Backstage (The Barter System Book 4)

by McClendon, Shayne

  “I love you, Ezra. I love you so fucking much that it scares me a little.”

  “Don’t be scared, Madeline. I’ll keep you safe.”

  They fell asleep just as they were and she’d never felt safer in her life.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ezra woke to the morning sun filling the room with light.

  Turning his head, he smiled at the woman beside him. She was on her stomach, hands tucked under her body, pressed against his side from shoulder to feet.

  Her eyes fluttered open and a soft smile spread over her face. “Any morning-after regrets?”

  “Not a single one.” He rolled and moved his body down to put himself at eye level. “How about you?”

  “None.”

  “Excellent. Good morning, Miss Johannson.” She rubbed her cheek against his inner arm and moved to press the front of her body to his. “Do you know what happens today?” Sleepily, she shook her head. “Today, you get reviews on your play.”

  Her reaction time was unreal.

  Throwing herself from the bed, she was a sight to see naked in morning light. Grabbing her hair in her fists, she shrieked, “Oh my god, I forgot about reviews. What do I do?”

  He stood up and cupped her face in his hands. “Right now, I want you to breathe. That wasn’t breathing…that was gasping. Slow and steady. I know this business, Madeline. You’re going to love your reviews.” He kissed her forehead. “I put in a request for all the newspapers. They’re probably right outside the door. Stay here.”

  Wrapping a towel around his lower body, he opened the door to the hall and picked up the stack of local papers.

  She was pacing the room. “Linn.” Her eyes were wide and panicked. “I’m going to order breakfast. Take a shower, pull on the hotel robe, and we’ll read the reviews together. The play is first rate. No worrying.”

  Like a zombie, she walked to the bathroom. By the time she emerged, a member of the hotel staff was wheeling in their table of food.

  “How much did you order?”

  “All of it. I’m starving.” Handing the man a heavy tip for the rush, he gently guided her into a seat. “Coffee and a croissant to start, I think.”

  While she sipped the fortifying brew, he went through each paper, skimmed her reviews with a smile, and folded them back.

  Finally, she took a deep breath, set down her cup, and gave him a nod. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  Handing over the folded entertainment sections, he poured his own coffee and waited, watching her expressions with pleasure.

  “Madeline Johannson brought Midwest values and Big City class to the Zelder Theater for her first mainstream production, Not That Desperate. Clever writing, brilliant characters, and superb set design bring the comedic musical to life…”

  “We hope to see more of the lovely and talented Johannson sisters in the future. Bringing their sweet country charm and ready to play with the big boys, these women stormed the stage (and a few hearts) last night…”

  “If you speak to either Johannson sister and think their accents and good looks are all they bring to the table…settle in for a wild ride. The play is daring, fun, and filled with an exceptional cast that kept me laughing throughout and left me wanting more, more, more! There are rumors each sister is dating a Zelder brother, longtime members in good standing among the theater community. If true, the dashing Zelders score high points for choosing such unique young women who are a breath of fresh air.”

  “That this play made me laugh throughout was a surprise…that it was their first attempt in a mainstream venue was a complete shock. The rest of the cast performed well, seeming dedicated to their playwright and director.”

  By the time she finished reading, one hand gripped the edge of the table with white knuckles. Ezra crouched in front of her with a smile.

  “You did it. I’m incredibly proud of you, Madeline.”

  She exhaled roughly. Swallowing hard, she had tears in her eyes as she whispered, “It’s so hard to be taken seriously as a new author. It seems like publishers won’t even look at you. Mikayla came up with the idea that if I could pull off a smash hit somewhere like New York, they wouldn’t have a choice. I just want a little office where I can churn out stories and live a normal life.”

  “Where were you going to go once you finished the run of your play?”

  “I have a house in Oklahoma and a cabin on a lake in Texas.” She shrugged. “I’ve fallen in love with everything about New York.” Placing her palms along both sides of his face, she added, “There are so many things to love here.”

  He suddenly wondered about Linn’s sister and what would happen between her and his brother. “What about Mikayla?”

  “None of this was what she wanted. She wants to teach and raise a family. It’s all she’s ever dreamed about having.” Her shoulder lifted. “Having a marriage like our parents is her ultimate happiness.”

  “Do you think she’ll stay in New York?”

  Madeline laughed. “Ezra, if Isaiah opens his arms, she’ll run into them. He’s here so she’ll stay here. She loves New York as much as I do.”

  “Thank god.” He kissed her aggressively, staking claim to the woman he wanted. Pulling back far enough to look into her eyes, he said, “I have a huge brownstone, Madeline. There’s a room off the master bedroom that looks out over the back garden. Tall windows and built-in bookshelves. It’s been empty for years because I couldn’t decide what to do with the space. I think it would make you a beautiful office.”

  “That sounds lovely.”

  “In the spring, the plants in the back courtyard blossom. In the fall, the color pallet is breathtaking. I can have your apartment packed today.”

  She laughed and covered her mouth. He rolled his eyes dramatically. “Okay, we’ll get you packed up next week. How long are you going to make me wait before you become my wife?”

  “Six months sounds like a reasonable engagement.” She gave him a wink. “I want there to be no doubt that we’re marrying for no other reason than love.”

  “The best reason.”

  “I leave wet towels around and I’m usually irritable in the morning.” She took a deep breath. “I want kids in a few years. Is that a problem?”

  Ezra’s smile felt huge on his face. “I drop dirty clothes everywhere. I sometimes work too much.” He kissed her soundly. “I love kids.”

  “Then it’s all settled. Now you need to eat and I have to call my sister.” Her kiss went on for a long time and he considered carrying her back to bed. Then his stomach growled. Against his mouth, she laughed. “Eat.”

  He settled in his chair and ate while he re-read a couple of the reviews. His attempt not to eavesdrop on the Johannson sisters’ conversation was futile. Their exuberance kept him grinning. When she disconnected, he asked, “So, how is your sister?”

  Laughing, Linn stood and walked around the table. Placing her hand along the side of his face, she answered, “Excellent. She’s at your brother’s house. She sounds blissful and I bet you a hundred dollars she doesn’t leave.”

  “I’m not taking that bet. Isaiah’s been alone too long.”

  “Once Kayla sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her. She loves him.” She shrugged. “I know the feeling.”

  He rested his hand over hers on his cheek. “You need to be at the theater by five. That gives us a couple of hours before check out to show you how happy you’ve made me.” He grinned. I’d like to use orgasms to demonstrate my point.”

  “Not nearly enough time. Let’s get started.”

  It was all the encouragement he needed.

  Epilogue

  Entering the theater in a full out run ten minutes after rehearsals were due to begin, the Johannson sisters skidded to a halt in front of Theodora’s table. They always made her laugh.

  “Starving…” was all Kayla managed.

  “Food and a beverage of some sort that I can take with me,” Linn added. “I beg of you. I am begging.”


  She grinned. “The two of you look like you’re glowing. Any chance Isaiah and Ezra are responsible?” Please let them be the reason…

  “They get all the blame. We need to go to lunch this week and pump you for information.” Mikayla wiggled her brows. “We’re late or the interrogation would start right now.”

  “Go do your thing.” She made a quick tray with snacks on it. “Take this and when you take ten, stop by again for more.”

  Removing bottles of water from her mini-fridge, she winked. “I’ll tell you every dirty detail you want to know. Those boys have no secrets from me.”

  Madeline mimed cheering and Mikayla knocked out a quick “cabbage patch” before they both dashed toward the stage.

  A few minutes later, Ezra appeared and started piling a plate with food. “Don’t look at me. Don’t judge me. I need fuel.”

  She held up her hands. “No judgment here. I imagine you need to keep your strength up.”

  Turning his head slowly, his face lit up in a grin. “You saw Linn?”

  “I saw both of them. May I say, well done?” His laughter echoed around the backstage area and Theodora joined him. “You look so happy.”

  “This morning, I realized that I was as lonely as Isaiah and hadn’t realized it. She changes everything.”

  “Eat, refuel, and let’s talk about your plans for the theater.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Folding her hands in front of her, Theodora smiled. “We come from very small family units that consist of only children or one other sibling. The twins’ immediate family consists of their parents and six kids. From what I’ve heard, they’re all very close.” Tilting her head, she asked, “Do you really think they plan to wait until opening night to see their daughters? I can’t imagine it will be long before they show up…”

  “Oh my god! I hadn’t thought about their family!” He moved to set his plate down and she stopped him. “I don’t have time to eat at a time like this! I have to talk to Isaiah!”

  “Eat. Isaiah will be here soon and you can panic together. Keep me in the loop so I can make adjustments to the catering schedule.”

  A few minutes later, the older Zelder brother filled a plate in silence, a frown between his eyes, and she settled his mind.

  “Their family is going to love both of you. I don’t think the fruit fell far from the tree with those girls. Relax.”

  Inhaling carefully, he nodded. “Thanks.”

  When there was a break in rehearsals, Madeline and Mikayla grabbed food and joined the brothers at a small table. Huddled together, their conversation was fast and inaudible.

  Theodora knew that things around the theater were about to get interesting. She welcomed anything to shake up her daily life.

  * * * * *

  Two days later…

  When the brothers posed the question to their ladies about the possibility of their family visiting, they looked confused.

  Mikayla cheerfully replied, “Naturally, they’ll be here for our official opening night. We’ve known that from the beginning.”

  “Mama can’t wait to hear every detail about our time in New York. I bet they show up unannounced.”

  Stunned, the brothers had stared at them in silence. Isaiah turned to him and said, “That gives us very little time to get everything done.”

  “Get what done? The theater is gorgeous!” Linn nibbled on the flatbread pizza Theodora prepared.

  Pressing his fingers into his eyes, Ezra murmured, “We finished the public-facing remodel before you started rehearsals. It didn’t include the areas of the building that patrons don’t usually see.”

  “We were taking our time with that part, doing a project here, a project there. Now, we need to ramp things up.” Isaiah took a long swig of water. “I need to hire more guys for the grunt work. I’ll look into that today. They can do tear-downs and paint.”

  “Wait,” Mikayla interjected in confusion, “you’re planning to remodel the entire backstage area of the theater…because of our parents? Why would you do that?”

  The brothers said together, “First impressions are important.”

  They kissed their fiancées and got to work.

  Isaiah pushed his crew of men and the temporary construction guys to organize all the backrooms of the theater. Every space was freshly painted, the bathrooms updated, and he installed new lighting fixtures four days in and felt as though he’d accomplished nothing.

  Ezra ordered new furniture for his office and sadly watched his battered and bruised desk as it was hauled away. He knew he’d have to break in the new one with Madeline the first chance they found.

  They had ten days left to finish the work before opening night and the sisters tortured them for fun. The end of the charity shows gave them extra hours in the evenings to work.

  The women sat where they could see the changes taking place. Every time one of them passed, one or the other would reach out to touch their man.

  Finally, Isaiah couldn’t take it anymore. Setting down the roll of carpet padding he carried, he straightened and stepped between Kayla’s legs.

  “You are, without a doubt, going to kill me. I’m begging for mercy. You can love on me when we get home, I’ll do anything you want, but right now, I have to focus. Every time you grab my ass, my focus is on nothing but you.”

  “Do you feel objectified?” she asked him innocently.

  “Hardly. My dick is like a homing pigeon and you are home. Let me finish and I’ll thank you later.” Isaiah punctuated his words with a kiss.

  Pulling back to look at him, Kayla ran her fingertips along his jaw. “It’s just that I want to touch you all the time. If you weren’t so tempting, I wouldn’t grope you.” Then she stuck a Tootsie Pop in her mouth and sucked meaningfully. “I’ll be good. Cross my heart.”

  Madeline stroked her hands over Ezra’s face. “I’m not sure if you can accomplish a remodel in so little time…but I’m rooting for you.” She winked. “I got that thing I ordered in the mail this morning.”

  “You’re a wicked woman, Miss Johannson.”

  She held up her left hand and winked. “There will come a day you won’t be able to call me that unless I’m in trouble. Then you can punish me.”

  “I’m crying uncle. Keep it up and I’ll take you to my office.”

  He stared at the symbol of what she would soon be to him on her hand. It was a simple white gold ring sporting three small diamonds. He’d tried to talk her into something bigger without success. His fiancée didn’t know the ring she wore was a placeholder because she’d kill him when she saw the upgrades to the wedding set he ordered.

  Mikayla’s ring was even simpler. It was a plain white gold band with vines engraved on it. No stone at all. Isaiah planned to give her a family heirloom set the day they were married that would look stunning on her. He knew once it was placed there, she’d never consider taking it off.

  The sisters’ tastes were understated but the Zelders planned to spoil them rotten anyway. They’d have to get used to it.

  “Behave. Let me work and we’ll play later.” With that, he kissed her on her lips and stepped away.

  * * * * *

  The brothers lifted their supplies and joined their crews in the backstage area. Moments later, the twins heard banging and sawing.

  “We just got our men all worked up and sent them to work with power tools. They’re so nervous. No matter what I say, Ezra doesn’t believe Mama and Dad aren’t going to expect perfection.”

  It was Wednesday, the only day they didn’t do rehearsals.

  Kayla asked, “Did you get settled in your new office?”

  Sighing happily, Madeline thought about the bright and beautiful space Ezra had given her to work. “I love it more than I can tell you.”

  The brothers lived in brownstones that backed up to one another with a shared garden and privacy fence in between. The property had been in their family for almost a hundred years.

  Within days of the firs
t show, the brothers packed up their apartment and moved them into homes they’d only seen in movies. The sisters raced back and forth between the homes a dozen times a day.

  The moment they felt confident Madeline and Mikayla were settled in and needed nothing, they went to work on the theater. Quickies in the office, the back loading bay, the dressing rooms, and even the catwalk had been the only way either of the Johannson girls had to get naughty with their new fiancés.

  Mikayla started to ask her sister a question when a familiar voice yelled from the lobby, “Where are the two prettiest girls I know?”

  Mikayla and Madeline jumped off the stage and charged up the aisle. At the same time, they yelled, “Mama!”

  “Y’all better hurry! These hugs expire in ten, nine, eight…”

  They cleared the double doors and ran straight into their mother’s arms, hugging her fiercely. The woman who had always been their ideal example of femininity stroked their hair and kissed their foreheads.

  “How pretty you are.”

  “We look just like you so we must be beautiful.” Madeline blinked back the tears in her eyes as she repeated the phrase she and Kayla had uttered in answer to such compliments all their life.

  Roughly pulled away from their mom, they were spun back to back and crushed between three brothers talking at once.

  “Damn, where’re your cowboy boots?”

  “Where are these fellas we’ve heard so much about?”

  “Can’t wait to shake the hands of the men willin’ to take y’all on!”

  Their father leaned against the ticket booth with a grin. They walked to him and he pulled them in a strong hug, hard enough to hurt.

  “Hey, Daddy,” the sisters said together.

  “My little matched set. Y’all look prettier than I remember. How’s that possible?” He shook them roughly and loudly kissed their cheeks.

  Kayla laughed. “Love makes it possible, Dad.”

  He smiled and nodded. “That sounds about right. For more’n thirty years, my Becky gets more beautiful every day. I’d like to meet the men y’all keep calling to gab about with your mama.”