Undercover Heat

by LaBue, Danielle

  “I can’t sleep knowing you’re in here sick.”

  “I’m not sick, I’m pregnant.”

  “I know.” He smirked. “I was just reading all about it on the crawl on CNN before you ran in here.” He sat down on the floor and pulled her into his lap. “Just relax,” he whispered, kissing her head and stroking her hair. “Take it easy, it’ll pass.”

  “I can’t believe we haven’t heard from anyone. I thought for sure Lizzie would have called at least ten times by now.”

  “She did.”

  She sat up and looked at him. “What?”

  “I sent her a text message back. I told her that you were okay, and that we would catch up with them after the interview tomorrow.”

  “Oh God, the big ‘Olivia Show’ is in the morning.” Just as she finished the sentence, her stomach pushed through her throat. She dove to the toilet and hung on for dear life. “I’m sorry,” she croaked when she finished then thanked God out loud when Ty placed a cool wet cloth against her cheek.

  “Don’t be sorry. I've held your head praying to the porcelain God before. Remember at that network party where you decided you loved spiced rum?”

  “Ugh.” She held her stomach. “Please, I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “I took you back to my room and took care of you all night. You puked all over me. Twice.”

  “You should thank me then, for making it to the bathroom this time.”

  “Hey, are you people here?”

  Ty covered her ear with his hand. “Manny? We’re in here, buddy.”

  Manny barreled through the bathroom doorway with his bowtie dangling, his shirt shredded, and his jacket missing all together. His lip was swollen, and his face crimson red. He held his hand up while he caught his breath, before stepping inside the bathroom.

  “Wow, Manny,” Carrie said. “What the heck happened to you?”

  “I want a raise.” Manny glanced at himself in the mirror and cringed. He wet a washcloth, ran it over his face, and sat down on the edge of the bathtub.

  Ty laughed. “Don’t tell me Layla kicked your ass.”

  “No, but she’s a lunatic, by the way. After you left, she escaped from the security, and got in Earls’ face about ruining her career. She hit him over the head with a barstool.”

  “Oh, my goodness,” Carrie said. “Is he okay?”

  “Are you kidding? He’s thrilled. He already called The Post to make sure it makes the morning edition.”

  “What about that Harvey guy?” Ty asked. “What happened to him?”

  “He’s in city lockup with Layla. They both might be there a while, too. Turns out the guy is a serious sex offender. Done time twice for spiking woman’s drinks and assaulting them.” He patted Carrie on the shoulder. “Good thing you didn’t drink that stuff. Who knows what he had planned for you.”

  Carrie smiled at Ty in a silent “thank you”, before turning back to Manny. “I don’t suppose you saw my family?”

  Manny took the cup of water from Ty’s hand, and helped himself to a sip. “Lizzie ushered your Dad out of there pretty quickly. They were long gone by the time the cops showed up. I got to tell you, you two really know how to drop a bomb.” He shook his head and wiped his mouth on his soiled sleeve. “So why are we sitting in the bathroom anyway?”

  Again Carrie looked up at Ty. He smiled wide, his dimples plain through his heavy stubble. “Carrie wasn’t feeling very well.”

  “Wow, Carrie I didn’t know you were a big drinker.”

  “She’s pregnant, asshole.” Ty took the washcloth and smacked Manny in the head. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “Oh my, God. You were serious?” Manny slid to the floor. “I thought you were just razzing Layla. Congratulations. Wait, congratulations are in order, right?”

  Ty pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “Damn straight.”

  “Then you should be excited that you have the chance to share the happy news with the millions of people tuning in the ‘The Olivia Show’ tomorrow.” He pushed himself back to his feet and handed Ty the cup. “After tonight, the whole world will be watching.”

  Carrie swallowed, bracing herself as her stomach again churned. Ty must have sensed it, because he shoved the water under her nose, and massaged the nape of her neck. “Manny, I’m sorry about all of this,” Carrie said when the spell passed. “I know this puts a lot of pressure on you, and I didn’t mean to make a scene.” She pulled on the leg of his wrinkled pants. “If you look like this because of a scuffle I caused.”

  “Who says I was in a scuffle?” He winked and smoothed his hand down his rumpled shirt. “Look, Stacey is waiting for me in my suite. I’ll see you guys seven am sharp.”

  Manny reached down and shook Ty’s hand, before making his way toward the door. “I don’t know, guys. If this is what it’s going to be like to baby-sit for both of you, I’m not sure I can handle it.”

  “Soon there is going to be three.” Carrie slipped her arms around Ty’s neck. “I hope you know how to change a diaper.”

  The door to the suite slammed, and Ty eased himself back against the bathtub. She snuggled in close, and let her eyes close, eternally grateful that the revolving room had come to a stop. “I think I’m okay now,” she said. “Let’s go back to bed.”

  “If you’re comfortable here, stay here. I’ll take you back when you fall asleep.”

  “I don’t want to say here. I want to get in bed with you.” Carrie ran her hand down the crease of his bare chest. “And if I don’t fall asleep right away, that’s okay too.”

  “Well there's an ‘Undercover Heat’ marathon on one of the cable networks. Earl arranged it for promotion. We could watch that it if you like.”

  “TV wasn’t what I had in mind.”

  He lifted his head and peered down at her with one eye. “Good Lord, darlin’, mighty strange time to have a craving.” He scooped her up in his arms and kissed her hard. “I better hurry before it wears off.”

  ***

  “Three minutes to air!” A production assistant announced from somewhere in the dark depths behind “The Olivia Show” camera. “Mr. Hollister, take your seat please?”

  Carrie watched him from the soundstage couch while Ty spoke in a huddle with Earl, Manny, and the legendary Olivia herself. No doubt after last night’s spectacle, Ty was concerned about the direction of the interview. If Carrie wasn’t more worried about keeping down the two saltines she had before leaving the hotel room, she would be over there, too. But it was easier just to let Ty handle it. And if he wanted to, she’d allow him.

  The meeting broke up, and Ty jumped up onto the sound stage. “You ready for this?” he asked, sitting down on the couch beside her.

  “I hope so.” She looked out at the sea of staring eyes. “God, these people see movie stars all the time. You’d think they’d be used to it.”

  “People are people, Carrie. And we’re pretty juicy at the moment.”

  “Looks like Earl isn’t even trying to hide his happiness about the whole thing.” She looked out at the smiling, chubby man, who waved at her like a five year-old. “Although, I’d have thought less of him if he had faked concern.”

  “Oh, come on. The guy is worried sick about you. We all are.”

  “What about you?” she asked. “How you doing with all this?”

  “As long as I can get you through it, I’ll be great.” He winced and bit his lip. “I didn’t mean it that way. What I meant to say was-”

  “No, you’re right,” she said. “You’re better at handling these things than I am. You’ve never lied to me before. Don’t start now.”

  “I just meant that in your condition, I don’t want you upset,” he said. “You didn’t sleep well last night, and you’re feeling a little woozy this morning. I’m just looking after you is all.”

  Her stomach lurched as if reminded to do so by his suggestion. Without being asked, he handed her the mug of water beside him. “You know, you can still back
out. In fact, I think Earl’s impressed you showed up at all.”

  “I don’t want to back out.” Her gaze locked on Ty’s. “I’m actually looking forward to this. I have to set things straight.”

  “With who? Olivia?”

  “No, with myself.” She took a deep breath and stood, as she slid off her blazer. Purposely, she chose a black tank blouse and matching short skirt. If she was going to go through with this, she wouldn’t hold back. The hell with her fleshy arms and fat legs. It just didn’t seem important anymore. She tossed the jacket over the couch and sat back down. By the smile on Ty’s face, she knew he understood the gesture.

  “You looked beautiful,” he whispered, brushing her hair over her bare shoulder. “Everything about you Carrie. Beautiful.”

  Maybe it was the timing of his words, or the tenderness with which he said them. Heck, maybe it was the hormones, but something inside her was inclined to believe him.

  Olivia Godfrey stepped up on the soundstage and extended her hand to Carrie. The woman was gorgeous on TV, but in person she was all the more stunning. Tall and slender with long dark hair, and bright, wise eyes that seemed to house a knowledge that went beyond her forty years. She sat next to Carrie, and placed a gentle hand on her knee. “First of all Carrie it’s wonderful to see you after all these years. Second, I want to offer my congratulations to both of you. A baby is quite a blessing.”

  “We both feel that way,” Ty said with his eyes on Carrie. “It’s just a little overwhelming right now.”

  “We’re fine,” she blurted. “And really, I’m okay to talk about it.”

  “Carrie Ann, Olivia and I agreed that I would talk mostly about the show, and that any personal questions would be better directed at me. How does that sound?”

  “Tyler, will you change seats with me?”

  His forehead wrinkled. “Why? This is how we always sit. Me between you, and whoever is interviewing us so I can do the talking.”

  “We’ll both do the talking,” she said, and squeezed her way between Ty and the arm of the couch.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  Before she could reply, the countdown began and the light in the camera flashed on. They straightened their seats and shared a quick glance before the director gave the cue.

  Olivia offered a spirited read from the teleprompter, introducing Ty and Carrie as the First Couple of Television. First they aired a montage of clips from years ago. Some from the show and others from interviews and trips down various red carpets. Then a quick rundown of the questions surrounding them. Were they secretly involved? Why did the show end? Had she been sick? And what was going on between them now?

  Carrie felt like a dying woman, watching her life flash before her eyes. All these years keeping secrets and self-scrutiny suddenly seemed senseless and stupid. The man she loved sat by her side, and his child was in her womb. She had been reborn. This was an opportunity to share her triumphs and her happiness. There was nothing left to hide.

  “How do you two feel watching that piece?” Olivia looked at Ty. “There’s a lot to speak to, isn’t there?”

  “Yes, there is,” Carrie heard herself say. “And I’d like to.”

  When she was done, the camera snapped off and people milled about on the sound stage. Olivia thanked her and hugged them both, before disappearing stage right. Then next thing Carrie knew, she was in Ty’s arms, enjoying the soft circles he made on her back. She closed her eyes and let herself relax, and for the first time in her whole life, she could truly say she was.

  “You have no idea how great it feels to hold you like this and not give a rat’s ass who sees it.”

  “I can imagine it.”

  “Let’s go back to the hotel,” he whispered.

  “Why?”

  “Because there are some things that aren’t meant for anyone else’s eyes.”

  “Hey you two!” Manny jumped up on to the sound stage. “Break it up, because I have big news. Lizzie is in labor as we speak. You’re expected at the North Country Medical Center.”

  Carrie clapped her hands. “Oh my God? Is Russ there? And what about my dad?”

  “I don’t know. But I have a limo waiting-”

  “You can take the limo, Manny,” Ty said. “I’ll take Carrie myself in the Hummer.” He grabbed her by the hand and maneuvered around the camera stand. “Let’s go have a baby,” he mumbled and kissed her on the cheek.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Carrie leaned out the window of the idling Hummer and stared at the parking lot grid lock in front of her. “Gosh, did every pregnant woman in upstate New York go into labor today? This place is packed.”

  “Can you get back in the car, please? You hanging out the window like that makes me nervous.”

  “You know, if this car wasn’t so huge we could drive up on the sidewalk and sneak around to the parking garage.”

  “Even if I was driving a golf cart, it wouldn’t make a difference.” Ty growled, and checked his watch. “It’s going to take me longer to dump the car, than it did to get here in the first place.”

  “Well in that case, let me off here.” Carrie pointed to a snow-dusted “Labor and Delivery” sign in front of them. “I’ll jump over the snow bank to the door.”

  “Are you crazy? No way. Not in your condition.”

  “How much coordination does it require to put one foot in front of the other over a little pile of snow?”

  “I’d rather not have you in a position to find out.”

  “I’ll be careful.” She shoved the door open with her foot, and slid down to the wet pavement. With a few careful steps, and one or two curses, she made her way through the snow and into the delivery ward entrance.

  “Carrie Ann! We’re down here!”

  Russ stood at the other end of the hall. He met her half way and scooped her up in a hug. “Oh man, Carrie we’re so glad you made it!” He giggled like a child, as he swung her around in a circle. “You have to see her!”

  “Lizzie?”

  “No. The baby.”

  Carrie planted her hands on his shoulders and looked him in his eyes. “Wait a minute. Her? You mean it’s a girl?”

  “And she’s beautiful,” he said. “It was incredible. I can’t believe I’m a father.”

  “And I can’t believe I missed it. When did it happen?”

  “About a half-hour ago.”

  Carrie spied the closed door at the end of the hall and broke into a jog. She slowed to a walk, when she was close enough to read the sign on the door. Written in pink calligraphy were the words “Baby Girl Haines.” It also listed her size and time of her birth. Carrie ran her hand over it and swallowed. “Oh my God. I have a niece.”

  “You sure do.” Russ gushed.

  “I have to go in and seen them.”

  “Carrie, wait a minute.” He gestured for her to take a step back. “I just want to warn you. Your father is lurking somewhere around here. I know you guys had an awful night last night.” Russ stared at his feet and shrugged. “I think he’s in trouble with the Archbishop.”

  “There you guys are!” Ty called, from behind her. “I dumped the car about a mile from here. Did I miss the main event?”

  Carrie cringed. “Actually, it looks like we both did.”

  He slipped one hand over her shoulder and extended the other to a scowling Russ. “So I guess congratulations are in order.”

  “I suppose I should say the same to you.”

  “She had a little girl, Ty,” Carrie said quickly. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “It is wonderful. I just wish we could have gotten here sooner.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure you were keeping my sister in law very busy.”

  Ty bristled against her, as she stood between the two men. It would be easy to rely on old habits and let Ty do the fast talking for the both of them, but she wasn’t interested in that anymore. “Listen you two, I know you guys have had run-ins in the past, but can we cut the male posturing and get over it
?”

  “You got her fighting your battles now, huh Hollister?”

  “Look, I appreciate how you and Lizzie both have looked after me. But the best thing you can do for me now is to call a truce. If I can move past everything that’s happened, you can too.” Her fingers slipped over Russ’s as she stepped back towards the door. “Now, why don’t you two get a cup of coffee or something?”

  Carrie knocked softly on the door, before slipping inside. She was surprised to see her sister out of bed, and hovering over a bassinette.

  “You up for a visitor?”

  Lizzie smiled. “If it’s any consolation, I tried to hold her in until you got here.”

  Carrie covered her mouth as she approached the bassinette. “Oh, my gosh. She’s so small.”

  “She didn’t feel so small when I was pushing her out.”

  “I’m sorry I missed this,” Carrie said and hugged her sister. “I know we planned on me being here.”

  “I know, but I’m glad Russ was.”

  “That’s nice. You all were together as a family.” Carrie looked up at her sister who looked remarkably well for just giving birth. She was still in a hospital night gown, but her hair was brushed and neatly pulled back, and she even had applied a little lip gloss. Carrie reached in the bassinette and touched her fingertip to the baby’s cheek. “I can’t believe I have a niece. I’m so excited.”

  “I bet. And just think in nine months maybe you’ll return the favor.” Lizzie brushed a hair from Carrie’s face. “I didn’t get to see you after what happened last night. Congratulations”.

  “Thanks.”

  “How’s Ty handling it?”

  “He’s thrilled. But he’s not actually the man I’m worried about.” Carrie glanced behind her, making sure the door was shut. “I don’t suppose Dad has said anything to you?”

  Lizzie pulled the hat down over the baby’s ears and sat down on the bed. “He saw the interview, Carrie.”

  She bit her lip. “The whole thing?”