Course of Action

by Gun Brooke

  Annelie watched Carolyn slowly parade along the stage, smiling at the people who rushed forward with their cameras. After a few minutes, the actress held up her hands, and the audience obediently retook their seats. Amazed at Carolyn’s control over the crowd, Annelie decided to just sit back and see how the performance would unfold.

  “We all love Diana Maddox, don’t we?” Carolyn began. “Let me tell you how I came to portray her in the audiobooks. Would you like to hear that story?”

  A loud yes resounded throughout the auditorium.

  “I had read the first Maddox book. You know it takes place in New York, at the School of Performing Arts. Of course that setting captivated me. Key Line Publishing approached me about a year later to do a theater version, really, of the books. I was intrigued. You younger people may not know this, but in the old days, first on the radio, and later on television, actors gave live performances—entire plays. Key Line’s concept was similar. They had already signed Helen, Harvey, and a few other actors, and, for some unfathomable reason, they saw me as a good candidate for Maddox.”

  The audience cheered, making Carolyn smile and give an exaggerated shrug. “I was of course eager to get such a high-profile part—I mean, who could resist playing a savvy, headstrong criminal investigator?” Laughter broke out, and some people applauded. “I see you agree with me,” Carolyn continued.

  “So I accepted, and it was the most fun I’ve had in years. Harvey is, of course, a delight to work with—when he’s not driving the rest of us crazy with his pranks. It was an honor to work with Helen St. Cyr, whom I admire so much. The kids in the story were handpicked, just like the rest of us. All in all, doing the audiobooks was one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

  Carolyn waited until the applause had died down. “Now, I see a long line of people in the aisle who need to know things. Please, fire away.”

  Annelie smiled cynically as she watched Carolyn make the large auditorium feel like an intimate little club, with the entire audience listening intently to every word she uttered. Her voice wrapped around them, captivating them completely. What a snake charmer she is, Annelie thought. If they only knew the real Carolyn Black.

  “Oh, hello, Ms. Black. It’s so wonderful—”

  “Hello, darling, and forgive me for interrupting you.” Carolyn beamed. “I just want to say, right off the bat, we’re all on a first-name basis here. I’m Carolyn. What’s your name and where are you from?”

  “I’m Ally, from Los Angeles, and I’m thrilled—”

  “Hello, Ally. You’ve traveled a long way to be here. What’s your question?”

  “I’ve just adored you ever since you played in The Passing of Time. You were so beautiful. I couldn’t wait to see you every day. But I’m dying to know if you regret being in that show, when you’re so famous and all now?”

  Carolyn walked to the edge of the stage, glancing down at the doting older woman. “Of course not. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t played Devon Harper. Working on a soap is tough, and it’s a good way to learn your trade. The fans like yourself who liked me as Devon have been kind enough to remain loyal through the years. Does that answer your question, Ally?”

  “Yes, thank you so much. And I’ve got to tell you, I just love your voice. I’ve got all three of the audiobooks and—”

  “Thank you. That’s so sweet of you.”

  A tall man stepped up to the microphone in the aisle, nervously cleared his throat, and introduced himself as Mike from Minneapolis. Annelie, watching his Adam’s apple bob, estimated him to be about thirty and rather full of himself.

  “First of all, I am one of your biggest fans. I have seen every one of your movies and, also, I have seen you onstage in Boston.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful, Mike.”

  “I would be curious to know if you are going to play Maddox in the movies as well. Personally, I have a huge problem picturing anyone else as Maddox.”

  Carolyn gave a broad smile. “From your mouth to—well, we’ll see what happens. The decision is not mine to make, Mike.”

  Annelie smirked, knowing full well that Carolyn realized she was listening.

  The endless line of people wanting to talk to Carolyn questioned her about both her personal and private life. Annelie watched Carolyn bewitch everyone, even the ones who tried to overstep the boundaries of the strictly personal. Obviously in her true element, the actress managed to extricate herself slickly from questions she didn’t want to answer, without ever appearing evasive.

  Finally, a teenager dressed in an elaborate black leather jumpsuit adorned with zippers, chains, and rivets stepped up to the microphone.

  “How’s it going, Carolyn? I’m Cassandra, from New York. See what you think about this question.”

  Carolyn walked closer and gazed down at the youngster. “Go ahead, darling. Just let me say your outfit is stunning.”

  The girl gave a surprised smile. “Thanks, Carolyn. If you were peanut butter, which kind would you be? Crunchy or smooth?”

  Annelie quickly covered her mouth to keep from chuckling out loud and wondered what went through Carolyn’s head. As if she had read Annelie’s mind, the actress glanced in her direction. “Funny you should ask,” Carolyn answered, her voice a low purr. “There’s no contest. I’d be…smooth.” The way she said it, her head tilted to the side, one hand on her hip, seemed to shake Cassandra’s bravado.

  When the girl recovered, she grinned like a Cheshire cat. “I need to ask one more question—for my friend Paula over there. She’s too shy to—”

  “Come on, Paula. I won’t bite, and I’m dying to meet you.” Carolyn put her hand up to block the light from the rig above her. The audience laughed as an obviously mortified teenager dressed similarly to Cassandra slouched up to the microphone, giving her friend a murderous glare.

  “Don’t be shy—we’re all friends here,” Carolyn smiled. “Fire away!”

  “Hi…eh…well…driving here we were talking…uh…and we wondered…uh…if you and Helen St. Cyr really…you know…kissed. You know. In the audiobooks.”

  Complete silence fell. Annelie wondered how many people had wanted to ask that particular question but hadn’t had the nerve. Falling into old habits, she slid her thumb into her mouth, about to bite her nail when Jem swatted her.

  Carolyn gave a charming smile. “No, Helen and I didn’t really kiss. We did just like they did in the old days. We mimicked it by making the appropriate sounds.”

  “If you’re gonna…uh…play Diana Maddox in the movies, you know…er…you’re gonna have to kiss, you know, whoever plays…eh…Erica Becker, though,” Paula reasoned, making the audience cheer.

  Carolyn didn’t miss a beat. “Should I get the role, I’m sure I’ll enjoy making it as authentic as I can…in every way.”

  Annelie released a small gasp. Of all the calculated comments Carolyn had made during her presentation, this one was aimed squarely at her. Was Carolyn simply letting her know she could be completely comfortable as a straight actress, playing a lesbian? Or was she saying something much more personal? Annelie could not imagine Carolyn hinting at a casting-couch opportunity, yet the woman had made it very clear she would do her damnedest to get the role. Uneasily, Annelie forced her concentration back to the proceedings.

  The next question fell to a stylish woman in an austere business suit, wearing her dark hair in a bun. She introduced herself as Penelope from Atlanta.

  “Welcome to Orlando and the convention, Penelope. How do you like it so far?”

  “It’s superb, better than I ever could have dreamed. My question for you ties rather neatly into the previous one.”

  “Go ahead.” Carolyn tilted her head, as if listening intently.

  Annelie watched the actress, increasingly amazed that she had been onstage, answering questions and entertaining the crowd with anecdotes, for over an hour without any sign of fatigue. In fact, she seemed energized by the whole experience. The woman was a real professi
onal, she admitted grudgingly.

  “Carolyn, did you know that a huge number of us in the lesbian community love and admire you, not just as an actress but as a person? And how do you feel about that?”

  “Honestly, I just became aware of my popularity among different groups when my agent told me how many Web sites are dedicated to Diana Maddox, and also to me personally. I was stunned, and very flattered, since I assume a lot of time and energy goes into maintaining a Web site.

  “How I feel about it? Honored to be the object of anyone’s admiration and appreciation, no matter who they are.”

  Annelie smirked. The politically correct answer was smart, much smarter probably than Sylvia Goodman could have ever come up with. If the distributors could only see Carolyn in action they might open their hard-shell minds.

  “May I become personal and say that I think you’re wonderful, and your voice is such an incredible turn-on,” Penelope said.

  Carolyn gave her photo-ready smile and then laughed. “Thank you for the compliment.”

  The following questions were less personal, and soon Gregory concluded the session, promising that the stars would shortly sign autographs.

  Carolyn waved to the audience and looked both touched and delighted when the standing ovations seemed never to end. Finally she walked offstage and into the wings where Annelie waited.

  “Congratulations,” she greeted her. “That was an amazing performance, Carolyn.” You were so in your true element. You thrive on their admiration and you loved every second of it.

  “I’m glad you think so.” The actress beamed. “I had a great time out there.”

  I bet you did. You continued to cement your status as the perfect candidate for Maddox.

  “I could tell. I found the question-and-answer session very informative.”

  “I bet you did.” Carolyn’s eyes twinkled as she tilted her head. “You know, your voice turns me on,” she echoed the words of the woman in the audience.

  Annelie gave a faint smile, determined not to let Carolyn get the last word in this friendly banter. “And your legs do it for me,” she returned the favor, watching Carolyn’s eyes widen.

  Walking toward Jem, who was gesturing for them to hurry up, Annelie had a feeling the comments might come back to haunt them.

  “People are lining up for the autographs,” Jem said, shaking her head. “I hope you’re prepared for it, Carolyn. The line is a mile long already.”

  Carolyn cast a look of seasoned resignation at Annelie. “Don’t worry,” she told Jem. “It’s nothing I haven’t handled a hundred times before.”

  *

  Carolyn looked around the dinner table, pleased they were all seated in a private area of the restaurant on the top floor. Most of all she was pleased that Sylvia Goodman, who had invited herself to the gathering, sat at the far end of the table. Carolyn was sitting between Annelie and Jem, and everyone was buzzing about what a success the convention had been. Helen St. Cyr was giving her impression of the audience and the response she had received while signing autographs.

  “They were mostly women,” the Canadian actress mused, “and they were so sweet to me. Some of them had brought presents, and I think I have at least fifteen little teddy bears and fifty cards. There even was a woman who had knitted me a blue sweater.”

  Carolyn smiled, knowing she had received just as many gifts and feeling amazed at the audience’s generosity. “I think all the continents were represented. Three women even came from South Africa. Diana Maddox must appeal to all types of people, because I signed autographs for both men and women of all ages.”

  Helen concurred. “Honestly, I haven’t experienced anything like this in my life.” She shook her head. “What do you think, Carolyn? Is your ego as massaged as mine?”

  “You bet.” Carolyn nodded. “Any more of this, and I’ll be impossible to deal with.”

  “And that differs from now…how?” Helen grinned.

  “All a matter of degree, my dear.” Laughter erupted around the table when Carolyn put on her best diva look before wrinkling her nose at her colleague. Sitting among these people, she felt more at ease than she had in a long time. Her performance was a success, and she had experienced such a rush when the audience yielded to her. It had been magical, the way they absorbed every word and constantly wanted to know more.

  Carolyn reached for her glass, enjoying the soft, fruity taste of Le Volte 1999. Gregory had made numerous toasts during the evening, and she felt warm and relaxed after sipping her wine each time.

  As if reading her mind Jem suddenly stood up, raising her glass. “We’ve toasted everyone but the person who’s responsible for this tremendous success. I say we raise our glasses in a toast to Annelie! This whole endeavor would have been impossible without you.”

  “To Annelie,” they all echoed and sipped their drinks.

  “Or should I say Annie?” Carolyn smiled slowly at the blonde next to her.

  “Hmm, I prefer Annelie, thank you, Lyn.”

  Carolyn laughed. “Touché.”

  The laughter and companionship around the table continued for another hour before Harvey and his wife rose to say good night. Suddenly, Annelie grabbed a digital camera and sprang from her chair.

  “Please let me get some group shots as a memory of the first Maddox convention,” she said. “I want one of the audiobook cast first, and then one of all of you…”

  Soon, Carolyn was laughing out loud as Annelie arranged and rearranged different constellations of people, totally confusing everybody. Harvey didn’t help by doing rabbit ears behind whoever stood next to him. When she glanced to her left, Carolyn’s grin became even broader as she spotted Sylvia Goodman struggling to look as if she were amused by everybody’s antics. Carolyn could tell Sylvia was equal parts fuming and exasperated.

  When Annelie was finally ready to sit down, Kitty pointed out the publisher had not been in any of the pictures. The absolute dismay on Annelie’s face made Carolyn laugh again, and Annelie gave her a mock glare, which turned into a broad smile.

  After the impromptu photo session, Harvey and his wife retired, followed by Kitty and Sam. Annelie excused herself and went back to the Presidential Suite, explaining that she had to go over the numbers once more and send a few e-mails. One by one, the rest of them parted and went to their rooms.

  Chapter Seven

  Carolyn walked into her bedroom and undressed, still on an emotional high after the performance. It would be a while before she could settle, and she contemplated taking a swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool. Of course, the idea was completely impractical unless she wanted to be surrounded by eager fans while she attempted her laps.

  Resigned to the next-best thing, she strolled into the luxurious bathroom and ran the water in the shower until it was as hot as she could tolerate. She could feel the adrenaline slowly leaving her body as she stood beneath the spray. She was always jittery after a performance, especially a premiere. And tonight’s had been one of the most important she had ever given.

  If Annelie Peterson needed any proof that Carolyn was a hot ticket, she had it now. The publisher had been oddly silent when Carolyn returned to the room. No doubt she was trying to play it cool. Carolyn’s coup must have been an embarrassment on some level. Carolyn took some satisfaction knowing Annelie had to act as if it was all her idea or look foolish.

  Smirking a little, Carolyn dried herself off with a thick towel and pulled on the complimentary bathrobe. After drying her hair and brushing her teeth, she stared at her bed without enthusiasm. It seemed pointless even to try to go to sleep; her body was still tingling and her mind reeling. With a sigh, Carolyn headed for the living room.

  Annelie was just putting her computer away and looked up in polite welcome. “Planning to stay up?”

  “Thought I’d watch some TV. It usually puts me to sleep.”

  Annelie checked her watch. “Would you like some company for a little while?”

  Carolyn studied Annelie, noticin
g how different she looked in casual clothes. Dressed in gray slacks and a white, long-sleeved T-shirt, she wore no makeup, her hair framing her face and waving around her shoulders. “You’re beautiful,” she blurted.

  Annelie’s eyes darkened. “Thank you.” Her tone was cautious. “So are you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Of course, and everyone in the audience agrees with me.”

  Carolyn sat down on the couch, noticing how it virtually embraced her. Pulling a pillow closer, she invited, “Join me?”

  Annelie stood frozen for a moment and then sat down next to her. “What is it you want?”

  Carolyn let her eyes roam Annelie’s face, traveling from her full lips, as the other woman repeated the question, to the huge blue eyes that examined her with a guarded expression. Unable to resist, Carolyn raised a hand and cupped Annelie’s chin. “I’m not sure,” she tried to explain. “I just know I find you so beautiful, inside and out. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

  Softly sliding her fingertip along the amor arch of Annelie’s upper lip, she discovered a faint tremor. Annelie was not indifferent to her.

  *

  Annelie felt the soft touch against her lips, and it started a fire inside her she was unprepared for. Carolyn was sitting too close, looking breathtakingly beautiful with her damp hair loose around her shoulders. The robe revealed slightly freckled skin just below her neck, and the left sleeve fell back along her arm as she cupped Annelie’s chin. Just like in the photo.

  “So you don’t know what you want, and yet you touch me this way,” Annelie breathed, fighting to stay in control. This was quickly leading toward disaster. “You’re playing with fire, Carolyn.”

  “Am I? How?” the actress whispered.

  Unable to reply, Annelie turned her head and pressed her lips against Carolyn’s palm. A soft intake of breath escaped the other woman as Annelie placed her own hand over Carolyn’s, urging the soft palm closer to her lips before placing a trail of kisses on the sensitive skin inside the actress’s arm.