“Mom and Dad were civil to each other, but the love wasn’t there. They’ve treated each other better over the last few years then they did when we were kids. They loved us, but they didn’t love each other. I think Dad might have loved Mom once, but it faded when she didn’t return his feelings.”
“Celia told me some of that, and it would be hard.”
“It was, and I think Celia gave up on love early on. When you don’t see your own parents sharing love with each other, you kind of feel if the two people who created you can’t make it work, what kind of luck will you have?”
“I was lucky. My parents loved each other and still do.”
“You are lucky. I think Mom stayed ’cause Dad could pay the bills, and he treated her well. That’s what Martin did. I’m glad that maid came along. I’d hate to see Celia spend her life like Mom. Celia needs someone to wake her up and make her see what life’s about. Maybe you’re that person and maybe not.”
Roger rose from the table with a shrug and left the room. As Mike heard Roger’s footsteps on the stairs, he placed the small bag under his arm, picked up the glasses and went out to the pool.
He smiled when he found Celia sleeping but he assumed she needed to take her pills so he sat down beside her laying the bag on the table. “Better take your meds, sleeping beauty,” he said softly.
“I’m not asleep, just resting and thinking.” Celia picked up the bag and took out several medicine bottles.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
“I was thinking about this house and how I thought I wanted it, but it’s a pipe dream. I need to come down to earth. If I want to sit by a pool on a moonlit night, I’ll stay in a hotel.”
“There’ll be a moon and some water when we go camping.” As he hoped, he made her laugh, and he went on. “I also have a nice home by a lake. The moon looks pretty nice shimmering off the water and it didn’t cost near as much as this place.”
“Good points all the way around. I just need to figure out what I want. I know I don’t want to pay the taxes on a place this huge and I don’t need this many rooms, even for my family.”
Mike laughed. “That’s a good reason to only have one bedroom.”
“Your house only has one bedroom?”
“It really has two but I don’t tell anyone.”
“Smart move.” Mike watched Celia in the dim light taking her medicine. When she was finished, she took a drink of her tea and let out a long sigh. “I feel like I’ve wasted so much of my life that it’s depressing.”
“I think a lot of us feel that way which may be the reasons for the saying, ‘tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life’.”
“I guess so. It’s just hard not to think about it while I’m in Martin’s house, sleeping in the room his maid slept in and wishing I was somewhere else.”
“Why don’t you go home? I know it would break Roger’s heart but he’ll get over it.”
Celia laughed. “You’re right. He loves it here. I do too. I just want it to be four months from now when I’m in a better place.”
“I understand and tomorrow will make you feel better. You’ll get to see the dealership then there will be the boring shopping and hours of sitting while you get all dolled up.”
“The shopping won’t take long, but I am looking forward to leaning back and letting someone wash my hair and do my nails. Better get you one of those manly mechanic magazines so your testosterone levels don’t drop while waiting.”
As she spoke she waved her hand and knocked a medicine bottle off the table. Mike sat his tea down and knelt to pick up the bottle. While still on one knee and eye level with Celia, he held the bottle out. The light was dim but he could see her expression.
His shirt was still off, and for a moment, her eyes dropped down to a gold cross that hung around his neck. His tone was low when he spoke, and though he was teasing her for her words about his manhood, he could feel sparks in the air.
“Do you really think I have anything to worry about?”
She didn’t speak, but instead reached out and took the bottle from his hand. When she had her fingers around the bottle he closed his grasp around her hand and she looked at him.
The smile on her lips said it all. “You don’t show this side often. I like it. You should let your confidence show more often.”
“Maybe,” he said, as he let his hand slide off hers and she sat the pills down. He didn’t rise and was glad he didn’t. She reached out taking the gold cross laying it across her fingers. When the back of her hand touched his chest, she didn’t stop.
She turned her hand over flattening it on his chest. She then moved her touch up to his neck, then to his shoulder and back down to his hand. He felt her become shy and she looked away from his gaze to their hands. “On second thought, I’ll have you wait in the car like all good men.”
“What about the bet?”
“It’s off. When I’m well, we’ll go camping.”
“Why the change of heart?” He didn’t want to move because he didn’t want to break their connection.
“When I was a little girl, I found a new shiny penny. I got it at the store in some change. It was so pretty it shimmered. I showed it to a friend. She liked it and was bigger than me so she took it. I know it was just a penny, but it taught me a lesson.”
He smiled and squeezed her hand teasing her. “And what does this have to do with me?”
She laughed and pulled her hand back and he moved to his chair. When she still hadn’t spoken, he said, “AND?”
While putting her pills away and not looking at him at all she shook her head. “You know what I meant.”
“Sure, you’re saying I’m only worth a penny.”
“You want me to say it, don’t you?”
“Yes. What man wouldn’t want to hear it?”
“Okay. Okay. I don’t want you going into that parlor full of women. You’re my new penny, and I don’t want to share you with anyone.”
Chapter 54
Flying Home
Martin started his day at Mike’s house again. He didn’t miss the mansion but he had hoped to have it on the market by now. He knew the least he could do for Celia was allow her to stay there but he wished now that he had set her up in a small apartment for a few months.
He didn’t dare ask her to leave or hint at wondering when she would be out. He would talk to the realtor and see if they could get started on the process. Randi would never want to live there and for that he was thankful. The house was too big and not his style.
Martin hadn’t slept well. He had tossed and turned thinking about what Randi’s mother had said. He’d given this a lot of thought and knew it would make Randi happy if he promised not to touch other women in any sexual manner.
He ran his fingers through his hair and wondered if he was making a mistake. He’d not been able to talk to his agent. His input would mean a lot and Martin wanted to know if he’d ever had any problems getting good parts for actors who wouldn’t do love scenes without their spouses being involved.
The thought of kissing Randi and acting with her was exciting. He only hoped that if he agreed to do this that she would be willing to be his partner in any films they made. Down deep he knew that body doubles could be used but the kissing and undressing scenes would be harder to manage but wouldn’t be impossible.
He was up early, showered and had coffee ready by nine. He was sitting down when the phone rang. After he put his ear bud in he answered, “Hey, Sis. What’s up?”
“I have some news and I wanted to let you know so you could make plans. We’re pushing the trip up to tomorrow if that’s good for you. I can’t wait any longer.”
“You never could keep a secret.”
“I know. It also turns out that Rafa is going to have some time off so it will all work out. Have you had time to talk with Randi about the trip and to see if she can go? I’d love to have her there.”
“I talked to her last night. It was late and she wa
s tired. The pups are wearing her out in that motel room. They want to go out all the time and she’s worried they’ll have an accident and she’ll get kicked out.”
“This is terrible. Did you talk to her mother or did you chicken out?”
“I went but I’m not sure I did any good. She’s a tough old bird. She wants me to put it in writing that I won’t do sex scenes or kissing scenes with anyone but Randi.”
Addison laughed. “You’re kidding? She had the nerve to tell you to do that? Wow, that’s kind of cool.”
“It’s not cool. I can’t do something like that.”
“And why not?”
“It’s my career, and she wants it binding. I don’t know if anything will ever satisfy her.”
“Give her what she wants. If you want Randi, then do this.”
“I think you’re as crazy as she is.”
“No. I’m in love and pregnant and everything is wonderful and I want you to have what I have. If it means not sleeping with other women . . . do you even understand how crazy that sounds?”
“But I don’t sleep with them.”
“Martin. Think about this the other way. What if Randi had to start kissing men while she cleaned houses? What if it became a part of her job that she dress half naked and let the men touch her while she worked? You need to think about this in a serious manner.”
“It’s all I’ve thought about the last few days.”
“Good. Then you should have made up your mind and figured out a way to handle this.”
“I have. I just don’t like being told what to do.”
“So, we come down to the truth of the matter?”
“Did you tell Randi about any of this?”
“No. I didn’t mention that I’d been there. I wanted to sleep on it and think more about it. I’m not sure about making this binding. What would she do to me if I broke my promise? Sue me?”
“Martin, listen to yourself. It’s not her mother you need to make happy. It’s Randi. And, if you promise her that you won’t do this then you need to be ready to NOT break your word. You can get body doubles, and you could do some of the touching scenes with Randi. It’s done all the time, it’s just not talked about.”
“I know, Sis, I know. I also know that sometimes they want the actor to do the part. The movie at times will hinge on that fact.”
“Then it’s simple. You say ‘no’ to those movies.”
“Why are you so adamant about this?” Martin asked.
“I like Randi and I want her to be happy. I think she’s good for you, and I think you’re in love. This will only make you a better person.”
Martin shook his head and closed his eyes. “When did you plan on leaving?”
“We have a flight out this evening. The wedding will take place tomorrow or the next day depending on when we can get the church. I’ll let you know as soon as I know.”
“Do Mom and Dad know you’re coming?”
“Yes. We’re going to say our vows again and then we’ll be going to Italy shortly thereafter. Mom is working on her wedding dress. She wants me to wear it for the ceremony. She and Dad are handling some things on their end . . . decorations, flowers, food. It will be a small gathering of family and a few friends that Mom and Dad want to be there. There may also be a few friends of mine if I can get in touch with them.”
“I’ll be there.”
“On the topic of Randi, are you going to do it? I can have Rafa draft something legal and binding to keep you in line. It can be like a pre-nup.”
“You are so trying to push me into this.”
“Yes, I am. I think it will be good for you and for your marriage with Randi, if it comes to that - which I think it will. If it were not a probability, you would not be battling with this in your mind.”
“Have him write something up and I’ll sign it. But, it will just be a promise. I’m not giving anyone the right to sue me.”
“Great. I’ll let him know. Now go call Randi and invite her to the wedding. I want her to have as much time as she needs to prepare. Will you be flying out on your own?”
“I don’t know. It will depend on what’s available. If Randi comes with me, I’d like to just get tickets and fly commercial. If she can’t go, I may leave with you guys.”
“Sure thing. I’ll see if there’s anything available.”
Chapter 55
Messy Business
Randi felt like she’d not had much sleep when the sun came creeping in her window. The dogs were in the bed and they were beginning to stir, too. She got up quickly knowing that it had been a while since the pups had been out to find their new favorite tree.
They thought this was a new adventure but she had realized they were not leash-trained. If she was going to stay in a hotel, she was going to have to find a better one. She might have to ask Martin if she could leave the dogs at the mansion where they could run loose and stay in the garage at night.
She doubted if Celia would do anything to harm them, but she also knew she couldn’t count on her to care for them. Once she was dressed, she was out the door and down to the dog walk and the few trees that were there.
There would be time later in the day to go for a longer walk but she would need to get a cab so they could go to the park. She’d asked for a few days off from work so she could figure out who would keep the dogs and find a better place to stay.
After a shower and dressing for the day, she checked her messages. A smile came to her lips, as it always did when she saw a missed call from Martin. She dialed back as she dug through her cooler to make a sandwich. She was about to add mustard when he picked up.
“Hey, beautiful. How are you?”
“Feeling rushed, but okay. I’ve got a few days off from work so I can find a place to stay. Julie can sit this week but I’ve got to find something permanent.”
“Can I come up?”
“You’re here?” she asked, looking around the room, and then into the mirror. “Sure.”
“You don’t sound happy about it.”
“I wasn’t expecting company. The place is a mess.”
“Honey, I don’t care, and don’t kill yourself while I’m on the way up. I’ve seen messy rooms. I’m pretty good at making a mess myself.”
“Come on up.”
“I’m here; just let me in.”
“You’re a sneak,” she said, opening the door, “but a cute sneak.”
Martin came in taking off his sunglasses. Once the door was closed, Randi moved to him, pulled the baseball hat off and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Every time I see you I can’t believe we’re dating.”
“Me either,” he said, and she smiled, giving him a quick kiss. When he cut the kiss short and looked at her, she was puzzled. “What’s wrong? You look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep well.” She tossed the hat in a chair and rested in his arms. “I have something to talk to you about.”
“I don’t like the sound of that serious tone.”
“It’s nothing bad. I just have a lot on my mind. My sister’s getting married in our Dad’s family church soon and she would like for us to attend.”
“That’s so sweet. I’d love to, but I’m not sure.”
“If the dogs are your only worry, we can find someone to keep them, or Mike can take care of them for a few days. Or, if all else fails, we’ll take them with us. I’m more concerned about your mother. I didn’t tell you but I went to see her yesterday, and it didn’t go well.”
“You did?” she asked, following him as he walked over to a window and looked out. “Is that what has you in this gloomy mood? Don’t worry about it, she’ll come around.”
“I’m not so sure. I might have an answer but we need to talk it over. Let’s sit down,” he said, walking over to the bed, which was the only place to sit. She looked at him, spoke and sat down facing him.
“What is it? What did she say to you?”
“She wants me to sign a paper more or less saying that I’ll
never have any touching or kissing scenes with other women. And, she wants it binding though I’m not sure that’s possible.”
“Wow, she said all of that? I’m surprised.”
Randi listened to Martin and how it all came about, and the whole time, she sat holding his hand. When he was finished, she looked at him. “I can see something in your eyes I don’t like. You’re worried or angry and I’m not sure which.”
“Both. I don’t like being forced into anything but I understand a little better. Addison told me to consider if the shoe was on the other foot. My mind has been working and it’s part of this mood I’m in. It would kill me inside to see you kiss or hold another man. I would be sick if I knew your body was pressed against someone else. Randi, I don’t want to do that to you.”
“Then don’t. What’s the catch?”
“The catch is, I know how private you are and there may come a point that I will need you to do something. I might need you to start a love scene. I can’t see a reason that you would ever need to be nude, but I would hate to ask you to undress in front of anyone even just down to something delicate.”
“Martin, if it would mean keeping some other woman from touching you, I’d do just about anything. I love you, and I want to make this work. It would be strange, but I’m sure they could put some kind of a body stocking or something on me. Would it be easy? No, but it would be a lot easier than standing back and seeing some other woman touch you, hold you, kiss you.”
Randi leaned in and brought her lips to his, and she could feel his tension. She also felt it sliding away as he parted his lips and slowly laid her back onto the bed. His hands stayed on her waist but his kisses roamed to her neck and it was hard to not allow him what he wanted. But, they’d held off so far and they could do it now.
“We’re not on the set now,” she teased.
“Are you sure? I’ve seen sets this messy.”
“Hey,” she said, and he rose, looking at her with a grin.
“So, you’ll go with me to the wedding? We might need to leave tonight or tomorrow, depending on the tickets.”
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