Then & Now

by Karen A. Leppert

  “Cut.” Johnny glared at Seth.

  Sarah smirked. “What happened?”

  “I messed up,” he said, smiling down at her.

  “You did that on purpose.”

  Johnny sighed. “Okay, here we go again. Sex scene, take four.”

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “You…only you,” Sarah repeated in the same sultry tone she’d used in the last take and pulled him to her.

  Seth positioned himself between Sarah’s legs and slowly unbuttoned the first three buttons of her shirt. His breath was labored and he felt flushed, but that didn’t stop him from caressing Sarah’s neck.

  “I love you,” she whispered and let out an erotic moan.

  “Cut!”

  Sarah huffed. “I know, I know, I was supposed to moan first. Darn it.”

  Seth moved away from Sarah’s neck and reluctantly resumed the position to start the scene over again.

  “My arms are getting tired,” Molly complained.

  “One more take,” Johnny ordered. “Sex scene, take five.”

  “Tell me what you want,” Seth said, his voice getting weaker.

  “You, only you,” Sarah repeated. Each time seemed sexier than the last.

  Seth felt Sarah’s hand on his pants. His knees buckled and his hands trembled as he unbuttoned her blouse. His lips found her neck and he kissed her, only this time his tongue gently licked at her too.

  She let out a lusty moan and whispered, “I love you.”

  Seth could have sworn Sarah whispered his name, but no one else seemed to hear it. Maybe he wanted Sarah to say it. He continued kissing her, his breath coming in shallow gasps now. “Sarah,” he whispered in her ear, “please, take pity on me.”

  With a low, seductive laugh, Sarah pushed him away. “Stop.” She jumped off the island. “You made your point. Sex scenes are hard.”

  He shook his finger at her. “I hope you learned your lesson.”

  Johnny shouted at him as he walked out of the room, “Hey, I didn’t say cut,” and then burst out laughing.

  Seth stopped in the hallway to regroup.

  The kitchen door swung open, and Johnny came toward him. “Damn, what was that about?”

  “Just having a little fun, that’s all. No harm, no foul.”

  “I hope Sarah feels the same.”

  “She’s a natural.” He shook his head and ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink. Something strong.”

  THAT’S A WRAP

  SARAH

  Sarah steadied her hands to button her shirt. What just happened? She supposed she’d had it coming, but thought Seth had taken it too far.

  Molly put the pot back. “You two are lethal together. No wonder your relationship ended so badly. I hope Adriane has a calming influence on Seth.”

  Kathy interceded, “I think Seth shares the blame.”

  “Maybe so, but I don’t think Adriane will calm him down,” Serafina added with a grin. “You saw their sex scenes on that show they did several years ago. Can you imagine what they’re like without the cameras rolling?”

  Sarah headed back to the kitchen table, where magazines with Seth and Adriane’s pictures plastered on their covers lay open for her weary eyes to see.

  Abby shot her a look and mouthed, “Are you okay?”

  Sarah gave her a quick nod.

  Molly turned to Pat. “When do you think Seth will bring Adriane around?”

  “Maybe Christmas.”

  “Her family lives in Ohio, I think. She may go home for Christmas,” Molly added.

  “Maybe New Year’s Eve?” Pat seemed pleased with that proposition. “We can ring in the New Year together. It would be nice for Seth; he’s always been alone for the holiday.”

  Kathy huffed. “Give me a break. Seth’s never had a problem finding someone to kiss when the clock strikes midnight.”

  Sarah cleared her throat and added, “He told me he might have to spend New Year’s Eve in New York. Filming isn’t supposed to wrap until February.”

  “Well, aren’t you a wealth of information,” Molly said.

  Sarah shrugged indifferently.

  Abby looked at her proudly. “Is there any more chocolate cheesecake?”

  “I hope so.” Sarah went to the dining room with Abby following close behind.

  They indulged in cheesecake and commiserated over Seth’s new romance. Abby agreed it was unlikely Seth’s girlfriend would tolerate their movie night tradition and weekends at the beach house.

  One good thing had come out of Seth’s new romance. Abby and Sarah had grown closer. In fact, Sarah had decided to forego the trip home at Christmas so she and Abby could take a vacation to Cancun to soak up the sun and drown their sorrows together.

  Sarah didn’t stay at Molly’s much longer. She had to work Black Friday, and Sam wanted to get home. Unwilling to go into the living room and face Seth, she wheeled Sam to the door, yelling a quick goodbye before making her escape.

  “What happened in there?” Sam asked as she drove down the driveway.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Seth seemed upset. His shirt was inside-out, and he downed a shot.”

  “That’s nothing new.”

  Seth must have been ashamed of his actions. Maybe he feared it would get back to Adriane. Serves him right.

  Black Friday came too soon. Much to her chagrin, her manager at Macy’s put her at the perfume counter. Yuck! By the time lunchtime came, Sarah smelled like a hideous concoction of popular perfumes purchased for the holiday season.

  “Ouch!” A shoe clipped hers from behind.

  “Excuse me,” Seth whispered and took her by the arm.

  “Is this your attempt at revenge?”

  “Sarah.” He laughed and pulled her closer to him. “This wouldn’t even begin to make us even.”

  “Hey, I bailed you out, remember?” She looked up at him, mimicking his voice from the night before. “Sarah, please take pity on me.”

  Seth blushed and changed the subject. “Are you going to lunch?”

  “Yes. Would you like to join me? They have double chocolate chip ice cream. That always helps me when I’m…”

  His eyes narrowed. “Frustrated?”

  “I was going to say humiliated. I did show you up.”

  “You’re right. That was an Academy Award performance last night.”

  “Really? I would say it was more deserving of an AVN award.”

  “Sarah, I’m shocked you know of such things.”

  “As a matter of fact, I’m surprised you haven’t won one of those awards. Your sex scenes don’t measure up, huh?”

  “Those awards, as you already know, are for adult films. None of my movies were rated for mature audiences or X-rated, so I never qualified for such an honor.”

  “What? You don’t have what it takes?” She looked down at his crotch.

  “You naughty girl. I love your wicked sense of humor. Don’t ever change. Now, how about lunch? All this talk’s made me hungry.”

  “Your treat. After all you owe me.”

  “I do.”

  Sarah asked for a table away from the window.

  “You remembered,” he noted with an approving smile.

  They ordered; the waitress stared but left him alone. Seth smiled, victorious.

  “You look tired,” he stated.

  “I am.”

  “You didn’t sleep well?”

  “I slept like a baby. I just didn’t get enough sleep.”

  “Too bad. I slept until noon.”

  “Did you have a hangover?”

  “No, why?”

  “Sam said you were drinking shots.”

  “That rat. I only had one.”

  “He’s concerned.”

  Seth disagreed. “Right. Sam…he’s my Molly, if you know what I mean. You can do no wrong.”

  “Yes.” She smiled. “Have you done any of your Christmas shopping? Wait. Do you
do your own Christmas shopping?”

  “Some. Jill and my mother help. If you recall, I’m not much of a shopper.” He grinned. “I did like helping you in the dressing room.”

  “Oh, you helped me all right. You practically undressed me.”

  “I should have,” he muttered.

  “I believe you stopped us that time.”

  “Damn fool.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Have you done any shopping?”

  “No. I’ll probably wait until I get back to New York.” He looked out at the mall. “This is insane.”

  “I know. When I graduate and get a real job, I’m never going out on Black Friday. I’m going to stay in all day; I’m not even getting out of my pajamas. And I’m ordering carryout pizza. I’m going to let someone else deliver food to me for a change. Why are you here if you’re not shopping?”

  Seth looked at her as if she should already know the answer. “I wanted to see you. Things got out of hand last night.”

  “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

  Seth looked puzzled and started to say something, but their food came. The waiter got Sarah’s order wrong, and it took some time to straighten it out. By then, the subject had changed again, or rather Sarah had changed it.

  “Why wasn’t your mother here for Thanksgiving?”

  “She stayed home, but she’ll be here for Christmas. What about you? The last time we spoke, you were going home.”

  “Change of plans. Aunt CeCe’s coming here. I do have plans for winter break,” she said in an excited tone. “Abby and I are going to Cancun.”

  “When did this happen?” He didn’t sound happy.

  “When Aunt CeCe decided to come to LA. I’d been saving my money and thought…what the heck. Abby has plenty of vacation. We’re not traveling first class, and our accommodations are modest, but who cares. We won’t be spending much time in our room anyway? At least I hope not.”

  “I hope not too.”

  You have some nerve. Seth had been shacking up with Adriane Malone in New York but got icky over her having sex in Cancun.

  “I’d much rather have sex on the beach.” She took a big bite from the hamburger to mask the lie.

  He cringed.

  “Gotcha!”

  He shook his head. “That’s not nice. Santa’s going to put you on the naughty list.”

  “I’ll be joining you then,” she retorted.

  “Good one. You’re too quick for me. I surrender.” He waved his white napkin in the air.

  “You have no idea how much satisfaction I get from that. Are you getting ice cream? I am.”

  “Why not.”

  They devoured a sundae before walking back to Macy’s, but Seth’s luck ran out. Fans bombarded him and pushed Sarah around so much she gave up and walked away from him, yelling, “Have a safe trip back! Take care!” She blew him a kiss and headed back to work.

  They never did discuss what had happened the night before. It was just as well. Time to move on.

  Sarah had to move on. Abby had seen a video of Seth shopping in New York at Tiffany & Co. To add fuel to the fire, the tabloids had reported he’d met privately with a jewelry designer, and he and Adriane had been spotted all over town together.

  Abby and Sarah commiserated together, Abby indulging in apple martinis and Sarah indulging in lots of chocolate. One night Abby got too tipsy and phoned Seth. Adriane answered and said Seth couldn’t come to the phone because he was in the shower. Abby could have sworn she giggled.

  Sarah did wonder how Seth would tell her and Abby about Adriane. Her last, maybe most selfless, act would be to make it easy for him, offering support and telling him how much she hoped to remain friends with him…no…with him and Adriane. That would take some getting used to.

  DECLARATION

  SETH

  The headlights from Sarah’s jeep announced her arrival, sending Seth’s anxiety into overdrive. He’d been on edge all day trying to disguise his angst while with his family this Christmas Day.

  Sarah didn’t see him until she turned to walk toward the house. Seth stood and walked toward her; she looked frightened. “Merry Christmas. Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you.”

  “I know. Come inside.”

  Although puzzled by her words, Seth refused to let Sarah’s trepidation stop him. He followed her up the steps to the front door. “I broke in.”

  “Then I guess I don’t need these.” She jingled her keys in the air and then returned them to her purse. Seth followed her through the door; Sarah dropped her purse on a table near the Christmas tree and turned to face him. My Christmas angel.

  She looked beautiful in a winter-white dress with ballerina slippers, and her hair fell down her back in gentle curls.

  Seth stood before her, not two feet between them, and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry to come by so late, but…”

  “I know, Seth.”

  “You do?”

  This was unexpected. Maybe his feelings were more transparent than he thought. Sarah didn’t seem surprised, but Seth couldn’t read her face either.

  “Yes, I do.” The resolve in her voice made him nervous.

  “Oh.”

  “Can I say something first?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

  “Sure,” he answered and braced himself for the worst.

  SARAH

  This is it.

  Although she hadn’t planned on giving her speech tonight, she felt relieved she wouldn’t have to stress over it when she saw Seth again, and his surprise visit had left her no time to think and worry.

  Seth looked handsome, standing before her now. He’d gotten a haircut and looked the best she’d seen him in months. To add more heartache, he’d left his beard exactly the way she liked, not too closely shaven, leaving a hint of stubble. He wore a pair of black dress pants and a light gray knit shirt. Perfection.

  Sarah forced herself to smile brightly. “I care for you, you know that.”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Seth, I’m nervous. It’s important I get this right.”

  Seth inched toward her.

  “No.” She held up a hand to keep some distance between them. If Seth came any closer, if she smelled him, if she felt his breath on her…she didn’t trust herself. “You’re one of the most important people in my life. You know how thankful I am to you. I know what you want to tell me, and I want to assure you I will be the most supportive friend you have. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and you deserve to have someone to love you completely, to show you how special a true, committed relationship can be. You seem to have found it.”

  Seth’s brow furrowed. “I’m glad you feel that way.”

  “I do. It’s important you believe me. My only other wish is that I remain in your life but if, for some reason, I no longer fit into your new life with Adriane, then I understand.”

  “Sarah!” Seth exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.

  “I can imagine how difficult it is to start a new relationship after such a long time. It’s even more complicated in your line of work.” She looked at him intently, wanting so badly to sound sincere. “Adriane’s lovely. I hope to get to know her, but I have no illusions over our relationship staying the same. I know my place, and I would never do anything to jeopardize your future with her.” Pride pushed her on. “With that being said, if Adriane feels uncomfortable with me, I will understand. I hope that won’t be the case, but…”

  “Sarah, how did you…”

  Sarah refused to stop. “How did I know? Seth, it’s been all over the internet. You were spotted at Tiffany’s. You and Adriane have been seen all over New York City. Abby and I…Seth, I’m embarrassed to admit this…we called your hotel room late one night; Adriane answered and told us you were in the shower.” She blushed.

  He blushed too and looked mortified.

  “I think that’s all…” She hedged, searching her brain to make sure she hadn’t missed anything. It was easier than sh
e’d expected. It still hurt, but she felt relieved to have it over.

  To cement her words, Sarah walked over and kissed his cheek. After lingering a moment, she pulled away and smiled. One last time.

  “You’re going to make a wonderful boyfriend. Your happiness is all I want.” She stopped and waited.

  “Is that true?” Seth seemed to doubt her words.

  Sarah thought she’d given a stellar performance. Apparently not. “Yes, Seth. I want that with all my heart.”

  Seth shook his head. “Sarah.” He kissed her forehead and then whispered in her ear, “Indulge me one last time. Close your eyes.”

  She did as he asked, and Seth placed something small in her hand.

  “Don’t peek. Listen to me now.” He held her face in his hands. “So, you want me to be happy?” he asked with a smile in his voice. “Open your eyes.”

  Seth lifted her hand to reveal a small blue box nestled in her palm. A Tiffany Blue box.

  “Then make me happy, Sarah,” he whispered while staring into her eyes and smiling.

  SETH

  He waited.

  “Me?” Sarah’s voice sounded hoarse and filled with disbelief.

  “Yes, you, Sarah. How could you not have known?”

  “Me?” she whispered again.

  “Yes, you.” He kissed the tip of her nose and then laughed.

  “This box…is from Tiffany’s. For me?” She glanced from him to the box.

  “Yes!” He laughed again and started feeling better. “Will you make me happy?”

  Sarah blinked and took a deep breath. “Yes.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I had that all wrong, didn’t I?”

  “So wrong.”

  “I’m happy…I was wrong. You have no idea.”

  “I think I do.” He lifted her face to meet his gaze, smiling through his own tearful eyes. “Sarah, I’m going to kiss you now, and I sure hope you kiss me back.”

  He didn’t wait for a response; he didn’t need to. Sarah reached for him, her eyes beckoning. Her hand caressed his neck just the way he’d liked so long ago, and the feelings he had buried rushed to the surface. He closed his eyes and felt the room spinning. He kissed her softly, his lips trembling slightly as they touched. And then he let himself have her…fully. His entire body responded.