“I only want the best for you, sweetheart.”
“Now can I speak to Nikki?” she asked patiently.
“Hang on a moment.” He went off to fetch her.
After a few moments, Nikki got on the line.
“What time are you leaving?” Lara asked.
“Soon. Why?”
“And the read-through is ten o’clock?”
“You’re up for it, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Then what?”
“I’m anxious to know the outcome of Joey’s meeting with Mick, so maybe you’ll call me when you get there?”
“Listen,” Nikki said evenly, not sounding like her usual warm self. “You gave me an ultimatum. I passed it on to Mick. He’ll hire Joey, he has to.”
“Really?”
“You’re the star, Lara, you made that very clear.”
“I didn’t mean I’d walk if he wasn’t hired.”
“Yes you did,” Nikki said, then sighed. “But I understand.”
Nikki was pissed—too bad. She couldn’t please everybody all the time.
Lara thought about Joey and smiled. Joey Lorenzo. He treated her like a woman, not a movie star, and she loved it. Joey. The man who excited the hell out of her. For the last two nights he’d slept in her bed, and they’d indulged in hot, exciting, incredibly intense sex. She hadn’t realized that making love could be so inventive and different every time. Joey gave new meaning to passion.
She hadn’t thought she’d ever find this kind of relationship, and now that she had, all everyone wanted to do was criticize him. What did she care about his background or where he was from? Although she had to admit she was a tiny bit curious about his ex-fiancée, Phillipa, whom he never talked about, even when she’d tried to question him once.
But the truth was, keeping secrets was okay. She had her own, and those weren’t to be shared either.
When she was almost dressed she found herself going into his room. His two suitcases were on the floor, stacked one on top of the other. She felt guilty invading his privacy, but somehow she couldn’t help herself.
Opening the closet, she peered inside. He didn’t have many clothes, not even a suit. She was prepared to buy him anything he desired—a car, clothes, it didn’t matter to her. As far as she was concerned their future was together.
The thought never occurred to her that he might be with her because she was rich. Without false modesty she was well aware she could have almost any man she wanted, and not just because she was a movie star. No, her fame wasn’t the main attraction. It was her beauty that made men desire her with such a longing.
Sometimes she called it her cursed beauty. When she recalled her youth . . . the far-off dark days . . . the nightmare times nobody knew about . . .
Her face clouded over. No! She wasn’t getting into that today.
She couldn’t find anything personal in the room. No photos, papers, nothing. Her face flushed with guilt at what she was doing, she opened the top suitcase, coming upon a jumble of dirty socks, T-shirts and underwear. The other suitcase was locked.
She looked around but couldn’t find a key. Hating herself for snooping, she quickly left the room, bumping into Mrs. Crenshaw in the corridor outside.
“Everything all right, Miss Lara?” Mrs. Crenshaw asked.
“Yes, thank you,” she replied, escaping to her bedroom.
She’d told Joey to call as soon as he got through with Mick. He hadn’t done so yet. Hopefully things were going well.
She dressed hurriedly and left the house, arriving at the production offices early. When she walked into the main room she found Joey sitting at a table with Mick and a couple of crew members. They were laughing, drinking coffee and eating donuts. She presumed from his attitude that everything had worked out.
“Hi, baby,” he said, standing up and grinning.
“Hi, Joey,” she replied, a touch cool because he hadn’t called her.
He grabbed her in an intimate hug, kissing her full on the mouth, letting everyone know she was his.
Mick lurched to his feet, a knowing leer all over his pointed face. “Hi’ya, Lara,” he said, absentmindedly rubbing his crotch. “You’re early.”
“Yes, I am,” she said with a tight smile. “Joey, can we go downstairs for breakfast?”
“Sure, baby,” he said, winking at the guys. “See ya.”
Why did she have this uncomfortable feeling that they’d been talking about her?
“You were supposed to call me,” she said, as soon as they were in the elevator.
“I couldn’t get away from Mick,” he explained. “After he gave me the part of detective number two, he kept on talkin’. What could I do?”
“So he hired you?”
“ ’Course he did. An’ the good news is it’ll mean I’ll be there to keep a watch on you.”
“I don’t need anyone watching over me, Joey,” she said. “When I’m working I’m very focused.”
“I bet you are, but you still need somebody around to protect you.”
“Cassie follows me everywhere,” she said, as they stepped out of the elevator. “She’s enough protection for anyone.”
“No, no, baby,” he said insistently. “On this movie you’re gonna need me around.”
“Well, anyway, I’m delighted it all worked out,” she said, squeezing his hand. “You’d better call your agent, have him make a deal.”
Somehow he didn’t think Madelaine Francis would appreciate his phone call. “Don’t wanna use the one I had in New York,” he said.
“Then go to mine. I’ll have Cassie arrange an appointment.”
“Whyn’t you call him yourself?”
“If that’s what you’d like.”
They left the building, crossing the street to the coffee shop. Several cars nearly ran into the back of each other when the drivers spotted Lara. She didn’t appear to notice.
As soon as they were seated, she took out her cell phone, contacting Quinn at his office. “I have a new client for you,” she said crisply. “Joey Lorenzo, a very good friend of mine. He needs you to negotiate a deal for him on Revenge.” She paused for a moment, tapping the side of the phone. “Yes, Quinn, I know there’s no money on this movie. Do the best you can.” She covered the mouthpiece. “Joey, can you see him tomorrow morning?” He nodded. “Okay, he’ll be there around ten. Thanks, Quinn.” She clicked off the phone. “Done,” she said, pleased with herself.
Joey leaned across the table, fixing her with one of his looks. “How come you’re so good to me?” he asked.
“Because you’re good to me, too,” she replied softly. “It’s a two-way street.”
“I try.”
“You’re succeeding.”
The waitress came over, pad poised. Lara ordered an egg-white omelette and herbal tea. Joey went for coffee and a Danish.
“Did you see Nikki this morning?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Naw. Why?”
“She’s not very pleased with me—thinks I pressured her to get you in the film. But I know you won’t let me down.”
“Now Mick knows it too,” he said confidently. “I gave a pretty good reading.”
“I’m sure,” she murmured.
He reached across the table and took her hand. They smiled intimately at each other.
It was a physical thing. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
CHAPTER
38
ONCE AGAIN, SUMMER AWOKE LATE, it was getting to be a habit, and why not? She didn’t have school to go to or people nagging her to get up. Daddy’s housekeeper, Mrs. Stern, did just that, the ornery old witch. If she ever knew what was going on under her pointed old nose, she’d drop on the spot.
It was so amazing being away from them all, living her life without the threat of her father molesting her . . . the image of his face looming over her in the middle of the night.
She shuddered at the thought. Ah . . . freedom
. . . She couldn’t wait to get out permanently.
Last night she’d staggered home at 4:00 A.M., encountering Richard in the kitchen getting a glass of water, which is exactly what she’d planned on doing to counteract the major hangover heading her way. She’d had three or four potent drinks called gangbusters—a mixture of vodka, fruit juice and rum—and she’d felt like she was about to throw up.
“Just getting in?” Richard had asked, crinkling his eyes.
Oh, no! Not a lecture. Please!
“I was staying at my girlfriend’s,” she’d explained. “Then there was like, a huge fire in the kitchen, and everywhere filled with smoke, so I came home.”
Richard had laughed. “Very inventive, dear. Save those kinds of stories for your mother.”
She’d giggled. Richard never gave her a hard time. He was the best. She couldn’t understand why he and Lara had gotten divorced; it seemed crazy. Lara was so sweet and beautiful, how could any man give her up?
She turned over in bed, then remembered she’d promised to call Tina, who had said something about meeting stars and making money. How radical would that be?
If she could only make enough money, she’d never have to go home.
• •
The actors gathered together at ten for the read-through, which was taking place in a large conference room beneath the production offices. Lara was secretly thrilled Joey was now part of the production. The truth was she did feel more secure having him next to her.
Most of the actors were hanging around the coffee machine, getting to know each other. Lara didn’t recognize anyone, but she made eye contact and smiled, well aware that it was up to her as the star to create a friendly atmosphere.
Now that he was in the movie, Joey decided it might be a smart move to charm Nikki. He went over to her. “I owe you a big thank-you,” he said. “I know you had a lot t’do with gettin’ me this gig.”
“Thank Lara, not me,” she replied, a touch snippy.
“Oh, I will.”
“Make sure you do,” she said, heading for the coffeemaker.
He fell into step behind her. “You two are good friends, huh?”
“We certainly are.”
“That’s great. Friendships are important.”
Nikki stopped, regarding him for a long, silent moment. What did he want? Her approval? Obviously. “A lot of people love Lara very much, including me and Richard,” she said at last. “So, Joey, you should know that if you ever hurt her—”
“Hey,” he interrupted. “I may be new in her life, but I love and respect Lara. I always will.”
Nikki nodded and walked away.
She wasn’t easy, but Joey figured he’d better persevere; he needed Lara’s best friend on his side.
Lara took her place at the head of the big conference table, motioning Joey to sit beside her. He did so.
Mick stood up, waving his gangly arms in the air. He then made an impassioned speech.
Nikki was impressed. A good director had to be a powerful leader, and with all his foibles, Mick seemed to be just that.
Aiden Sean arrived late, clad in grungy jeans, a wrinkled T-shirt and a black baseball cap emblazoned with a scarlet “Eat my sorrow.” Dark shades covered his eyes.
“Glad you could make it,” Nikki said coolly as he passed her chair.
He lowered his shades, peering at her over the top. “Don’t worry ’bout me,” he mumbled. “You got problems closer to home.”
She frowned. Could he possibly know that she and Richard weren’t getting along? “What do you mean by that?”
“Forget it,” he said, slouching over to a chair at the end of the table.
The reading began.
Joey got off on the way Lara handled herself. As she read Rebecca, the schoolteacher, she became the character. It was almost as if her glowing beauty slipped away and she was the plain, timid woman.
Twenty pages into the script came the rape scene. Lara handled it like the true professional she was. And Joey did well with the few scenes he had.
The script was extremely powerful—a real tour dè force for Lara. At the end of the reading she was emotionally drained.
Mick rushed over, kissing her full on the mouth. “You’re the greatest,” he said, beaming and twitching. “Never thought you could make it work this good, but lady, you’re fanfuckingtastic!”
She was happy that she’d done the words justice. “Thanks, Mick,” she said shyly, thinking how she couldn’t wait to go home and be with Joey, snuggled in the safety of his arms.
Nikki hugged her, unable to stay mad. “I’m so happy,” she said excitedly. “You’re so much more than just a movie star, and it’s about time people realized it. This movie will finally bring you the recognition you deserve.”
“I’ll do my best,” Lara said modestly.
“Your best is amazing!” Nikki replied, laughing. They hugged each other again. “I’m sorry if I’ve been on your case,” Nikki continued. “I realize that if you like Joey, he must be an okay guy. And he did fine today. He’s actually very good.”
“I didn’t mean to force you to hire him,” Lara said. “It’s only that how often does someone come along who’s special? And if Joey wasn’t working, he’d have to go back to New York; then you’d be stuck with one miserable actress.”
“It all worked out,” Nikki said cheerfully. “Now—the big question. Are you comfortable with Mick?”
“He’s no Richard, but I’m sure we’ll get along.”
“I feel so much better about everything today,” Nikki exclaimed. “Even Aiden’s cutting it.”
“Did you know that Richard called me?”
“What did he want? To complain about Joey?”
“He asked me to lunch tomorrow. Will you come?”
“I can’t. Too busy.”
“You don’t mind?”
Nikki laughed. “You and Richard having lunch? Oh yeah, I’m really bent out of shape. Although it would’ve been nice if he’d invited me too.”
“He’s your husband.”
“Yeah, lucky me,” Nikki said, grinning ruefully.
“Is everything okay?” Lara asked, picking up bad vibrations.
“Sure,” Nikki replied, determined not to throw her troubles in Lara’s lap. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“If you want to talk . . .”
“Yeah, yeah, I know—you’ve been there, done that. Thanks, anyway.”
Lara glanced around, searching for Joey. He was over on the other side of the room, talking to a young production assistant with long, curly hair and a spectacular body. She felt a tingle of jealousy. Ridiculous! She’d never been jealous before. Joey had her emotions completely out of control.
“How’s it working out with Summer?” she asked, forcing herself to turn back to Nikki.
“Considering I hardly ever see her, I guess it’s fine,” Nikki said. “I decided rather than nag her to death, I’d allow her plenty of freedom. She wants to move here.”
“Is that such a good idea?” Lara asked gently. “This is a tough town for a teenager to be loose in.”
“I know,” Nikki said with a deep sigh. “But right now I haven’t got time to play mother.”
“Perhaps you should send her back to Chicago until you finish the movie.”
“You’re right, that’s exactly what I should do. I’ll call Sheldon tomorrow.”
“She shouldn’t be running around by herself.”
Nikki frowned. “Did Summer tell you something I should hear about?”
“No, it’s just that I remember when I first came to L. A. I was only nineteen, and believe me, I know how the sleazy guys in this town hit on young girls.”
“Ah yes,” Nikki said, with a smile. “But I’m sure you handled it with your usual indomitable style.”
Lara’s eyes clouded over. If Nikki only knew, she thought.
She glanced in Joey’s direction again. He was on his way toward her. Grabbing her arm, he smiled broad
ly. “Isn’t she the greatest?” he said to Nikki. “This woman is amazin’!”
“I’ve always thought so.”
He drew Lara close to him, his hand creeping down and squeezing her ass. “My star. My baby. You’re the best!”
Hmm, Nikki thought. He wants everyone to know he has power of ownership.
Lara didn’t seem to mind. In fact, from the way she gazed up at him, Joey could do whatever he wanted and get away with it.
“Why don’t we leave one of the cars here and go home together?” he suggested. “Send Mr. and Mrs. C to pick it up.”
“I can’t make them drive all the way to the Valley,” Lara objected.
“Why not? They work for you.”
“Yes, but-”
“Okay, settled. We’re takin’ the Jag.”
“I guess you’re taking the Jag,” Nikki said dryly.
“I guess we are,” Lara replied, perfectly happy to let Joey take charge.
Once in the garage, Lara got into the passenger seat of the Jaguar, while Joey sat behind the wheel. He leaned over and kissed her. “I’m so proud of you,” he said. “Whenever I look at you an’ realize you’re mine, I can hardly believe it.”
“How about you?” she said, smiling. “I’m proud, too. You were great.”
“C’mon, I’ve hardly got anythin’ to do.”
“What you did have was very impressive.”
“Flattery will get you the key to my dick!”
“I’ll have it gold plated,” she deadpanned.
“Show off!”
They both laughed as he steered the car out into the street.
“Y’know, I was thinking,” he said. “After this movie’s finished, we should take off—go to Bali, Tahiti, somewhere exotic.”
“I’m always too busy working.”
“I bet you’ve been everywhere, huh?”
“The only places I get to see are locations.”
“You wanna do it, then?”
“I’ll check my schedule.”
“Lara,” he said, looking at her quizzically. “Tell the truth—before me, didja do everythin’ by schedule?”
“As a matter of fact, yes,” she admitted sheepishly.
“Then as soon as you finish the movie, we’re tearin’ up your schedule, ’cause from now on it’s a whole new life.”