Scheming and Dreaming in Los Angeles

by Donna Del Oro

  “No problem,” he said evenly. “There’s no harm in making friends. I was just flirting a little.”

  Tess swiped the card key. Viciously. Making friends? Ha!

  Aaron followed her in. “Man, this isn’t like you. You’re behaving like a petty, jealous first date.”

  Angrily, Tess turned her back to him and shed her rhinestone earrings, choker and bracelet, then plucked the pins out of her hairdo. Her dark red locks cascaded over one shoulder. “I’m not jealous. Just tired and hungry. And I can’t eat this late. It’ll go straight to my hips and thighs.” Behind her, she heard him growl something barely audible. Not sure what he said, she nevertheless hissed, “I heard that.”

  “So what, I said it in German. Since when do you speak German?”

  “Aaron Peterson, you’re just an insufferable show off. I’ll have you know, I’m learning Spanish. So…chinga tu mismo.”

  He barked a laugh. “Whoa, you getting your Spanish from south central L.A.?”

  Reluctantly, she chuckled. “From Porter’s gardener. I gave him a list of English sentences for him to translate. The ones I thought would come in handy. So how do you know Spanish?”

  “God, Red, you can’t live in L.A. and not pick it up.”

  “Especially if you go to the bars where the chicas hang out.” Reaching behind and up, she tried to unhook her gown but couldn’t. “Please, undo me. Por favor, pendejo.”

  “For Pete’s sake,” he grumbled, but nevertheless came over eagerly and ran his eyes down her back. “That dress is amazing.”

  The black-velvet sheath had a slit on the side that ran from her ankle to the top of her left thigh. At one point during their performance, she’d perched on a stool and crossed her legs, exposing a lot of leg, up to her thigh.

  “I noticed you missed almost a full measure while you gawked—”

  “Yes, sorry about that. I was caught off-guard…well, now that I know what that dress can do, I’ll be prepared. Won’t let you—uh, it distract me.”

  “I hope it had the desired effect on the men in the audience.”

  “They’d have to be dead or comatose…”

  They chuckled together and as usual, all was well between them. “Aw, Skin, you know how to please a girl.”

  She heard him blow on his fingers to warm them up before he touched her bare back. That little act of kindness dissipated the residual irritation she’d felt. The brush of his hand on her flesh sent a shiver down her spine. Her heartbeat sped up. Perplexing reaction, she noted. She must be more tired than she realized, or too wound up. A good night’s sleep was what she needed to put everything in proper perspective.

  As the zipper eased away, he stepped aside, but she could sense his eyes on her. She wasn’t wearing a bra underneath the gown’s bodice, so she clasped the front to her and undressed behind the room divider, in the tiny alcove between the open closet and the bathroom. She quickly hung the lovely gown next to all of her others. Her outfits crammed the entire width of the closet, leaving barely a foot-width of space for Aaron’s tux and the rest of his clothes. In silk pajamas, she called out, “Okay, you can get that penguin suit off and hang it up. I made some room for you.”

  “Gee, thanks,” was his surly comment as he looked at his foot-width of space in the closet. He’d undressed and stood naked, except for a pair of black briefs, which molded to his groin and butt like a second skin. He bent over and stowed away his dress shoes, then reached up to hang the black tux and collarless, white dress shirt.

  Wow, Skin had a gorgeous male body. Every surface was firm and muscular. His bare skin glowed with youth and health. So different from Porter’s middle-aged body.

  “Getting an eye full?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I’m admiring the black and gold buttons on your dress shirt. I like that shirt. No collar, no tie, just those great buttons. It suits you.” Feeling foolish and wanting to remove herself from his close, alpha male presence, Tess tucked herself into the bathroom. There was room for only one person. Or two people sandwiched together. “You want to shower mornings or nights?”

  “Mornings.” He turned around and opened his mouth, about to say something more when she closed the door behind her.

  “Good, I prefer nights.” She disrobed completely and stepped into the shower. “We might just get along on this cruise after all,” she called out.

  “Don’t count on it! Hey, I need to use the john…” The rest of his remark was drowned out by the gushing shower nozzle. The hot needles of water refreshed her and soothed her all at once. She reflected upon the evening’s impromptu performance. Everything had gone fairly well, thanks to Aaron’s ability to cue off her tempo and dynamics. Their musical connection was almost telepathic. He was truly the best pianist she’d ever worked with.

  The bathroom door opened. She squealed a protest behind the opaque shower curtain as Aaron stepped in and relieved himself at the toilet, his back to her.

  “So vulgar! So typical!”

  “No big deal, Red. I’ve seen yours and you’ve seen mine.”

  “Yeah, when we were kids!”

  “Not kids. Teenagers. You’re just scared you won’t be able to resist me.”

  Soon over her surprise, she had to laugh out loud at his brashness. Whatever happened to the shy, irresistible teenaged boy she’d fallen so hard for many eons ago?

  “I’ll try to restrain myself,” she replied. When he shook the shower curtain, she warned, “You come in here and I’ll turn you into a falsetto.” She stifled a giggle and turned her back to the curtain…just in case.

  In reply, he mumbled something and flicked off the light. She heard the door close. Plunged into darkness, she yelped and swore. “Skin!” She reached out and turned the light back on.

  Oh, God…they were back in high school.

  She recalled as if it were yesterday how they tamped down their lust for each other with teasing, insulting remarks. Then, that one summer, their lust erupted and they’d come close to consummating their little romance. While traveling around the state and performing at a variety of county fairs, she and Skin had found some privacy one night behind a stage. Then Mac discovered them, naked from the waist down and going at it. He knew what an affair would do to the Petersons, knew their plans for their only child. Aaron was going off to college in one month. He didn’t need a pregnant teenaged girl—a foster teen—to keep him from fulfilling his dreams…and theirs. Mac was wise to stop them.

  Toweling off, she redressed in her pajamas. The memory of that summer still cut deeply, even after all these years. For the first time in her life that summer, Tess saw herself as others, more privileged, saw her. A pretty but pathetic girl with singing talent, but not much else. No family, no home, not much of a student—nothing. When Aaron wrote to her from college, she didn’t answer back. Mac had warned her to leave him alone, let him grow up, let them both grow up. Years later, when Aaron returned to L.A. and looked her up, she made it clear that they were to remain only friends. She already had a boyfriend—a wannabe movie actor—a tight circle of friends, performers who’d never made it big, but circulated around the night clubs and bars, occasionally doing small parts in films and TV. They’d all coveted the mansions in the hills and along the seashore and waited for their big breaks.

  Tess was almost twenty-nine. She was no longer willing to wait. Opportunities like Porter arose only once in a lifetime. She was convinced of that.

  The lamp on the table between their two beds spilled a small circle of light while the rest of the room was in deep shadow. Aaron was in his bed, facing the wall, his bare back, shoulders and arms visible, the covers resting at his waist. She studied him for a long moment while she made her way to her bed. Though his eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow and steady, she knew he wasn’t asleep. He was good at faking it, though.

  Impulsively, she crossed over to him and leaned over. Without thinking, she planted a quick, dry kiss on his warm cheek while she patted his bare should
er.

  “You did great tonight. I flubbed a couple of songs and you covered nicely, jumping in to sing while I recovered. You made it sound like we’d planned it. Thanks.”

  He grunted softly, something that sounded like, “my job.”

  “Y’know, I rarely say it, but I’m proud of your musical abilities. And I’m glad you talked me into this gig. Could turn out to be fun…”

  Sensing he was in no mood to talk, Tess withdrew to her bed and climbed in under the coverlet. She settled on her side, too, but faced Aaron’s bed. His long form held her attention for a moment before she turned off the bedside lamp. It was obvious that Aaron was a fine male specimen. Too bad he lived from paycheck to paycheck. Probably always would. Trouble was, he seemed content to live that way. What did he tell her once? Happiness isn’t about getting what you want, it’s about appreciating what you have. He was always spouting maxims like that. Words to live by, he said.

  Still, occasionally she sensed he was lonely. If he wanted a wife and family someday, he’d have to marry rich. Or, at least, find a woman who was willing to support him and his impossible musical dreams. Or, like Tess’ friends, get a big break someday.

  Even in the darkness, the five-carat diamond solitaire of her engagement ring reflected and flashed a little ambient light, seeping under the window drape from the exterior ship lights. Beautiful diamond! She’d never had anything so lovely, so expensive in her life! It symbolized the kind of life she’d wanted for so long.

  Funny, though, she hadn’t even checked her cell phone for messages to see if Porter had called. Gradually, an uncomfortable thought wormed its way into her mind. This cruise gig…she’d needed it desperately to escape—not so much the routine at Porter’s club, but to escape from him. The man she was going to marry in one month.

  What was wrong with that picture?

  Chapter Four

  On the second morning of Tess’ “escape”, she awoke to the pungent, soul-saving aroma of coffee. A tray holding a carafe of hot coffee, pitchers of cream and sugar, and a plate of muffins and fruit sat on a small table between the two beds.

  They’d spent their first day at sea, sailing down the Baja California coast. A workout at the gym in the morning was followed by rehearsals, dinner, and then their Duet sets. Their lounge show had gone off without a glitch, but the lounge was only half filled. Still, the ship’s crew had expertly prepared the staging, sound and equipment hookups so that all Aaron had to do was sit down at the piano and synthesizer and begin playing. All she had to do was turn on the mic, her voice and charm. Easy as her club show. She loved it.

  Later, in high spirits they joined some entertainers and crew on the disco floor in the Sky Club. It was a bar-dance club on the highest deck in the bow of the ship. You had to take an escalator to get there. They’d traded stories and dance steps with the entertainers and had a great time. Tess had missed that kind of carefree fun with people her own age.

  She rolled to her side and smiled drowsily. While sitting on his bed, Aaron hunched over the tray table and poured cream into his cup of black coffee. He shot her a grin as she sat up. Already dressed in tank top and khaki shorts, he handed her a cup.

  “As a treat, we’re having breakfast every morning in bed—well, not exactly in bed, but close enough. You know what I mean. I can order cereal or something else if you prefer. Dig in, Red.”

  Hiding her amazement and pleasure, Tess swung her legs over and joined in. Grudgingly, she said, “This is…kind and gentlemanly of you. You must be getting this free…” The hazelnut flavor was divine, prompting her to close her eyes briefly to savor the infusion of warmth and caffeine into her exhausted body.

  “Hey, I’m not a total tightwad.” She bestowed him with a knowing smile. “And yes, I talked them into throwing in breakfast in the cabin instead of having to join the crowd up there.” His blue eyes indicated the upper deck buffet lines. “So you can’t take the partying anymore?”

  She gave him a rueful chuckle. “You gave up before I did. You were making some serious moves on the floor with cutesy Sherry. Then you disappeared. You have fun in the sack with her?” Her wise-ass smile froze on her face. She was always amazed at how quickly women fell into bed with him. Then Tess glanced over his wide, square shoulders, his handsome face and boyish haircut. Yep, he could charm the pants off any single chick with a heartbeat.

  With a bland expression, he tore one bran muffin in two and slathered butter on both halves. “She said she felt tired, so I walked her to her cabin, had to disengage myself from a sticky situation…if you know what I mean. She wanted something I didn’t. Anyway, afterwards Daniel collared me for an all-guy poker game. You were wiggling with what’s-his-name on the dance floor. Why? You checking up on me?”

  “Of course not. Just want to know you’re safe…and not doing something stupid.”

  “Oh, okay. Sounds like Cheech advising Chong.”

  “Funny, Skin. Least I’m careful about the men I sleep with. I check them out first, like I did with Porter. You better be careful. You never know if some outraged boyfriend’s on the ship who might throw you overboard. And you’re no good to me as fish food.”

  He snuffled a chuckle. “Well, thanks for the sentiment. Glad to know you consider me a swaggering stud of testosterone.”

  “Also, lay off the women passengers. Lots of couples on this ship. Angry husbands could give you a burial at sea, too. You’ve gotta suck it up, Skin, and stay celibate on this cruise. May be hard for you, you’re such a chick magnet.”

  This time, Aaron looked less than pleased. “Yeah? This magnet sure doesn’t work with some women I know.”

  “It’s working with cutesy Sherry. But she’s too young for you, Skin. You’ll break her heart and then we’ll get in trouble with Daniel. You might want to do this gig again. Y’know, when money gets low. So keep it in your pants.”

  His expression was stormy. He puffed out air and shook his head. “So like you, always expecting the worst from people. The worst from me…” His mouth stuffed with muffin, he commenced to chew silently and contemplate his cloth napkin.

  His last comment compelled her silence. Maybe he was right. She did expect the worst…after all, that’s what she’d learned as a child. Never get your hopes up because the new foster family might be worse, more venal, than the last. She and Mac endured three foster homes during middle and high schools, each family more concerned over their monthly stipends than the two vulnerable human beings they were entrusted to care for.

  “I’m sorry, Skin. It’s not you…it’s me. Guess I’m damaged goods.” She shrugged philosophically. As usual, there was no point in dwelling on her difficult childhood. You could never change your past, but you sure as hell could change your future. She shot him a bright smile. “So what’s on the agenda today? You going to shore? Cabos is a sleepy Mexican fishing village-turned-tourist trap. It’s relaxing, though, and the water’s great.”

  “That’s right. Porter brought you here in February. Whale watching?” The ironic smile he flashed her dripped with sarcasm.

  She wondered how he remembered such a detail about her comings and goings with Porter. Among other qualities, Aaron had a prodigious memory. But she did want to set him straight about her and Porter’s trip. They didn’t spend their whole time in bed, if that’s what he was implying. She wasn’t a total ditsy redhead.

  “We did. Watch whales, I mean. In Spanish, ‘ballenas jorobadas’ or humpback whales. It was exciting to get up so close to them. They’ve migrated back up to Alaska, so you won’t see them today.”

  He smiled drily. “I know. Your Spanish isn’t bad.”

  “I took a class at Cal State this year. You’ve always said it’s important to know a foreign language. Spanish is the second most widely used language in California and in the entire country. Now I can speak a little with Porter’s maid and gardener.”

  “Well, good for you,” he said in mock seriousness. “Porter must be so proud.”

  Furr
owing her brow, she scowled at him. He was mocking her. Maybe she didn’t go to college like Aaron, but she was certainly capable of learning more and improving her mind. She’d even joined a book club hosted by the wife of a business associate of Porter’s. The local librarian had recommended a list of bestselling novels that Tess was reading. And she was watching the business cable channel so that she could learn about investing money. After all, it was vital that she fit into Porter’s world of smart, rich, savvy business people.

  For the hundredth time, she wondered why Aaron disliked Porter so much. He wasn’t jealous, so it must be the money he envied. If that was so, why didn’t Aaron do more film scores in Hollywood, where the big bucks were for composers? Oh well…Aaron had to pursue his own dream of musical theater. She couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t give it up.

  She sighed and ate half a muffin. Without butter, the calories were minimal and she’d work them off today, anyway. Tess finished one cup of black coffee and popped a cube of watermelon into her mouth. Hmm, delicious, juicy and practically no calories. Today, the ship was anchored in the bay of Cabo San Lucas. To SoCal natives, beautiful, sunny and hot Cabos was the “it” place to go, where drinks and massages were sweet and plentiful and the Sea of Cortez beckoned like a glittery jewel.

  “What’re you doing today? Going to shore?” she repeated.

  “Yep. I wanna do some snorkeling, maybe try some scuba,” he said. His eyes lit upon her for a second before downing the rest of his coffee. “Want to join me?”

  She heard his invitation, but didn’t want to see his disappointed face, so she studied her nails instead.

  “Can’t. Would love to, but I booked a four-hour spa visit and the rest of the cruise is booked already. Manicure, pedicure, massage, seaweed wrap…gotta look glowing for our shows. It sounds decadent, doesn’t it?”

  He stood up and jammed stuff into his daypack. “Well, soon you’ll be a West Coast socialite. Get used to pampering yourself. Pass your days getting your hair and nails done, shopping on Rodeo Drive, doing lunch at the Roosevelt.” His voice sounded flat and resigned. Aaron made her future sound so…pathetically useless and boring. She looked up suddenly. His downcast expression made her stomach feel hollow. Tears threatened in the back of her eyes. That is, until he added, “Sherry’s going, so I’ll hang with her. We’ve got tonight off, Red, so let’s have some fun in the sun. Okay with you?”