’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. I’m proud to be her husband.”
Tess bit her lip and nudged Tom.
“Tess, Tom has dated numerous women prior to you. That doesn’t bother you?” Mary asked innocently, as if it wasn’t an insult.
Tess turned to Tom thinking, Who the fuck would ask that? Tess snickered and a saucy smile expanded across her face. No way in hell is she going to get the best of me. Tom’s face turned a slight shade of pink as he closed his eyes, cringing as if he knew what she was going to say.
“No, not at all. I’m putting all his experience to good use.”
Mary’s face and neck flushed, hiding a smile. “Do you want me to quote you on that?”
Tess and Tom laughed aloud and Tom responded, “No, she doesn’t.”
Mary repeated her question. “Tom has dated many women prior to you. Does it bother you?”
Tess restated confidently. “No, it doesn’t bother me. Who he’s dated in the past, is exactly that: in the past. I’m the woman he loves and married. I’m the one he comes home with every night.”
“Well, I will say, and I’ll put this in the article too, you are a gorgeous couple. I’m pleasantly surprised. You act as if you’ve been together for years. If I had gambled on your relationship, I would’ve given you six months to a year. After meeting you and seeing the two of you together, I’d change that bet.”
Tess handed Mary a piece of paper with Joey’s name on it for photographer and Marco’s name for hair and makeup. “I’d appreciate it if you’d include their names in the article. They did an excellent job for us.”
“The photographer always gets listed,” Mary responded feebly.
“Mary, it’s important to Tess that they get credit in the article. She’d like both of them mentioned. Not just listed.” Tom reiterated nicely, but firmly.
Mary glanced at Tom. “All right. I’ll take care of it. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. You’ll be happy with the article and the photos will look beautiful in the magazine. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. Tess, you’re nothing like what I was expecting. Congratulations again.”
“Thanks,” Tess mumbled as Tom shut the door. “I think.”
“She meant it as a compliment. Trust me. She wouldn’t have been nice at the end if she didn’t like you.”
The different time zones were catching up to Tess and it was noon before she climbed out of bed. A copy of People sat on the bathroom counter. Tom sat on the couch, waiting for her. Covered with goose bumps, she jumped on the couch next to him.
“It’s surreal to see us on the cover. This is wild. I love this picture, it’s my favorite.” In the picture, Tess stood with her back against the pillar with Tom facing her, gazing into each other’s eyes as the sun sank into the sea.
“The article is very nice. I knew she liked you. Read it. I had copies delivered to your kids, too.”
“They’re going to freak out.” She read over the article, smiling with excitement. He seemed just as happy. “Did you ever think you’d see ‘this’ picture of yourself on People? I know you’ve been on here for sexiest man or best-looking bachelor, whatever they call that issue. But married Tom Clemmins?”
Tom slipped his finger under her chin. “This means more to me than all the others. And no, I never expected to see wedding pictures of myself on the cover of People or anywhere else for that matter.”
The next week was wild. Tom and Tess did dozens of interviews. Paparazzi followed them everywhere, and most of the press was positive. Tess refused to watch any entertainment TV programs, but her kids filled her in on several shows they’d seen. Tess thought it was ridiculous for complete strangers to analyze their relationship: What was Tom Clemmins thinking? Would he cheat? Was she after his money? Was she pregnant? People even stooped as low as taking a poll, asking how long they expected the marriage to last. The whole thing seemed idiotic. Tess asked her kids not to watch them, and if they did, she didn’t want to hear about it.
“I’m ready to go home soon, Tom,” she said one day when she woke up at one o’clock in the afternoon. “I’ve had about all the fun I can take. I’m wiped out.”
“I am, too. We can go whenever you’re ready.”
“Can we stop in Vegas first, so I can get some of my winter clothes and my ski stuff? Plus I need to take care of a few things.”
“You can get new gear if you want.”
“I like my stuff. It’s almost brand new. I don’t need to stay there long. I’m ready to go home, to the cabin.”
“You’re home right now too, Tess, in Malibu.”
“I know,” she paused. “I want to make my home our home. I need to go through my closet. When Richard died, I couldn’t bring myself to go through his things, but I’m ready now.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” he asked nicely.
“You’re my husband now. You keep telling me, ‘What’s yours is mine.’ I want to be able to say the same thing. I’m mentally ready to go through his things. I simply haven’t had the time yet. I don’t mind staying there for a night or two, and I need to change a few things. It’s important to me, Tom. I need to do this. I want you to feel as comfortable there as I feel here.”
“I know it won’t be easy for you. I’m assuming you’d prefer to go through his things by yourself, but if you’d like some help, even if it’s just for moral support, I’ll help you.”
“Thanks.”
They flew to Vegas two days later. It comforted Tess to be home, but at the same time, it seemed awkward. This had always been her home with Richard.
As they walked through the door, John beamed. “We have a surprise for you. All of us wanted to be here to give this to you, but we weren’t expecting you to come home yet. It’s a late wedding gift.” John led them to the hallway where Tess' favorite family pictures hung. “We thought it was time to add to the wall.”
Fifteen pictures from their wedding, Greece and Bora Bora hung on the opposite side of the hallway. Most of the photos were of Tess and Tom, but they added several of all of them together as a family. Tears immediately stung her eyes and Tom stared in awe at the wall.
“I can’t believe you did this! I love it. How did you get these?” Tom asked.
“Shayla helped us get the pictures. We pretty much stole them, but we put them back,” John admitted.
Tom put his arm around John, squeezing his shoulder. “I don’t even know what to say,” he choked.
Tess could see how moved Tom was by the gift, he was speechless. Her children understood how important family snapshots were to Tess. The gesture of adding Tom to the family wall meant more to her than words of acceptance ever coul
d.
“New addition to the family, new addition to the wall. We thought you’d like it.” John said matter-of-factly.
Tess put her arms around John. “I’m truly touched.” She brushed away the tears leaking from her eyes.
“We knew you’d love it. I have to get back to work. Maybe we can go out to dinner together.” He shook Tom’s hand, hugged his mom and headed out the door.
Tom and Tess stood in the hallway with their arms around each other. “This might possibly be the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me,” Tom said quietly, staring at the photos.
Tess could only smile. It was exactly what she needed. Home would be wherever she and Tom were together. They’d left her Camaro at the cabin, but Richard’s truck sat parked in the garage. She grabbed the keys and tossed them to Tom.
“Would you mind getting me some boxes?”
“Right now? Are you sure?”
“I’m one hundred percent sure. I’m ready.” She smiled poignantly. “I’d feel better if I could do this alone though.”
Tess knew Tom would never push the issue, however relief flooded his eyes. He seemed to appreciate that she was taking another step in letting go and moving on with him.
It didn’t take nearly as long as she expected to go through Richard’s things. His clothes lay on the bed ready to be boxed up. She placed his wedding ring in her safe. It would eventually go to John. After twenty-five years of marriage, all that remained in her bedroom was his cologne.
For months after Richard’s death, nighttime had turned into Tess’ weakest, most vulnerable moments. When it felt like her tears and the darkness would never end, Tess would step into her closet, spray cologne on one of Richard’s shirts, curl up with it on the closet floor and cry herself to sleep.
She stared down at the glass bottle. It was the only tangible possession she had left of Richard. Hesitantly, she raised the half-empty bottle of amber liquid to her nose. The exotic scent reminded her of an island breeze, spiked with cedar and vanilla. Drawing in the familiar scent, she remembered the last time she smelled it. Tess had been shopping at the grocery store when a man passed her in the isle wearing Richard’s cologne. She stopped in her tracks whispering, Richard? As her head turned, following the scent, anticipation rose in her chest, hoping to wake from the nightmare she’d been living. Staring at a stranger, she realized it was only the ghost from her dreams, haunting her again.
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