Feather Light (Knead Me)

by Lorenz Font

  Nerissa Bryant, the director, looked up and smiled when she arrived on the set. Kelly switched into acting mode. The production had been moving along as planned. She had immersed herself in the project, pushing her inner struggles to the back of her mind until she was alone in her room at night, where she spent most of her time berating herself for her stupidity. Soon after, she’d cry herself to sleep.

  After strapping the camera around her neck and reviewing her script, Kelly signaled to Nerissa that she was ready.

  She lost herself in the role, reciting her lines with complete abandon, happy to be working and not having time to think of anything else for the next seven hours. The day of filming was a success—no multiple retakes, which was always a nightmare for the cast. She was heading for her trailer when she heard Nerissa calling after her.

  “I’m going into town today. I need a decent meal and maybe a couple of drinks. Want to tag along?” she asked when she finally caught up with Kelly.

  Kelly thought it over. Their meals, although gourmet, had been too predictable. She wouldn’t mind a change in her daily routine. It wasn’t as if she had anything better planned.

  She smiled and bobbed her head, grateful for the distraction. “I’d love to.”

  Nerissa looked relieved. “I’ll meet you by the car in thirty minutes,” she said before turning in the direction of her own trailer.

  Thirty minutes later, Kelly found herself seated next to Nerissa in a Suburban packed full of other production people. They were cramped, but it didn’t matter. Everyone was in high spirits and talking about the film.

  Once they were all seated in an antiquated restaurant in the small town of Mbandaka, Kelly began to relax. Despite the oppressive heat, she enjoyed the easy banter. It felt good to be seen as “one of the guys,” a regular person who fit in with everyone else.

  The food was delicious, and the beer flowed like water. After the meal was over, her phone started buzzing. Kelly was surprised to be getting a call at this time of the evening. Most of the US would be in a dead slumber by now. She checked the caller ID and was even more surprised.

  “Dave?”

  “Kelly! Boy, am I glad you picked up.”

  “What’s going on? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

  “I was, but then I got the call from the Academy. You’ve been nominated for Hearts Afire. Jesus, Kelly! Can you believe it?” he exclaimed through the phone line.

  Kelly heard him but was too stunned to say anything. She gripped the phone and noticed the group had quieted down and was staring at her.

  “Kelly, are you still there?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “I’m sure you have something better to say than that.”

  “Dave … oh my God, this is great news. I’m … I don’t know what to say.” She blinked, feeling overwhelmed.

  “Well you have to prepare a surprise speech. They’re sending a crew for you to get your comment about the nomination.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. So I expect to see that Kelly Storm spunk again. Congratulations, and I’ll be in touch.”

  After they disconnected, Kelly stared back at the sea of faces around her, still in shock. She took a deep breath, and despite the big lump in her throat, she made the announcement.

  “I’ve been nominated for best actress for Hearts Afire.”

  The room erupted in joyous hurrahs and good wishes. More beer was ordered. They toasted, drank, and toasted again. When the boisterous congratulations were over, Nerissa took her hand and squeezed.

  “Darling, I never doubted your ability. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and, at the same time, proud to have the chance to be working with you.”

  Kelly squeezed back. “Thank you.”

  Good news and momentous events were always sweeter when shared with the ones she loved. A bittersweet feeling swept over her while she dialed her sister’s number. After a rapid-fire conversation filled with questions and tears, they said their good-byes with a promise to see each other soon.

  Kelly was in bed in her tiny hotel room when a flashback hit her. Her mind rewound back to when she’d realized she wasn’t pregnant, the day before she’d left for Africa. She had just finished the press conference that evening when she’d started her period. She’d known it was too much to hope for, and then it had slipped away.

  It was stupid to feel so sad about it. Had she been pregnant, she’d be in an even worse situation now. But at the oddest moments during the past month, she’d smiled at the idea of having Parker’s baby. Kelly sighed and tried to think logically. She was better off without a child. What kind of life could she give a baby, anyway? She would have ended up hating herself for binding Parker in a relationship just because she was having his baby—not the kind of life she wanted for anyone involved.

  That evening, despite the exciting news of her nomination, a big gaping hole still sat in the center of her chest where Parker had once been. Kelly buried her face in her pillow and cried herself to sleep … again.

  Parker had just gotten home from his hour-long run at the track when his cell started ringing. He released Sasha’s harness and heard the clack of her paws while she headed to her water bowl. Sasha was a Labrador retriever and his new companion. He’d accepted that he needed help and that a guide dog would make him less dependent on others. Cork had put him on the list almost a year ago, and Parker had spent several weeks at a training facility to familiarize himself with his new friend. Last week, Sasha had been sent home with him, and the pairing had been wonderful. Although they were still in the “getting to know you” stage, they were warming up to one another.

  He pressed the voice-over, and it announced a call from an unfamiliar number. Parker hesitated for a moment on whether to answer but decided to pick up the call.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s Jessica.”

  “Hey, how have you been? How is Kelly?” Just saying her name brought on the longing he’d been trying to stifle over the past weeks.

  “I’m good, and she’s fine—”

  He didn’t even let her finish. “Is she back yet?”

  “She’s still in Africa.”

  Africa. So far away.

  He heard Jessica sigh. “I don’t want to pry, but I can’t help it. I love my best friend, and I’m sure she’s miserable. What went wrong, Parker?”

  Parker had to tell her the truth. That was the only way he could live with himself and be able to keep moving forward.

  “I treated her unfairly. I didn’t even give her a chance to explain. I know about her baby girl … oh, god. I hate that she’s so far away and dealing with everything alone.”

  “It’s not too late. I think if you had a chance to tell her how you feel, she might listen. I don’t know. I can’t promise.”

  He felt a small flicker of hope. “Jessica, I will do whatever I have to do to get a chance to talk to her.”

  “As I said, no promises. But I would love to get the chance to play cupid.” Her soft laughter was somehow reassuring. Parker would follow any glimmer of hope he could find, no matter how faint—anything to win Kelly back.

  Monday morning was his first day back to work after more than a month on hiatus, and it was also Sasha’s first day on the job. Parker was anxious to introduce her to everyone. As soon as they emerged from the car together, he knew he had company. He held onto Sasha’s harness tighter than he intended, and she yelped in protest.

  “Sorry, girl,” he murmured, loosening his grip just a fraction. “I’m still getting the hang of this.”

  “Parker, the vultures are waiting for you,” Cork whispered on his left, sliding a protective arm around Parker’s shoulder.

  Parker laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I was expecting this to happen. It’s something I have to deal with,” he said, trying to reassure his brother.

  “If you say so.” Cork didn’t sound convinced but stepped back nonetheless.

  Parker was on his own now. He took a deep b
reath and continued walking.

  “Mr. Davis, you’ve been gone for some time. Does that have anything to do with Ms. Storm?” one reporter asked.

  He stopped and turned in the direction of the voice. “Yes and no,” he replied.

  The man persisted. “C’mon! There are reports that you had broken up with her. She admitted in an interview that it was her fault. Can you confirm this?”

  “I made a big mistake when I let a very special woman go. I was stubborn and … well, blind.” That got everyone laughing. It was time that he acknowledged the elephant in the room. Parker continued. “I took some time off to think and repackage myself, so to speak. I’m back now and eager to start the groveling.”

  “Aren’t you worried she’ll grow tired of you … well … because of your condition?” a female voice asked.

  He shook his head and smiled at the absurdity of the question. “If there’s anyone who’ll get tired of me, it’s me. Kelly was just protecting me all along. She kept our relationship a secret, not because she was ashamed of me, but to keep me away from the prying eyes of the … well … you guys, actually.”

  That brought on another round of laughter. He nudged Sasha to move forward. They were now just a few feet away from Knead Me’s entrance.

  “From us? What did she think we’d do to you?” another reporter asked.

  Parker continued to inch forward. “Exactly what you’re doing right now. But there was no need to protect me. I’m a big boy, and I have nothing to hide. You can ask me whatever you want, and I’ll answer you to the best of my ability.” He smirked and waved them off.

  He was about to close the door behind him when another woman asked, “Are you in love with Kelly Storm, Parker?”

  Parker nodded and turned away. Without a doubt.

  While he made his way toward the reception area, he caught sight of Webster’s hazy but familiar figure standing in his path.

  “Make way for the boss!”

  He heard sounds of people moving his way, followed by ear-splitting hoots, clapping, and other assorted well-wishes. It took him several minutes to make it to his office. Sasha felt tense but stayed close to his side.

  “Good girl.” Parker patted her head and released the harness. She sniffed around her immediate environment before settling down next to his chair.

  “Here’s your steaming coffee. It’s at two o’clock, and there are papers that need your signature at six. Some New York lawyer sent you a huge brown envelope. Do you want me to read it to you, or would you rather have your reader do it?”

  Webster was back to her old self and as efficient as ever. He heard her sit down in the chair across from him.

  “Read it for me, please. I’m sick of that robot voice.” Parker laughed, hoping the tension between them had eased.

  “Sure thing.” She opened the envelope. “Okay, there’s some legal mumbo-jumbo crap I don’t understand.” Webster continued mumbling while she read. “Ah, well … the Manhattan penthouse has been willed to you. There’s a note attached. It looks like it’s her handwriting.”

  “Go on and read it, please.”

  There was the sound of papers shuffling and Webbie getting comfortable in her chair.

  “This letter is dated the day before she died.”

  Parker closed his eyes and nodded.

  “ ‘Dear Parker, if you’re reading this, I’ve most likely croaked already. I’m leaving you my house here in New York because I don’t want you running around in this big city alone and without any place to stay. I have one request. Please retain Albert’s services. He is our butler and a very loyal employee. He would make an excellent companion to you. Enjoy and love the house as Edison and I loved it. You’re the son I never had, and this is such a little thing to give in return for the hours you spent listening to an old lady ramble on and on. Take care of yourself and don’t let that beautiful actress get away. I sense she’s everything you’re looking for. Good luck, my son. Thank you for the wonderful memories.’ ”

  Webster sniffed. “You’re one lucky son of a bitch,” she muttered while she refolded the papers.

  Parker closed his eyes and sighed. “Yes, I am. She was quite a woman, wasn’t she?”

  “I’ll say.”

  He sipped his coffee and worked on signing the papers. “Who’s my ten o’clock?”

  Webster snickered. “It’s Madame Butterfly.”

  Parker’s head shot up. “What the hell? Are you joshing me again?”

  “Nope. That’s the name the lady gave me.” She turned to leave. “Room 101, boss.”

  Madame Butterfly? What the hell is going on here?

  He gave the customary knock before he entered the room. The first thing he did was inhale the air, praying he’d get a whiff of the familiar fragrance he loved. “Madame Butterfly?”

  “Hi, Parker.”

  His face dropped. The voice was all wrong.

  “Jessica, what are you doing here?”

  “Sorry. I know you were expecting someone else.” She laughed. “I don’t want a Monday Delight, but I’m here to share some things with you.”

  He laughed at her playful tone. “Sure. Where’s Kelly?”

  “I’m expecting her at the end of the week. So do you want to hear my idea?”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Here’s your coffee, Ms. Storm. Can I get you something else?” The flight attendant waited for her answer.

  Kelly pulled her eyes away from the magazine she’d been flipping through for the last hour and shook her head. The trip had been long, and all she wanted was to get into the tub and soak.

  Sipping her coffee, she let her mind drift back over the last two months. So much had happened in her life, which had helped her reach a decision. Her choices had been dictated by her failed relationships, especially with Parker, but she felt it was for the better. Kelly needed a change. It was important for her to stay away from him and anything that reminded her of him. He only came to New York once a month, which helped. The logical thing to do would be to buy a place there. They’d be living in different cities. She hated leaving LA, but it would make moving forward much easier. Marcy, her broker, had some good prospects, and the whole week would be devoted to finding the new perfect beginning for her.

  Kelly glanced out the window. The sky was turning a subdued orange, and the sun was dipping below the horizon. Without a reason to hide anymore, she planned to shift her focus to her career, the one part of her life that seemed to be working. The Academy nomination had inspired her to devote all her time and energy to her acting.

  The pilot’s voice came over the speaker, announcing their landing. Kelly finished off the coffee. Africa had been a welcome refuge and had served to give her a clearer outlook. She’d cleansed her soul, gained some much-needed peace, and for the most part, was well on the road to feeling better about herself. Kelly was moving forward and ready to face whatever the future held for her.

  Jessica was waiting for her outside the terminal.

  “Why can’t I have my regular ride?” Kelly asked as soon as they maneuvered out of the busy airport.

  “I’m taking you to look at a house that’s for sale. Marcy’s going to meet us there.”

  Kelly glanced at her friend in surprise. “It’s seven o’clock at night, just in case you haven’t noticed. I’m sure Marcy is already off the clock, and the owners won’t appreciate the intrusion either.”

  “She’s the one who tipped me off about this place, and she’s already made arrangements with the owner. What could be more beautiful than seeing the city at night? Besides, it’s not on the market yet, but it will be in a day or two. Marcy wanted you to get first dibs before the property is listed. She also mentioned the owner is very anxious to sell.”

  “Sure, I’m looking to buy, but I’m not desperate enough to look at a property at night,” she protested. “All I want is to get into the tub.”

  “You’re going to love this place! I checked it out myself this morning, a
nd the neighborhood is quiet. I think all the neighbors are in their AARP years—old money and they mind their own business.”

  Kelly shot Jessica a curious look, not sure where her friend’s enthusiasm was coming from, but then again, Jessica had always been enthusiastic with just about anything. She lay back against the comfortable leather seat and tried to relax.

  “I cleared up your schedule for the whole week, by the way. You have seven days straight to relax and look for a place. Don’t you just love the way I work miracles?” Jessica laughed.

  “Yes, you’re fantastic,” Kelly said.

  Time away had done so many positive things for her, but it hadn’t decreased Kelly’s longing for Parker. As soon as she set stepped out of the car, memories of them making love in this city flooded her mind and seduced her body. She hugged her coat closer and groaned, hating each minute he resurfaced in her mind when she was trying so hard to forget him.

  “Is everything okay?” Jessica asked, glancing over her shoulder before they climbed the steps.

  Even in the faint glow of the moonlight, Kelly could tell that the house was spectacular. She couldn’t make out the exact color of the exterior, but she knew it had to be a pastel with white trim.

  Jessica rang the bell, and the door was answered by a uniformed gentleman.

  “Ms. Renoir, good evening. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” The man had an impeccable English accent and bent low at the waist. Kelly couldn’t help but grin at his formal greeting. He smiled when their gaze met. “Good evening, Ms. Storm. I see that your flight has delivered you to us safely.”

  Kelly smiled, baffled at the man’s comment. “Yes, thank you,” she answered before raising an eyebrow at Jessica, who in turn shrugged at her.

  “Oh crap! I forgot my cell phone in the car. Kelly, why don’t you go ahead, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  Jessica excused herself and was out of the door before Kelly even had the chance to respond. She hesitated. It would be impolite to keep the man waiting, but she would rather wait for her friend. As if sensing her reluctance, the man smiled, revealing a set of crooked teeth.