by G S Binkley
“I’m sure I don’t know, David.” Lacy knew of their topsy-turvy relationship since on several occasions, David called to cry on her shoulder. The man she once knew as strong and formidable had diminished when his relationship with her ex-co-star of their show, Crackdown, ran hot and cold. She pulled him in for a hug. “Why don’t you come to dinner tonight?”
His mind was still on the image of Hayston in the elevator. “I’ve got to wait on that delivery.”
“And I’ve gotta get fitted but come over … doesn’t matter how late.” She didn’t want him to be alone that night. She was reluctant to leave as she cared about him.
*********
“So he just sat there?” Gage propped her pillows up against the headboard.
“I don’t know for how long but when I went back by he had left.” Lacy slipped on her nightgown. She crawled into bed and cuddled up next to her lover.
Gage held her tight. “I called after dinner and Joe said the truck did arrive.” Joe Deming was the night watchman. He also reported that David had left about an hour after the delivery. “You wanna call him and see how he is doing.” Gage no longer held even an ounce of jealousy especially regarding Lacy’s ex-husband.
Lacy simply pulled her lover closer and held on tight through the night.
**********
Bright and early the next morning all the cast was assembled including Koda Kannon along with Michael, Lacy, Gage, Mark and Ben Thomason who was cast as Tim Buck for the show. David called saying that he was going to oversee the sets to make sure they were ready. Gage knew he was avoiding the inevitable. Word on the set ran rampant even so far away from Hollywood that Koda was with his new love. Pictures of them on the internet splashed all over. It was news since Koda was cast on the same show where David was one of the producers. Everyone in Hollywood was well aware of the troubles between David and Hayston.
Koda scooted his chair next to Lacy. He leaned closer. “We meet again.”
Her smile was sweet but her cool blue eyes dropped to his nether region.
The actor grimaced, quickly crossing his legs. He well remembered the day Lacy grabbed his crouch, forcing him up on his tip toes. Koda grabbed his script, perusing it as if it was a sacred text.
Michael asked the cast for a read through before he started blocking with the actors on set. “If we can get through this, then after lunch we’ll go over places during the scenes.” When no one objected, the cast began the read through.
*********
David kept busy on set checking everything and anything. Mostly he just wanted to avoid bumping into Koda. So, when Michael needed some assistance, he would either turn to Gage or Mark. It was a challenge for the newly experienced director. When he directed the Halloween show, everything went smoothing. Everyone did their part. Now with David missing in action part of the time, Michael felt the reins of leadership slipping away.
“Michael?” Lacy called to the distracted director. She hooked her arm around his arm. “Come with me.”
Reluctantly, he followed. “Problems?”
“You tell me.” Lacy turned to see her co-star making time with one of the female crew members. “They sure are taken with his good looks.” She had to smile at her observation. Koda was dashingly good looking and a smooth talker but he lacked substance.
Michael waited patiently for Lacy to return her attention to him.
“Koda needs a firm hand.” Lacy advised. “But there’s something else on your mind. What is it?”
Michael shuffled his feet. “You know, he’s…” He hesitated. “…do you think he tries to seduce everyone he meets?”
“No…just women.” She bumped her friend and director. Lacy was well aware that Michael liked Shanti and she knew that her brother did as well. But what was on his mind right now was Koda, at least that was part of it. “We can talk about Shanti later. What else has you so uptight?”
Michael scratched his head. “Seems like things are just out of sorts… David is nowhere to be found and I wanted to go over the items we need on the producer’s set.”
The cat and mouse game David was playing added an out of line cog to their well-oiled machine. “Too much testosterone I suspect.”
“Huh?”
Lacy twisted her director around and headed back to the set. “Let’s get through this rehearsal then call it a day. I promise tomorrow will be different.” After her conversation with Michael, everything seemed to fall into place. Lacy took command of Koda’s attention so they were able to finish early.
The next two days flowed along quite well. Koda was on his best behavior and after Lacy talked with David, he was available and on top of his duties as co-producer. The next day the scheduled called for filming to begin. Even in St. Troy, the show garnered enough people for a live audience to watch them film the show.
*********
It was fortunate that the kids were doing well in school and not causing any issues at home. Derek and Gage were in her office, going over his speech for the upcoming debate. Sammy decided that since he couldn’t be on the set of his mom’s show since he was in school, he would draw out the scenes and set for his class’s upcoming Thanksgiving play. For Hayley’s part, she colored and made up poems for her grandmothers. Stella placed each one on the refrigerator. As one might imagine, the big fridge was well hidden behind all of the children’s masterpieces.
Dani was enjoying her senior year. Her relationship with Lane Grayson was developing at an easy pace. They talked about everything and what they would do in the summer. The only subject that was forbidden was what they would be doing in the fall. College called to both but a great divide was developing between the two on that subject.
*********
When Lacy walked into the kitchen, Gage was putting away a few dishes. The younger woman wrapped her arms around her partner. “I love you.”
Gage twisted around. “I love you.” The blonde studied her partner. “What’s on your mind? You talk with David?”
“Yes…and yes. Hayston is on his mind and the whole business with Koda showing up with her.” Lacy’s head dropped to her partner’s shoulder. “At least his mind is back on his job.”
“As long as she doesn’t show up on set, we get this show shot and done. It won’t be none too soon for me.” The blonde put the last dish away.
Lacy grabbed her partner’s hand and pulled at Gage.
“Hey… I’ll go willingly.”
“Good.” Lacy stared into loving green eyes. “Because I need you.”
The night with her lover soothed her soul. The midnight whisperings calmed her mind. The slow and magic touch of her lover eased her yearnings. At last, Lacy lay peaceful in her lover’s arm until morning light.
*********
The audience filed in for the filming of the latest episode of the television show, Calley Carew. Director, cast and crew were ready. Everything had been combed over twice and some things a third time.
Koda Kannon was still in make-up. As usual, he was flirting with the make-up artist. One of the crew members summoned him to the set. Reluctantly, he pulled himself away.
All in all the week went by without much fanfare. Koda showed up on time and alone. Hayston stayed away. David camped out at Lacy and Gage’s house a few nights avoiding the lobby of the Regent hotel. Mark played companion of David every chance he could get to keep him distracted. There were only a few sightings of Hayston around the hotel. When David finally did ask the concierge of her whereabouts, he heard she was shopping in St. Louis. His desire to see her was trumped by his disdain for her involvement with Koda. It really wasn’t Koda. It could have been any guy that she was with.
The cast was ready, lights shone on the set just before Michael called ‘action’. The first few scenes were flawless. Lacy as Calley Carew was auditioning for a powerful Hollywood producer played by Koda Kannon. Ben Tomanson as Calley’s writer friend who set up the audition was in the scene as well.
“Cut.” Michael called
. “Ready to go to the next scene.”
While the crew set up and the cast readied, the audience was entertained by a comedian to distract them during the various set-ups. Gage, Mark and David were standing off stage near the sound booth.
The scene was set and Michael was just about to call ‘action’ when the crowd roared in delight.
Every head on the set turned to the audience’s section. Flowing along the breeze walk in front of a row of fans, Hayston Rawlings made her appearance. Many of the audience stuck out pieces of paper for her to autograph. She paused briefly, waving at those in the audience. Finding her way to the front row, one look from the Hollywood star made several people get up and move away so she could sit down. And with ease, Hayston waved to the cast. “Please go on.”
*********
Professionalism flew out the window. Michael was at a loss. Crew members stood stunned. Some cast members tried to look everywhere else except at the exploding scene that was about to erupt.
Mark got on the phone and called security.
Joe Deming answered. “Hello boss.” After Mark asked about the unexpected presence of the television star, Joe shrugged. “I got an authorization right here on paper.” He held it up as if Mark could see it but the producer was nowhere near the front gate.
Gage grabbed the back of David’s belt, holding him back. “Hold on there, big fella.” The blonde saw her partner take a few steps toward her ex-co-star. David jerked away but didn’t move forward. He was fuming. However, that was nothing compared to what Lacy was experiencing. Koda didn’t even try to hide his cocky smile.
Lacy summoned every screaming sensation in her body to quell before she regally walked the few steps toward the audience. “Ladies and gentleman, I’m sure you all know our special guest… Hayston Rawlings.” The star of the show clapped her hands starting another onslaught of roars from the audience.
Hayston was surprised by Lacy’s action. The stir she had intended to muster brooked quickly by her previous co-star. The younger actress only missed a few beats before she smiled and thanked Lacy. When Hayston started to sit back down, Lacy accelerated toward her.
“Please…” Lacy held out a hand all the while showing a welcoming smile. “…come join us.”
Hayston was caught in her own trap, unable to decline the unwelcome invitation.
Lacy led her past the main stage and delivered her to Mark. The star then turned to the audience and announced. “Hayston said she would be delighted to stay after the show and meet with all of you.”
The crowd delighted with the news.
When the din died down, Lacy turned to Michael as she took her place on the set. “On with the show.”
Koda was amused by it all. Michael was relieved. Mark held tightly to his new captive guest. David was livid. Gage was relieved her partner handled the situation with grace and ease. And Hayston was peeved in the worse way. Her plans to sabotage the production were thwarted.
The rest of the filming went by smoothly. And as promised, Mark delivered Hayston to the hungry crowd for autographs and photo opportunities.
Somehow Gage was able to coral David in order to get him out of the studio. She took him for a long drive in order for him to calm down. “You know it was all for show…to get to you.”
David was still furious but reason began to set in. “She did it on purpose.” His jaw was set tight. “Very unprofessional.”
Gage enjoyed driving but wondered how long it would take for David to cool down. “David, you have to come to grips with this whole situation. I agree she did it on purpose. But…” Gage had learned a long time ago from her days working in a treatment facility that there was always something behind a person’s behavior. “…seems like to me she is trying to get your attention.”
If nothing else, Hayston accomplished that much.
“Koda was part of all this… damn him.”
Gage glanced at David sitting in her jeep. “He was only the conduit for what she wanted. Don’t set your sights on him. The real issue is… you and Hayston need to sort things out once and for all.”
No matter what Gage said, David was determined to have it out with Koda Kannon. A couple hours after their marathon drive, Gage dropped off David at the Regent.
“You sure?” Gage ducked her head to see him after he got out the jeep.
He leaned down. “Like you said I need to end this once and for all.” With that, David strode confidently through the revolving doors.
Gage’s shouldered dropped. “That’s not exactly what I said.”
Michael walked with Shanti to their cars located at the studio. “This has been the roughest but most rewarding experience I’ve had.”
“Lacy did diffuse the situation quickly.” Shanti was stunned like many of the cast and crew when Hayston arrived. “I’ve come to admire her more and more.”
Michael opened the door to his car. “Need a ride?” She shook her head. “Okay, see you soon.” The director drove to the Regent, packed and then headed to the airport. He was meeting up with Griff in New York. Michael was glad he avoided the impending confrontation when he saw David at the front desk as Koda stepped off the elevator.
David determinedly headed toward the actor. “Where is she?”
Koda held up his hands. “In the suite… destroying it. You deal with it.”
The fading actor slipped away when David turned around to face the elevator. “Figures.” He sucked in a deep breath and vowed to remain calm. It was not in his nature to do so but the drive with Gage did him good.
********
When Gage arrived home, she sought out her partner. The blonde looked to her mom in question.
“She’s tucking in the kids.” Stella placed the last dish away.
Gage elected to head to their bedroom. She was tired from the long day and weary about what David may do. Filming the episode took longer than usual upon Hayston’s disruptive entrance. The blonde readied for bed and hoped her partner would arrive soon. She placed the pillows and covers as usual.
“I don’t know why I make the bed every morning when every night you mess it up.” Lacy tried for some levity after the long and exhausting day.
“Kids okay?”
Lacy slipped out of her clothes and climbed into bed. Her naked body slid up next to her partner. “Yes.” She kissed her lover’s neck. “How is David?”
“Not good. I tried to get him to come here but… anyway, I think he calmed down some.” Gage would not make any promises about his state of mind.
“If I know David and I do… he won’t let it go so easily.”
Gage shrugged.
“Let’s not talk about it anymore, okay?” She nuzzled closer. “I just want to fall asleep in your arms.”
Gage pulled her lover close and held her through the night. They shared a peaceful slumber and thanked God the episode they just filmed was over.
*********
As a courtesy, the Regent called Gage informing her about an issue that arose in one of the suites her studio booked for visiting guest stars.
“I understand. I’ll be right there.” The blonde groaned. She tossed her phone on the bed. “Why did Mark have to leave right after the show yesterday?”
Lying next to her lover, Lacy smiled. “You knew he was meeting his wife. Their trip to London.”
“I know… it’s just that apparently Koda checked out last night. Hayston wrecked the suite and they have no idea where David is.” Gage stretched, having hoped to sleep late this morning.
“I guess we better get up.” It was the last thing either of them wanted. Stella had informed Lacy last night when she arrived home that she and Lacy’s mom planned a trip to the St. Louis Arch with the three youngest children. And when Dani said she was spending the day with Lane Grayson, Lacy was eager to spend part of the day in bed with her lover.
As they got dressed, Gage stopped Lacy from making the bed. “Leave it. Just as soon as we take care of this… issue. I’m going back to b
ed.”
Lacy smiled. “I’m for that.”
When they walked into the kitchen, there sat David. “Stella, let me in. The kids and I had breakfast before they left.”
Gage surveyed the leftovers. “Glad someone got to eat.” She picked up a piece of bacon and grabbed a biscuit.
Lacy sat down. “What happened David?”
He sipped his coffee. “I tried to do as Gage suggested…”
Lacy spared a glance at her partner.
Gage shrugged.
“…and I did. Koda and I had some words but it was very civil. Of course, he didn’t stick around very long.” When a small crowed of visitors at the hotel gathered upon seeing the movie star, Koda Kannon took his leave. “So, I took the elevator up to the room and…” He nodded at Gage. “…don’t be surprised if the hotel calls you.”
“Too late.”
“Anyway, there were a few things tossed around before I got there…”
“David!”
“Hey, her and Koda must have got into it…” When he arrived Hayston was out of control. Crying one minute then furious the next. “…I asked if we could talk.” The figurine she threw barely missed his head. “You said we needed to come to grips with it and I tried…” David bit his lip. “…you know, Lacy, a few years ago I would have reacted very differently. So, I tried to calm her down and just talk.” David became very pensive.
Lacy took his hand. “And?”
“I still love her. I just don’t know how we got to where…” His gray eyes implored Lacy for an answer. “…tell me what to do.”
“David, it seems to me that you never fully committed to her. You kept her at bay. I think she needed that from you.” Lacy was sincere. “I think it was partly your career, your determination or to get some kind of approval…”
A picture of David’s father came to mind.
“…whatever it was, David. A real relationship needs love and trust to flourish. The bond needs to be strong.”
“Like you and Gage.”
Lacy smiled at her partner. “Yes.”
