Casting Lacey

by Elle Spencer

  Lacey focused on the step she had to take up onto the stage, making sure she didn’t trip and fall. Then, her eyes met Quinn’s and time stood still for a second. The words she was going to say were long gone. Her mind was blank. Those blue eyes had taken her in and she was lost.

  Quinn reached out for her, taking her hands. “Lace.”

  Hearing her name brought everything back into focus. And words she never planned on saying, came pouring from her mouth. “Hey, beautiful. I missed you, too.” She reached up and cupped Quinn’s cheek. “Can I kiss you?”

  The audience went crazy again, having heard the question.

  Lacey didn’t wait for an answer, she leaned in and gave Quinn a sweet, gentle kiss, then pulled away. It wasn’t enough for Quinn. She grabbed Lacey’s face and laid one on her.

  The audience went insane.

  Quinn took Lacey’s hand and led her over to Johnny. He kissed Lacey’s cheek and went back behind the desk. Lacey sat next to Quinn on the sofa.

  Johnny giggled, pointing at Quinn. “Look at you, you’re so happy.”

  Quinn put her hand on Lacey’s crossed knee, grinning from ear to ear. “Wouldn’t you be?”

  The audience went wild again.

  Lacey covered Quinn’s hand with her own. “I’m the lucky one, Johnny.”

  “So, do we get to hear how all of this came about?”

  Lacey looked at Quinn. “Can I tell the story?”

  Quinn gave her a nod, even though there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. “Sure.”

  “We met in a Starbucks. Quinn is a huge fan of Light of Day.”

  Quinn pursed her lips together as she silently giggled.

  “That’s the daytime soap you were on,” Johnny clarified for the audience.

  “Yes. So anyway, Quinn recognized me and introduced herself. We quickly became friends and when she had her mountain biking accident and broke her arm, I happened to be staying in her guesthouse.”

  “So, you were there when that happened,” Johnny said.

  “Lacey was a godsend,” Quinn said, breaking into the conversation. “It was a bad break and I was a mess for weeks.”

  Before Quinn could say anything else, Lacey continued with her version of the story. “Yeah, and they were scheduled to start shooting the next season of Jordan’s Appeal in less than two weeks, so we came up with a storyline that would include her broken arm. The writer’s ran with it, and that’s how I ended up on Jordan’s Appeal.”

  Johnny gestured with his finger at both of them. “Doing love scenes with Quinn Kincaid. Was that part of the storyline you came up with?”

  “No!” Quinn quickly clarified. “That was all the writers.”

  “I think we have the first kiss. Do we have that? Let’s show that,” Johnny said.

  They watched the first kiss scene and the audience whistled and hollered. Johnny cleared his throat. “So, was there a lot of practice getting that scene just right?”

  Lacey shook her head and Quinn joined in. “No,” Quinn said. “That was our very first kiss.”

  Johnny’s mouth fell open. “We have your very first kiss on tape?”

  Lacey leaned in. “She gave me a little tongue, Johnny.” She looked at Quinn. “Or, did I give you tongue?” Quinn turned bright red again. “Anyway,” Lacey said with a shrug. “There was a little tongue.”

  “And the rest is history?” Johnny asked.

  Quinn intertwined her fingers with Lacey’s “Off the market.”

  Johnny gestured at them with a sweeping move. “Quinn Kincaid and Lacey Matthews, ladies and gentlemen.”

  ***

  Quinn got out of the car behind Lacey. It had been an awkwardly quiet ride to Lacey’s apartment. Not even Jack and Amy’s excitement over how well the show had gone could cover up the fact that Lacey had nothing to say to Quinn once they were off stage. It was as if a switch had been flipped, turning off the light in Lacey’s eyes.

  But it wasn’t all just an act. The kiss was real. Lacey had kissed Quinn back. She had gripped onto her waist and held onto her during the kiss. Just like the first one, Quinn realized. Lacey’s kisses had never been fake. And Quinn couldn’t let it end like this. She had to try.

  “A huge soap fan, huh?” Quinn asked as she followed Lacey to the apartment building. She hoped she could break the ice. “Now, I’m going to have to watch old episodes just so I’ll know what’s going on, in case anyone ever asks.”

  “Yeah, well, you deserved it.” Lacey said, not stopping or turning around.

  “I’m sure I deserve a lot of things, including the silent treatment I got in the car. But, Lace…”

  Lacey stopped at the door and turned around.

  “Jack told me about Dani. I plan to repay you, whatever amount you end up giving her.”

  Lacey shook her head. “No. It feels better this way.” She sighed deeply. “More honest. Less dirty.”

  “Lace,” Quinn whispered. “Please…just give me a minute.” She looked around to see if anyone was near enough to hear. “I know I’ve said it over and over in emails and texts, but I need to say it in person.” She took a step closer. “I’m so sorry I doubted you. After everything we went through together…the way you took care of me…” She sucked in a breath, trying to hold back the tears. “I should’ve handled it so much better than I did. I should’ve…”

  “Given me a chance to fix it,” Lacey interrupted. “Which I have.”

  “I know. And I will never doubt you again.”

  Lacey hesitated. “Okay,” she said. “Are we done?”

  “I hope not. God, I hope not.” Quinn reached out her hand. “Lace…”

  Lacey stared at the hand and then her gaze met Quinn’s. She faltered again, but then straightened her shoulders. “I can’t.” She turned to open the door.

  “I have a brother!” Quinn exclaimed.

  Lacey slowly turned around. “What?”

  “I have…a brother.” Quinn was embarrassed to say the words. “A half-brother. I want to meet him, but I can’t do it alone. Will you go with me?”

  Lacey shook her head in confusion. “You have a brother…and you’ve never met him? How old is he?”

  Quinn kept her eyes on the ground.

  “How old is your brother, Quinn?” Lacey’s voice had a little more force behind it, now.

  “They live in Connecticut. Will you go with me to see my dad and my brother?”

  Lacey turned back to the door and punched in the security code.

  “Lace, I can’t do it alone. I won’t.”

  “Wow,” Lacey scoffed. “This feels like emotional blackmail.” She folded her arms and looked Quinn in the eye. “You don’t need me by your side to meet your own brother, and you don’t need me by your side when you tell your father that you’ve finally forgiven him. You’re so much stronger than you think, Quinn.”

  “He’s eighteen,” Quinn lowered her gaze, embarrassed that she had a brother she’d never bothered to get to know.

  A look of disbelief crossed Lacey’s features. She started to say something but stopped. In a softer tone she said, “And you’re his cool, celebrity sister. Just plan on being all over his Instagram.”

  “You don’t think he’ll hate me for never…” Quinn looked away.

  “He’ll love you. No matter what, he’s gonna love finally knowing you.”

  A glimmer of hope flashed across Quinn’s face. “You really think so?”

  Lacey pointed at the building with her thumb. “I need to go. I have a lot of packing to do.”

  Quinn looked up at the building, trying to remember which floor Lacey’s dad’s apartment was on. “Since we’re giving out advice, do you mind if I give you some?”

  Lacey punched in the code again, ignoring Quinn.

  “Don’t sell it.”

  Lacey turned back around.

  “Don’t sell your dad’s apartment, Lace. I mean, what’s the rush?”

  “It’ll just sit empty.”

  “Not
really.” Quinn took a step closer. “Everything you have left of your parents is in that apartment. It can be your New York pied-à-terre.”

  Lacey chuckled at that. “Yeah, I guess it could.” A wave of sadness crossed her features.

  Quinn wanted to wrap her arms around Lacey and take away the sadness. Or, better yet, offer to go up and make coffee and talk all night, so she wouldn’t have to be in that apartment all alone. She was grasping for ideas. Anything to keep her in Lacey’s orbit a little longer. But the look on Lacey’s face told her that wouldn’t be welcomed. “Thanks for what you did tonight. I think I was boring Johnny to death before you showed up.”

  “Well, technically I’m still under contract, so…”

  “So, you’ll go with me to visit my dad and meet my brother? You know…as my supportive girlfriend?” Quinn knew she was pushing it, but it wouldn’t hurt to try one more time.

  “Nice try, but you’re on your own with that one.” Lacey lifted her chin toward the car. “Jack and Amy are…”

  “Getting paid. Don’t worry about them.”

  Lacey smiled, and this time it made her eyes sparkle. “You’ll be the death of me, Quinn Kincaid.”

  Quinn snorted. “How many times have you said that in your head over the past year?”

  “Too many to count.” Lacey reached out and pushed Quinn’s hair behind her ear, then cupped her cheek. “We managed to have a few laughs, didn’t we?”

  Quinn covered Lacey’s hand with her own. “Too many to count.”

  “Take care of yourself. Don’t ride that bike too hard.” Lacey stepped away and punched in the security code.

  “Too late.”

  Lacey went still but didn’t turn around. The big sigh had Quinn hopeful for a few seconds. So did the slight shake of Lacey’s head. It was okay, she could be disappointed, disgusted, whatever – so long as she turned back around. Yell at me, Lace. Yell at me for riding too hard. Yell at me for everything! Just don’t walk away.

  The door opened. A couple came out of the building and walked the other way. “That wasn’t our first kiss, Lace.”

  Lacey held the door open and turned her head, but didn’t look at Quinn. “I know.”

  “I wanted to kiss you back that night. I wanted…” Quinn sucked in air. “I wanted to do more than that.”

  Lacey met her gaze. “You should have.”

  The door closed, leaving Quinn standing on the sidewalk alone. She stared at the door, tears welling up in her eyes. Jack took her arm. “Come on, sweetie.” Quinn didn’t move. Jack tugged again. “Come on.” He wrapped his arm around her and led her back to the car.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Lacey walked into the production offices trying to portray an air of confidence she didn’t actually feel. Forty-four days was a long time to go without contact when the whole world still thought you were a couple.

  Then there was the table read they were about to do. Would they have the same chemistry on screen? Could they ‘sell it’ the way they had the first time around, or would everyone know the truth the second Lacey walked into the room?

  “Hey, Quinn! There she is!”

  Lacey stopped dead in her tracks as the young man made his way toward her.

  “Hi, I’m Brax.”

  It was like looking at the male version of Quinn. Same blue eyes. Same blonde hair. Same smile that could light up the world. Quinn came around the corner and their eyes met. “Hey, honey,” Quinn said, her voice full of hesitation.

  Okay, so they were going to perpetuate the lie a little longer. Lacey quickly pulled herself together and said, “Hey, babe.” She looked at Brax. “You must be the brother.”

  “Braxton, this is Lacey.” Quinn stood next to Lacey and put a hand on her back, barely brushing her blouse. “Lace, this is my little brother. He’s staying with me until he moves into his dorm next month.”

  “UCLA,” he added, his voice full of pride. “And it’s great to finally meet my sister’s girlfriend. She really can’t stop talking about you.”

  “Yeah,” Lacey glanced at Quinn and then offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, Braxton.”

  “Well, I should get out of your hair for a while. Amy said she’d show me around some more and then take me to lunch. See you for dinner tonight? I’m manning the grill.”

  Quinn leaned in. “Seriously, he makes the best grilled shrimp. You’d love it.”

  “Oh,” Lacey said, not sure what to say next. “I just got back in town…” They both just stared, waiting for her to accept the invitation. “I guess…maybe…I could swing that.” She could always back out later. Jet lag. Headache. She’d come up with something.

  Quinn smiled from ear to ear. “Good. Amy and her husband will be there as well. One last celebration of our freedom before we’re back to long shooting days.”

  Lacey tried to hide her surprise. Quinn didn’t entertain in her home. It was her “private refuge.”

  “See you tonight!” Brax jogged away, leaving them standing there alone.

  “It’s good to see you,” Quinn looked Lacey up and down. “You look as beautiful as ever.”

  Lacey turned and slowly led them to the conference room. “So do you.” She kept her eyes forward, wondering if it would help to tell the truth. Maybe if it was out in the open, her heart would stop trying to hammer its way out of her chest. “I’m nervous about this table read.”

  “Why?” Quinn kept her hands behind her back as they walked.

  “What if we’ve lost it? What if everything the audience saw and loved last season…is gone? And when are you going to announce our break-up to the world?”

  She didn’t mean for that last part to come out, but every day, she’d woken up expecting to see an email from Jack with the press release he’d be sending out later in the day. Quinn Kincaid and Lacey Matthews remain good friends, blah blah blah.

  But that email never came.

  Lacey had said it kind of loudly too, and the way Quinn was glancing around to see if anyone had heard, made her regret blurting it out like that. “Sorry,” she whispered.

  “No, it’s okay.” Quinn started walking again. “Braxton wanted to see the set. I hadn’t really thought about his reaction to seeing you here. You don’t have to come to dinner tonight. I know it’ll be awkward for you.”

  “Oh, yeah? And what excuse will you make for your girlfriend this time? I can imagine there have been some real doozies in the last two months.”

  “I tell everyone the same thing – that you’re in New York, settling up your life so you can move out here with me.”

  Lacey stopped and turned to her. “We have to stop this charade, Quinn. What good does it do anyone to keep living this lie?”

  “I know.” Quinn folded her arms and looked at the floor. “Can you give me another week? I just need to figure out how to tell the world that I managed to fuck up the best thing I’ve ever had.”

  The door opened and a production assistant waved them into the room. “We’re ready to go, ladies. Welcome to season seven!”

  Lacey didn’t share the woman’s excitement. Yes, she was so happy to have a job, but she was seriously concerned about their on-screen chemistry. Everything was riding on it still being there. She gestured with her hand to Quinn. “After you.”

  ***

  “Okay, scene five,” one of the writers said. “Just a refresher on where we left the Jordan slash Selena arc last season – Jordan told Selena it was over! Oh no!” he joked. “But Jordan went to Selena’s apartment to apologize and who was there but Selena’s supposedly ex-GF, wearing the watch Selena and Jordan had shopped for together. Leaving all of America wondering, what the hell would happen next. That brings us to scene five, ladies and gentleman. Jordan is waiting outside the courtroom for Selena. Selena walks out and…” He motioned for Lacey to continue.

  Lacey found her spot in the script and cleared her throat. “I wondered when we’d casually run into each other and act like nothing happened.”
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  Quinn peeled her eyes from Lacey and looked at the script. “Casual? You think I just happened by today? In all the time we spent together, did I ever just happen by someplace?”

  “I guess not. How are you?”

  “Well, let’s see. You left a resignation letter on my desk, took your old job with Hamilton & Nye, which makes my blood boil…”

  “They’re a good firm. The best in town…next to yours.”

  “Good save.”

  “I was really talking about your arm, anyway.”

  “I didn’t come here to talk about my injuries – physical or otherwise.”

  “Why are you here, Jordan?”

  “Because…” Quinn looked up, her eyes finding Lacey’s across the table.

  One of the writers cleared his throat. “Is there a problem, Quinn?”

  “No. Sorry.” Quinn found her place in the script again. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you, Selena. We have something special. And if another day goes by without me telling you what an amazing lover you are…or how much I appreciate what you did for me while I was healing…”

  “Um…” J.J. looked at the script. “Quinn, it’s lawyer, not lover.” A few people at the table giggled.

  “Right.” Quinn wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. “Lawyer. I’ll just…” She glanced up at Lacey but her eyes were focused on the script. On any other day, Lacey would’ve been all over that, giving Quinn provocative looks and teasing her relentlessly. Not today. Probably not ever again. Quinn focused on the script again. “Let me just re-do that.” She took a breath. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you, Selena. We have something special. And if another day goes by without me telling you what an amazing lawyer you are, or how much I appreciate what you did for me while I was healing, well, that would make me truly unworthy of even being in your presence.”

  “I appreciate that, Jordan,” Lacey said, reading her line. “I know that was hard for you to say, and I really appreciate it.”

  “May I ask you if you’re still with…the cat owner?”

  “No.”

  “No, I can’t ask or…”

  “We broke up, remember? She dumped me because I forgot her birthday, at least that’s what I tell myself. It’s easier to think it was just the one time I screwed up.”