“I do,” she said, starting to lean in for a kiss. Then she sat up again and nervously bit at her lip. “I’d better get this all out, even though you’re not gonna like it. Charlie’s probably going to be the next Alicia Lofgren.”
“What?”
“She’s going to be the lead in the Eden 2.0 movie. If it hits, she’s going to do three of them. It’s—”
“Just like Quote The Raven,” she sighed. “Made for pre-teens, with a big adult crossover.”
“True. But that’s Charlie’s deal. As soon as I can find her a manager she trusts, I’ll see her for fun, not business. Believe me,” she stressed, “I can’t let go of this business stuff fast enough.”
Haley leaned close, so close their noses touched. “Piper, I want you to be honest with me. Completely honest. Is there any part of you that wants to be involved in the industry? It’s fine with me if you do, but I want to know what I’m getting into. I’m never going to be a doe-eyed girl again. I have to protect myself, and I can only do that if I know what I’m dealing with.”
“None,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m kind of a homebody, and I like my privacy. Traveling all over and having my picture taken would drive me nuts. I swear that’s true, Haley. I swear it.”
“All right.” Haley put her hands on Piper’s shoulders and pulled her close for a long, leisurely kiss. “Isn’t today your birthday?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Want a present?” Her brows moved up and down seductively.
“I do,” she purred. “I know just what I want, too. My present’s about five foot eight, maybe a hundred and—”
Haley clapped a hand over her mouth. “Stop while you’re ahead. Let’s go hit that bed that you better not have paid $30,000 for.”
“Seven-fifty,” she said. “I’ve still got the receipt.”
Chuckling, Haley took her hand to lead her back into the house. “I’m finished looking at your receipts. I promise to stay out of your business…now that I know what it is.”
“Deal. But you can poke your nose anywhere you want and not upset me.”
They reached the bed, where Haley gave her a gentle push. “I know just where I want to poke my nose.” She climbed onto the bed and took Piper in her arms, holding her tightly. “I’m so glad I don’t have to blow you off. I really like you.”
Piper gazed into her eyes, so warm and welcoming. “I think you’re going to have to work to convince me of that. It was just a couple of hours ago that you looked like you wanted to walk out of here in my clothes.”
“I’m not normally so excitable,” she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. “I just felt like you’d tricked me, and that’s something I have very little patience for.”
“Did Alicia trick you?” Piper asked. The filtered sun dappled the bed with spots of bright light, one of them falling over Haley’s eyes, making the golden flecks in them sparkle like jewels. The image stole Piper’s breath. She lifted her hand and ran a finger along the curve of Haley’s delicate cheekbone, caressing her gently as she replied.
“Not about her feelings. I mean, I don’t think that was her intent. But being cheated on made me feel like a fool. My self-confidence took a beating, and her betrayal made me doubt my ability to judge people. You know?”
She blinked those big, trusting eyes at Piper, who pulled her closer for a long, tender hug. “I do. It’s never happened to me, but I know I wouldn’t handle it well.”
“You’ve never had your heart broken?”
Piper thought long and hard, finally saying, “It’s made me sad to break up with people, but no heartbreaks. Just a few bruises.”
“Let’s keep your record intact,” Haley said, pulling her down to place a soft kiss on her lips.
“And not add to yours,” Piper said, nuzzling her face against Haley’s neck, smelling so sweet and fresh.
“That’s my fondest wish,” Haley said. “I want us to be thoughtful and trusting and open with each other. That’s truly all I need.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LYING ON HER BACK, WITH Piper’s head resting on her thigh, Haley stretched a little, then started to run her fingers through Piper’s hair. “Pretty nice way to spend a Sunday, huh?”
“The nicest.” She shivered a little when she rolled over, then put her fists on the bed and pushed back to rest against the headboard. “Let’s do this for the foreseeable future. Every Sunday.”
“Not a bad idea. I like a woman who’s not afraid of commitment.”
“I laugh in commitment’s face,” Piper said, quickly replaying that comment in her head. “That wasn’t right. You know what I meant.”
Haley slapped her bare thigh. “I think I do. At least, I hope I do.”
Haley’s head rested just next to Piper’s hip, and she dropped her hand to play with the super short hairs at Haley’s hairline. They felt like the fur on a stuffed animal, and reminded her of a teddy bear she’d carried around until the kids in the neighborhood started to make fun of her. “Whoever cuts your hair does a really good job. It’s technically perfect.”
“I’m happy with my stylist, but she charges an arm and a leg. And I have to book her a month in advance to get in.”
“Did she create this cut? It really fits your face.”
“Uh-huh. I used to have it longer, and I parted it on the side. But it’s heavy, and was always falling in my face. Bettina suggested we comb it forward and keep it trimmed just to my eyebrows.”
“I like it. Especially when it’s a little messy. I love hair that doesn’t behave.”
“Come here and kiss me again,” Haley said, grinning sexily as she lifted her arms. “It’s been minutes.”
“Way too many minutes,” Piper agreed. “I comply with pleasure,” she added, sliding down the bed, taking Haley into her arms. “I love the way you fit against my body,” she murmured. “It’s like we were made for each other.”
They stoked the flames one more time, with Piper taking the lead. After kissing and licking every part she could reach, she turned Haley onto her belly and started on her back. Nothing was more fun than getting to know a woman’s body; learning her most sensitive spots, finding places that made her shiver. She concentrated deeply, not pausing until she heard her sister’s voice over the old-school answering machine she still used: “Get up, you bum! Just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you can lie in bed all day.”
Piper sat up, staring at Haley. “Did the phone ring?”
“I didn’t hear it,” she said, chuckling. “I was busy being ravished.”
“She’ll get tired of talking eventually.” Piper settled down to chart the small of Haley’s back as Charlie wrapped it up.
“You’re getting a delivery this afternoon. Put on the things that look best and pick me up at eight. We’re going to see how the A-listers live, Pip. Since we can’t eat, we’re going to Tim and Meredith’s after dinner. Yes, that’s right. We’re going to Tim Banks’s house. Close your gaping mouth,” she said, as though she could see her through the line. “He specifically told me to bring my manager, snookums, so you’ve got to be there. Don’t be late!” As the line went dead, Haley tugged a hank of Piper’s hair.
“Why did your sister refer to you as her manager?”
Piper unwound the hair and sat up, staring into eyes that had lost some of their warmth. “She was kidding! Or—” She took a frustrated breath and tried again. “I told you, Haley. I help out because she doesn’t have a manager. Tim obviously wants to meet to talk about the particulars of the movie, so he wants her rep there. But I’m not it!” she insisted.
“Piper, are you fucking with me?” she asked, now sounding more drained than angry. “Seriously. Just tell me the damn truth.”
“I am! I am. But I’m having a tough time getting Charlie to hire someone else.” She slid down and lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling. “I spent an hour or two almost every day she was gone just keeping up with her email. And I swear I don’t get paid to do i
t. It’s driving me crazy, but I can’t just walk away when she needs me.”
“Are you sure you broke up with Nina?” Haley asked, now leaning over her. “I think it might have been the other way around, that she was sick of coming in second every time there was a conflict.”
“She was sick of it,” Piper admitted. “But I’m the one who called it quits. I knew I wasn’t going to change, and I was tired of listening to her complain.” She turned toward Haley, whose face had gone blank. “That’s the truth. Neither one of us would change, and I didn’t have any interest in being lectured a couple of times a week.”
“Is that how it’s going to be between us? Whenever Charlie snaps her fingers, you’ll jump to it?”
She thought for a minute, determined to be one hundred percent honest. “I guess it depends. If it’s important, I probably will. But she doesn’t ask for much. Really.”
“Except for you to be her manager, which is a full-time job.”
“And I style her hair,” Piper said, getting it all out. “I go over to her house and do her hair whenever she has to look particularly good. That drove Nina crazy,” she admitted.
“Are you willing to compromise, Piper? Are you willing to take my needs into account?”
“I am,” she said, nodding forcefully, “as long as you’re willing to honor mine.”
“I used the word ‘compromise’ on purpose,” she said softly. “I’m not asking you to cut your sister out of your life. Really, I’m not. But if she’s your number one priority in all things…”
Piper sat up and gathered her thoughts, intent on getting this right. “Here’s how it was. Charlie was still living with me when I was dating Nina, so we didn’t get much alone time. I screwed up by not considering Nina’s feelings more often.” She swallowed nervously. “But Charlie’s almost like my own child, even though we’re only sisters. She’ll always be incredibly important to me, and if she needs me, I’ll be there for her.”
Haley nodded a few times. “We’ll have to talk things through, all right? If you and I have something planned and your sister wants you to run across town to dog sit, I’m not going to be happy. But I wouldn’t dream of asking you to abandon her when she needs you for something important.”
“We’re still working out the transition,” Piper said. “She’s only been on her own for three years, and it’s been hard to let her go. But I’m trying,” she stressed.
“This isn’t going to be a slam-dunk,” Haley said soberly. “If being with you was easy, you’d be married by now. But I’m willing to work through things as they arise, so long as you’re willing to set some reasonable limits.” Her gaze bore into Piper. “I haven’t seen much evidence of your willingness to do that.” She looked at the clock. “Speaking of which, it’s time for your juice. More kale and spinach, but this one’s got ginger. I’m sure that will make it an entirely different experience from your other green drink.”
***
After helping Piper choose from the clothing Charlie had delivered to the house, they finally headed back to the Westside. Even though they’d done nothing but argue and have sex, Haley was toast. But Piper had a long night ahead of her, having to help her sister get ready, then go to meet two of the biggest film stars in the world. Haley checked herself on that. Meredith wasn’t all that big of a movie star any longer. She’d made a big splash, but hadn’t kept the momentum going. A few expensive failures were a death knell in the business, and now, even though she worked consistently, her fame was more based on her marriage to Tim, and the very public breakup of their previous marriages.
Meredith had really taken her lumps over that, with most people believing, as they so often did, that the woman caused both marriages to dissolve. But Meredith was very canny in the way she massaged public opinion to turn her way. Since she and Tim married, she’d become a vocal proponent for women’s rights, being so out there that she’d become the punching bag for women-haters around the world. Since so many people made fun of, or outright hated her, she’d become kind of an icon for feminists, going from sleazy home-wrecker to a modern day Susan B. Anthony in just a few years. That was kind of amazing, and totally planned, in Haley’s opinion.
Through it all, Tim had stayed in the background, as he always seemed to. He continued to star in one or two movies a year, only doing a small amount of publicity for each. But his name alone could make a movie open, and usually ensure it would at least not wind up in the red. Today, that was a rare feat.
Piper had gotten quiet, paying much more attention to the light traffic than conversing. “Are you worried about tonight?” Haley asked.
“A little. Yeah,” she said, turning to show a quick smile. “If Tim Banks wants to meet Charlie’s manager, he’s going to expect me to actually be one.”
“Does he know you’re her sister?”
Piper blinked a few times. “I have no idea. I’m gonna call her.” Her phone was in a little holder that fit into one of the air conditioning vents, obviously connected to the stereo. Piper pressed a button on the steering wheel and said, “Call my sister.” After a short pause, the phone began to ring through the speakers. Then a perky, slightly throaty voice started to sing, “Happy birthday to the best sister ever…”
“Now what do you want?” Piper asked, smirking. “I’ve got Haley in the car with me, and you’re on speaker, so don’t embarrass me.”
“Hi, Haley,” Charlie said. “When am I going to get to meet you?”
“I um… I don’t know. I think Piper might just be taking me home.”
“Did you girls do something fun for Piper’s birthday?”
Haley shot Piper a look, laughing to herself when she took over. “Sure did. I’ll tell you all about it later.” Turning her head for a second, she mouthed, no, I won’t. “I called because I’m worried about tonight. Does Tim know I’m just a stand-in until you come to your senses and hire a real manager?”
“Nope,” she said, sounding happy as a clam. “He thinks you’re the real deal…’cause you are.”
“Am not,” she said, imitating a petulant child. Haley could just see the two sisters taunting each other like they were still kids. But, when there was a twelve year age gap, that was kinda weird.
“Are too. Hey, will you run by and pick Delta up? I’m gonna be stretched for time, and I want to play with him for a while before we have to take off.”
“What are you doing?”
“I had a hot yoga class, then a massage. Now I’m having a salt scrub at that place I like on Wilshire.”
“Well, I couldn’t expect you to give any of that up to spend ten minutes picking up your own dog,” Piper said, her words dripping with sarcasm.
“Thanks, Pip,” Charlie said, either not getting Piper’s thinly-veiled barb or acting like she didn’t. “I’ve got a present for you,” she sang again. “A nice one…”
“Can’t wait. I’ll see you when you get home.” She turned to Haley. “If we’re both lucky, Haley will be with me.”
“Super! See you soon.”
Piper cut the connection and shrugged. “Want to go with me to pick up Delta? I’d really like you to meet Charlie.”
“I guess I can. But I don’t want to go into the shop with you. We don’t have a rule that you can’t date clients, but I’d rather not have everyone know we’re seeing each other.”
“No problem. He’ll be very happy to have you waiting in the car for him. We’re both pretty fond of you, you know.”
“I’m glad.” Haley reached over and tickled her ear. “But only you get to kiss me on the mouth.”
***
Delta whined and begged to get out of his carrier, but Haley had greeted him calmly and said, “Do you mind if I let him cry? I don’t want to reward his begging.”
“Given that Charlie lives five minutes from here, no. But if she wasn’t close…” She flashed a smile, but Haley knew she wasn’t kidding. She couldn’t say no to her sister or her dog. It remained to be seen how much of a p
roblem that was going to be.
Delta howled the whole time, but he shut up the second Piper started down an alley in Venice, eventually pulling into a two-car garage.
“We’re home, Delta,” she said, starting him up again. After she picked up his carrier, they exited the garage and rolled the door closed.
“I got a call from the decorator that my apartment was finished,” Piper said. “You’re my first guest.” After entering the property through a gate, Piper started to climb an exterior circular staircase on the house side of the garage.
Following along, Haley said, “How did they get a bed up here? These stairs are almost too small for Delta.”
“God knows how they did it, but I bet there was a lot of profanity involved.” She entered some digits into a keypad, and the door opened with a soft click, just like a hotel room.
They went inside, where Piper put the carrier on the counter and let Delta out. As always, he shook himself for a few seconds, then started nosing around. “On the floor,” Piper said, picking him up to lower him.
“This is cute,” Haley said, taking in the surprisingly spacious room. “Did you do the decorating?”
“I chose a few things, but the decorator was smart enough to give me a limited range to pick from.” She headed for a doorway, then stopped and whistled. “He did a nice job.”
Haley moved to stand next to her. “Really nice.” A big, tall bed was outfitted better than a luxury beach hotel, with sumptuous linens in a multitude of blues and greens. Two small white cabinets flanked the bed, and white wainscoting traveled halfway up the walls. Everything had a beach accent; the lamps, the knickknacks on the tables, and the curtains, which shimmered like cresting waves in the late afternoon sun. As Piper turned, with a silly grin on her face, Haley said, “This is really…wow. Exactly how many movies has your sister been in?”
“Female lead in Delta Epsilon Forever, where Delta got his name, minor roles in two others.” She shrugged. “But she made a lot of money from commercials, and did well with a couple of TV shows. This house is the first purchase that shows she’s confident the tap’s going to keep running.”
Fame Page 16
