No Matter What

by Michelle Betham

  ***

  Kenny found Vince outside on the terrace of the breakfast restaurant reading the morning’s business pages. He sat down opposite him, sitting back in his chair.

  “Did you know she was here in Vegas?”

  Vince looked up over the top of his paper. “Did I know who was in Vegas?”

  “Charley.”

  Vince felt his stomach turn over and he put the paper down, folding it up and placing it on the table, calmly pouring himself a coffee. “Do you want one?”

  “No, I don’t want a coffee, I want to know if you knew that Charley Miles was here in Vegas.”

  “Why would I know, Kenny?”

  Kenny leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he looked at Vince. “Because you’re practically Mr Las Vegas, Vince, there’s not much you don’t know about this town.” He sat back again, folding his arms. “And because she was in your hotel last night.”

  Vince knew time was up on the secrecy now. He was only glad it had been Kenny that had seen Charley first and not India.

  “Did you see her?” Vince asked.

  “Yes, I saw her. In the bar.”

  “Did she see you?”

  “No.”

  Vince sat back in his chair and looked straight at Kenny. “She works here. She’s a showgirl.”

  “She works here?”

  “She has done for a while now. I didn’t employ her, Kenny, I own the hotel but I don’t make the decisions on who works in every area of the place. Apparently she’s been in Vegas for years now.”

  “You do know India’s bound to find out about this, don’t you?”

  “I know,” he sighed, part of him relieved the truth was now coming out, and part of him terrified of the knock-on effects this would undoubtedly cause. “Look ... there’s something else you need to know.”

  Vince didn’t want to tell him this, not really, because he didn’t want his relationship with Charley to change. It was good, it was what he needed and he was scared that everything coming out in the open was going to alter that, but it was time for the truth now. He didn’t know how India was going to take this news, he had no idea how she felt about it all because she never talked about it anymore, but he hoped that whatever she felt, it wouldn’t affect what he now had with Charley.

  Kenny was looking at Vince expectantly, waiting for whatever it was that he had to tell him.

  “Charley ... well, me and Charley we’re ... she doesn’t just work here, Kenny. We’re seeing each other. We’re together.”

  Kenny couldn’t say anything for a few seconds while he took it all in. “You and Charley? You’re an item?”

  Vince nodded. “It just happened, Kenny. And it’s not just some fling, it really isn’t. We’ve been together for a good while now and I think ... I think I’m falling in love with her.”

  Kenny couldn’t help laughing. “What? Vince Maine, in love? You are joking, aren’t you?”

  But Vince was deadly serious, and Kenny could see that. India was going to love this one.

  “You’re not joking, are you? Jesus, Vince ...”

  “I don’t know where it’s going, Kenny, or what the future’s going to bring, all I know is that I want to give this a chance. She’s changed so much. She’s really got her life back on track and she’s making a go of things.”

  “Of that I’ve got no doubt.”

  Vince took a deep breath. “And she wants to talk to India.”

  Kenny looked up sharply. “Can’t promise you that’ll happen.”

  Vince leaned forward, clasping his hands together. “Do you know how she feels about Charley? Has she said anything to you, anything at all over these past few years?”

  “Not really, no. She kind of just stopped talking about it altogether and no-one really wanted to push her. There was no need. Until now. Because we can’t really hide it now, can we?”

  “No. We can’t.” Vince pushed a hand through his hair and leaned back again. “I should have said something sooner, especially with you filming here, but I stupidly thought I could keep it a secret.”

  “You were never going to be able to do that forever, Vince.”

  “Well, it isn’t common knowledge to anyone, Kenny, so keep it quiet. It’s what both me and Charley want, for now.”

  “India needs to know.”

  “I know she does.”

  “You should tell her. It should come from you.”

  “I know. And I will tell her, I promise. I will.”

  Kenny stood up, pushing his chair back under the table, looking at Vince. “Do it soon, Vince. Because if you don’t tell her she’s going to find out for herself, just like I did, and then I can’t promise what her reaction will be.”

  Vince watched him walk away, knowing he was right. He shouldn’t have kept it a secret at all. The minute he’d seen Charley he should have told them. He just hoped with all his heart that he hadn’t left it too late.

  ***

  “And before you ask, no, I’m not going out tonight. I’m staying in, having a nice hot bath and sitting in front of the TV,” India smiled at Kenny as he joined her in make-up.

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek, quickly ruffling her hair because he knew it annoyed her. “Lightweight. We’ve had bigger nights out than that.”

  “Then I must be getting old.”

  He leaned back against the counter and folded his arms, smiling. “Nah. You’ll never get old, India.”

  “Tell me that again when I’m seventy. And you look annoyingly alert by the way. I hate you.”

  He grinned at her. “That’s because I didn’t get married and turn into a total bore. I can take my drink and survive on two hours sleep a night.”

  “You’re such a pro, Kenny Ross.”

  “It’s a talent.”

  “Shut up,” she laughed. “Do you want to come over tonight then?”

  “Is your shadow going to be there?” he asked, examining a can of hairspray.

  “If you mean Bobby, no, he won’t. He’s off out with friends tonight so you’re safe. Are you going to come over then?”

  “I might as well. Got nothing better to do.”

  She kicked his ankle and laughed again. “Don’t make it sound like I’m doing you a favour. I can quite happily amuse myself you know.”

  He smiled at her and she smiled back, loving every second of the back and forth banter.

  “I’ll be over about ten then. Once filming’s finished, ok?” He leaned over and kissed her quickly.

  “Ok,” she said, watching him leave, every female eye in the make-up trailer following him.

  “Right then, India. That’s you all done,” Scott, her favourite hairstylist and make-up artist smiled. “Stunning, as usual.”

  “Only because you guys are nothing short of magicians,” India said, getting up and kissing him on the cheek. “Let’s face it, I looked like crap this morning. I wasn’t an easy job.” She checked herself out in the mirror. No sign of the bags under the eyes or the limp hair that had been there when she’d arrived.

  “Worth his weight in gold, isn’t he?” Bobby smiled, winking at Scott as he walked over to her, carrying a pile of papers and a bar of her favourite chocolate. “Because you weren’t looking good an hour ago. Here, shove this in your mouth and get out on set. I told you if you wouldn’t eat I’d be nagging you so you were warned.”

  She sighed and took the chocolate from him.

  “And stop with the sighs. If Mr Walsh thought I wasn’t looking after you ...”

  “Mr Walsh knows I can look after myself. Do you want a bit?”

  She handed him some chocolate as they walked out of the trailer, making their way over to the hotel gardens where that morning’s filming was taking place.

  “You need to make a few ‘phone calls this afternoon, angel. You need to call your agent regarding some modelling work and there’s news of another movie in the pipeline they want you to try for, and a few magazines want to talk to you about this movie you�
��re doing with Kenny. They’re quite happy to come to Vegas but, if you’re going to be in L.A. next week, you might be able to do one or two of them then ...”

  But India wasn’t listening anymore. Her attention was elsewhere as she watched someone walk through the hotel lobby, smiling and waving at people as she went and, as a thousand bad memories came flooding back into her mind, she realised there was no way they could avoid each other now. She was face to face with Charley. And she had no idea what to do.

  CHAPTER 37

  Although Bobby had only been working with India for a couple of years he was still all too aware of the history concerning Charley Miles, ex-porn queen and

  ex-best friend of his employer, although he thought of India as much more than just his boss. She was his friend; he loved her, and as he watched what was happening here, watched as India and Charley came face to face for the first time in heaven knows how many years, he took India’s hand and squeezed it tight.

  She was rooted to the spot, she wasn’t moving, just staring at Charley who, to any on-looker, seemed just like a very pretty dark haired girl who was about to approach India to say hello, but Bobby knew it was much more than that. These two had a past.

  India was just grateful that Bobby was there. She couldn’t believe she was looking at Charley, right there in front of her, looking just like she remembered her from the days when they’d been closer than sisters. The beautiful dark hair, cascading over her shoulders, her face pretty and radiant. She’d looked happy, until she’d set eyes on India.

  “Do you want to leave, angel?” Bobby asked quietly, giving her hand another squeeze and India shook her head, still staring at Charley as she came closer.

  This was a face she hadn’t thought she’d ever see again, a face she hadn’t even thought about for years now. It had never seemed important. She’d never thought she’d ever be in this situation so, what did she do now?

  Charley had never felt so nervous or so sick, so unsure of what to do. She approached India slowly, looking at her, looking at how she’d changed. She looked every inch the Hollywood movie star. She was absolutely stunning and Charley couldn’t take her eyes off her. They’d been so close once, the closest of friends and yet now - now she felt as though she was just some fan trying to grab a quick hello. The detachment she felt was almost depressing.

  “India ...”

  India shook her head again, holding tightly onto Bobby’s hand, wishing this wasn’t happening. She really had no idea what to do. All she knew was that she didn’t want this to be happening here, not here, where photographers were everywhere and the public were well within view.

  “I can’t do this, Charley,” she said quietly. “Not here. Don’t ask me to do this here.”

  “Can we ...can we just talk? Please, India …”

  “I can’t, Charley. I just can’t.” She felt tears start to well up in her eyes and all of a sudden she just wanted to find a quiet corner and call Michael. She turned to Bobby and he got the message, leading her away from the scene before anything that could attract attention happened, leaving Charley more confused than ever. But she was sure she’d seen something in India’s eyes, something that had given Charley hope, no matter how slight. And all she could do was cling onto that.

  “Have you got my ‘phone, Bobby?”

  Bobby rummaged about in his bag, pulling out her ‘phone and handing it to her. “Can I get you anything else, angel?” he asked, as they approached the set.

  She shook her head. “No. I’m fine.” She looked at him and smiled a smile of reassurance. “Really Bobby. I’m fine. It was just a bit of a shock, that’s all, seeing her again, after all this time. It wasn’t something I’d expected to happen, especially not here. It wasn’t something I’d ever really planned for. But I’m fine.”

  “If you’re sure you’re alright,...”

  She kissed him quickly, hugging him. “I’m alright. I just want a couple of minutes alone.”

  “To call Mr Walsh?”

  She smiled again. “Yeah. To call Mr Walsh.”

  Bobby left her to it, and she knew he’d do his job of making sure nobody disturbed her for a few minutes. She just wanted to hear Michael’s voice, then she’d be fine.

  He picked up after a few seconds, but he sounded stressed and her stomach fell. He wasn’t going to be in the mood for this, was he? He was probably busy and here she was calling him just because she’d seen someone from her past that she never thought she’d see again. She was an adult, she should be able to deal with this without running to him all the time but, she just really wanted to hear his voice. What was so wrong with that?

  “Michael?”

  “Hey, kiddo. How you doing today?” His voice changed in that instant and she breathed a sigh of relief.

  “I’m not disturbing you am I?”

  “No, you’re fine, honey; we’re just setting up for something. I’ve got a few minutes, I’m in my trailer. .. is something wrong? You sound a bit, I don’t know, flustered.”

  “I’ve just seen Charley. Here, in Vegas. In the hotel.”

  “Charley? Jesus ... are you ok?”

  “I’m fine. I’m ok, of course I’m ok. It was a shock but I’m fine.” She closed her eyes for a second, still trying to take in what had just happened. “I couldn’t say anything, Michael. I couldn’t speak to her, I couldn’t get the words out. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “Do you know what she’s doing there? I mean, does Vince know she’s in the hotel?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t know anything. I only saw her seconds ago … she wanted to speak to me but I couldn’t do it.”

  “Do you want to speak to her?”

  She felt the tears start to fall down her face as all the memories came flooding back. Memories of her brother, of him lying there in that hospital bed with the machines and the tubes and the heartbreak of watching them turn it off, the memory of lying there holding him as he took his final breath, all because he’d wanted to save Charley. The memory of losing her and Michael’s baby, the agonising pain they’d all felt over losses they couldn’t control and she just wanted Michael to hold her and he couldn’t and that hurt.

  “Baby? Are you ok? India, honey, are you ok?”

  “It’s the memories, Michael. She’s brought back all those memories and … and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Jesus, India, don’t cry, please, don’t cry. I’ll call Vince, I’ll find out what the fuck’s going on but, please try and stay strong, baby. Try and stay strong. For me. Please.”

  She took a deep breath and tried to stop the tears, at least until she was off the ‘phone. She really shouldn’t have called him but he was the only person she’d wanted to talk to. Now she had to pull herself together and get on with things, until she worked out just what it was she was going to do next.

  Michael snapped his ‘phone shut and leaned forward, putting his head in his hands. He was angry. He was fucking angry. There was enough shit going on here in L.A. with Layla Boyd and now this with India and Charley. He’d though that was all behind them, he’d thought they were moving forward. Oh, he wasn’t angry with Charley as such, not really, she had as much right as anyone to be in Las Vegas. No, he was angry with himself for not being with his wife when she needed him. He knew the things India would be feeling, he knew that night she’d tried so hard to put behind her would start to haunt her again – the night her brother had died. The night she’d lost their baby.

  He stood up, kicking the chair he’d been sitting on, banging his fist down hard on the table in sheer frustration. He didn’t want her remembering the past, remembering the pain of losing a baby. He wanted her to feel the joy of knowing a new life was on the way and how could he start to help her get her head around that when this was happening? When he wasn’t with her. And what made it so much worse was knowing who was there. The one person he didn’t need anywhere near India when she was emotional and fragile. Kenny Ross.

  ***

 
“It just happened, Vince. I couldn’t do anything about it. I couldn’t avoid it, she was just there. Please don’t be angry with me.”

  “Jesus, Charley, I’m not angry with you, sweetheart, I’m angry with myself. I should have said something a lot earlier, it was stupid and naïve of me to think that this wouldn’t happen eventually. Kenny warned me.”

  She looked at him. “Kenny knows I’m here?”

  Vince nodded. “He saw you the other night, in one of the bars. He knows everything. About us. About us being together.”

  “Vince ...”

  “Come on, Charley, I had to tell him. It’s all this secrecy that’s got us where we are now. It had to come out sometime. I only wish it hadn’t been this way.”

  Charley sat down. She felt drained, dejected even. “She wouldn’t even talk to me, Vince. It was like she was looking at a stranger. It was horrible.”

  Vince crouched down in front of her, taking her hands in his. This wasn’t a situation he wanted either Charley or India to have to go through but they were in it now, and it was something they were going to have to deal with.

  “She went through a lot, Charley. Oh, I know you did too, baby, I know you did too, but India ...it hit her so hard. But she doesn’t blame you for anything. I know she doesn’t.”

  “Doesn’t she?”

  He shook his head. “No, she doesn’t. But you have to understand that you’re a reminder, that’s all. A reminder of everything that happened that night. It almost broke her, Charley, it took so much out of her and it took her a long time to get over it. It almost cost her and Michael their relationship.”