Chasing Rainbows - Part Three

Chapter Three

Las Vegas! What was there left to say about the place that hadn’t already been said SO many times? It was Emma’s first trip there, though the others had all been there before. At Angelina’s insistence - because she’d dated one of the junior managers there when she’d been modelling, and he got them a huge upgrade, they were booked into the Bellagio. And whilst the whole of the Las Vegas strip was jaw-droppingly amazing, she was really pleased that they were staying there.

The two bedroomed suite was high in the hotel and had a spectacular view of the fountains. It was mid afternoon when they had actually arrived at the room, and initially they’d sunk down onto the luxurious beds for a rest, it had been a long journey.

Eve stood in the middle of the suite and shouted to them.

                “Come on girls! We have just five days to experience ALL that is Vegas!” She handed each of them an itinerary, “this is the plan for the next five days, EVERY moment is accounted for.”

Emma glanced at the paper handed to her and groaned, a swim/relax at the pool until five, then shower/change, dinner in the a la carte restaurant was booked for eight, then they were hitting the slot machines in the casino.  Tomorrow was pool, then spa, then Tom Jones was at the Venetian...they had front row tickets...there was no let up in the plan from breakfast each morning to the entertainment into the early hours. This was going to be harder than she imagined.

                “So let’s change girls!”

Within half an hour they were poolside, reclining on loungers and soaking up the rays of sunshine. A rare treat after the weather of London. Clothing had been another extravagant expense for Emma; after all she couldn’t lie beside two ex models in anything but a new stylish bikini. Though next to them she felt like a whale. She’d lost weight over the last year, but she still had more curves than was fashionable. She’d struggled with her body image when Damien dumped her for a skinny blonde not far off half her age. It was bordering on illegal, and that was the only thing that Emma could take out of it.

She’d loved Damien, with all her heart. They’d met at freshers’ week at their university. He was an architect student and made it onto the football, cricket and rugby teams, he was tall, good looking and the epitome of charm. Emma had repeatedly wondered why he had chosen her, when he really could have had anyone, and she meant that literally.

With the benefit of hindsight, and a perspective that took her a long time to find after weeks of tears and depression, she realised that negativity, the feeling that she was never good enough was her downfall. She’d become desperate, keeping him had become a fulltime job. It was neither healthy, nor promising. But she’d been blind to that back then.

Now she no longer felt completely inadequate beside the other three women, but she hadn’t fully restored her confidence. Saying that reclining beside the pool, in the warm sunshine, with a liveried man more than happy to bring them ice cold drinks, made a lot of things worthwhile.

Eve and Angelina were like a comedy double act, they complimented each other, and they were both infectious, and a magnet for everyone in the hotel. The only time they weren’t plagued by groups of men, was when they were sat in their rather expensive seats at the front row for Sir Tom.

It was the perfect venue for that first night, and none of them could deny that they were shattered and glad to turn in early.

Day two saw them suffering a little with jetlag, but fortunately Eve had left the day fairly low key. They had a late breakfast, then strolled the strip and explored the hotel, trying to orientate themselves. The afternoon saw them cooling off in the pool.

The night was the best restaurant in the hotel. Followed by cocktails in the lounge. It was a giggle and the four of them got on well. Eve and Angelina were the centre of attention as usual, their poise and elegance was an instant spotlight, and Emma and Isobel were happy to watch the evening unfold from behind a glass of champagne.

A few hours later they ventured into the casino. They were only brave enough to play the slot machines, but the lights, the sound of falling coins was addictive, then there were the hostesses who were only happy to bring ‘refreshments’ so the fun went on late into the night.

The next morning Emma woke early. She always did. And she forgot that Isobel was dreadful in the morning, as was her twin and their friend. She was sharing one of the bedrooms with Isobel, who groaned in protest at the movement within the room.  Dressing into shorts and a strappy vest top, Emma left the room. She needed breakfast, and fancied a little people watching. Or maybe exploring the hotel that was the size of a small town.

She settled on a breakfast burrito, hot, spicy and exactly what she needed, coupled with gallons of strong coffee in a small fast food cafe on the ground floor, and being near the hotel reception it also provided a great spot to observe the comings and goings. Perfect. The hotel was busy every moment of the day, and this breakfast time was no different. The range of people amazed her, rich looking men wearing Stetsons that in her mind were a relative of JR Ewing, then there were high powered couples in suits, rushing with laptops attached to their hips. A young couple obviously doe-eyed in love were meeting with the wedding planner. Then there was the gang of British guys who loudly broadcast that they were there for a World Title Boxing match.

Emma checked her phone several times, but there was no message from the three sleeping beauties, so she decided on a walk along the strip. She had her camera, and snapped at the sights that really did need to be seen to be believed.

She realised she’d walked quite a long way, but before turning back, she spotted some shops under one of the hotels.  A quick browse then she’d head back and wake the girls. It was after ten o’clock already!

But Emma was suddenly in shopping heaven...and hell. The mall was all marble and gleaming signs, and all the shops were designer, infamous household names producing luxurious items that no one needed, but everyone wanted! She was feeling a little self conscious in her vest and shorts, especially when she realised that there were a lot of “ladies who lunched”. Glamorous older woman dripping in designer clothing, looking like Joan Collins, flitted between the shops, charging credit cards as though it was going out of fashion. As she reached the point of despair, she spotted them. THE greatest pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. They had literally stopped her in her tracks. She’d walked through the mall with wide eyes, like a child in a sweet shop, but outside this shop she felt her jaw drop in amazement.

 

The description said they were python skin, but the spiky heel and platform soles were multi pastel coloured. They were amazing. She stood in the window looking at them for far longer than was necessary, but the $1100 price tag meant they were truly an extravagance that she couldn’t afford, not on top of this trip. If she’d got the Theo Samuel part maybe she could have, but she hadn’t heard anything, and in showbiz no news was definitely bad news. She should have held her tongue rather than chastised him for the inappropriateness of his kiss, after all HE was the Oscar winner, and HE was the director!             

Groaning she tore herself from the window, and stepped straight back into the hard shape of a body, and the resulting clatter meant that she’d caused more than a little chaos. Turning slowly Emma held her breath, then groaned. A man stood behind her looking down at the broken remnants of something made of glass. In a designer mall that screamed expensive...she’d NEVER have the shoes after she sorted out this mess.

                “I’m so sorry!” She was honestly devastated. A sick feeling was welling in her stomach.

The man looked up and smiled, giving a shrug he offered, “shit happens! I hear shoes have that affect on women.”

Emma hated that she guiltily glanced back at the shoes for a moment, “they were a little distracting! Let me pay for this. It’s the least I can do.”

The man shrugged and gave another of those killer smiles, when she wasn’t panicking she managed to settle her eyes on him for a moment, “don’t worry about it. This was something my mother wanted! And it was hideous. Honestly don’t worry about it...” He glanced to the shoes that were still absorbing her attention, then slowly looked her up and down, “they would look amazing on legs like yours! You’re right to desire them!”

His words were like a seductive caress, and the look should have made her skin crawl, but it didn’t, it flattered her, a warm glow washed over her. Thought she was more than aware of how inappropriate the shorts were, they were designed for lounging around the pool, and not an air conditioned posh shopping mall. But he didn’t seem to mind, in fact he was rather casual too in combat shorts and flip-flops. He was smiling, clear blue eyes and shaggy blonde hair made him look younger than she presumed he was. And he had an amazing smile.

                “Do you want a coffee? Once this is cleared up?” He was already calling for a cleaner to come and assist them.

As she was about to say yes, that she’d love too, her phone rang, and she knew it was going to be Isobel. Looking at the man apologetically she connected the call.

                “Where are you!?” Her friend squealed down the hand set. “We’re booked for a hot stone massage at twelve!”

                “I’m taking in the Vegas experience. You know I’m the early bird! Have breakfast, then I’ll be back by the time you finish. Ok?”

With that she hung up and looked at blondie with one eye closed. “Sorry, gotta go.” She rifled in her bag, embarrassed that she only had $100  in her bag. “Please take this...I can get you more...”

He shook his head, “my mother wouldn’t hear of it, and to be honest, she expects me to screw up, so what the hell. Shame about the coffee, but a hot stone massage? I know what I’d rather.”

She smiled, then blushed as his eyes widened, then rushed off. Mortified.

Jacob Coren watched her go and shook his head, no lie his mother would blame him for the $400 vase being obliterated. Pulling out his phone he snapped a picture to prove he’d made the effort to collect the extravagance, even if it ended up in a million pieces, then he turned back to watch the blonde head disappear from view.

Wow! Was all he could think. The moment he’d seen her staring googly eyed at the Louboutin window, he’d been immediately intrigued. She had reminded him of Bambi, all long legs and doe eyes, and she was natural, unlike everyone else in his plastic world. And honestly, it was his own fault that he’d sidled up to her, he wanted to see her a little closer, and as he stepped towards her, she stepped back and they collided. The vase was the casualty. He should have told her that made her feel a little better, but he’d felt a little hypnotised at the thought of sliding those shoes onto her bare feet, rather like a modern day Prince Charming, and instead he’d acted like a love sick buffoon.

But she’d served to distract him, and that was crucial. He was here for a few days, and that was it. After that he was getting out of town, no matter what happened. 

Chasing Rainbows - Part Two

Part Two

                “So you’re going on holidays?”

Emma looked up at her mother, and it broke her heart to see her look so old. She was suddenly weary, tired, and it scared the younger woman. Despite the hard time they always gave her, she loved her parents beyond compare. “Las Vegas. But it’s not strictly a holiday...” she grimaced as she spoke. “It’s a kind of hen weekend for Isobel.”

                “She’s getting married?” There was that all too familiar wistfulness in her voice that had always angered Emma, but today it made her feel sad.

                “Yes mother, and I DO know what that means!”

Her mother sighed, “it would please me to see you settled, happy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Emma sighed, “I know Mum, but it isn’t as simple as that. Now, are we going to the garden centre?”

It was a weak topic change, but she wasn’t in the mood for self flagellation! She visited her parents at least once a month, four years ago they’d moved to the south coast, a retirement move of sorts, though they were now far more active in the community than when they’d lived at their home north of London. Her visits had to fit in between Women’s Institute meetings and crown green bowls competitions and parish council meetings, but they were both happy and coping with their retirement because of it.

                “So will we see you before your trip?” her mother asked as she saw her daughter to the door. “We hardly see you as it is!”

Emma smiled, “probably not, we go in three weeks, so I’ve got a lot to sort out.”

                “Call me?”

After hugging her mother she jogged to the end of the road and the train station to start her journey back to her London home.

Ten days later the countdown to Vegas had really begun. The date for Isobel’s wedding was also coming together, July the first, twelve weeks away. It was hard to imagine it, a beautiful summer day when Britain was slumped in ‘the worst April since records began’, every day battling into work in streaming rain and gale force winds was hellish, and despite the problems the trip cast in her life, Emma found herself desperately waiting for the few days in the sun.

It was easy to be distracted at work, it wasn’t a taxing job, and whilst she took pride in everything she did normally, the slack atmosphere in the whole of the building did not inspire her to do more than was required. Emails from her three fellow travellers were more than the attention she needed, to change her focus. The irony was that despite that she was STILL ahead of any work intended for her. It was up to Matt from the post room to drag her back to reality on a repeated basis. He was very jealous of her, but then it was a long time since he and Cameron had been on good terms, and even longer since they’d been to the ultimate party city.

The weeks were flying by, and Emma had a few call backs on some parts she’d put herself forward for. She averaged two auditions a month, which was good, but often she was ‘too tall’, ‘too blonde’, ‘too happy’...there was always something. She didn’t have a great back catalogue of roles she’d won, and if she had to rely on her money from ‘acting’ she’d not eat any night of the week. So when she had a few call backs she was anything but optimistic.

It was six days before they flew to Las Vegas, and the lack of pay for his day off work did make her anxious. But she had good vibes about this audition, it was a small part, but it was for a serial drama, filming both in London and the US, a man meets a woman who tells him she’s his daughter, and travelled back in time to warn him of the future. The show then flicked between the past, the present and the future. She’d been called back for the part of the man’s childhood sweetheart. A small role as she wasn’t an integral character to the story line, but she’d have half a dozen scenes, and at least five lines of dialogue...and a screen kiss! As was fairly typical of these large production companies, she was called to a London hotel, and met by a runner for the casting team and director.  This was the plus sign; the series was to be directed by the leading man Theo Samuel. The greatest actor of the last decade in her opinion, a British born American, he seemed to spend his time hopping between the continents, and after three Oscar nominations and then finally winning a Best Actor the previous year, he’d followed so many stars of screen into TV. And this could lead to the breakthrough she was looking for. And a screen kiss with a hunk to die for.

Emma hadn’t told her friends about this call-back, as it was so much more important than the toothpaste commercial or the femme fatale in a video for a rock band she had to keep this to herself, because when she failed, she was preparing for even more disappointment than usual. As she took a bus to the West End hotel, her nerves were almost getting the better of her, and it was then that she decided this was the last time. Today she had to give up the acting dream, it had been a twelve year dalliance with pain and suffering, and she HAD to think of the future. Nope, she should be travelling across the City she should be excited, happy at the opportunity arising, but instead she was sceptical, sad and already down. That was the sign of how bad things had got. And it had to change.

The runner who’d met her in reception was a chatty young girl who led Emma through various rooms until she was in a conference room, there another woman met her.

                “Hi I’m Kaytie the assistant casting director. John, the casting director is next year. Have you read the script?”

Emma nodded, “yep, I think I can breathe Marian Anderson already!”

Kaytie nodded, “good, we’ll run through the scene and film, see how it looks on screen. You’re last up today, so hopefully we’ll be letting people know in the next day or so. You need anything before we start?”

Emma shook her head, she’d learned how to apply makeup worthy of TV cameras over the years, and had dressed in clothing that she made her feel more like a teenager from the eighties. Taking a deep breath she followed the woman into the room.

Voices called out instructions from behind the cameras, and the lights meant the people were silhouettes, but that wasn’t unusual.

                “Ok Miss, from the ‘I can’t believe he saw me’ line, ok?”

Emma nodded, not surprised that no one even registered her name, taking a deep breath, she moved around the clear area designated the set for a moment, then turned to face the camera, training her eyes on a spot off to the left, you couldn’t look down the lens for a drama like this.

                “I can’t believe he saw me...” she sighed, a hand lifting to her chest. “After all this time Paula. Did you see him watching me?”

                “I did, he only had eyes for you Marian. Lucky you!” The assistant director was filling in for the best friend character from off the set.

                “And now, I just need to find away to land in his path...”

                “Marian!” A male voice spoke Theo’s character Mark’s lines. “I’ve been looking for you all over!”

Sensing someone to her left, Emma turned and saw a man stood there watching her, then felt the breath catch in her throat. It was Theo Samuel! Six foot two, and a bronzed god, all there in front of her. She had a split second to regain her composure, if she blew the audition she had this moment to savour for the rest of her life.

                “Mark...I...I...” The stammering was more fact than acting, but he didn’t need to know that. She stepped towards him as directed by the script she’d memorised. “I didn’t think you’d leave the party this early.”

Theo smiled as he came towards her, “the light went out when you left!”

Emma gasped, her fingers moving to her lips, “really? But...”

Taking her hands he smiled at her, and Emma could barely focus for the realisation that she was holding hands with the Oscar winner. “Marian, you keep hiding from me, but you have to realise that I like you...a lot.”

                “I don’t think you know me,” she snatched her hands free of his. “How do I know that this isn’t some joke?” She turned and stepped away from him, keeping her back to him. “This would be the perfect way to make me look stupid!”

His hands cupped her shoulders and Emma had to fight the swoon that rumbled through her body, this was the hardest audition she’d ever had to endure. But then fortunately her character was meant to swoon, this was meant to be young love at its most dramatic.

As Theo pulled her around, she shook her head, “I know what you’re going to say Mark, but you’ve spent enough time laughing at me, why would I believe that you’ve changed?”

Rising over her he gave her a wicked smile then with a “because of this!”, his lips found hers. It was easy to forget that she was acting; she could barely remember where she was or what century it was. Theo was an amazing kisser, his lips and tongues were dominating hers and his hands pulled her into his hard body. She’d never been kissed like that before, an assault on her senses. But it was him nipping at her bottom lip with his teeth that dragged her back to reality.

When she finally broke away, she stared up at him, “do you think that’s REALLY how a nineteen year old boy would kiss?” She hated that her voice was all breathy and hoarse, but he had overwhelmed all of her.

She could have kicked herself for her brutal honesty, but then she had to justify her own reaction to his kiss. Theo laughed, “you’re right Miss...?”

                “White, I’m Emma White.”

He nodded then looked towards the camera, “John, it seems I’ve got a lot to learn about being a hormonal teenager!”

Then the whole set burst into laughter, and Emma wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.

                “OMG! What the hell happened next?” It was Eve, Isobel’s twin who was perched closest to the edge of the chair. “I cannot believe you gave Theo Samuel a talking too like that! And why? Because he kissed you like a horny man as opposed to an inexperienced boy? Emma, Emma, Emma. Do you have any idea how much money I’d pay for that privilege?”

The other two girls laughed, the Isobel added, “so you think that blew it?”

Emma still blushing at the memory of the day shrugged, “I was kind of bustled out straight after, and I haven’t heard a word since.”

Angelina, the fourth member of the bunch, signalled to the barman in the airport departure lounge and ordered another bottle of champagne, despite it being only seven am. “Darling, we all feel your pain! The man is so hot he must have blown every thought clean out of the window.”

And some! Emma thought, then she smiled again, “on the way there I decided to end this pipedream guys, after this trip I am no longer a wannabe actress and an office temp, instead I’m going to be a woman with a career, and hopefully my own home...”

Isobel was stunned, “but you CAN’T! Emma, this is YOU! You are that person! You can’t just stop being an actress like you can’t stop breathing!”

Emma sighed, “Babe I’m thirty in eleven weeks time, I’ve fought growing up for thirty years, but it’s over!”

Isobel was shaking her head in denial, but Eve spoke first, “well at least you went out with a bang!”

                “Oh it was that ok!” Emma laughed, “now unless you want details of how Theo Samuel tasted, I do believe there’s another reason for us being gathered here.” The three friends all looked at Isobel who blushed.

                “What have you got planned? I’m nervous now!”

Emma laughed before reaching into her bag for a package, “none of wanted the matching t-shirts or silly fancy dress...but that doesn’t mean we don’t want you looking a little unique!” She rifled in the bag then pulled out some black horn rimmed glasses. “These are to be worn EVERYWHERE for the next five days...and there will be several other challenges that will be added as we go along!”

Isobel grinned and put on the spectacles, and damn if they didn’t make her look even more adorable!

Less than half an hour they were called on to their flight.

                “Vegas here we come!” Angelina called as they tottered on their ridiculous heels towards the plane.

Chasing Rainbows - Part One

Part One 

               “He asked me to marry him!”

Emma White felt her mouth drop open as she looked at her best friend in all the world in amazement. She should have known when the overly conscientious teacher, who never normally left school during lunch hours to focus on lesson plans for her class of seven year old children insisted on meeting her in this trendy cafe halfway between their work places. Isobel Prior was dedicated to her work, unlike Emma who was disinterested in her job as a temp. So this change in her friend’s behaviour should have alerted her something.

It wasn’t that she didn’t think that Nathan Blacker would marry Isobel, quite the opposite. In fact he’d be a mug not to, the man worshipped her, and she deserved that. Her best friend was beautiful, inside and out. But as much as she hated to admit it, Emma’s immediate realisation, which she admitted was SO selfish, was that this was both the end of their world as they knew it, and that her family, and indeed everyone else South of Birmingham with an opinion, had further evidence that she was falling further and further behind her peers in EVERY way. 

Shaking away the negativity she burst into a huge smile and pulled her friend into a hug. It was wonderful news, Isobel was as besotted with Nathan as he was with her, not in a nauseating way, Emma loved spending time in their home, it was so friendly and warm. And they longed for a family; they’d both hinted at that on several occasions, both of them would want that to happen in the security of marriage.

Isobel smiled as they broke the hug, and extended an elegant hand in her direction smiling coyly as she displayed her new gift, the perfect ring, “he’d arranged for ‘IZZY WILL YOU MARRY ME?’ to be printed inside the menu at La Garde. I had NO idea, when I opened it I almost died, then I looked around and the whole of the restaurant was watching me. I was terrified!”

Emma grinned, her friend was so gentle, so unassuming, and she didn’t seek attention, always happy to sit back and be part of a group, not that she had any reason for that. She was such an attractive woman, tall, willowy with her strong Mediterranean colouring, she lit up any room she entered.  “So you immediately snatched at the ring and screeched ‘YES’?”

Isobel giggled and it was infectious, “it was so...brilliant, yet embarrassing...but more for Nathan than for me I suppose, I mean if I’d said no...he’d have looked such a fool!”

                “But you were never going to say no, he knew that! If ever there were two people made for each other, it was you two! I’m going to have to congratulate him on his romance factor! Usually Nathan is too practical for his own good!”

Isobel giggled, “I know, he’s not one for grand gestures normally!”

                “He’s perfect for you Iz, absolutely perfect!”

Isobel blushed, “you think?”

Emma hated that hint of jealousy that had preceded her pleasure for her friend. Whey had she become so selfish? “Of course! I am SO excited for you! Have you worked out when? Where? I’m going to have to renew my gym membership!”

Isobel smiled a happier and more confident smile, “as if! You’re almost six foot and have curves most women would die for! And the best teeth!”

                “Teeth?” she asked in confusion.

Isobel nodded, “you have perfect teeth Ems.” She placed a hand over her friend’s, “and this doesn’t mean that you’ll become some sort of Victorian spinster!”

Emma grinned typical of Isobel to think of her at her greatest, happiest moment! “This is your perfect moment mate; don’t bring the disaster zone of my love life into this, ok?” She raised her glass latte mug and toasted her, “cheers best buddy! This is truly THE greatest news! The greatest day!”

And it really, truly was.

It was just THE worst timed news ever for Emma. Since her cousin Charlotte married the previous year at “only twenty four”, closely followed by her already married cousin James fathering a chubby baby boy at “only twenty eight”, not to mention the fact that he owned his own home, and was  recently promoted to manager of a chain of hardware shops in Leighton Buzzard. According to her parents’ marriage, children and an endless supply of cross blade screws was the recipe to success.

Emma hated to admit that at three months short of thirty she was starting to feel that her life wasn’t going anywhere either, but she’d never let her folks know that. There was nothing as masochistic as fuelling the war against you. Her parents’ loved her, she knew that, but they judged life by achievements, and as a single woman in a rented flat, in a temporary job, she didn’t tick any of their milestone boxes. But for Emma change meant giving up on her dream, to be an actress. It was a pipedream, she was getting to realise that more every day, but she’d put so much effort into it that she had no plan B, no backup. And it was so hard to both lose your dream...and admit your parents were right!

Two days later Emma was embroiled in badly typing letters from the CEO of Carter Stationary to various suppliers. She was a bad typist. No that was a lie. At emails and IM’s to friends she excelled, but reproducing the schmoozing tomes in badly constructed sentences from a really poor quality Dictaphone, wasn’t met with either enthusiasm or interest. But then beggars couldn’t be choosers, and whilst she had this job as a temporary receptionist she was paying the bills...just. She would have to wait for the miracle break that was always just around the next corner; she’d promised herself that at thirty she’d give up on her dream. No more extra work, bit parts or voiceovers. No more unrealistic dreams. Three months, that was all she had left.

With a sigh she pulled off her headphones, needing a break from the monotonous voice of Mr Pritchard, and then smiled at the perfectly timed arrival of an email. Clicking on the icon she smiled when she saw Isobel’s name, in her inbox, her friend had been like a shaken but un-popped bottle of champagne since her revelation earlier in the week.

                “All sorted girlfriend! I’ve finally managed to tie down a couple of friends, and its all go! Hen weekend...or rather five days. Vegas BABY! Hope your passport is up to date!”

Emma groaned, hell. Her idea of hell.

                “Iz, it’s not my thing, you know that. Maybe we could do a spa day somewhere?”

She couldn’t send it. Of course she’d walk to the ends of the earth for her best friend. So instead she deleted, then penned a rather brief, “Sounds amazing, I’ll call you tonight!”

                “I don’t know what you’re worried about. I mean it’s VEGAS!” Matt was the temp in the mail room, he visited the office twice a day to deliver and collect mail. In the three months she’d been in the job they’d become great friends. “I LOVE Vegas! You know, I remember the last time I was there...”

He’d drifted off in a dream world and Emma did not want to think of where his mind had gone.

                “Back in the room Matthew!” She pulled him from his daydream.

He shook his head and smiled at her, “sorry, Cameron...”

Emma held up her hand, “we are not going to hear more Cameron related stories, ok?” Cameron was Matt’s on/off partner; they had the most explosive relationship, huge highs, but THE biggest blow outs ever. It was worse than a soap opera.

                “Ok, ok, ok! But anyway Vegas, it’s like hedonism. You will love it!”

Emma wasn’t so sure. She’d be constantly worried about breaking the bank, she had zero savings, and then there was four days of partying once she got there. But it wasn’t a choice. She had to go, so she’d blitz her credit card and create more life controlling debt. There wasn’t really another option.

Back in High School, even ay University she’d been the life and soul of the party, Emma White equalled fun lover. But she felt too old these days, that was what this was all about. The weight of those three months until she was thirty were hanging over her like a black cloud, and with it the realisation that NOTHING had changed since leaving University eight years earlier. She had no money, lived in a grotty rented flat, and got by on supermarket value branded food.

The previous week she’d had an audition, a really small part in a British made drama, but there was dialogue, actual words. And she’d heard nothing. Truth being she didn’t think she’d been successful, that was why her phone was quiet. It felt like the final straw.

Leaving work Emma tried to gee herself up a bit, she was raining on Isobel’s parade. Pulling out her credit card she bought a bottle of champagne from a nearby wine shop, then took the tube to Izzy’s.

Emma could remember the day she first met Isobel Prior, five years old and she’d changed schools, her seat had been next to a petite dark haired girl with THE friendliest smile. At break time Emma had cried through the stress of it all, and Isobel had saved her. Since then they had both looked after each other through thick and thin.

Their families and backgrounds couldn’t be any different, but that didn’t’ seem to matter. Isobel had a non identical twin sister Eve, who was almost the blonder version of her, and three brothers. Her father was a retired Sergeant Major from the Royal Artillery Regiment, her mother a Cypriot by birth who’d fallen in love with a young Stanley Prior.  She’d grown up in a home where her father was often absent, but was more than hands on and enthusiastic when he did return home. On the contrary, she was an only child of older parents who’d met late. Her mother was her father’s secretary and he’d left his wife for her. Mavis White had been forty one when she’d been born, her father forty five.

Which meant that they were both in their seventies and desperate for a grandchild.

Time was running out for all concerned. Not that she wanted to think like that. “I’m in the prime of my life!” She called out to no one in particular, then made for Isobel’s house.

Isobel had met Nathan, a charming and rich junior banker at an Italian cuisine class at a small local restaurant three years earlier, and they’d instantly hit it off. They’d become inseparable, and she’d moved in to his West London home eighteen months earlier. And in that year and a half the house had changed dramatically. Gone was the minimalist mancave and the weekly poker nights, now every room was filled with colours, textures and the distinctive touch that was Isobel, a comfortable and colourful house that was instantly homely.

Tonight was no exception. Nathan opened the door after Emma had rung the doorbell. He smiled when he saw her stood there with the champagne in her outstretched hand.

                “A delayed congratulations!” Emma announced as she pulled him into a hug. “I’m so proud of you big man! Never thought you had the romance in you!”

He groaned as they pulled apart, “it’s still haunting me at night days later!”

She grinned, “she loved it, and that’s the important thing!”

He nodded, “I wanted to show her in a special way!”

This was exactly why Emma loved Nathan! He was so keen to please Isobel, she couldn’t have asked for a better man, and he was man enough to be open with his feelings! She only wished all men were as transparent and honest as him. Emma sighed; here she was dragging her own doom and gloom into the celebrations. She had to forget Damien, and him dumping her after three years, and the other losers she had seemed to attract since.

                “Something smells good!” Emma fished for information and was rewarded by Nathan’s smile.

                “Carciofi alla Romano!” When she looked puzzled he added, “artichokes, Roman style. And enough for three! Come on in!”

Isobel met them in the hall, wondering what had happened to her chef, and the two sat in the kitchen watching him cook the food, drinking cold Chardonnay as the champagne chilled.

                “So six weeks.” Isobel informed her once they’d devoured the delicious food. “Vegas. Me, you, Eve and Angelina!”

Eve, Isobel’s twin was a fashion photographer, she was SO much fun, and she partied all over the world. If anyone could find them great parties in Vegas it was Eve. If not then Angelina Coleman would. The daughter of a diamond miner and a Zambian actress, Eve was a ex-catwalk model, since she’d given up on the cutthroat world of Milan, Paris and London fashion houses, she’d become a magazine editor for a London based fashion edition. The two of them together were a stark contrast, Eve was as blond as Angelina was dark, and the two were as close as friends as she and Isobel were.

                “Wow! I’m thinking two words...expensive and carnage!” Emma couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Once she’d accepted that she was bankrupting herself doing it, she was looking forward to it. How could she not?

Nathan laughed, “I’m SO glad I’m not expected to go on these things, I’m sensing it’s going to me crazy!”

That was the exact echo of Emma’s feelings.

Silly Games - Chapter 43

Chapter 43

 

                “So what do you think he wants?” They’d visited the shop and selected some groceries that they neither want nor needed, and neither of them had commented on Stafford appearing in his home.

Laura paused at the car and looked up at Adam, “I’m praying he’s seen the error of his ways. I’m not that convinced, but hopefully seeing your mother might shock him a little.”

Adam opened the door and climbed into the driver seat waiting for her to join him, “doubt it!” When she raised her eyebrows he leaned across and gave her a gentle kiss, “I’ll try and be civil, I promised you that much!”

As he started the engine, he glanced at her again and smiled, “if it makes you happy I’ll be the politest man in the world.”

Laura nodded, “good.”

The drive home took a lot less time than they both hoped, and as he swung into the basement garage, Laura could spot the tension, his knuckles white at the exaggerated grip on the steering wheel, and the harsh angle to his jaw, As he sighed she reached out to cover one of his hands on the wheel.

                “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.”

Nodding he followed her into the house.

The tension in the air was palpable, the two parents were sat across the coffee table on opposite couches and it was obvious the conversation was stilted. Diane looked flushed, and Laura actually felt sorry for her. She should never have let these years pass without telling her father about Adam, but she’d made those decisions for her own reasons that were right at the time. Who knew what twists fate would have made if she had told him back then.

                “Dad? Diane?”

The two looked up at her, and both offered a half smile, it was then she realised that Adam was holding back.

                “Look this is something for the three of you to work out. I’ll...” She didn’t want to leave, but this was nothing to do with her, but Adam had suddenly burst into life.

                “No Laura, YOU belong here.” He turned to his father, “I don’t know why you’re here. I thought you said more than enough back in London.”

Stafford pulled himself up to standing, and squared up to his son, “look Adam, I realise that I haven’t done everything the way I should have...but when I heard that someone was trying to jeopardise your business then I knew I had to come and help out. I’m not expecting things to be as they were, but I wanted to help you.”

                “What’s the matter with your business?” Diane also jumped to her feet, crowding Adam. 

Giggling Laura moved to the kitchen, she was happy to observe this debate, but it needed to be accompanied by wine. From the open plan kitchen she could observe clearly and hear the heated debate between the three. It pleased her to watch her father and Adam argue, because it showed they both cared, her worst fear would be disinterest from one to the other. She really wanted them to get on.

She started cooking as her father tried to explain to Adam that he was wrong, that he didn’t mean the things he said, but his next line made her stop in her tracks.

                “It was never about you! Not really. I just can’t imagine losing Laura. I have no idea how she feels about me anymore, I may not be the best father, but I still want to be her father...” When he looked across the room Stafford met Laura’s eyes, “I’m sorry love, sorry that I made this so difficult. I just never wanted you to think that I didn’t want you...or that maybe Adam was...” He shrugged, “you’re my daughter, Adam...” he looked at him, “I’m proud of you, I like you a lot...but I’ve not been part of his life like I have with you.” he was back to staring at her. “When he asked me about dating you...well I just sensed the worst. I imagined a rift through this family and that I’d lose everything.”

He stepped towards Adam, “I don’t expect you to forgive me for that, but I did what I thought was best.”

It was Diane who comforted him, “Stafford, you did exactly what you thought was right. My reaction wasn’t much different. And this is where it’s my fault too honey.” Adam had walked to the window and was stood looking out onto the deserted beach. She joined him, placed a hand over his arm, “if I’d told Stafford years ago then you’d know him, you’d be closer, but as it is you’re strangers, and that’s what this is all about. Don’t you both see that?”

Laura was too busy trying to digest her father’s revelations to take anything else in; he’d feared EXACTLY the same as she had, only in reverse. There was no other thought in her head than to walk across the room and slide her arms around his neck and bury her face into his shoulder. Stafford, a man used to debating, not exactly a touchy-feely kind of guy froze, but after just one second Laura sighed as she felt his arms wrap tightly around her. He was silent for a change, then she felt his lips graze her forehead. When she lifted her head to look at him he looked as she’d never seen him before, his eyes glistened with tears and his usually hard and angled face was soft...and he was smiling.

                “Sorry darling, I never meant to drive you away.”

She smiled back, “I’ve driven myself away Dad, for years, I never felt good enough for you, never felt I achieved what you expected of me. If it wasn’t for Adam I’d not have realised that...” She glanced at the man she loved and saw him smiling at her, then she looked back at her father again, “when he appeared he seemed to be everything you’d be proud of...”

Stafford smiled, “I’m proud of EVERYTHING you’ve done darling. I’d love to have you take over my business, just so that I can spend more time with your mother. I would love to see you step into my shoes, I trust you, I believe in you. No one else comes close...” he smiled at her. “Is he being good to you? Treating you well?”

Laura’s smile filled her face, and before she spoke Stafford knew her answer, “the best Dad, just the best.”

Three months later

The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day. Laura looked across the room at Alana who looked out of this world. With her flowing white dress and long dark hair, the headdress a pale circle of flowers a stark contrast. She smiled nervously and smiled at Laura.

                “I’m so glad you came. I’ve felt so terrible since Ben abandoned you so dramatically!”   

Laura smiled, “that was a long time ago, and SO the right thing to do. I mean if you hadn’t left, we’d not be stood here on your wedding day. And I have to say, you look amazing!”             

The other woman giggled, “I feel ridiculous!”

                “It’s hardly a meringue. Your dress is so typically you, unadorned, simple, yet really beautiful.” Laura stepped toward Alana and smiled, “I’m SO pleased for the both of you!”

And she really was. Since she’d arrive in Hawaii a few days earlier, she’d realised that this was exactly what the couple had needed. Ben had set up an import business based on his previous contacts and now supplied a huge independent chain of surf wear and equipment to the surf capital of the world. Within months he was inundated with business and whilst it was early days he was prospering, and most importantly, they were happy. Alana’s parents ran a huge gold resort on one of the quieter islands of Hawaii, and within the complex the couple had started to rent a small house, it offered them everything they wanted, though Ben had already eyed up a piece of land that he wanted to build the perfect house on.

The wedding was the most perfect and timely step for them, and their happiness and fun was infectious. Not that Laura was feeling a million miles away from either these days. Adam had accompanied her to the wedding, and since Ben’s only other regular friend Mark had had to cancel his trip to be best man, Adam was more than happy to fill the role.

Just thinking about Adam made her heart beat and her chest swell. Nothing had changed, he was still all that she could ever wish for, and he wasn’t showing any signs of being bored with her! After that disastrous weekend with both parents their relationship had gone from strength to strength. And the good news was that the relationship between them and their families had improved. Diane and Stafford had formed a truce, and whilst Adam was a long way from forgiving his father, he was at least civil with him, and Laura had every confidence that her father would do everything he could to make that improve, she knew that.

And the relationship had taken a turn for the better when her father was instrumental in uncovering the identity of the arsonist. He’d made a few calls, and ended up with a rather disturbing name, the recently dumped Kristi Salter. Revenge and a scorned woman took on a new level after that. The court case was imminent when they returned and they were both looking forward to closing the door on that chapter.

It was so rewarding to know that it wasn’t anyone closer to them, but Adam had questioned himself, and his behaviour towards women prior to Laura. She’d had to help him out of his depression, after all, he not promised anything more than fun to her, or any of her predecessors, Laura was convinced this was purely a revenge act. Kristi was hurt that he’d dumped her, rather than had her heart broken. They were hoping it would come out in the court case, which was planned for six weeks after this wedding.

                “So you’re enjoying California?”

Laura glanced up at Alana who was finally ready to walk down the aisle and nodded, “it’s amazing. I’m just so glad to be with Adam...I start my Masters in a few months, and I’m doing some great sessions as Marshall Surf School! Who’d have thought I’d have my own business?”

Alana chuckled, “you were always the driving force behind Ben! The rocket to his ass! Your surf instruction will be world famous soon...you’ll see.”

The two women hugged.

                “You ready?” Laura took Alana’s hand and led her out on to the beach front gazebo that was the location for the wedding. Where Ben was waiting with his stand in best man, and Laura’s definite best man Adam.

The service was beautiful, the sun shone, the gentle swell of the sea, it all made for an idyllic cocoon where the happy couple made their vows witnessed by seventy guests. Ben was equally as devastating in his pale suit and even paler shirt which was open at the neck, the lei around his neck replaced the need for any tie. But Laura only had eyes for the man beside him, tall, dark, unending in his handsomeness, and Adam’s eyes were only for her. For the whole of the formal day they were separated, as a best man and maid of honour should be. And it was with relief that after the speeches the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as Mr and Mrs Tucker.

Adam hadn’t taken his eyes off Laura all day, she was beautiful in his second hand dirty gym clothes, but in this designer dress, pale pink with pastel gerberas all over it, she looked ethereal. Flowers peeked out from behind her ear, and her blonde hair shone in the sun. Yep, love made everything SO different. And if he’d ever doubted he loved her, the way she’d so effortlessly slotted into his life proved otherwise. They were made for each other, he knew that without doubt.

Stalking across the room, he was glad she hadn’t seen him approach, he loved watching her when she wasn’t aware. His hand sliding around her waist caused her to jump, startled for a moment, with a chuckle he placed his lips next to her ear.

                “When did a wedding become SO long and torturous?” he was rewarded with a smile as she turned to look at him.

                “When we’re stuck opposite sides of the room!”

He laughed, “I was hoping for a break between courses where I could drag you off somewhere...you bring out the rampant teenager in me!”

                “There’s plenty of time for that, tonight!”

And that was no exaggeration, they were booked into the best suite in the hotel that night, as a compensation for spending the last few evenings and nights apart. But it was little sacrifice really to be there for her best friends on their special day.

                “Can’t wait!”

Suddenly there was a shout from the doorway and Adam was dragged off for more best man duties!

An hour later the formalness had reduced and Laura was searching for Adam, she wanted to dance with him, she’d not danced with him she realised, not in a proper ‘couple’ way and suddenly she was dying to know if they moved well together. A band had been playing all evening, and just as she wanted to dance, they took a break. Typical.

And there was no sign of Adam!

Laura had circled the room, spoken to a dozen guests, and drank a  glass of champagne before she headed out to the sandy gazebo. Unfortunately he wasn’t there either. Suddenly the man who had barely cast his eyes anywhere but her all day, had disappeared. It was more than exasperating! Alana waved from across the room as she re-entered, she looked so happy that it made Laura’s heart swell.

Music started from the band behind her, but she was oblivious to it, until she recognised the voice, the less than note perfect voice, singing.

                “Laura and Adam were lovers”

Gasping she spun around, her eyes locking on the stage and the man she never imagined would ever sing this song again, she almost laughed at the name change in the song, but she was too stunned.

                “He wanted to give her everything,

                Flowers, presents, and most of all a wedding ring!”

She gasped again, feeling the room spin as every guest turned to watch her, all smiling as she struggled for breath.

                “He saw a sign for a stock car race, a thousand dollar prize it read

                he couldn’t get Laura on the phone, so to her mother Adam said...”

Then he jumped from the stage, a little bit like Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, though to Laura’s relief he didn’t accompany his singing with dancing too. She was mortified, but also a little stunned, and emotional, and a lot excited.

Stood in front of her, he dropped onto one knee, microphone at his mouth as he sang,

“Tell Laura I love her,

Tell Laura I need her,

Tell Laura not to cry, my love for her will never die.”

He smiled at her stunned face, “So...will you? Marry me?”

The whole room gasped in simultaneous surprise, all waiting for an answer.

Laura looked down at Adam who was uncaring that he was on one knee in front of everyone, he merely stared at her intently, patiently waiting for her answer. When her eyes left his and looked further down, she saw a velvet box in his hand, popped open to reveal a beautiful yet simple diamond solitaire.

                “Yes...”

Her reply was a whisper, but there was enough in the accompanying body language that caused the whole world to erupt into cheers. Before standing, he turned and nodded at the band who then burst into a rock version of the song he’d started. And as he pulled her into his arms, and devoured into a kiss filled with promise, ‘Tell Laura I love her’, still echoed around the room.