“Would ya, now?”
“Heck ya, I wanna see a picture that’s worth a felony charge." Penny mused with a smirk.
Able gave her an odd look then a light seemed to go off in his head.
"Oh, yeah, pictures…” Able slowly nodded, remembering that he wasn’t really supposed to have fans, well not like the ones he had anyway. To her, he was just supposed to be a photographer. He doubted most photographers had the same kind of following as he did as an actor. The kind that was willing to help you break and enter, that is. “I would love for you to take a look at them. In fact, check this out!"
Penny curiously watched as he pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket, quickly pressing buttons before he stretched out his arm.
"Smiles!" He said with a laugh, snapping a shot of them. "Okay, now close your eyes!" he instructed, looking way too excited. Penny eyed him suspiciously, but finally, allowed her lashes to flutter shut. "Alright, be careful, watch your step, okay, stop, open them!" Able announced, with all the excitement of Christmas morning.
What Penny found, was a little white table. Upon it, set two battery operated candles, and also two large silver platters, both having matching lids.
“Oh my goodness, you really went all out didn’t you?” Penny beamed out, feeling a bit like a princess, in a storybook.
"Have a seat, beautiful." Able offered, pulling out a chair for her.
"Thank you, so much. This all, looks beautiful, Holden."
"Oh, that’s not even the best part, I hope you’re hungry because lunch, is served, my Queen!" He offered, lifting the lid off both of the platters to toss them carelessly behind him. Glancing down, Penny took in a pretty interesting selection of things. Chips, Slim Jim’s, bottle of water, bag of sour gummy worms, cheese, crackers, and even, salted peanuts. She looked up at Able with a smirk on her lips, and a brow raised in curiosity.
"I may, have raided the mini bar in my room, back at the hotel."
Able confessed, in a fast breath, a sheepish, guilty grin crossing his beautiful features. It had her thinking, that he had the kind of face that could break up a marriage, good or bad. It was an odd thought for her to have. What the hell did she know about marriages? Or, what kind of rugged, handsome face, it took to break one up. Maybe, he just had the kind of face that made you want to cheat, but again, she had no one to cheat on. Either way, she felt as if she was somehow straying when she couldn’t stop getting lost in his blues. She forced herself to shake the thought out of her head. She didn’t wanna think, she just wanted to enjoy her time with the dashing man who was currently taking his seat across from her.
"Wow, you really outdid yourself, but, tell me this. How in the world, did you know the sour ones are my favorite?" She questioned, as a, ‘drop a couple grand, on a ring’, smile crossed her lips.
Quickly, she snatched up the bag of sour gummies, ripping it open with her teeth before reaching in and grabbing out, at least seven worms to stuff into her mouth.
"Lucky guess, beautiful women always tend to like sour shit."
Able noted, watching her in awe.
This lunch could have gone one, of two ways. He had known that when he planned it. He had wanted to see her reaction, to it. He could have gone out and spent a small fortune to impress her, but he wanted to see if she was that kind of girl. The fact that she was grinning at him like a happy fool, told him everything he needed to know about the woman. She wasn't a gold digger, wasn't looking to be taken care of, or spoiled. She was completely content with junk food. That’s a keeper right there.
Right then and there, he let out a deep breath, knowing she was the real deal, the girl was legit.
They spent the next few hours, looking out across the city, while they munched on their unhealthy plethora of snacks. They talked art, culture, diversity, and stray dogs. Any subject that didn't pertain to work, really. Able had no interest in telling her the truth about that, not just yet, anyway. If things kept up the way they were between them, eventually, he would have to tell her, but right now, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He didn’t want to talk about that part of his life, instead, he just wanted to live life, this one, the one where when Penny smiled, every bad thought in his head, just vanished, and when she laughed, it was as if, none of the fame shit even existed. He liked the world seeming so small when she was around. So, with the topic of work, far off the table, the pair instead, talked about songs, old movies, and about society and ancient times.
Able, found Penny, absolutely fascinating, loving how smart she was. She seemed to know something about everything, but not in that, ‘I’m too smart for my own good’, way, no, it was in the ‘fuck, her brain is, hot’ kind of way.
He found himself in love with her giggle, and the fact, she used it while laughing at his stupid jokes. She wasn't stuck up, or pretentious. She seemed genuinely interested in what he had to say. Across the table, Penny couldn’t seem to stop asking questions. In her defense, it was the easiest way to keep Able talking, and, that’s just what she wanted. Hell, she had excitedly listened in, for over an hour, as he explained his theory on alien life on other planets, all because, she wanted to keep hearing him say words. It was soothing, the way they just rolled off his tongue. Not to mention, he had this laugh that seemed to come, right from his very soul. It was contagious in nature and had her cheeks aching. She was sure, that she hadn’t laughed or smiled that much in a million years, or at least, it felt that way, anyway.
He was so damn charming, in his odd little way. Like that, he was always playing with something or another. Something always seemed to be in his hands, even if it was just his own hands. It appeared, that he couldn't just let them sit, un-moving. He was always picking things up, twisting them around, and folding them, bending them to his will, paper, napkins, even straws, and twigs, for that matter. She found his fidgety little habit, kind of endearing. She guessed he had been a hyper child, always in search of focus.
Right now, though, his focus was clear, and it sure seemed to be, all on her. Penny liked that he was always watching her, just like she was him, eye to eye.
It was nice, that he seemed to really listen as she spoke, as if, he wasn’t just waiting for his turn to talk but actually gave a shit what she had to say. Sharing with Able, was easy, because it seemed, as if, he himself, was an open book. Not once, did she get the feeling like he was trying to impress her or himself, for that matter. He was just being himself and in turn, Penny felt completely free to be herself.
He told her all about his mother, how she had lived this crazy life, bouncing them around from place to place, whenever the wind, seemed to take her fancy. She had been a playboy bunny, a flight attendant, a showgirl, and even, a Sunday school teacher for a period. It was clear to see that Able was still in awe of the fascinating woman even as an adult. His love for her could be seen through his twinkling blues as he recounted tails of growing up.
He talked about always wanting more attention from her, but never really getting it. And, about moving out when he was just sixteen to go travel around the country, thumbing it from city to city. He said it was the best time of his life. All he did was take pictures and meet amazing people. He even lived on a hippy commune for a short while.
Able’s life seemed incredible as if he hadn’t planned anything out, ever, yet somehow, everything had just worked out in the most interesting way possible.
Before Penny knew it, the sun was starting to set in the sky, city lights taking its place to cast a glow over the valley.
"Alright, it’s time for your next surprise!" Able announced, already pushing out of his seat.
"Good luck following this up, just sayin’." Penny challenged with a smile, taking Able’s hand as he helped her to her feet.
"Oh, you just wait and see, I’m gonna knock you right off your feet, babe." He informed, wrapping his arms around her waist before pulling her into his body.
"You already have," she whispered, raising up on tip toes to land a smooch on h
is lips.
The kiss was soft, gentle, and yet needy somehow. He ran his hands over her body, pulling her closer, as she let out a breathy little moan. To her dismay, he was the one who pulled away first, earning him a pouty lip.
"You better stop, or we’re never gonna make it on time." Able warned, trying to fight the urge, not to just swipe the little table clear and take her, right there and then, at the base of the Hollywood sign.
“Well, if you keep kissing me like that, I won’t care what we’re late for." Penny purred, giving him a wink.
"You’re killing me here, and damn is it tempting, but this next thing, is really badass. Come on, you’re gonna love it! I hope anyways." He offered, once again, sounding more like an eager child than a grown man as he pulled her along by the hand, back toward the car.
Penny’s phone, vibrating to life in her pocket, had her checking her messages. Instantly, her eyes went wide.
"Oh, Jesus Christ!" She shrieked, clutching at her heart as her eyes took in the image that Cole had just sent her. It was of T.J., hanging off a ledge, that looked to be about, a million feet in the air.
"Livi…, are you okay?" Able questioned, looking over to find her, in a panicked state of, ‘Mom’s, about to freak the fuck out’.
It wasn’t until the second picture came in, that her body slumped back into the seat, a relieved breath, escaping her lips. It was still of T.J., only this time, his feet were safely planted on the ground, and he was holding two thumbs, way up with a giant smile streaked across his face.
"I'm fine, I'm good…, now." Penny assured, her voice still a bit shaky.
"I take it your son and his… friend, are at it again?" Able mused with a grin, loving, how cute Penny looked when she got all worked up.
"Yeah, but not for long, because I'm gonna kill them both when I get home,, and just be done with it, once and for all." She threatened as she texted an angry message back, Cole’s way.
"I HATE YOU BOTH!"
After hitting send, she glanced around to see that they were now parked. Sitting across from a building that looked like it might fall down at any second. As they made their way out of the car and across the street, Penny guessed the building to have been a theater of sorts, at one point or another. It was sad to look at, only because, she could see that it had once, been a beautiful structure. She watched as Able pulled out, yet another key from his pocket, before sliding it into the lock, of the bigger than life, front door.
"You’ve got the keys to the whole city in your pocket, don’t you? Penny questioned as Able ushered her into the run down lobby.
"I wish, but no. My friend practices here. He said the acoustics are the best in the world. I asked him, if it would be cool, if we stopped by.” Able informed, making his way deeper into the ravaged building.
Two double doors later, had Penny finding herself, smack dab in the heart of the old structure. In the giant room, a large wooden stage set empty of anything but a piano. One that she was surprised the old stage floor was still capable of holding. At it, sat a man, lazily strumming away at its keys.
"Oh wow, he's good," she whispered to Able as he walked her down the aisle, making their way closer to the stage. Most of the seats in the theater were ragged and torn. They sat in rows, with missing sections, and even some, where completely flipped, end over end, broken beyond repair. The red carpet under her feet was worn and the drapes that hung on the walls looked as if they had been hanging, longer than the city had been standing. The lights were sparse, only lighting up here and there, casting seductive shadows over the large space.
"There you are! I was starting to think you might not make it, old friend." The man with the soft smile called out from his place at the piano, just as Able was pulling Penny up onto the rickety old stage.
"Are you kidding me, man; I wouldn't miss this for the world!” Able announced, a large smile on his face. “Oh, this is Livi…, the one I was telling you about." Able introduced, practically shoving Penny in front of him. She gave a little giggle, at Able’s eager action before leaning over to shake the man's hand.
“Hello Livi, it’s nice to meet you.” The man nodded before turning his attention back to Able. “You're right, she is beautiful. You're a lucky man."
"Thank you so much, but, I have a feeling… I might be the lucky one." She corrected with a smirk sent Able’s way.
"Oh boy, you got her fooled, don’t ya?" The pianist, teased Able with a chuckle.
"Don’t listen to him, I'm awesome." Able defended, leaning over to smack a kiss on Penny’s cheek.
"No, I'm just playin’. You know I love you, man. Why else would I be down here on my day off? You ready or what?”
"Ready for what?" Livi questioned, glancing back and forth between the two men.
"Ready to watch you dance, beautiful." Able informed, pulling her along with him to the center of the stage.
"You're asking me to dance with you?" She said, with a grin, liking where this was going.
"No, I'm asking you to dance." Able corrected, with a big grin on his face as he released her hands.
Quickly, he took off for the side of the stage, leaving Penny to send a raised brow over to the piano man. He just gave her a little shrug back and continued on his playing. It was only a moment before Able returned, pink ballet slippers, in hand.
"Oh no, I don’t think I can do that." She refused, with the shake of her head, just as he pinned her with his puppy dog eyes.
"Really?" she said, giving him a pleading look, right back. "Come on, for me… please. You wanted to see my pictures, well, I wanna see you dance. I've never seen a real live ballerina in action. Let me live the dream woman!" Able pleaded, dropping to his knees in front of her. "Please, please, please, please!" He begged, clinging to her legs.
"Oh my God, okay yes, just get up, please!" Penny sighed out, glancing over at the man who still set lazily strumming the piano.
“Not even lying, that’s how he got me here.” He called over, a look on his face that said he wasn’t even trying to be funny. That in itself, had Penny cracking up as she looked back down at Able.
“So, you’ll do it then?” he questioned, his blue eyes hopeful.
“I said yes, just get up, oh my goodness. I can’t deal with you!” She laughed, trying to tug him up off the floor.
"Score! Here, take these off!” He ordered, tugging at her booted foot and almost knocking her over in the process.
Quickly, Penny gripped his muscled shoulders to balance herself, while Able pulled her boots free of her feet, tossing them in the seats below.
“Here, let me,” she offered, reaching for the slippers when she noticed confusion taking over Able’s handsome features.
“You freaking rock for doing this!”
“Ya ya, just go sit down or something. Your energy is
making me nervous." Penny giggled, and did so even harder as she watched him take a running leap off the stage, before finding a seat to slam himself, down into.
Able was so much like a child sometimes, yet, when she looked into his, soul searching blue eyes, it seemed as if he was a million years old. It was as if, he had two souls, trapped inside himself. One of which was fresh to life, the other, already having lived a hundred times over. A split soul is a beautiful mix, one you rarely get to see. Penny counted herself lucky to be laying witness to it.
Able watched on as she slowly made her way over to the edge of the stage. Gracefully, she took a seat, allowing her legs to dangle over the side. He couldn't take his eyes off her, as she slipped her socks off, one by one, and then began the process of lacing on the[E3] slippers he had brought for her. There was something very hypnotic in her actions. The way every move had a purpose. The simple task was captivating to watch. She was art, once again, making him look on in awe, wondering what it all meant.
Penny nibbled her lip as she finished lacing the ribbons of the slippers. On trembling legs, she pushed herself up into a standing position. It was weird, she had dan
ced in front of men a million times, danced naked for Christ sake, but for some reason, dancing in front of Able, had her belly in knots. She hadn't danced ballet in years, well, not in front of anyone, anyway. Her heart raced as she stretched her muscles, making her way over to the piano.
"Can you play something slow, maybe that picks up a little here and there, ya know, something with a little bit of feel to it?" She requested, hopeful that the man could give her something that she could work with.
"Yeah, I think I can do something like that."
He nodded, a little smirk creeping across his lips.
“Thanks,” Penny tossed the word over her shoulder, making her way to the center of the ancient stage.
Able was smiling like a fool from his place in the dilapidated seats below. He looked like he had just scored, front seat tickets, to the greatest show on earth. It made Penny grin and shake her head.
"You’re gonna owe me, big time, for this!" She informed with the point of her finger, and a narrow eye sent his way.
"Anything you want! You just name it!" he returned with a flirty wink.
The man really was a mystery. One second, he was stumbling all over himself, could barely look you in the eye, he seemed so shy, then, the next, he was looking at you like, a naughty demon, ready to fuck you for your soul. It wasn’t right, that two such totally different sides, could be making up the sum of just one man. It was like two masks that he wore. It made Penny want to rip them both off, just to see what he had going on under all of that.
"Yeah, well, I'm gonna hold you to that, just so you know." She informed with a hard nod.
"I hope, ya do; now, shut it, and get to the dancing, pretty girl!" He yelled out from his seat, straight heckler style with a large grin, plastered on his face.
Another deep breath and a little nod, sent the music man's way, had his fingers hitting the keys and her toes pointing out.
Able watched as Penny’s body began to move, soft flutters at first with gentle turns. He quickly found himself captivated by the muscles in her legs, watching as they flexed and gave with every move her agile body made. He watched on with wide blue eyes as she swirled in place, and turned in a way, that made his head spin right along with her. At times, she didn’t even seem to be touching down. It was as if she refused to believe in the concept of gravity, and therefore, it no longer existed for her being. She flew through the air, leaping from one spot to the next, barely making a sound as her feet touched back down on earth, time and again.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place Page 23
