Shafted

by Unknown

  The theme music started up then, and the excitement was palpable as women all around the studio held their breath waiting for Larry to appear. When he did, Georgie literally ducked as every woman leapt to her feet and exploded into wild, raucous cheering and whistling.

  Looking more handsome than Georgie had ever seen him look before, and far happier than when she’d left him in the dressing room – and, thank the Lord, still sober – Larry stood centre-stage and gazed around with a modest I-can’t-believe-this smile.

  ‘Wow!’ he exclaimed when the women finally gave him a chance to speak. ‘This is incredible . . . Thank you so much. It’s really fantastic to be back.’

  Wincing at yet more cheering, Georgie exhaled loudly as all the tension she’d been hiding from Larry evaporated. She’d had to maintain an air of absolute positivity for his sake, but she couldn’t deny that she’d been worried about how he would cope when it came to the crunch. But he was obviously in his element, so she could relax and enjoy the show – like the proud old momma she felt like right now.

  Grinning sexily now, making each and every one of them think that he was directing it at them alone, Larry looked slowly around the audience and said, ‘So many beautiful women, so little time to appreciate you all . . . But, hey, we’ve got a show to do, so what say we get started by welcoming my first guest . . . the most stunningly gorgeous Grande Dame of all time . . . the woman who inspired some of my finest teenage dreams . . . let’s have a huge Larry Logan Show welcome for Miss . . . Elizabeth . . . Taylor!’

  It took Georgie almost an hour to get backstage after the show, and almost as long to get past the security guards who were guarding every door from there to the executive boardroom on the fifth floor to prevent audience members from sneaking into the after-show party. If she’d stayed in Larry’s dressing room she’d have had no problem, but coming through from the public side put her in the position of having to prove that she really was who she said she was at every point of entry. And with a building as enormous as this studio complex was, that took some doing.

  Pushing her way through the crowds milling about inside the boardroom when she finally made it, Georgie raised up on her toes and scanned the room. Spotting Larry sharing drinks and jokes with that night’s guests in a far corner, she made her way across to him, keeping her ears pricked up along the way. No doubt everybody would be pouring praise over Larry to his face, but it was always good to hear their real opinions when they thought they were out of earshot.

  Unsurprisingly, no one seemed to have a bad word to say about him, and Georgie was so proud that she could have burst. But Larry truly deserved the acclaim, because he’d been utterly tremendous out there tonight. Warm, witty, sexy, intimate, probing, empathetic . . . everything you could want from a host and more, as he charmed his guests – who were some of the biggest and most notoriously reclusive stars on the planet – into revealing far more of their inner selves to the enraptured audience than any interviewer had ever managed before. Pity he hadn’t asked Liz Taylor about her ex’s manhood but, oh, well . . .

  Catching Larry’s eye now as she neared his table, Georgie gave him the thumbs-up to let him know that she was thrilled with his performance, then pointed to the bar to indicate that she would be over there if he wanted her. Turning then, she put her head down and manoeuvred her way back through the crowd.

  Bumping into somebody almost halfway across the room, she was about to apologise when she saw that it was Stephanie. Forcing herself not to frown, as was her immediate inclination, she smiled, and said, ‘Oh, hello. I didn’t realise you were here. Does Larry know?’

  ‘Not yet,’ Stephanie told her, glancing nervously around. ‘I promised to get here for the show, but I was held up, and my phone ran out of charge so I couldn’t let him know I was going to be late.’ Pausing then, she flapped her hands, as if she knew that Georgie didn’t believe her. ‘There’s still loads of people outside,’ she went on, aware that she was babbling now. ‘It looks like some of them are trying to lie their way into the party, though, so the security guards are being really strict. I’m just glad I was on the guest list, or I’d never have got in.’

  ‘They have to be vigilant for Larry’s safety,’ Georgie told her, feeling a little guilty because the girl was obviously struggling. ‘Somebody’s already tried to get to him tonight.’

  ‘Really?’ Stephanie frowned worriedly. ‘What happened? He wasn’t hurt, was he?’

  Flapping her hand to indicate that it had been something and nothing, Georgie said, ‘Just some delusional girl claiming she was supposed to have a date lined up with him. But he didn’t know anything about it, so she was escorted off the premises. Anyway, I’m sure he’ll be delighted to see you now that you’re here.’

  Smiling uncertainly, because she always got the impression that Georgie was scrutinising her, Stephanie asked where Larry was.

  ‘He’s over there,’ Georgie said, pointing to his table. ‘Talking to his guests.’

  Sensing from the pointed way she’d said that last bit that Georgie was telling her not to disturb him, Stephanie glanced around for a quiet spot where she could hide herself away. Seeing a reasonably secluded alcove off to the side of Larry’s group, between the locked drinks cabinet and the window, she said, ‘I’ll just let him know I’m here, then I’ll wait over there. See you later.’

  Hurrying away before Georgie could stop her, she paused by Larry’s table and, catching his eye, gave him a little wave and was about to point out where she would be sitting when he’d finished when he jumped out of his seat and called her over. Blushing when all the famous faces turned her way, Stephanie shook her head and backed away.

  Telling his guests that he’d be back in a minute, Larry edged out from behind the table and followed her to the alcove. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her around to face him and gave her a questioning frown.

  ‘How come you didn’t want to sit with me? And what took you so long to get here, anyway? You missed the whole show. And I’ve been trying to ring you for hours.’

  Glancing around, sure that everybody must be staring at them, Stephanie pulled her arm free and rubbed at it, murmuring, ‘I’m sorry. I got held up.’

  ‘Convenient,’ Larry drawled, with a nasty edge to his voice. ‘What was it this time? Taxi break down again? Or maybe it was a national emergency, like you laddered your tights or something?’

  Drawing her head back when the distinctive scent of Scotch wafted over her face, Stephanie said, ‘Have you been drinking?’

  ‘Obviously,’ Larry sneered. ‘It is a party, and that’s what people do at parties.’

  Peering up into his eyes and seeing the glint of something she didn’t like there, Stephanie said. ‘I think I’d better go.’

  ‘What, running out on me already?’ he hissed. ‘Got someone waiting outside for you, have you?’

  ‘No, I’m going home – alone,’ Stephanie told him truthfully. ‘I said I’d come, and I did. I’m sorry I’m late, but it’s not my fault. And I’ve got a massive headache already without you shouting at me.’

  ‘You’ve got a headache,’ Larry snorted. ‘And there was me thinking I had it tough, doing my first big show in front of a live audience. How d’y’ think that made me feel?’

  ‘Drunk?’ Stephanie replied coolly.

  ‘Well, that’s where you’re wrong,’ Larry snapped. ‘’Cos I haven’t even had all that much yet. But you’d know that if you’d bothered to get here on time.’

  ‘I’ve said I’m sorry,’ Stephanie told him, knowing that he was lying about the drink because he only ever got this nasty when he’d had too much. ‘Anyway, you were enjoying yourself before I came, so why don’t you just go back to your friends? You can call me when you get home, and I’ll come and see you when you’ve sobered up.’

  Larry wanted to carry on arguing, but peering into her dark, sexy eyes, he was overwhelmed by a sudden urge to hold her instead; to feel her silky hair against his cheek and taste the sweetne
ss of her lips.

  Tipping his head to one side, he gave her a penitent smile, and said, ‘Want to start again.’

  Inhaling deeply, Stephanie shook her head and murmured, ‘You’re going to be the death of me, Larry, you really are.’

  Putting his arms out now, Larry pulled her to him and kissed her softly.

  ‘I’m glad you got here,’ he said when she pulled back after a minute. ‘And I’m sorry for having a go at you. But it’s doing my head in that I always have to fight to get you to come out with me.’

  Stiffening, Stephanie dropped her gaze. ‘I can’t help it, Larry. I’m not a celebrity, and I don’t want to be seen as one of those women who’ll do anything to be famous.’

  ‘I know,’ Larry murmured, tilting her chin back up with his finger so that he could see her eyes. ‘And I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t want to, but I need to know you’re not just messing me about.’

  ‘How?’ she asked, amazed that someone who had so much going for him could be so riddled with insecurities. This was a side of him that the public never saw, and they wouldn’t believe it if they did.

  ‘I don’t know,’ Larry murmured, his eyes searching hers for signs of deception. ‘I know it’s stupid, but I can’t help thinking you’re still seeing that idiot behind my back.’

  Jerking her chin away from his touch, Stephanie sighed wearily and said, ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Larry. That’s over.’

  ‘And you don’t still have feelings for him?’

  ‘No. I love you,’ Stephanie said, wondering why she was bothering to try and convince him when he obviously didn’t believe her.

  ‘So why won’t you move in with me?’

  ‘Because it’s too soon.’

  ‘Still?’ Larry gazed down at her. ‘We’ve been shagging each other’s brains out for six months.’

  ‘Yes, but it’s only four since I split with him.’

  ‘Don’t talk about him,’ Larry spat. ‘You know it’ll only make me mad again.’

  Shrugging, because there was really nothing she could say to that, Stephanie gazed back at him and waited to see what he would throw at her next.

  Peering back at her tipsily, Larry said, ‘It’s a good job I trust you, or you’d be history. But if you keep messing me about, it might just happen anyway. I could have my pick of any of these women, you know.’

  Embarrassed when a couple of heads turned their way, Stephanie said,‘Lower your voice, Larry. People are listening.’

  ‘Who cares?’ he drawled. ‘They might have nothing better to do, but I have. And if you want to do it with me, it’s time you got over this shy business, ’cos you’re gonna get snapped with me sooner or later. I’m a star. It comes with the territory.’

  ‘I know,’ Stephanie murmured, sounding less than impressed at the prospect. ‘But I’d sooner it wasn’t just yet, if you don’t mind. You’ve just got to give me a bit more time.’

  ‘So long as you mean it,’ Larry said, letting her go now but still reaching for her hand. ‘Anyway, you’ve kept me away from the party too long already. Least you can do is come and meet my guests. Guaranteed none of them will have a camera.’

  Shaking her head, Stephanie pulled back. ‘No, I can’t. Honestly, Larry, I’d be terrible company, and it’ll reflect badly on you. You go back to them. I’ll be fine here.’

  Nodding, Larry said, ‘Okay, but don’t sit by yourself. Go and find Georgie. She’ll keep you company till I’ve finished.’

  ‘Er, no, I think I’ll just get myself a drink and wait here,’ Stephanie said quickly. ‘I don’t think Georgie likes me very much.’

  ‘Rubbish,’ Larry lied. ‘She loves you.’

  ‘I’d still rather not,’ Stephanie insisted, dreading the thought of having to make small talk with the woman.

  ‘Okay, whatever you want,’ Larry said, giving her one last kiss. ‘But make sure you have a few drinks, ’cos we’ll be having a party of our own when we get out of here and I want you nice and relaxed.’

  Saying that she couldn’t wait, Stephanie pushed him gently away, then went to get herself a drink – staying well away from Georgie, who was talking to a couple of people at the other end of the bar.

  Which suited Georgie just fine, because she’d been keeping half an eye on Larry for the last ten minutes, and had guessed from his body language that he and Stephanie had been having words. And that worried her, because he should be concentrating on his career right now, not letting emotions get in the way. Especially not when he’d only just got his first show out of the way and everything was going so well for him.

  Unless this was what Stephanie had been waiting for all along?

  Well, she’d better not be a kiss-and-tell tramp, or she’d have Georgie to deal with – and it wouldn’t be pleasant, because Georgie had no intention of letting any little slut ruin things for Larry ever again.

  Standing in the shadows across the road from the studios, where she could keep an eye on both the front entrance and the car park at the rear, Tania hugged herself tightly, wishing that she’d thought to wear something more sensible – it was absolutely freezing. But she’d chosen this outfit specially, to knock Larry right off his feet when he saw how much she’d grown up since he last saw her.

  And, boy, had she changed. The last two years felt like they’d crawled by as she’d counted the days, hours, seconds until she would see Larry again. But what a difference that time had made. No longer just a pretty girl, Tania was a woman now, with defined bone-structure and real curves – even if the tits were a job. Model material, in fact, although she hadn’t had any actual offers that didn’t require getting her kit off – yet. But the serious offers would come pouring in soon enough, she was sure. In fact, it wouldn’t have hurt her to approach some of the photographers who were hanging about across the road right now. But she’d wait until Larry came out, and let them catch the big reunion instead.

  It was almost one a.m. before the guests began to filter out of the party. Staying well hidden as the small group of women who were still waiting outside the studio rushed forward for autographs, Tania stamped her feet to keep them awake and flicked her gaze between the entrance and the exit, determined not to miss Larry if he sneaked out of one while the fans were occupied with the other celebrities at the other.

  A good ten minutes and several false starts later, Tania saw movement by the studio’s back door, and a familiar glint of dark-blond hair as Larry stepped out and was momentarily bathed in light from the security spots. In the middle of a group of other people, he moved off to the side and into the shadows so that Tania could only see his silhouette. But she knew it was him – her pounding heart was telling her so.

  The sound of laughter floated across the road as the group said their goodbyes. Tania braced herself when a car pulled up alongside them and she saw another flash of Larry’s hair as he climbed inside. Unable to see if anyone else had got into the car with him because the photographers were crowded around the exit road now, she stood stock-still and watched as it drove slowly towards the barrier. Then, just as the barrier was raised and the vehicle nosed its way out, she made a mad dash across the road and pushed in front of the photographers, forcing the driver to brake hard as she practically spreadeagled herself on the bonnet.

  Rolling his window part-way down, he yelled, ‘What the bloody hell are you playing at? I could have killed you, you silly cow.’

  Ducking her head, trying to peer in through the blacked-out windows that concealed Larry and Stephanie in the back, Tania said, ‘I need to see Larry.’

  Muttering, ‘Don’t they all,’ the driver flapped his hand at her, waving her out of the way. When she didn’t move, he said, ‘Come on, love, you’re causing an obstruction and everyone wants to get home.’

  ‘I’ve got to see him,’Tania repeated desperately, oblivious to the flashing cameras capturing her humiliation. ‘Larry!’ she yelled now, banging on the window. ‘You missed my birthday!’

 
; Inside the car, unable to hear anything, Larry was all set to wind the window down to see what was going on. But Stephanie stopped him, reminding him about the psycho Georgie had told her about, and pointing out that she could have a knife, or anything.

  His mood softened by expensive booze and thoroughly deserved praise, Larry reached out and stroked her cheek, saying, ‘Nice to know you care. So, how about a quickie?’

  ‘What, now?’ Stephanie gasped in horror. ‘You’ve got to be joking. Georgie’s right behind us in her car, and our driver could turn round at any minute. And there’s too many photographers. And the girl’s staring right at us.’

  ‘No one can see us,’ Larry assured her, moving closer and sliding a hand up between her thighs. ‘The windows are mirrored; they’ll be looking at themselves.’

  ‘What about the driver?’ Stephanie said breathlessly as Larry reached her panties and eased a finger under the elastic.

  ‘Don’t need him,’ Larry purred, kissing his way down her neck. ‘This is a one-man job.’

  ‘I didn’t mean that,’ she protested, unable to stop him as he pulled her down on the seat.

  ‘Sshhh,’ he said, easing his zip down and climbing on top of her. ‘You’ve got to learn to live dangerously.’

  Biting her lip hard as he pushed himself into her and forced her legs up by slipping his arms beneath them, Stephanie put her hands over her eyes and prayed that nobody would open the door. The fear of being photographed with him fully clothed and on her feet was bad enough, but flat on her back with her legs in the air and him pumping away at her would be too embarrassing for words. And it would be guaranteed to make the front page of every national newspaper, making her not just one of his tarts but the biggest tart of them all.

  Holding her breath as the car began to move off a couple of minutes later, Stephanie kept her face hidden as the lights from the camera flashed dully through the windows as they passed the paps. Larry had said they couldn’t see through the treated glass. But who knew what their lights would do? She dreaded to think what tomorrow’s papers might reveal.