by Cecilia Fyre
She had found the city equally uninspiring and had never been back. As a student she'd had little money and had saved up just enough to afford the double dorm room for undergrads. Without a car, LA was difficult, and she felt she’d not been able to make much of her adventure. New York was very different. After living in London, it had felt like home after only weeks.
So, stepping off the plane at LAX, Lea felt apprehension rather than excitement. So far she had had no reason to complain. The flight had been extremely comfortable. When she’d boarded the plane, a smiling flight attendant had led her straight into First Class. When Lea had stammered that there must be a mistake the stewardess’s smile had widened. “You were upgraded, Dr. Holm.”
In no time, Lea had found herself stretched out on a bed only slightly narrower than her own at home in Queens, sipping champagne and enjoying six hours of being waited on hand and foot.
Since it was a domestic flight passengers were allowed to use their phones, and Lea received a message from Ricco shortly before landing.
Interviews overrunning. Driver 2 pick u up. Rest @ hotel, we got plans tonite. Will call asap. X
Lea had expected this. His work schedule never seemed to go as planned. She was learning to be resigned to it. She wanted to make a go at this, so she had little choice. Always prepared, she had brought research papers, which would occupy her until he turned up. She couldn’t wait. She really missed him.
When Lea emerged land-side, the driver waited with a name sign and, taking her small suitcase, quickly ushered her to a dark sedan with blacked-out windows. He loaded the suitcase into the trunk and held the door open for her. Only when she’d climbed into the creaking leather seat did Lea realize that she didn’t know what hotel they were staying at.
“Uh, I’m not sure where we’re going,” she said as the driver threaded skillfully into the traffic.
He smiled in the rear-view mirror. “Don’t worry, miss,” he said in a smooth accent that could have been French. “I do.”
Lea didn’t dare ask him where they were going. She felt awkward but told herself to get over it. She leaned back in the air-conditioned luxury of the limousine.
As they drove onto the freeway Lea’s hand wandered to her neck, checking that the Love necklace was still there. Ricco had couriered it to her the day before. When she’d noticed that it was gone she’d been frantic. She’d dreaded telling Ricco she had lost it.
But when had called her on Tuesday morning he didn’t make a thing of it, just told her that it had turned up at the house. They had only spoken briefly. He sounded utterly exhausted again, even though it was early. Lea had held off asking about his production meetings. How long could he keep going at this pace?
They hadn’t spoken since. He’d arranged her travel to LA through text messages and emails. The tickets had been delivered to the reception at work in the padded envelope that held the necklace. Kathy told Lea that the envelope had been delivered by a man in a crisp suit.
Deep in thought, Lea hardly noticed where they were going. But when the car stopped and she looked up her heart gave a leap. They were at the Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard. When she’d lived in LA it had embodied everything Hollywood stood for – the scandal, the parties, the struggling actors. It seemed a romantic, silly dream.
How had he known? Had she mentioned the hotel?
While the driver unloaded her bag Lea pulled out the iPhone and without thinking dialed Ricco’s number. Only when it started ringing did she remember that he was in the middle of an interview marathon.
But to her surprise, Ricco picked up on the third ring. “Hey doc. Everything okay?”
“Oh. I’m sorry to bother you. I forgot you were busy, I was just going to leave a message,” she gabbled. “How did you know?”
“Know what?” It sounded like he was smiling, as if he knew full well what she meant.
“That I’ve always dreamt of staying at the Marmont.”
Now his smile was unmistakable. “I’m just real good at guessing my girl’s every wish?”
“Really?” She couldn’t believe what an unusual guy he was.
“Well, no,” he conceded. “But I do listen when people talk to me, at least occasionally.”
He was being self-effacing. Ricco was an extremely good listener, and he always remembered what people liked. It was a little eerie, in fact, his desire to fulfill everyone's smallest whim.
“I’ve noticed,” she said. “It’s a gift, you know, being able to listen, and remember.”
“Wish I could remember my lines half as well.” He sighed. “Babe, I gotta get back now. The next journalist is already frothing at the mouth. I’ll see you in a couple hours, no later than seven, I swear.”
“Where are we going?” she asked before he could disconnect. “And what should I wear?”
“As smart as you’ve packed. It’s a private party, but the people… well, you’ll see.”
The party was like nothing Lea had ever been to, in a house the likes of which she'd never set foot in. Their sedan drew up outside a property in the Hollywood Hills at seven-thirty. They had the same driver that had picked up Lea at the airport. They drove up a long drive to marble steps leading up to an ultra-modern, sprawling collection of low and elegant buildings. Lacking a car while at UCLA, Lea had never been in the Hills before.
The door swung open on their approach, revealing a slender, elegant man who had to be around Ricco's age but whose hair was already going gray. He grinned broadly and threw his arms around Ricco. “Long time no see, brother! You gotta come out West more, you’re pale as a ghost. And this is?”
Ricco let go of him and took Lea’s hand. “This is Dr. Lea Holm. Lea, this is my friend Salomon Rothschild.”
“Call me Sal.” He extended his hand. “Great to meet you. Ricco said he was bringing someone, and we were very curious. A doctor, wow!”
Lea shook Sal’s hand. She glanced at Ricco. Why had he made such a formal introduction? Would these friends not accept her unless Ricco made out she was somehow special? As so often when nervous Lea fled into humor. “I hope I’m not expected to operate on anyone. I forgot the gloves.”
Sal laughed and Ricco put his arm around her. He kissed her ear. “Don’t be nervous, baby girl. I got ya.”
They followed Sal through an entrance hall bigger than Lea’s entire apartment, and on into a huge living room full of people. Everyone seemed to know Ricco, and within seconds they were surrounded by a chatting crowd. Ricco hugged anyone who came his way, kissed cheeks, and waved at people. Curious eyes assessed Lea from all directions. Someone handed her a drink, and she was glad to have something to do with her hands.
She took a sip from the G&T, then remembered she shouldn’t be drinking. Ricco was engrossed in conversation, so Lea quietly slipped out of the crowd. Standing in a corner and holding her drink like a shield without drinking it she observed Ricco with his friends. He looked different somehow. This crowd was a lot more high-end than his other friends, yet he seemed at ease, looking very handsome in his suit.
It was good to see him like this. He was happy to be here, and Lea didn’t mind hanging back. After all, she was the one who got to go home with him at the end of the night.
But as the evening wore on, Lea got bored and restless. When they’d been out together before Ricco had always made sure to include her. She didn’t need a chaperone, but a glance now and then would be nice. Usually he didn’t let her out of touching distance. He’d told her not to be nervous. She’d assumed he’d look out for her. This wasn’t her kind of scene and he knew it.
Or did he? Had she ever actually told him that crowds and strangers made her uncomfortable? Maybe it had come up, a little here and there, but she’d always gone along with his plans. And anyway, what were a few hours of boredom compared to seeing him happy? She had to remember that. But he was drinking a lot tonight, which wasn’t like him. Something was off, but Lea couldn’t put her finger on it.
Had he seemed
colder today? They’d hardly spoken since Ottawa, so she hadn’t noticed the change before. Tonight he’d rushed into the bungalow with hardly a greeting a few minutes before the car was due to pick them up. He’d thrown on a very swanky suit and they’d been off.
Now that Lea thought about it he’d seemed tense in the car. Usually he made sure to have a hand on her. Tonight he’d been on his phone the entire drive, only glancing at her a few times with a tense smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He’d not remarked on the dark blue dress she’d bought for the party.
“You’re Lea, aren’t you?” a voice said by her side. A smiling, dark-haired woman of around Lea’s age stretched out her hand. “I’m Rose, Sal’s wife.”
Lea shook the offered hand. “Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you.”
Rose gazed at Ricco, still the center of attention, and telling a funny anecdote to an adoring crowd. His hands seemed to do more of the talking with each drink. How many of those rum and cokes had he had? A new glass kept appearing before he ever finished the last one. Lea wouldn't nag him about things like that. He was a grown man, and he should know his limits.
“He seems happy,” Rose said, but there was a frown on her face. “He hasn’t brought anyone along in forever, and the last one, well... Never mind, here you are now!”
“Uhu.” What could she say to that? She wouldn’t air any of her misgivings to a stranger, even if Rose knew Ricco much better than she did.
“He’ll remember you’re here soon,” Rose said kindly. “He hasn’t seen many of these people in ages, they’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“Oh it’s fine, I don’t mind,” Lea said quickly.
Rose didn't look like she believed her but changed the subject. They chatted about work and travel, and though their lives were so different – Rose was a jewelry designer and she and Sal had three children – they got on extremely well. This was a family wealthier than even Ricco could ever dream of, yet Rose seemed not so different in her pursuits and ambitions.
“How are you finding LA?” she asked at one point.
“Oh, I used to live here when I went to university,” Lea replied. “Well, not here here… The Hollywood Hills were a bit out of my price range. Still are, as a matter of fact.”
Rose’s expression grew somber. “Don’t be fooled by appearances. You’ll find out soon enough, this life isn’t nearly as glamorous as our lot like to make the world believe.”
Before Lea could respond one of the liveried waiters whispered something in Rose’s ear. Rose frowned. “Will you excuse me? A drama in the kitchen, apparently.”
And with that their hostess followed the waiter. Ricco was still busy with his friends, unaware of Lea. With a sigh she went in the search of food, feeling suddenly ravenous.
It was very late before Ricco was ready to leave. He found Lea where she had retreated to the edge of the huge terrace, staring in wonder at the panorama that was LA by night. For the first time Lea got an inkling that with a lot more money than she had ever seen in her life, living in this city might be nice after all.
His footsteps on the terrace tiles sounded steady. Maybe he wasn't as drunk as he'd appeared. His hands landed heavily on her shoulders. He bent down, kissed her neck and the side of her face. He smelled of booze and cigarettes, but Lea was still glad he'd remembered she was there and was keen to touch her. She leaned into the caresses. He turned her around and gave her a long, passionate kiss. He drew her close with a strong arm around her middle, his erection pressing into her hip.
Her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t want to sleep with him until she’d told him about the pregnancy. Sex wouldn’t harm the baby, but somehow, it felt dishonest. The thought of rolling a condom over his shaft when it was already too late gave her the giggles which were hard to suppress.
“Shall we go, baby girl?” he murmured.
Despite everything, relief flooded her. “Yeah.”
They made their get-away quickly, saying good-bye to Sal only because they happened across him on their way to the door. Was it rude of Ricco not to take his leave from the others after spending all evening together? But when they passed the living room most of the other guests were beyond caring what anybody else was doing. They lounged on the expensive furniture, semi-conscious and numb. The expensive clothes and the stunning setting didn’t seem glamorous anymore.
Sal was still sober enough to thank them for coming, and he kissed Lea on the cheek. Before he pulled away he whispered quietly, “Take care of him, and yourself”.
He let go of her and threw his arms around Ricco. “Bring her back sometime soon, brother. So good to see you both!”
On the way to the car Sal’s parting words swirled through Lea’s head. Why had he said that to her, a virtual stranger?
She was distracted by Ricco’s hands creeping under her clothes before they were fully in the backseat of the car. For a minute she let herself enjoy the attention he was finally ready to give her again, but then she disentangled herself gently. “Not yet, honey. Let’s wait till we’re alone.” She pushed the thin straps of her dress back up, then froze, one hand on her neck. “Oh, no!”
Running her hands frantically around on the seat, she moved away from Ricco. He leaned back with a grunt. “You don’t wanna fuck just say so.”
The dismissive tone went through her like a knife. Lea turned to him but he was staring out of the window. “It’s not that,” she said. “The necklace, I… I lost it.”
"Oh for fuck's sake!" The venom in his voice made her jump. The driver looked at them in the rearview mirror, frowning.
“You got any idea what that thing cost?” His gaze was full of anger. He looked frightening, like that night in Harlem. Lea’s heart beat faster.
“I…what?” she stammered.
His gaze was cold. “Well, do you?”
“No…”
“Two and a half thousand bucks!” he roared. Lea flinched back in shock. He continued, “And this is the second time you lost it… what the fuck’s the matter with you?!”
The driver looked at them again. He caught Lea’s eye, but before she could say anything Ricco turned away with an angry huff.
Anger warred with fear in Lea’s mind. Why would he waste so much money on something ridiculous like a necklace? She had never asked for it. She wanted to confront him but at that moment his cell phone rang. “What?” he barked into it.
After a few seconds, Lea tuned out his voice. The call seemed to revolve around the travel show again. She was shaking with anger. It was the middle of the night. Did these people never sleep?
They stopped outside the Marmont, and Ricco climbed out of the car without a backward glance, the phone still clamped to his ear. Instead of walking up to the hotel he turned toward Sunset Strip, never looking around. Lea waited for a few minutes, but when he didn't return she made her way to their bungalow.
So there it was their first real fight.
Lea left the bathroom light on. Just because they’d been fighting didn’t mean Ricco had to fall over in the dark.
As she undressed she found the missing necklace, nestled in her bra. Stupid thing. On closer inspection, the gap on the clasp was much too big. It should be easy to fix, but Lea didn’t think she’d wear the necklace again anytime soon.
She’d known it was expensive, but two and a half thousand dollars was just insane. Why would anyone waste that kind of money on a thing? If she had that much spare cash she’d go traveling. But of course two and a half thousand wouldn't even pay for her first-class flight to LA.
This has to stop. Well, it might now, anyway. Who’s to say he won’t tell you to leave in the morning?
Lea forced the thought away and climbed into bed. He would do no such thing. The necklace wasn’t lost, and if she thought he’d break it off every time they had a disagreement she’d drive herself crazy soon.
But his demeanor had scared her.
She turned over and tried to calm her mind. But the longer she lay in t
he dark the worse her anxiety got. Where was he? It was three am, then it was half-past three. At a quarter to four, the door finally opened.
Ricco came into view, a black silhouette in the gloom. At first he seemed to want to head for the bathroom. Lea tensed. Was he going to be sick? That much booze, he’d be lucky not to. Or maybe it’d be for the best if he could get rid of it.
But he staggered toward the bed, awkwardly stepping out of his shoes. He sat down heavily, making the mattress springs creak. “It’s not working,” he murmured.
An icy dread filled her. “What?” she croaked.
He looked around. His face was indistinct in the dark, but the alarm was obvious. He had realized what her first thought had been. “I don’t mean us,” he said quickly. “Oh god, no. The show.”
Her panic replaced with concern, Lea scooted across until she could rub his back. “What happened, darling?”
Ricco shrugged, but then he said, “There’s always something. I can’t get it straightened out. I‘m too stupid for this shit, can’t figure out how to get this mess organized.”
His shoulders shook. Was he crying? Lea’s heart grew heavy. She stroked his back some more. “Honey, you’re not stupid. You’re doing well with the show. It’s a lot of responsibility, but you’re totally made for this. You’re great with people.”
Ricco made a skeptical noise.
“Has somebody said you’re messing up?” Lea asked.
“No… but I’m messing us up.” He shook his head again and stood for a moment, stripping off his pants and shirt.
Lea frowned. What was he talking about? “What makes you say that? We had a fight, so what? All couples do from time to time.”
He climbed into bed and groaned, pressing a hand to his head. It was hard to tell in the dark, but his face looked pinched. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.
