Claiming Victory: A Romantic Comedy

by Beverley Watts

  Heading back into the kitchen after seeing both men out, I ponder whether to make another cup of tea but decide I’m awash with Tetleys. That leaves either chocolate or alcohol. Can’t see any chocolate, so I make a beeline for the half opened bottle of wine left on the counter. I hesitate briefly as I grab a clean glass and pick up the bottle but then, oh sod it, I’m sure Mr. Westbrook can afford it. I fill the glass, take a healthy swig and sigh. Just what the doctor ordered.

  I take my glass and the rest of the bottle into the drawing room where Dotty is snoring loudly on the sofa. She had a field day earlier while we were outside, exploring all the interesting nooks and crannies of Noah’s garden and is now completely pooped. Smiling, I sit down beside her and take another sip of wine. Within half an hour, the bottle is empty and I’m feeling pleasantly mellow and only vaguely aware that I’ve now gone and scuppered any chance of a quick getaway – or any getaway at all involving my car... Still, I can’t really remember why it was so important, or why I have the word “professional” dimly rattling round in my head. Glancing down at my watch, I note it’s already five thirty and wonder where Noah is. I lean back and consider ordering a taxi but it all seems an awful lot of trouble and I’m just so tired after hardly sleeping at all last night. I decide to close my eyes, just for a few minutes…

  In my dream I can hear Noah calling my name, and Dotty’s excited barking. I’ve been waiting for him for what seems like forever and I’m so happy he’s home…

  …Still half in the throes of my dream, I stare dazedly into the pair of incredible blue eyes just above me and with a smile, I reach up and bury my hands in his soft shining mane of black hair, whispering, ‘I’ve been waiting for you,’ before pulling his head down and placing a soft welcoming kiss on his lips.

  At the exquisite sensation of our mouths touching, I come fully awake and, with a small gasp, start to pull back.

  Eyes now glittering with some unnamed emotion, he holds me still and then, all at once he’s kissing me desperately and I’m completely lost in a magical world of lips and hands and hot muscled satin skin. Somehow, I end up naked under him on the floor and then it feels as though he’s stroking, touching, kissing me everywhere at once, finding every sensitive spot, tormenting every nerve ending until every fibre of my body is alive with hot, electric sensation. Groaning, I rake my hands down his back, at the same time arching my aching breasts up to his waiting lips. My legs part and curve around his thighs in instinctive invitation and I feel his body, the entire deliciously naked length of him press hard against me until, at last, there is that glorious welcoming fullness taking me to heights I’ve up to now only imagined existed.

  Afterwards, lying in his arms, I go over every moment and commit it to my heart. If this never happens again, I don’t want to forget one single second. But when the cold begins to seep in, and I make a move to extract myself, he turns me towards him and whispers, ‘Stay.’

  ~*~

  I have time to register that the light is much brighter than usual before Dotty’s tongue resumes its enthusiastic licking of my nose. Blinking, I push her off, wondering for a second where the hell I am, then I recall last night and I sink back against the pillows in Noah Westbrook’s bed, my mind awhirl with ecstatic disbelief. Glancing to the empty space beside me, for a second my heart sinks until I see the note on the pillow.

  Sorry Tory, early start. Dotty’s done her business, make yourself at home. Hope you enjoyed last night as much as I did. Will call you when we finish filming for today. You fancy dinner? Maybe somewhere nice and discreet so I can ditch the disguise…xx

  Well, shiver me timbers and call me woody, as my father so eloquently puts it…

  I can’t stop smiling as my mind goes over and over the incredible night I’ve just had. I don’t delude myself that this is anything more than a brief dalliance for Noah and probably similar to many he’s had before me. But as I hug his pillow to my face and resolve to savour every moment I spend with him, I can’t help but wonder if he’s opened himself up to many other women the way he did to me last night. Maybe I was just in the right place at the right time.

  I now understand the shadow of sadness that crosses his face when he thinks no one is looking. To lose a parent and an unborn child within an hour of each other would rock even the most solid world.

  We spent most of the evening snuggled up together underneath a blanket Noah had unearthed from somewhere. We didn’t bother to get dressed. Noah gave me an old t-shirt of his to wear like some ridiculous movie cliché. I had my bare legs draped over his knees as he talked in a matter of fact voice which spoke volumes of the pain he was holding inside.

  Although it took quite a lot of wine before he began to speak, I sensed that he was really desperate to unburden himself to someone. Hard to believe that the someone he chose was me… Evidently the only other person he talks to is his sister in California, which is understandable. The loss of their mother especially must have had an equally devastating impact on her and I imagine the fact that one event lead to the other has made things even more difficult.

  ‘I knew she didn’t want the baby,’ he murmured, taking a large sip of red wine. ‘Said it wasn’t the right time for her, that she had too much going on in her life right now, she had her career to think of. Well, you know what? It wasn’t the fucking right time for me either, but that’s not a good enough fucking reason. I spent hours trying to change her mind; said we could make it work. I thought I’d got through to her but then I got a telephone call saying she’d changed her mind.

  ‘I was on my way to the hospital for one last try. Mom said she’d help me bring up the kid. All Gaynor had to do was give birth. That’s all, just give it life.’ I stifled a small gasp as he spoke the actress’s name but I wasn’t really surprised. Still, I said nothing and let him continue.

  ‘I dropped mom off a couple of blocks from her house. She wanted to come to the hospital with me but I persuaded her not to. The traffic was awful and she suggested I let her out just off the freeway to save time.’ He paused with a sigh and threaded his hand through his hair before leaning forward to pour us both some more wine. He handed me my glass without looking up and I touched his arm in sympathy. If he felt the contact, he didn’t react, just continued in that same expressionless tone.

  ‘If mom had come with me to the hospital she’d still be alive. I left her trying to cross a busy road. Ten minutes later she was dead - killed in a hit and run.

  ‘And I still didn’t get there in time to stop Gaynor from going ahead with the termination.’

  He fell silent and I had no idea what to say. I felt so desperately sorry for him and wondered how he had avoided the tabloids getting hold of the story. I guess his reputation for being one of the most private stars in Hollywood had obviously held true, no doubt with the sympathetic help a lot of loyal friends conspiring together to prevent the story becoming public knowledge.

  Of course, I comforted him in the only way I knew how, and it’s funny, but not once did my big bottom or over large boobs bother me in the slightest.

  After disappearing off to sulk at the rare experience of being ignored for more than half an hour, Dotty came back as soon as we started eating pizza, determinedly pushing her way under the blanket until we took it in turns to spoil her with tidbits – totally against every doggy advice book ever published.

  Later, over coffee, we talked about anything and everything, but I didn’t ask him about his father and he didn’t question me about my mother. I think we both felt we’d had enough sadness for one evening. Finally, at the end of the most amazing night of my life, we tumbled into bed and made love again, and again, and again…

  And now he wants to take me for dinner. When the hell did I fall down the rabbit hole…

  Friday 16th May

  TO: kim@kimberleyharris.com

  How’s it going sis? Sorry I haven’t been in touch for a few days, things have been crazy since we started filming.

  I just wanted yo
u to know that I’m good. In fact I’m better than good. I finally got things sorted with Gaynor; she came round to the house the other night and we talked. Think I finally got through to her that we’re not gonna get back together. It’s not even about the baby anymore and I sense she finally gets it. I really did love her once, but that ship sailed months ago.

  And (he takes a deep breath…) I think I might have met someone. You remember me mentioning Tory Shackleford? Well, truth is we’ve been getting pretty close over the last couple of weeks while she’s been organizing to fix up my house and she really is something special. I know she’s not a typical Hollywood twig, but she’s got some great curves going and has the most amazing smile. I really feel as if I can talk to her about anything - you know, it’s like she’s actually interested in me. She’s just so down to earth, and she makes me laugh. I know it’s early days but I’m thinking of asking her to come over to California to meet you guys. What do you think – you Ben and the kids up for that?

  Like always sis, keep it to yourself for the time being – you’re my rock, you know that.

  I’m gonna be in Dartmouth for another couple of weeks, then it’s up to London – I’ll keep you posted. Wish me luck :-)

  Give the kids a big kiss from me.

  Love you loads

  Noah xxx

  Chapter Sixteen

  ‘Well Jimmy there’s something going off make no mistake, and what’s more, I can tell you for nothing that none of it’s good. For the last three days our Victory’s been walking around like she dropped a penny and found a couple of grand. Every time she sees the package she gets this ridiculous grin on her face.’ The Admiral sighed and took a deep melancholy swallow of his pint. ‘When did it go so wrong?’ He mourned to his bewildered friend.

  ‘When did what go wrong sir?’ Jimmy questioned with a frown. ‘I thought this was what you wanted – you know, Tory getting off with Noah Westbrook and living happily ever after. Wasn’t that the plan?’

  The Admiral was obviously so depressed that he didn’t even correct Jimmy’s use of the package’s name. When had it all gone tits up? Exactly when had his daughter become a loose woman? He looked over at his friend’s confused face and sighed. This was exactly why he Charles Shackleford had finished his career as an Admiral and Jimmy Noon as a Warrant Officer.

  Leaning forward he placed a hand on Jimmy’s shoulder and spoke slowly and clearly. ‘The package has obviously sampled the goods Jimmy boy. There’s no doubt in my mind that my daughter is a fallen woman. She’ll never get him to marry her now. The best she’s likely to get is a centre spread in the Sun newspaper with a lurid red headline titled “The day I banged Noah Westbrook.”

  Staring at his former commanding officer, Jimmy thought back to his wife’s description of Charles Shackleford. All of a sudden, the term “dinosaur” didn’t seem quite so far-fetched. The Admiral had obviously never watched an episode of Coronation Street.

  Jimmy was truly at a bit of a loss. To disagree would be considered insubordination and anyway he couldn’t remember the last time he’d even thought about questioning the Admiral’s logic. He glanced around the empty pub, stalling for time.

  ‘Weeellll,’ he finally said, dragging out the word as long as possible. ‘The thing is Sir, I mean perhaps you should, err what I’m thinking is, I mean…’

  ‘For God sake, spit it out man,’ the Admiral finally interrupted with an irritated wave of his hand.

  Taking a deep breath, Jimmy prepared to do the unthinkable. ‘The thing is Sir, perhaps you should just let them get on with it now?’

  The Admiral stared at his friend for a few seconds as if he couldn’t actually believe his ears. ‘Don’t be so bloody ridiculous,’ he said at length. ‘Let them get on with it? What my Victory knows about relationships can be written on the outside of a flea’s tit. If I let them just “get on with it”, I know exactly what they’ll be getting on with, and it won’t end up at the altar I can tell you.’

  Jimmy sighed. ‘So what are you going to do Sir?’

  The Admiral frowned and picked up his pint. Taking another long mouthful, he narrowed his eyes as the beginnings of yet another plan began to tiptoe around the edges of his mind. Then, replacing his empty glass on the bar with a decisive thump, he turned back to his friend.

  ‘I think our package is in dire need of a nudge in the right direction Jimmy lad, and I’m just the man to do it…’

  Chapter Seventeen

  The last couple of weeks have been the best two weeks of my entire life. I’ve been pinching myself daily to be certain I’m not in the middle of some fabulous dream.

  Not only did Noah take me for dinner, but since then, we’ve spent every bit of free time together, and the more I get to know him, the deeper I’m falling. It’s not just about his film star looks, or his gorgeous sexy body. I know it sounds clichéd, but I really do like Noah the man. He’s kind and smart and I can totally understand why the whole world loves him.

  Why I love him.

  Of course I don’t allow myself to think too much about what will happen when he leaves for London, I’m just determined to enjoy whatever time we have together.

  Despite the fact that we’ve been discreet, it’s pretty clear that the rest of the cast and crew are aware of what’s going on, although no one has commented, not even Gaynor. There seems to be some kind of unspoken rule that whatever goes on during filming stays firmly behind closed doors. I can’t help but wonder if this is the normal situation. Perhaps big movie stars regularly pick on someone insignificant to “play with” while they’re on location. I don’t care. If that’s the case, I’m simply grateful that Noah chose me – although I still have no idea why.

  Even my two best friends are slightly baffled I can tell; happy for me of course, but still a little mystified. Though they’d done their best to set me up in the first place, I don’t think either of them actually expected Noah to take the bait. After all, it’s not like I’m a drop dead gorgeous human rights lawyer, like the one who finally got George Clooney to the altar…

  But, like I told them both, ‘If I’m just somebody to fool around with, I don’t really need to be DDG.’ I can tell they’re both worried for me. They think I’ll fall apart when Noah’s gone. They might be right, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

  And at the end of the day, I will make his house so beautiful he’ll never forget me. It’s enough – it has to be.

  Anyway, enough maudlin philosophizing, today is Friday and it’s the start of the music festival. The whole cast and crew have been given the night off to relax and enjoy it. Apparently they’re ahead of schedule and have only got a couple of loose ends to tie up before they move on to London next Tuesday. Noah and some of the crew are going to meet up with me, Kit and Freddy tonight and we’re going to party…

  We’ve decided to kick off in the Royal Castle. It’s five pm and, not unexpectedly, Kit and I are first here. For once I’ve left Dotty with dad (or more accurately, Pickles) and as I push my way back from the bar, I reflect that this would be her worst nightmare. Handing Kit a large Prosecco, we clink plastic cups – the pub’s sensible choice of alcoholic container for evenings as crowded as tonight is likely to be. ‘To a memorable night.’

  Sipping my drink, I try hard not to keep looking round for Noah, but Kit’s not fooled. ‘He’ll be here Tory, don’t worry.’ She smiles at me reassuringly and I smile back with equal determination. ‘Doesn’t matter if he doesn’t turn up Kitty Kat, tonight we’re going to have a great time. Let’s have a look at the program. Who’s on at the bandstand later?’

  Turns out Joey The Lips are playing. They’re an 8 piece funk band, guaranteed to get the whole town boogying. Brilliant. Kit and I put our heads together to plan the evening up to then.

  Stay in the Castle til sevenish with Spandex Ballet. Then it’s on to the Cherub and spot of acoustic guitar; Kendricks for a bite to eat along with Joseph Bon Jovi and then back to the park and the bandstand to dance aw
ay the rest of the night to Joey The Lips.

  Perfect – especially as the object of my desires is even now making his way through the crowds towards me, suitably disguised in his glasses and woolly hat.

  I wonder how it can get any better than this…

  Until I spot Gaynor Andrews following close on his heels, the black wig completely failing to disguise the unmistakable long legged skinny jeaned elegance. Damn…

  I plaster a smile to my face, feeling plain and dowdy in my previously considered up to the minute v-necked sweater. Noah doesn’t appear to think I look frumpy however, and he bends down without hesitation to kiss me lightly on the lips.

  ‘You ladies have drinks right?’ He says before wading his way through to the bar, unfortunately leaving Ms Andrews standing next to us looking as though she has a bad smell under her nose. After making the introductions, I look anxiously around to see if any of the crew are heading our way and thankfully spot Freddy, nautically resplendent in perfectly co-ordinated red and navy, posing at the door. Never have I been so glad to see him and I wave frantically, causing him to raise his eyebrows before picking his way nonchalantly towards us.

  His composure definitely slips a bit as I introduce Gaynor to him, but after a small excited, barely perceptible skip, he recovers his self control with admiral aplomb and sets out to charm the actress in the way only a gay male can. Leaving Kit and me breathing a sigh of relief.

  Unobserved, I stare at Gaynor as I sip my drink. It’s the first time we’ve been in the same room since Noah confided in me about their baby. Although he made it clear that there is no longer anything between them, the subject has not been brought up again since that night, and I can’t help but wonder how it feels to have loved and lost someone like Noah Westbrook. Despite his assertion that their relationship is definitely over, I know in my heart that Gaynor has not yet given up and her presence here tonight is definitely making me anxious.