* * *
‘Guess where Paul’s gone today,’ Nona said, struggling into a pair of too-tight jeans.
‘Where?’ replied Brigette, biting into an apple.
‘He’s taking old lady Deena Swanson to lunch. Are you ready for that?’
Brigette almost choked. No, she was not ready for that. Swallowing her hurt feelings she said, ‘Why?’ Then added, ‘How do you know?’
‘I know everything,’ Nona replied confidently, finally closing the zipper on her jeans. ‘I listened in on the phone when he called her.’
‘Does he like her?’ Brigette asked casually.
‘Do you like him?’ Nona asked, not so casually.
‘Don’t be crazy,’ Brigette replied, trying to look cool.
‘I think you do,’ Nona said, very sure of herself.
Before Brigette could reply, Effie swept into the room. ‘There’s a phone call for you, Brigette, dear. It’s your stepfather, Lennie Golden. We’d love to meet him sometime. Ask him over for drinks.’
Brigette was pleased. She’d thought Lennie had forgotten her. ‘What shall I tell him?’ she asked Nona.
‘Tell him he’s got us whenever he wants,’ Nona said. ‘You have mentioned I’m coming, haven’t you?’
Brigette looked vague. ‘Sure.’
Nona pulled a face. ‘Bet you haven’t – do so now.’
‘I will,’ replied Brigette, rushing to the phone.
Lennie sounded like his old self. He said the Malibu trip was on, and yes, she could bring a friend. They agreed that she and Nona would fly out in a week.
Nona was delighted. ‘Can’t wait to meet your stepfather,’ she said excitedly. ‘Is he as hot as he looks on the screen?’
‘Lennie? Hot?’ Brigette almost laughed aloud. She’d never thought of him in that way, although, of course, he did have quite a following.
On reflection she considered he probably was hot. ‘You don’t fancy him, do you?’ she teased Nona.
‘Not as much as I fancy Tom Cruise,’ Nona replied, grabbing her jacket. ‘Come on, let’s go shopping. I can’t wait to buy the smallest bikini anybody’s ever seen in their entire life!’
* * *
Bert Slocombe figured he was the smartest reporter in town. Well, reporter-photographer really, because he never went anywhere without his little camera cleverly concealed on his person. Bert was known to be the best at getting the goods on the rich and famous, which was exactly why they’d put him on Swanson watch.
That morning he’d considered following Martin Swanson, but a hunch had made him decide to concentrate on Deena instead. And sure enough his hunch paid off. The stylish Mrs. Swanson emerged from her house just after noon, all togged out in a fancy jogging outfit. She was accompanied by some young geezer who kept on giving her lustful looks. Bert recognized a lustful look from five hundred yards.
Happily he settled in behind them as they made their way to the park. He’d known something good was up the moment she left her house and didn’t immediately climb into a chauffeured limousine.
Deena Swanson walking to the park was picture enough, but add some young stud and it really made a front-page scandal shot. Nothing like a well-known married woman playing around to sell magazines. Especially with a younger man.
Bert wondered who the kid was. He was good-looking enough, with his long hair and one small gold earring in his earlobe. Maybe he was a rock star. Those rock-and-rollers managed to get in everywhere.
No, Bert decided. He didn’t recognize him, and he was familiar with most of the long-haired brigade.
When they arrived at the park, the young guy pulled out a blanket from the bag he carried and laid it out on the grass.
Bert thought he’d died and gone to heaven.
He could see Deena arguing – she obviously wasn’t used to this kind of outing – but she sat on the grass anyway, making it an easy job for Bert to scoot around behind a tree and shoot some great pictures.
The two of them stayed in the park for over an hour. Bert was hoping the guy would make a move on her, but no such luck. A lot of talk and that was it.
He wished he could hear what they were saying. Impossible, couldn’t make himself too obvious. As it was he was flitting around behind trees like a secret wanker.
He managed to get one picture he knew was going to be special. Deena had a wasp or something trapped in her hair and the kid leaned forward to brush it out. Of course, the gullible public wouldn’t know what he was doing. It looked like he was about to give her a hot wet one full on the lips.
Bert followed them back to Deena’s house and lingered for a moment. Sure enough the young guy emerged almost immediately and Bert fell into step a discreet distance behind him. Might as well put a name to the kid.
He chuckled to himself. This story, combined with the Venus Maria stuff, was going to be bigger than ever. He couldn’t wait to give Dennis the good news in L.A.
Chapter 56
Once she was rid of Emilio, Venus Maria spoke to Ron on the phone.
‘And where were you last night?’ he asked crisply. Ron always liked to know everyone’s business.
‘At Spago.’
‘Hitting the town, are we? Who was your fortunate escort?’
‘Cooper.’
‘Hmm…’ Ron was intrigued. ‘And did we finally do the deed?’
She sighed. ‘No, Ron. We did not do the deed. Cooper and I are just friends. Why even ask a question like that?’
‘Because I know you. You’re not exactly a patient wench, and if you can’t have Martin all the way you’re hardly going to wait forever.’
She twirled the cord of the phone. ‘What makes you so certain I can’t have Martin all the way?’
‘He’s not gettable,’ Ron said firmly. ‘He’s taken.’
‘I can get any man I want,’ Venus Maria replied, full of bravado.
‘Show me,’ Ron taunted.
It infuriated her that Ron always thought he had to challenge her. ‘I’ll show you all right,’ she snapped, hoping to shut him up. ‘Talk to you later.’ She hung up without giving him a chance to say another word.
In a couple of weeks they were supposed to begin serious rehearsals for her upcoming ‘Soft Seduction’ tour. She planned to hit twenty-two cities – a gruelling prospect, but one she looked forward to. The Soft Seduction album would be released at the same time, along with her video of the title track. She was filming the video next week. It was to be directed by the famous Italian photographer Antonio, a good friend of hers.
Ron was pissed off because he’d wanted to direct it. She’d tried to explain that she felt like a change, but Ron was in a sulk about it, even though he’d done all the choreography.
In the video she was to play three roles: a beautiful, seductive woman; a handsome gigolo-type man; and a half-woman, half-man creature. As usual it would arouse controversy and criticism. That was the whole point. Her fans would love it, they’d go Soft Seduction crazy. She was going to give them the Venus Maria they really craved.
As far as her fans were concerned Venus Maria could do no wrong. She was their video queen. Their princess. She was everything they aspired to be. Dangerous. Stylish. A woman unafraid in a world run by men. A ‘fuck you’ woman.
The thought of the upcoming tour excited her. She’d only been out on the road once before, and that was right before her career took off, just after her first hit record. At the time she’d been too inexperienced to understand the intricate interaction between audience and artist. Now she knew it was going to be a sensational blast, some kind of heady exchange of energy and power between star and fans. And after the tour, if the script was changed to her liking, she was to star in Mickey Stolli’s big movie, Bombshell – a role coveted by every young actress in Hollywood.
First the video, then the tour, next the movie. The rest of her year was well taken care of.
She’d heard that all tickets were sold out in record time as soon as the box-offices opened.
br />
Maybe she shouldn’t even worry about Martin until she got back, but she knew that if she didn’t cement their relationship with a definite commitment from him before she went, by the time the tour was finished it would be over.
His phone call came at just the right moment.
‘I’m going to be in L.A. tomorrow,’ he informed her, all business. ‘I’m planning a takeover at one of the studios. I’ll pick you up at noon and we’ll fly to San Francisco for the day.’
She didn’t like it when he took her for granted. ‘What if I’m busy?’ she said.
‘Are you?’ he asked abruptly.
She took a moment before replying. ‘No.’
‘Why do you always try to give me a hard time?’
‘Because nobody else does.’
He laughed. ‘Good reason. Did you get the shares?’
‘Oh, those little things,’ she said casually. ‘I added them to my collection.’
‘That’s what I like about you.’
She held the phone tightly to her ear. ‘What?’
‘You’re totally independent.’
Sure, Martin. But not when it comes to you. ‘Isn’t everyone?’ she said coolly.
‘No. Definitely not.’
As soon as she hung up she couldn’t wait to call Ron back. ‘We’ll have to cancel the video rehearsal tomorrow. I’m flying to San Francisco for the day,’ she told him.
‘With whom?’
‘Martin.’
‘Mmm…’ Ron said in his usual bitchy tone. ‘Mister Big calls – little Virginia runs.’
‘Don’t call me that.’
‘Why not?’
‘’Cause you know it pisses me off.’
‘Well, now, I’m so sorry, miss. However, some of us do feel we can still talk to you as if you’re a mere mortal.’
Ron was in his definite pain-in-the-ass mood. ‘Cut it out,’ she said crossly.
He changed his tune, suddenly becoming overly solicitous. ‘Shall I pop over and help you select outfits for tomorrow? You have to look your best.’
‘I can manage.’
‘How about Madame Loretta’s girls? I could arrange to have them waiting at the hotel.’
Trust him to bring up the hookers. She should never have let Ron in on that little game. ‘The girls were a one-time experience. OK?’
‘Just checking. What are you doing the rest of the day?’
She relented. After all, he was her best friend. ‘Nothing. Come over if you want.’
‘Can I bring Ken?’ he asked anxiously, still dying for her and the Ken Doll to become close buddies.
No way, José. ‘Another time, Ron.’
‘You’re such a bitch.’
‘Thank you. I love you, too.’
‘Have fun tomorrow.’
‘I plan to.’
After putting the phone down on Ron she immediately called Cooper.
‘What are you doing tonight?’ she asked, getting straight to the point.
He sounded cautious. ‘I have a date with a seventeen-year-old ex-porn queen. Why?’
‘Can I come too?’
Now he sounded amused. ‘Are you suggesting a threesome?’
‘No! I am not! I’d like to go out for dinner. Martin’s arriving tomorrow and I don’t feel like being alone tonight. Can I join you or not?’
‘I’m sure my date will be thrilled,’ Cooper said dryly. ‘We’re going to a Mexican restaurant.’
‘Will you pick me up?’
He sighed. ‘Venus, I’ll do anything you want.’
‘Just pick me up. That’ll be fine.’
* * *
Martin arrived home from the office early because they were attending a dinner party. Since he planned to tell Deena he was leaving the next morning for Los Angeles, he didn’t care to experience her wrath by walking in late.
Deena seemed particularly restless.
‘I’m off to L.A. in the morning,’ he announced. ‘That studio deal is coming through.’
She didn’t hesitate. ‘I’ll come with you.’
‘No,’ he said quickly.
‘Why not?’ she asked, narrowing her eyes.
‘Because this is a complicated takeover. And when I’m this involved I can’t have outside influences.’
She glared at him. ‘Is that what I am – an outside influence? I was under the impression I was your wife.’
‘You know what I mean,’ he said.
She felt a sickness in the pit of her stomach. This was it. He was going back to Los Angeles sooner than anticipated. All this talk about the studio takeover coming to fruition was merely a smokescreen. The Bitch had beckoned and he came running.
Deena knew the time was drawing near to put her master plan into operation.
Chapter 57
Eventually the moment of truth had to come, and Lucky was excited beyond belief. She waited until late Saturday night. They’d made love again, sent out for pizza, and now Lennie was settling down to watch Saturday Night Live.
‘Hey – you coming in?’ he called out to her.
She was in the bathroom brushing her long dark hair. Clad in one of Lennie’s oversized shirts and nothing else she wandered back into the bedroom.
‘Are you really going to watch TV?’ she teased.
He was stretched out on the bed. ‘Sweetheart, I don’t have the strength to do anything else.’
‘Doesn’t take much to tire you out, huh?’
‘Right!’ he joked. ‘Non-stop sex’ll do it every time!’
She curled up beside him. ‘Complaining?’
‘Are you kidding? C’mere, wife.’
He kissed her, putting his tongue in her mouth and sliding it across her teeth.
She shivered. ‘Don’t do that unless you mean it.’
‘Oh, I mean it, lady.’ His hands began to explore beneath her shirt.
She felt herself responding; Lennie always had that effect on her.
‘I thought you were tired.’
‘I made a rapid recovery.’
‘You’re turning into Superman, Lennie.’
He smiled lazily. ‘Hey – give me a break – I’ve been seriously deprived!’
Gently she pushed him away. She wanted to make love again, but not until after she’d told him her news.
‘It’s time to break open the champagne,’ she said softly.
‘How come?’
She took a deep breath. ‘Remember that surprise I mentioned?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Now’s the time.’
He stared at his wildly beautiful wife and it came to him in a flash. She was about to tell him she was pregnant. That was her surprise. And he was going to be the happiest expectant father in the world!
‘Hold everything,’ he said. ‘Don’t move. I’ll get the champagne, you light the candles, and I’ll be right back. Then you can give me the good news.’
‘You’ll be crazy with happiness,’ she promised him, kneeling on the bed.
He couldn’t stop himself from grinning like an idiot. ‘You’re probably right. You’re always right.’
She grinned back. ‘Oh yeah, I’m always right.’
He rushed downstairs, grabbed the bottle of champagne she’d put in the fridge earlier, balanced two glasses, and raced back upstairs.
Lucky sat cross-legged in the centre of the bed.
He popped the cork on the champagne, poured the golden liquid into two glasses, and handed her one.
Solemnly she toasted him. ‘Lennie Golden,’ she said, controlling her exhilaration, ‘I know it’s not your birthday, but… I have something for you.’
He reached out and touched her face. ‘Did I ever tell you how much I—’
‘Quiet!’ she interrupted. ‘This is my surprise.’
He settled back on the bed. ‘OK, go for it.’
In his mind he thought about a name for the baby. Maria for a girl, after Lucky’s mother. And if it was a boy, how about Lennie Junior? Or was it too
difficult for a kid to grow up with junior attached to his name? Yeah, it probably was. Hmm… How about Nick – a real gangster’s name. Nick Golden – sounded good. A killer name for a killer kid.
‘Lennie,’ Lucky said quietly, savouring every word, ‘I bought you Panther Studios.’
He stared at her blankly. ‘Huh?’
She repeated the words as slowly as she could. ‘I said I bought you Panther Studios.’
There was a long moment of silence while he digested this incredible information. ‘You’ve done what?’ he managed at last.
‘How many times do I have to tell you?’ she yelled happily. ‘I bought Panther Studios. We bought Panther Studios. It’s ours, Lennie, it’s ours!’
‘What about the baby?’ he couldn’t help blurting out.
She looked puzzled. ‘What baby?’
Her news sank in. ‘Jesus, you’re serious, aren’t you?’
‘Of course I’m serious. Where do you think I’ve been for the last six weeks? I made a deal to buy the studio from old Abe Panther, and he wouldn’t sell to me unless I went in undercover for six weeks. What a trip! Can you believe it? Me – undercover – pretending to be Luce, the obedient little secretary. And Lennie, get this. I’ve been kissing Mickey Stolli’s ass! In fact, I even talked to you on the phone one day.’
He was in a state of severe shock. ‘You talked to me on the phone one day,’ he repeated, dazed.
‘That’s right.’ She grinned. ‘Isn’t it incredible! We’re movie moguls. We’re gonna kick butt and make great movies!’
This wasn’t exactly the news he’d imagined. This was a bombshell. ‘You’re serious, aren’t you? You’ve bought a goddamn studio.’
‘You bet your ass I have,’ she said excitedly. ‘That’s why we have to fly back to L.A. tomorrow. I’ve arranged a meeting on Monday morning I think you should come to. It’ll be great. The lawyers will be there, and old Abe Panther himself. He’s quite a character. I can’t wait to see Mickey’s face when they tell him. Not to mention his wife – the delightful Abigaile.’
‘How much did it cost you?’ he asked blankly.