by Hale, Beth
“Bitch,” Sarah snarled. She inclined her head then breezed past Emma and out the door.
Emma stared at her retreating back. Her heart
began to pound as truth sank in. She fumbled for her phone, dialed Jack’s number with trembling fingers.
It went to voicemail. She disconnected. She’d go to him, she decided, tell him in person. Beg his forgiveness.
The cab took her to Jack’s door, but no one answered. She gave her address and stared unseeing out the window. The driver had to tell her twice that she was home. Still distracted, she paid the fare and rushed inside.
Norah stepped out of the kitchen and took note of Emma’s flushed face and bright eyes. “Where’s the fish?” she asked mildly.
Buoyancy took over. Emma let out a delighted laugh and threw her arms around Norah. “You were right, you were all right,” she told her. “Jack didn’t sleep with her.” She released her hold and pressed her hands to her heart. “And I’m a fool and a coward and I love him so damn much. I have to tell him!”
“You can’t.”
“What?” She paused and gave Norah a searching look.
“Jack had to leave, go back to Germany. Thomas decided he wanted to reshoot scenes, the ones where they discuss Philippa’s dowry I think, so they went after the press conference.”
Her face fell. “No one told me.”
“We found out this morning. Thomas told us, I think when you were on the phone with David. And that means we’re not shooting here till they get back.”
Tears pricked hey eyelids. “I really wanted to see him, to tell him. To apologize. I called, but got voicemail.”
“Oh. He’s probably just busy. I know Thomas wanted the reshoot done quickly.”
Emma nodded, defeated for the moment. “When do you think they’ll be back?”
“Shouldn’t be more than two or three days. What made you change your mind?”
“I saw Sarah. Something she said made me wonder. When I led her into thinking I knew, she let it slip. My God! I should have listened to Jack, to all of you!” She unclipped her hair and ran frustrated fingers through it.
“When are you going to try calling again?”
“I’m not,” she decided. “I want—I need—to tell him to his face. I need to tell him I love him.”
“I’m glad it’s out, I’m glad you believe him. But, Emma, he’s seemed so…cold…these past couple of days. Do you think you can get him to listen?”
“I hope to God I can.”
She made her way upstairs. Her mind was buzzing, racing with thoughts. He’d been telling the truth! He hadn’t cheated, he hadn’t tossed her aside.
She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry.
She shed her clothes, left them lying in the floor, and crawled into her nightshirt. She pushed underneath the covers, her mind still doing circles.
She was beyond happy that he’d been true and beyond guilty for doubting him. Could he forgive her for not believing in him? Would he be angry that it took Sarah’s confession to persuade him? Oh God, she’d made a mess to things.
Emma turned onto her side then flopped onto her back. She had to talk to him; she didn’t know how she’d manage to wait. She rubbed her hands over her face. She’d never sleep tonight.
Everyone else had believed him, she thought. Was she that fucked up that she couldn’t see what they could?
As one hour slid into the next, all Emma could do was stare into the darkness and pray she could make it right.
Chapter 36
Emma got around to cooking Norah’s fish the next evening. She’d been beside herself all day, her emotions all over the place. She’d run the gauntlet from happy to sad, angry to scared, frustrated and back again. She’d cleaned the entire house and made a frenzied trip to the market.
Norah had patiently rode the roller coaster with her and now sat at the table watching her cook. She hoped to hell it would steady her a bit.
Emma scrubbed the potatoes, pierced them with a fork, and rolled them in a plate of coarse sea salt before wrapping them in foil.
“What’s that for?” Norah wanted to know.
“The salt gives the skin a nice crust, and some of the flavor gets inside so you get a better taste,” she explained as she slid them into the waiting oven. “I printed out the email confirming more delays on Jilted. David’s thinking it might get shelved indefinitely.”
“Hmm.” Norah plucked an olive from the bowl in front of her and popped it into her mouth. “I’ve decided to take a break if that happens.”
“What?” Emma put down her knife, clutched at her heart and pretended to stagger. “You? A break?”
“Cut it out,” Norah snickered. “I take breaks. Maybe not a lot,” she admitted. “I’ve worked pretty steady for four years. It’s time.”
“I agree with that.”
“I’ve also thought about slowing down, doing only one or two projects a year.”
“What?” Incredulous, Emma stared. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing. I’ve been thinking, though, that I’ve made my mark. I’ve made my money. I’m not going to quit; I’m just going to slow down.”
“Oh. Well, I can understand that.” She finished mincing the shallot and added it to the bowl before reaching for a bottle of honey.
“What are you doing now?”
“Making a honey mustard glaze for the salmon.”
“If it’s honey mustard, why did you put onion in it?”
“It’s not onion, it’s shallot. A milder flavor.” Emma’s eyes flicked to Norah’s as she began whisking. “Do you want cooking lessons?”
“Good God, no. Scrambled eggs and toast is all I can handle and I’m OK with that.” She laughed. “But I like watching you. You make it look so easy.”
Emma began spreading the glaze over the fish. “It’s not hard to learn,” she began, but trailed off as her phone signaled a new email. She hurriedly wiped her hands and opened it. “Yes!” she whooped, pumping a fist in the air. “They’re due back tomorrow morning at eight and Thomas wants us on the set at eleven.”
“Gonna corner him, huh?”
“First chance I get,” she confirmed. “Do you think he’ll forgive me?” she asked Norah for the thirteenth time.
“Jesus. Yes. I do. I know you’re worried honey, but you’re edging towards annoying.”
Emma blew out her breath. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I need a distraction.” She looked around, looked back at Norah. “There’s enough food for three. I’m calling James.”
***
“Thank Christ you called when you did,” James
said as he shrugged out of his coat and settled in a kitchen chair. “That woman is driving me batty. I pleaded a prior engagement that I couldn’t cancel just to get away from her when the phone rang.”
Emma raised her brows. “The one who is completely not your type?”
“Yes. And they’ve paired us together so that we can try and unravel the mess left behind from Gretson’s firing. An old associate,” he explained as he inched his fingers towards the platter of chocolate chip cookies.
“No.” Norah slapped his hand away and moved the platter out of reach. “Emma says no sweets before dinner. If I can’t have one, neither can you.”
“She’s mean,” he said to Norah.
“She is. But she’s a damn good cook, so weigh the pros and cons.”
James sighed, giving up on the cookie. “Lovely Emma, you sounded so happy when you called. I was glad to hear it.”
Emma gave him a brilliant smile as she brought the fish to the table. Norah came behind her, bearing potatoes and wine. “I know Jack was telling the truth,” she told him.
James started then grinned. “Well then, that’s a cause for celebration!”
“I know I’ve been a stubborn fool and that I have lots of people besides Jack to apologize to. Since I can’t talk to him till tomorrow, I’ll start with you two.”
Emma reached and
grasped Norah’s hand. “You stood by me and held my hand when I needed it. And then you told me how wrong I was when I needed that, too. I’m sorry I didn’t listen.”
Norah smiled, squeezed her hand. “It’s what
I’m here for, honey.”
“And you.” Emma turned to James, looked him in the eye. “You helped keep me from breaking that first week. You had ulterior motives, but you were a friend when I needed one. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen.”
“No worries.” He cleared his throat, scooped potato. Talks like this made him nervous. “So, did you have an epiphany?”
“No, actually, I saw Sarah.” Emma related the story.
“Ahhh…don’t get me wrong, Emma, I’m thrilled that you know. But don’t you think Jack will be upset that it took her to tell you before you’d believe?”
“Hello, Mr. Negative,” Norah muttered.
Emma just looked on calmly, neatly sectioning her fish into small bites with her fork. I have considered that,” she acknowledged quietly. “And I won’t blame him if he is. All I can do is explain how I felt and hope he loves me enough to forgive me. Because I love him. I love Jack Brandon with all my heart.” She smiled at James with hope shining in her eyes. “That has to be a point in my favor.”
James cupped her cheek. “If a woman looked at me like that, darling, I could forgive almost anything. Jack doesn’t stand a chance.”
***
After a restless night, Emma applied a careful layer of makeup, making sure the light shadows under her eyes were well-covered. She’d played tag with sleep, alternating between worry and excitement.
She stood staring into her closet, trying to decide on the perfect outfit.
“I swear, Emma, you’re taking forever,” Norah complained from her spot on the bed. “Even I don’t take this long. And the car will be here in ten minutes.”
“It’s easy for you. You can wear whatever because as soon as you get there, they put you in a costume. I, on the other hand, have to come up with that ‘I’m sorry, I love you, please forgive me’ look.”
“Just go naked. He likes you pretty well that way.”
Emma’s laugh rolled out. “I don’t want the ‘I’m a tramp, let’s make out’ look.”
Norah walked over and began pushing hangers. “This,” she said, “and this.” She handed the hangers to Emma. “And those boots.” She shoved the black, calf length boots out and closed the door.
Emma shed her robe and slipped the shell pink shirt over her head while Norah found a pair of patterned tights. She struggled into those then zipped up the soft black skirt that hit just above her knees. She stepped into the boots and eyed herself critically.
“Well?” she asked.
Norah pursed her lips and circled. She untucked the shirt. “Leave it like this; it adds a little of the ‘I was in such a hurry to see you’ vibe. And leave your hair down. It makes you look more vulnerable.”
“Well, OK, but—“
“And we’ll darken your eyeshadow a bit, make the green really stand out.” She darted into the bathroom and came back with a cosmetic case.
Emma rolled her eyes. “I’m not trying to trap him.”
“Aren’t you?” Norah replied mildly as she
brushed more color over Emma’s lids.
Emma paused. “Well, I guess I am, in a way,” she considered with a grin.
Norah stepped back and nodded. “Perfect,” she claimed, kissing her fingers. “I am the outfit queen.”
“You are,” Emma agreed when she looked in the mirror. She grabbed her bag of supplies and prepared to face her future.
Chapter 37
They found Jack and Roger in the middle of a conversation. “All I need is thirty minutes.”
Norah nodded. “I can do diva for thirty. Go get ‘em.” She patted Emma’s arm and walked away.
Emma spotted Alison on the sidelines and made a beeline. “Can we talk for a minute?”
“I should say no.”
“You’re right, you should. But I’m asking you to listen.”
Alison sighed. “Yes?”
“Would you walk with me towards the dressing rooms?” She held up her bag. “This is really heavy.”
With a shrug, Alison fell into step with Emma. “What’s in there?”
“Mood enhancers.”
“Excuse me?”
Emma made sure they were far enough away from the set to not be overheard before stopping. She drew in a breath, let it out. “OK. To keep it short—for now—I want to tell you I believe Jack. I finally believe.” She held up a hand at Alison’s smile and bounce of excitement. “I’m ashamed I didn’t see it from the start and I apologize for doubting him.”
Alison shook her head, gripped Emma’s hand. “It’s forgotten, it’s nothing. I’m so, so glad. But why?”
Emma shook her head. “Too much to get into now. This,” she shook the bag as the continued down the hall, “is to help me set the stage. If you’ll please let me into Jack’s dressing room, I’ll set it up.”
“What’s in there?”
“Candles, champagne, maybe a few rose petals.”
“Rose petals?” Alison giggled.
“Yeah, you know. For romance. I’ve never
begged anyone for forgiveness before, so I’m kinda winging it here.” Emma grinned and shrugged.
“You’re doing beautifully.” Alison opened the door and they stepped inside. Emma began unloading her bag as Alison helped. They placed candles, scattered petals. She poured ice into a bucket and Emma wedged the bottle of champagne into it. The light vanilla of the candles mixed with the soft fragrance of rose petals and perfumed the air.
Alison sniffed delicately. “This is brilliant,” she decided, surveying their work. She threw Jack’s coat in the closet and nodded. “Perfect. If I ever need to do a wow apology for Jacob, I know what to do.”
Emma laughed and nervously patted her hair. “Do I look OK?”
“You look wonderful. And, Emma? I’m glad you’ve come around. But if you hadn’t, I’d have found a way to beat it into you.”
“Come on, let’s go. The longer I stand here the more scared I get. I’m going to see if I can talk him into coming back here with me.”
“I have faith. Oh—and I have gossip to share, after. Namely that toad Marcus failed to get his much-bragged about role.” Emma nodded as Alison gently closed the door.
Halfway down the hall, Emma skidded to a stop. “Glasses!” she panicked. “I forgot glasses for the champagne. This has to be perfect.” She dug into her skirt pocket, produced a key. “There’s some in Norah’s room. I’m going to get them, take them to Jack’s room. Will you go let Norah know everything’s on track? She’s playing diva, stalling a bit for me,” she explained. “I’ll be right behind you.”
Alison nodded and went on while Emma turned and headed the opposite way.
***
Emma grabbed two flutes and hit the lights. She closed the door behind her and began hurrying down the hall. She fumbled the key and swore when it fell to the floor.
When she bent to pick it up, she felt a hard hand smooth over her butt. Startled, she straightened and spun around. “Marcus,” she gasped. “You—you scared me.” Her mouth went a little dry at the cold smile he gave her.
“I didn’t get the part,” he said in a carefully controlled voice.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I really am. But—“
“There’s always a but,” he interrupted, stepping closer. “With everything. Well, by God, I’ m done with that.”
He reached out, fast as lightening, and grasped her hips, pulling her into him. His hands gripped her painfully. “This is a nice ass. I saw you wiggling it at me, pretending you didn’t see me.”
Emma struggled against his hold and managed to step back. “You’re upset,” she soothed. “Let me get you some water, and—“
He yanked her back and forced her lips to his. Emma made a sound of protest and fought to free herself. He re
leased her and she stumbled back. She swiped a hand over her mouth. “Look, I’m going to go. We’ll forget about this and I’ll find Roger for you.”
“Fuck that old man,” Marcus told her in a hard
voice. “He won’t even let me stay on with him. And fuck forgetting. It’s time you stopped playing so goddamn hard to get.”
When Emma turned to flee, Marcus laughed and grabbed her arm. He hauled her around so hard that Emma felt a searing pain radiate in her shoulder and she cried out. The crystal glasses she’d held onto fell to the floor and shattered.
She dug her heels in and swung at him with her free arm. He just laughed again and dragged her further down the hall and into an unlocked room.
***
Alison made it back to the group and gave Norah a nod. Norah sidled up to her a few minutes later and asked, “What’s the deal?”
Alison shrugged. “I don’t know. She was right behind me.” She kept shooting glances at the double doors leading to the hall.
***
Marcus shoved Emma into the room ahead of him and fumbled for the light switch. Pale yellow light flooded the room and his smile made Emma shiver.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Giving you what you’ve been asking me for.” His eyes glittered. “You’ve teased me long enough, Emma. Let’s have a kiss now.”
“You’re bat shit crazy!” It slipped out and
Emma clapped a hand over her mouth in dismay. She
didn’t want to piss him off. Her eyes darted, looking
for a way to get past him. The room was filled with
dust and old props.
“I’ve watched you, saw how you gave it up to all the others. And I saw you looking at me, teasing me, making me wonder when it would be my turn.”
“No. No. I never meant—“
“Shut up,” he snapped. “Don’t fucking lie about it anymore!”
She swallowed her fear and tried again. “You’re upset. Let’s go, you and me, and we’ll find Roger. We’ll both talk to him.”
