Plain Jane in the Spotlight

CHAPTER NINE

NEXT morning she told him about Lee and Penny’s engagement.

‘Oh, Charlie, I’m sorry. Was it very painful for you?’

‘Not at all. Over and done with.’

‘The one I’m sorry for is Penny,’ he mused. ‘Her contract has just been renewed for next season’s show. So far, his hasn’t. But with her to fight his corner-’ He shrugged.

‘Let’s hope things work out well for them both,’ she said.

It was strange to recall how this would once have broken her heart, but that was before her new awareness of Travis as a man. While it was only his kind friendship that had touched her it had been easy to keep a sense of proportion. But since she’d seen him nearly naked everything had been different.

‘What is it?’ he asked suddenly.

‘What’s what?’

‘That look on your face, as though you’d discovered a secret joke. What have I said that’s funny?’

‘Nothing. It’s not you that’s funny. It’s me.’

‘So tell me.’

‘No…no, I can’t,’ she insisted.

‘All right, I don’t want to pry. By the way, I’m sorry about last night.’

‘But what is there to be sorry about?’

‘Getting all miserable and emotional. I went too far. You do know you’ve got nothing to fear from me, don’t you?’

‘Yes,’ she said with a touch of sadness. ‘I do know.’

‘I promised you that when you moved in here-’ he gave a self-conscious laugh ‘-when I more or less forced you to move in.’

‘You didn’t force me.’

‘Manipulated you, then. I seized the chance to make you do what suited me. I’m good at that, I’m afraid, and I don’t blame you if you don’t trust me. I wouldn’t trust me. I’m a bad character. But you know that.’

‘Travis, there’s no need for this, honestly.’

‘All right, I’ll shut up in a minute. I talk too much as well.’

That was true. If she hadn’t been distracted by her own nerves she might have noticed that he was gabbling like a man holding on for dear life.

‘You’re probably planning to make a run for it,’ he went on, ‘but there’s no need. I give you my word. Don’t leave me, Charlie.’

‘I won’t leave. I know you can’t manage without your big sister.’

‘Funny how you always say big sister, although I’m older than you.’

‘No, you’re not. Compared to me, you’re about five years old.’

He gave a rueful grin. ‘I guess that’s true. What would I do without you to keep me on the straight and narrow?’

‘You’d pick someone else from the crowds who’d apply.’

‘But there aren’t crowds because nobody else knows that much about me. I’d never let them. Only you.’

‘Well, be careful how many of your dark secrets you tell me. When this is over I’ll probably blackmail you.’

They both laughed, but then he said, ‘Why should it be over? Why can’t we stay in touch for the rest of our lives? You’re the best friend I ever had, and I’m not going to let my best friend go.’

Best friend. Once the words would have pleased her. Now they were like the crack of doom.

The phone rang. He answered it and a moment later she heard him cry, ‘Yes!’ in a voice full of delight. ‘That’s wonderful! I don’t know what took you so long-yes, yes, all right. Of course I’m coming. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Give Cassie my love.’

He hung up, seized Charlene and waltzed her around the room.

‘What’s happened?’ she asked, laughing.

‘That was my brother, Marcel.’

‘The one who made a mess of his proposal and she went back to modelling?’

‘That’s the one. But he’s got her back. You remember that picture we saw, and you said she must be making a lot of money? Well, she was, enough to invest in his business. Then she marched in, told him she was a fellow shareholder.’

‘So he had to treat her as an equal instead of walking all over her,’ Charlene said. ‘Excellent.’

‘Somehow they’ve managed to get it together, and they’re marrying in Paris next month. It’ll be a big celebration. We’ll have a great time, and you can meet my family.’

‘Am I invited?’

‘Are you-? Listen, everyone’s crazy to meet you. I wouldn’t dare go without you. Hang it! Who’s that?’ The phone had rung again. ‘Yes? Hi, Joe. Yes, I’m on my way-glad you’re pleased-well, I guess we could do some more-wait, she’s here. I’ll ask her.’

He turned to Charlene. ‘It’s Joe. He’s pleased with the story so far, but he wants to “direct strategy” as he puts it. Can you come into the studio with me this morning?’

‘Sure.’

‘Joe, we’re on our way.’

Joe cornered them as soon as they arrived and swept them down to the studio canteen. By now Charlene was used to being surveyed, and wasn’t offended by the way he looked her up and down, then nodded.

‘Yup. Going well.’

‘Thank you,’ she said ironically.

‘No, really, you’re doing a fantastic job.’

‘What about me?’ Travis demanded comically.

‘Oh, sure, you too.’

Travis put his arm around Charlene’s shoulder, hugging her and saying, ‘You see how it is. Now you’re here nobody notices me any more. I could get insulted.’

‘Yeah, right.’ She aimed a shadow punch at him. He delighted her in this jokey mood.

‘Can we be serious?’ Joe demanded. ‘I know the press are in pursuit but we need to stage something where we’re in control. I’ve arranged a theatre attendance for you so that they can see you entering the box, standing there for all to see. And I think a couple of shopping expeditions. Travis, you should buy her some jewellery so that’ll start them speculating.’

‘Do we want them to speculate?’ Charlene asked. ‘What happens when it comes to nothing?’

‘Who says it comes to nothing?’ Joe asked.

‘That’s enough,’ Travis said firmly. ‘Don’t go too far. Charlene’s helping us out of the goodness of her heart.’

‘And she’ll gain. You can give her a lot of jewellery, all paid for by the studio, and if you eventually quarrel and she chucks it back at you, I’ll make sure it’s returned to her quietly.’

‘Oh, we quarrel and I chuck it back at him?’ she said hilariously.

‘Yeah, but be careful how you do that. Don’t hit his face. The studio has a lot of money invested in that face.’

‘Fine, I’ll just punch him in the stomach.’

‘You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?’ Travis asked wildly.

‘I don’t know how I’m keeping a straight face,’ she told him.

‘Yeah, it’s got its funny side,’ Joe conceded with a grin, ‘but it’s serious too. I shouldn’t be telling you this quite so soon but-’ he lowered his voice ‘-it’s just possible that the series will be turned into a film.’

They both stared at him, dumbstruck.

‘A film?’ Travis whispered.

‘Right. And you’re the leading candidate for the part.’

‘He should be the only candidate,’ Charlene said indignantly. ‘He made it what it is.’

‘And that’s why we’re backing him all the way,’ Joe said. ‘But Alaric Lanley is interested.’

The other two drew sharp breaths. Lanley was a major film star.

‘If he wants it they’ll give it to him,’ Travis said.

‘Not necessarily. Like Charlene says, it’s you that’s associated with the part, and that’s worth money. Have you ever met Alaric, by the way?’

‘Yes, once at a party,’ Travis said. ‘I thought he seemed a nice guy.’

‘Well, don’t let anyone hear you say that,’ Joe said, scandalised. ‘You’re enemies. This is a fight to the death. Give a few interviews saying he’ll steal your role at his peril. Nothing specific. Just some vague showbizzy threats.’

‘Forget it,’ Travis said at once.

‘Look-’

‘I said forget it. Excuse me.’ He leaned sideways to attract the attention of a waitress.

While he was talking to her, Joe growled to Charlene, ‘What can you do with this guy? There are things he just doesn’t understand.’

‘Yes,’ she agreed, ‘being nasty is something he definitely doesn’t understand. Kicking people in the teeth, treating them badly because they’ve treated him badly. Don’t try to change it. It makes him what he is.’

He gave her a look of appreciation. ‘Guess you’re right. Fine,’ he resumed as Travis turned back to them, ‘we’ve got to do some urgent PR work to keep you in front of the public at all times.

‘It helps that we’ve got this big story about the two of you. So far it’s been great. People have seen you in the street, in restaurants. But now we need to direct the public to what we want them to see.’

Charlene knew a moment’s doubt. This almost military planning wasn’t what she had agreed to. But then she saw Travis watching her uneasily, and knew that she had no choice. This was his big chance, and she’d promised to be here for him.

‘Are you up for it?’ Joe asked.

‘Yes,’ she said firmly.

‘Yes,’ Travis said, giving her a look of gratitude.

‘Great. Then let’s make plans.’

‘What about a beach party?’ Travis said. ‘We gather on Venice Beach, swim, romp, dance around.’

‘Great!’ Joe exclaimed. ‘I’ll set it up and let you know.’

So that was that, Travis thought, mentally reclining with a sense of satisfaction. What he knew of Charlene’s body came from sensations. He desperately needed to see the whole of her and marry the feelings up with visions. He’d been racking his brain for a way, and now one had been presented to him. A beach. Charlene in a bathing costume, everything laid out for his delighted inspection.

He knew a faint twinge of guilt. To trick her into displaying her body wasn’t the act of a gentleman.

‘Are you all right with this?’ he asked her anxiously. ‘I know you said yes to help me, but I wouldn’t want to force you into anything.’

A picture swam into Charlene’s vision: Travis as she’d seen him last night, naked but for the tiny trunks, just as he would be again on the beach.

‘I think I can just about endure it,’ she said.

Joe pursued his plans determinedly, announcing that their theatre seats had been booked for the following night.

‘What’s the show?’ Travis asked.

‘Um…hang on, I’ll check.’

He scanned a newspaper, prompting Travis to ask in an appalled tone, ‘You booked the play without knowing what it was?’

‘It’s a great theatre with a huge box where everyone will see you. What does the play matter? Here we are. Seek the Nightmare.’

They both jumped at the sound of the play that was notorious for being learned and mysterious.

‘It was a big success in the West End of London,’ Joe said. ‘Charlene saw it there and loved it.’

‘I did not,’ she said indignantly. ‘Not my sort of thing at all.’

‘You loved it,’ Joe said firmly. ‘And Travis is taking you to it here as a special treat.’

‘I’m glad you told me,’ Travis said in a faint voice. ‘I don’t have to pretend to like it, do I?’

‘You’ll have to decide whether you’re the gallant chevalier enduring it for the sake of his lady, or the dark-browed intellectual sunk in thought,’ Joe told him.

Travis gave him a look. Charlene covered her quivering lips.

‘And during the interval,’ Joe continued, gathering his things, ‘remember to talk. The press love that because they can imagine what you’re saying, and write the script for themselves. “Has he asked her yet?” That kind of thing. All right, I’m off.’

He left them before either could speculate about what ‘asking her’ might mean.

On the night they wore evening clothes. Around her neck Charlene sported a diamond necklace, bought by the studio and glamorous enough to inspire questions. She didn’t care. The actress in her was enjoying the game. And on her wrist she wore a bracelet, given to her by Travis with the words, ‘I bought you a gift a few days ago but things have been so hectic I didn’t give it until now.’

He reckoned that explanation would have to do, since he could hardly tell the truth, that it was a replacement for the one he’d had to give Susie to cover his embarrassment.

At the theatre they were applauded in the foyer and again when they made their entrance into the box. The play was officially ‘intellectual’, a dark, soul-searching work that made Charlene want to laugh derisively at its self-indulgence. But Joe was delighted with the reports he’d received from his spy in the stalls.

‘You looked great and you talked to each other, so people could see you interacting,’ he whooped.

‘It’s as well they couldn’t hear the conversation.’ She chuckled when they were alone.

‘Yes, me threatening to leave if it got any more boring, and you promising to wake me up when it was over. That would have given Joe a heart attack.’

‘Never mind. He won’t find out. We’re a team.’

‘Yes,’ he murmured, holding her hand. ‘We are.’

The arrangements for the party on Venice Beach had been made with detailed precision.

‘It’s a day out for everyone,’ Joe had explained. ‘The whole cast, crew, director, we all decided to treat ourselves to a rest day, and the press just happened to find out. They’ll be watching you two, walking, swimming, eating-whatever.’

‘Are you sure you’re all right with this?’ Travis asked her again as they got ready to leave in the morning. ‘You had an odd look on your face when Joe was describing it.’

‘I was only worried in case I couldn’t measure up.’

‘You’ll measure up. You’re going to be wonderful, because you always are.’

Charlene spoke seriously. ‘I hope I’m everything you want me to be, because I know how much this matters to you. I saw the look on your face too, only it wasn’t a funny look. This was a man full of excitement because he could see the big chance coming up. But he was also just a little afraid in case he couldn’t make the most of it.’

‘How well you understand me.’ Travis sighed. ‘All the shields and defences that fool other people-you just see right through them as though they weren’t there.’ He took both her hands in his and kissed each one lightly. ‘With anyone else that would scare me, but with you I know it’s all right.’ He added wryly, ‘You only got one thing wrong.’

‘What was that?’

‘I’m not “just a little afraid”. I’m scared stiff. To lose this chance-’ he gave a brief laugh ‘-if I get that film part, it could lead to so much.’

‘Yes, it would. There’d be a second film, and then a third, and studios would be falling over themselves to hire you.’

‘I’d be so much bigger than I am now, and then perhaps-’

‘Then even your father would have to give you some respect,’ she said. ‘Yes, he’ll be proud of you, and boast about you. “Hey, my son is Travis Falcon.”’

‘Yup! That’s it. It’s stupid, isn’t it? I’m a grown man, well, at least I pretend to be. I fool the others, but not you.’

‘Maybe I have my own ideas of what constitutes a grown man,’ she said.

‘Lucky for me.’

‘If he’s kind and gentle, generous and caring, that’s all I care about. You can stuff the macho business.’

‘You don’t think I’m making too much of today, do you?’ he asked. ‘It’s only a few hours spent fooling for the camera-’

‘It’s not going to win the victory on its own,’ she agreed. ‘But it’s a step on the road. Then you’ll take another step, and another, until you’re running so fast that nobody can catch you.’

‘We’ll be running,’ he corrected.

‘No, this is about you. I’m just backup. You’ll be a big, big star and you’ll make so much money that your father and your brothers will want to borrow from you.’

He grinned. ‘In my dreams. But yes, that’s where the road leads. I’ll become obsessed with money, and then they’ll know that I’m a real Falcon after all.’ He added quietly, ‘But do I want to travel that road?’

‘You won’t become obsessed with money,’ she told him. ‘Not you. What you make of it is up to you. It’ll be your road. Your decisions.’

‘What about yours?’

‘Yours,’ she said firmly. ‘Nobody else’s.’

He looked at her for a moment, then drew her close, wrapping his arms right around her and holding her against him.

‘What would I do without you?’ he murmured against her hair. ‘Don’t leave me, because I couldn’t bear that. I… You see, if I could only… Just don’t leave me.’

She stroked his hair, deeply touched by what she’d seen inside him. Travis might say what he liked about money and stardom, but that was a front. Inside him there still lived a little boy, longing for his father’s attention and the feeling that he belonged in the family that always seemed to exclude him. She tightened her arms, instinctively seeking to protect that little boy.

‘Don’t worry,’ she said. ‘I’m here as long as you need me.’

‘Charlie-’

The doorbell rang.

‘That’ll be Rick, come to collect us,’ Travis said reluctantly.

She raised a clenched first. ‘Forward into battle.’

He mimicked the gesture. ‘Victory awaits.’

They were to travel in an open car, the better to be seen. When they were seated in the back, Rick drove them down to where Joe was waiting with several of the others.

‘Most of them have gone on ahead,’ he told them. ‘It looks more natural if we don’t all arrive together. Let’s get started.’ But when he saw Travis’s arm about Charlene’s shoulders he looked doubtful. ‘I’m not sure that’s enough. Maybe you should be leaning close so that your head is resting on Travis’s shoulder.’

‘Occasionally,’ Charlene agreed. ‘But this journey is new to me, so I think he’d be pointing things out. I’d say, “Oh how wonderful!” and we’d interact.’

‘Great! You’ve got a real talent for giving directions.’

‘You’re telling me,’ Travis said with feeling. ‘You should see how hen-pecked I am at home.’

Everybody laughed and they set off down the Santa Monica Freeway. It was a merry start to the day.

After an hour’s drive they reached the roads that led to the beach, and the car slowed down so that passers-by could see them. Now Charlene rested her head on his shoulder, as per instructions, and he laid his own head against her hair. Joe, overtaking, gave a thumbs up sign. Perfect!

About twenty of the crowd from the show had arrived before them and had taken over a small section of the beach, entertaining photographers with their antics while everyone awaited the star.

Vera, who’d looked after Charlene on the first day, approached, saying, ‘Your changing huts are over here.’

They each vanished into a hut, emerging a few moments later to stand in the sun, breathing in the fresh air with expressions of ecstasy, while secretly sizing each other up.

Now Charlene knew she’d been right to come on this trip. Not for anything would she have missed the sight of Travis in tight black swimming trunks, reminiscent of the other night. He was everything she remembered, lightly tanned, smooth chested, the perfect combination of lean and muscular.

But he seemed less pleased, frowning a little at her modest one piece. ‘I thought you’d have chosen a bikini.’

‘Tut, tut!’ she murmured. ‘Your respectable girlfriend doesn’t flaunt herself like that. Besides,’ she added in a tone of coming down to earth, ‘I’m too skinny for a bikini.’

‘You’re not skinny,’ he said. ‘Just beautifully slim. There are models who’d give their eye-teeth for your figure.’

‘Thank you, kind sir, but I’d still like to be more curvaceous where it matters. Like here.’ She wriggled her behind to give him a better view. ‘Wouldn’t that bit be improved by a little more oomph?’

‘No,’ he said with feeling. ‘It wouldn’t.’

‘Oh, come on, take a proper look.’

‘I am taking a proper look,’ he said in a strained voice. ‘It’s perfect as it is.’

‘Well, that’s very kind but I suppose you’ve got to say it, haven’t you? We both know I need a bit more there. Perhaps I should try to put on some weight.’

‘I warn you, do that and you’ll be sorry.’

‘Ooh, the dominant male,’ she teased. ‘I thought you didn’t do macho.’

‘Maybe it’s time I tried.’

By now they had reached the water. She hopped in front of him, dancing backwards through the tiny waves.

‘C’mon,’ she taunted. ‘Make me sorry.’

‘Whatever could I do that would make you sorry?’

The thought, You could send me away from you, and I’d be sorry for ever flashed through her mind, but was banished. Nothing was going to spoil today.

‘You’ll never find out,’ she said, moving faster.

But that was a mistake. She lost her balance and rocked wildly until he seized her and drew her against himself to steady her. She had a wild sensation of his bare chest against her and clung to him, wishing the rest of the world would just vanish.

Joe appeared beside them.

‘Nice stuff, but go back to shore. Charlene, I don’t want you swimming just yet because of your hair. Travis, why don’t you carry her?’

‘Happy to oblige,’ he said, grinning and sweeping her up into his arms.

True to her role, she clung to him, shaking her head so that her hair could float in the sun. As they emerged from the water the rest of the cast was there, playing games, tossing balls about, cheering them.

Then Travis saw something that soured his mood.

‘What the devil is he doing here?’

‘Who?’

‘Him.’ He jerked his head in the direction of a young man capering by the water’s edge.

‘Oh, it’s Lee,’ Charlene said. ‘Well, nearly everyone’s here, so I suppose he was bound to be included. And look, there’s Penny.’

Penny was laying firm claim to her fiancé, which should have eased Travis’s mind, but didn’t.

How did she feel about him? Travis wondered. She said it was over but now he knew that she was an accomplished actress. That was fine for presenting a mask to others, but he hated to think that she might be presenting a mask to him.

‘Shouldn’t you put me down now?’ she said.

‘Not until I have Joe’s permission,’ he said firmly, marching away up the beach.

She chuckled and buried her face in his shoulder. He only wished he could be sure she wasn’t looking back at Lee.

Vera was waiting with a large white towel spread out on the sand. Travis dropped to his knees and laid her out so that she showed to best advantage. Then he lay down beside her, propping his head up on one hand and gazing down adoringly.

She gazed back up, trying to match his expression. It was easy. Too easy, she thought with a flicker of alarm.

He’s only acting, said the warning voice in her mind. Don’t forget that.

And I’m acting too, replied her sensible self. I’m not falling in love with him. I’m not! I’m not! I’m not.

‘Let’s do this later,’ she said. ‘It’s too soon to lie down.’ She rose hurriedly, needing to get further away from Travis. This was dangerous.

Someone had brought beach balls, which were tossed high in the air. Much chasing and jumping followed, showing off several figures to advantage. But none were quite as fine as Travis’s figure, Charlene thought with appreciation.

Following the ‘stage directions’, they held hands to walk along the water’s edge, chased each other, laughed into each other’s faces and generally gave an expert performance.

His arm about her was strong and delightful and she was emboldened to raise her hand and lay it against his chest. She could feel the faint beat of his heart against her fingers and knew there had never been a moment as sweet as this in her life. Perhaps there never would be again, so she would remember and treasure this for ever.

‘How are you managing?’ he asked, leaning down so that he could speak quietly.

‘I’m enjoying it. I said I’d do anything and I meant it.’

For a moment something flickered in his eyes. ‘Anything at all?’

‘What do you think?’

‘I wish I knew what to think.’

From nearby, Joe, always keeping watch, complained, ‘You both look too serious. Say something to each other.’

‘You’re treading on my foot,’ Charlene told Travis fervently.

‘Something nice,’ Joe corrected.

‘You’re the most handsome man in the world,’ she declared.

‘Now you’re just making him laugh,’ Joe protested.

‘What do you expect?’ Travis demanded, grinning. ‘How can anyone keep a straight face like this?’

Some journalists and photographers appeared.

‘Hey, Travis, tell us about your lady. All Los Angeles is talking about her.’

‘Then you don’t need me to tell you,’ he said in a voice that sounded slightly uneasy.

She wondered if he feared to offend her by saying too much and was sure of it when he patted her hand, murmuring, ‘Don’t worry.’

‘Aw, c’mon. Just a quote. How did you meet?’

‘We bumped into each other in the studio,’ she said. ‘I’d lost my way and he…he found it for me.’ She gave a mysterious smile. ‘Maybe. Now, I think that’s all, don’t you?’

As they resumed their walk she said, ‘I hope you don’t think I said too much.’

‘That was brilliant!’ Joe spluttered. ‘The perfect story. You’re really good at this, isn’t she, Travis?’

‘Yes,’ he said quietly. ‘She is.’ He glanced over his shoulder at the paparazzi still in pursuit and said in a harassed voice, ‘Don’t they ever give up?’

‘They’re waiting for you to kiss her,’ Joe informed him. ‘Get on with it.’

He slid quickly away lest he be caught in the picture.

‘He’s right,’ Travis said.

‘Of course he is.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘We have to be professional,’ she assured him.

The sun was beginning to set, throwing a golden glow over the sand and making the water glitter. As if united by the same thought, they strolled a little way into the sea and paused, gazing into each other’s faces.

Gently he pushed the hair back from her face.

‘Time to be professional,’ he said, and lowered his mouth.

She’d thought herself braced against the impact but knew instantly that nothing could have guarded her from the feel of his lips. Gentle, hesitant, then firm, pleading, enticing, commanding.

It was all an act, she reminded herself wildly-mostly on the surface to fool the cameramen, and just a little between them to provoke her into the right reaction. Nothing for real.

Remember that!

But it was hard to remember while she was held so strongly against his chest, his bare legs against hers, his arm behind her head, holding her close.

Feelings chased each other through her in confusing whirls. Pleasure, excitement, a feeling that life had opened up new possibilities. But also fear, because she knew she was on the verge of losing control. She wanted him more-and more-and any moment now-

‘That’s it, gentlemen,’ came Joe’s voice out of the mists. ‘Mr Falcon just wanted a pleasant day, without you invading his privacy. Time you went.’

Nobody was fooled but they had what they wanted, and they began to drift away.

‘Are you all right?’ Travis asked softly.

‘Yes, I…I’m all right.’

‘I’m sorry about this. It’s not what you signed up for.’

‘Everything’s fine. I’m not going to make trouble, I promise you. Sensible and level headed. That’s what we agreed, and that’s what I’m giving you.’

He hesitated a moment, as though something had taken him by surprise. But then he gently released her, saying, ‘Of course. I know you always keep your word. It’s time we were going home.’

Now they would be alone and something more might happen between them, she thought happily. But Joe intervened like an awkward demon, announcing that he’d booked a table for them at one of the city’s most glamorous restaurants.

So the performance continued that evening under glittering chandeliers. They talked but it meant nothing. Charlene had a sense that he was keeping slightly distant, as though wary after the day’s events. She could be patient. Perhaps when they got home he would speak more freely.

But at last he closed his eyes and said, ‘I think I’ve had too much to drink. We should get home before I have an embarrassing collapse.’

He left with his arm around her shoulders, murmuring, ‘You don’t mind propping me up, do you?’

She patted his hand. ‘It’s what I’m here for,’ she said tenderly.

Charlene looked forward to taking him home, seeing him warm and comfortable, even perhaps happy. That was really all she asked. That he should be happy.

There was no hint then of what was to come, and how it would devastate him.