Plain Jane in the Spotlight

CHAPTER SIX

AT BREAKFAST next day Travis said, ‘Has Lee called you?’

‘No.’

Nor would he, Travis thought. He’d dive for cover and hope the storm would pass.

‘Have you called him?’ he asked.

‘No.’

‘You can’t put it off for ever.’ He added reluctantly, ‘Would you like me to-?’

‘Thanks, but no. There are some things I must do for myself.’ Charlene gave a little laugh. ‘Oh, Travis, if you could see your face. I’ve never seen a man so relieved.’

‘Yes,’ he admitted. ‘But I’d have done it if you’d really wanted me to.’

How kind he was! she thought. How different from anyone else! Impulsively, she laid a fond hand on his cheek, and he put his own hand over it.

‘Time to make our plans,’ he said. ‘I need to flaunt you a bit. I hope you don’t mind.’

‘Not at all.’

‘We must announce ourselves to the world as a couple. An evening out together, in the spotlight, should do it. The Stollway Hotel is best because they already know you there.’

‘Fine. What about the “stage directions”? You’ll have to give me detailed instructions.’

‘Good idea. Do you remember, when you go into the hotel there’s a broad staircase leading up from Reception to a landing with a huge picture? Go up there to admire the picture. Stay there until I arrive.’

‘And while you’re looking for me you must turn around slowly a few times,’ she said, ‘so everyone can get a good view of you.’

‘Right. Walk down the stairs very slowly. I’ll be waiting at the bottom, looking up at you, riveted with admiration. Or should it be adoration?’

‘Hmm, I don’t think so,’ she said, considering this seriously. ‘Admiration will be enough for now. Adoration can come later.’

‘Aren’t I allowed to fall ecstatically at your feet, overcome with worship?’

‘Not just yet, I think.’

‘Very well, I’ll control my ardour-for the moment. Later I’ll turn up the heat and sigh yearningly at my goddess. Hey, do you mind? Women don’t usually burst out laughing when I say things like that.’

‘They would if they could listen to you now,’ she choked, struggling to get her mirth under control. ‘And just how often do you say “things like that”?’

‘Let’s leave it,’ he said hastily. ‘I’m glad you find it so funny.’

‘You’re not glad at all,’ she teased.

He ground his teeth. ‘Have you finished?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then I’ll continue. You come down the stairs and when you reach me I’ll take your hand and draw you close. With any luck, somebody will have a cellphone with a camera, so we’ll give them a sight to enjoy.’

‘What will you be wearing?’

‘Dinner jacket and bow tie. What about you? I think you’ll need a new wardrobe while you’re here, which gives us a bit of a problem.’

‘What kind of a problem?’

‘Since you’re doing this for me, it’s my responsibility to pay for the new clothes. But if I offer I suppose you’ll come over all offended, and if our last meetings are anything to go by you’ll thump the living daylights out of me. Ah, well, I guess I’ll just have to get used to it. Here.’ He pushed a credit card across the table.

‘Go to-’ He named a famous purveyor of fashionable clothes for both men and women. ‘I’ll call them and say you have my permission to use that. Get a whole wardrobe.’

‘Just the dress for tonight. Restrained and respectable! They’ll take one look and know that you’ve opted for a life of virtue.’ She eyed him satirically. ‘However unlikely that might seem!’

He grinned. ‘I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.’ He checked his watch. ‘Hey, I’ve got to be going. I’m being interviewed by a journalist.’

‘What will you tell them?’

‘Nothing much. Just drop a few mysterious hints. Get them wondering. That’s far more effective.’

‘You really know how to make people dance to your tune, don’t you? I suppose that’s as big a talent as acting.’

‘Yes, and I’m not the only one who has it,’ he said, regarding her significantly.

Wanting to do him proud, Charlene concentrated fiercely on getting her appearance right for that evening. The gown she chose was dark red velvet with a neckline that came modestly up to the base of her throat, but which hugged her slender figure temptingly. She reckoned that was a good compromise.

She was pleased, too, with the way the hairdresser swept up her hair in an exquisite display of elegance, leaving just a few long curls drifting down over her neck.

It was important to be always ready to embrace new experiences. Tonight she was going to dine with the handsomest, most charming man she’d ever met, revelling in the attention he would pay her and the envy of other women. And that was quite definitely a new experience.

‘Time for curtain up!’ she murmured. ‘Let the performance begin.’

At the agreed time, Travis entered the hotel lobby. There was an immediate rustle of interest as he went to stand at the foot of the stairs as she descended slowly, her eyes fixed on him, as his were on her. In a white tuxedo and bow tie, he was at his starry best.

If I was a dreamy teenager, she thought, amused, I could fall for him. Lucky for both of us that I’m not.

Following the stage directions, he reached out and took her hand, murmuring, ‘Charlene.’ Then he brushed his lips against her fingers, whispering her name again.

‘Travis.’ She sighed.

Holding her head high, she allowed him to draw her across the floor to the restaurant. A waiter showed them to the table and was about to pull out her chair when Travis stopped him, indicating that he alone would perform this service for his lady. Only when he was certain that she was at ease did he attend to his own comfort.

When the wine waiter appeared he asked her tenderly, ‘Do you have a preference…my darling?’

‘I’ll let you choose.’ She sighed.

He gave an order, adding, ‘And a bottle of your very best champagne.’ Leaning towards Charlene, he added, ‘We need to celebrate.’

The waiter eyed them with new interest, ears alert for Charlene’s reply. ‘Isn’t it a little soon to celebrate?’ she asked.

‘Not for us,’ Travis assured her. When the waiter was out of earshot he murmured, ‘That got him.’

‘You’re just a natural-born deceiver,’ she murmured back.

‘Thank you for the compliment. Of course I am. It’s what acting’s all about. He who deceives best gets top billing.’

‘And the best pay?’

‘Naturally. A wise old actor once told me, “When the crowds are cheering, the applause is deafening and they’re fighting to hire you, never forget that you could be out of work tomorrow.” And he was right.’

Which was why, she thought, he was so determined to protect what he had, using any method necessary.

The food was served. It was excellent, and they both tucked in with pleasure. As he ate, Travis was studying her appearance with approval.

‘Superb,’ he said. ‘Modest but attractive. Give my congratulations to the wardrobe mistress.’

When they had finished eating and were alone again, Travis said, ‘I think this is the right moment.’

‘Right moment for what?’

‘I stopped in a jeweller’s shop and bought you a small gift.’

‘That sounds like it would fit the script,’ she said, nodding wisely.

‘I thought so too.’

From his pocket he took a tiny box that looked as though it might have come from a jeweller’s.

‘This is for you, my darling,’ he said fervently.

Earrings? she wondered. Or a bracelet?

She lingered to give him a dramatic smile of gratitude before opening the box.

Then she stared.

They were certainly earrings, but not diamonds, pearls or anything romantic. They depicted a cartoon character called Daft Doody, very popular with children just then.

‘What is it?’ he asked, seeing her astonished face. ‘Don’t you-? Oh, goodness, no! Put it away. It’s the wrong box. How did I-?’

His self-reproach was drowned by a burst of laughter from Charlene.

‘I’m sorry,’ she choked, ‘but you must admit it’s hilarious.’

‘Must I? These are a birthday gift for the little daughter of a friend who’s very keen on Daft Doody. I bought them at the same time as your pearl earrings-the boxes are alike and I picked up the wrong one-hell!’

‘I guess that wasn’t in the script,’ she said, still chuckling.

He opened his mouth to reply, but then gave up and grinned sheepishly.

‘But I don’t have your present with me. I brought this one and left yours behind.’

‘Don’t worry. Actually, I rather like these kiddy earrings. I think I’ll keep them. It’s all right, don’t look like that. Here you are.’

‘Thank you,’ he groaned, taking the box from her. ‘I’ll give you yours when we get home.’

‘No, no,’ she said urgently. ‘You can’t give them to me privately. What would you gain by that?’

‘Right. I’ll present them next time we’re out.’

‘Unless you get confused and bring me a set of cufflinks instead,’ she teased.

‘I suppose I deserved that.’

‘Hey, come on, it’s not a tragedy.’

‘No, but it’s reality. That’s the trouble with the life I live. You kind of lose touch with reality until it socks you on the jaw. This is the sort of careless mistake I make easily, and I get away with it because I’m surrounded by people whose job it is to tell me that everything’s fine, I’m doing well.’

‘They just want to boost your confidence so that you can give your all to the performance.’

‘I know, but it can be dangerous if you hear it too often. You get conceited, start thinking that whatever you do is perfect, but in real life it isn’t and you make an idiot of yourself.’

She was intrigued. Travis had opened a small window, allowing her a glimpse of the confusions and complications deep inside him. She would have sought to know more but, as though suddenly alerted to danger, he closed the window and resumed a cheerful manner, raising his champagne glass.

‘What are we celebrating?’ she asked.

‘You! Your genius and daring.’

She lifted her glass and they saluted each other.

‘This is going to be fun,’ he said. ‘Here’s to fraud, cheating and dishonesty.’

‘What would life be without them?’

Charlene leaned back in her chair, taking a faintly incredulous look around the luxurious restaurant, trying to believe she was really here.

‘What are you thinking?’ he asked.

‘I’m just surprised that I’m enjoying myself so much after all that’s happened. It’s so nice to sit and talk, and say what you really mean.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, I find it’s a rare pleasure too.’

‘Talking to you is like having that big brother I dreamed of. Oh!’ She covered her mouth with her hand as though concealing a guilty secret. ‘No, sorry! I shouldn’t have said that.’

‘Said what?’

She gave a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure nobody was listening, then mouthed, ‘Brother!’

‘Ah, yes! I see. Brother’s not the image we’re trying to convey to the world, is it?’ He assumed a tone of mock severity. ‘Be more careful next time.’

She gave a brief salute. ‘Aye, aye, sir!’

They laughed and he said warmly, ‘But in private, brother and sister is ideal.’

‘Right. Friends, allies, siblings.’

They shook on it.

She regarded him fondly, saying, ‘And you’ll always know that you’re safe with me.’

‘Safe in what sense? Safe because you’re not going to knock me out, kick my shins, poison my coffee?’

‘That too. But safe chiefly because I’m not going to lose my heart to you. I promise faithfully! You’re not my type.’

‘Hmm!’ He frowned with comical emphasis. ‘That’s not what I’m used to hearing.’

‘I know. You’re used to females who swoon and yearn and say you’re the handsomest man in the world. Sorry. No can do! But think how much you’ll enjoy that. What a relaxing change it’ll be!’

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I suppose it will. Perhaps it’s time we were going.’

Charlene spent the next day on a shopping binge, justifying it with the need to acquire suitable costumes for the role she had to play. At last she returned home and collapsed flat out on the bed. Self-indulgence could be exhausting.

Travis called, apologising that something had come up and he wouldn’t be home until late. She assured him that all was well, and he hung up hastily, leaving her wondering if the whole arrangement was about to come to an end. Perhaps she’d already served her purpose and was being cast off.

That would be sad. Not because her heart was engaged, for it wasn’t. But Travis appealed to her as a nice man: sweet-natured, generous and not corrupted by his fame. If he turned out to be as cynically self-seeking as other men it would be a disappointment.

By chance one of the television channels was showing a whole evening of The Man From Heaven. Episodes from the first series were repeated, end to end, and she came to understand Dr Brad Harrison as never before.

Wearing a white coat and a calm expression, he strode through the corridors of Mercyland Hospital. Everyone revered him. His sweet smile calmed their fears. He achieved miraculous medical cures, but more miraculous still were the cures of the heart that followed his tender advice.

Her last view of him was gazing up into the sky, crying, ‘That’s what we must all remember. Seize the moment whenever it comes. Don’t let the chance slip away, or we may regret it for ever.’

His face was illuminated with a mysterious smile. The camera panned away from him, the credits came up. It was over.

‘Too handsome and perfect to be true,’ she mused. ‘But then, he isn’t supposed to be true. He’s a glorious fantasy. I pity any girl who forgets that.’

At eleven o’clock he telephoned, full of excitement.

‘I need you to come to the studio tomorrow,’ he said. ‘There are a lot of people anxious to meet you. Lee will be there. Are you all right about meeting him?’

‘I’ve got to see him some time,’ she said. ‘Let’s do it.’

‘Right, I’ll set it up. Don’t wait up. In the meantime, check out “Notes For You”.’

This was a website made up of items taken mostly from the cellphones of private individuals, snapping what they saw in the street or in restaurants. Accessing it on her laptop, Charlene wasn’t really surprised to discover shots of herself and Travis in the restaurant the previous evening.

‘They didn’t waste any time,’ she murmured. ‘But that’s what we wanted when we flaunted ourselves.’

She studied herself on the screen. The picture was slightly blurred, but she reckoned that was an advantage.

‘A definite improvement,’ she decided. ‘Elegant and not too dowdy. Let’s just hope nobody gets a sharper lens.’

She wondered what was keeping Travis out so late. Work? Or was he ‘enjoying himself’ in a way that a kind sister would not ask about?

None of her business.

By the time he came in she’d already retired for the night. She heard him close the door of his bedroom, and after that she could go to sleep.

For her appearance at the studio next morning she chose a plain dress and jacket, but let her hair hang about her shoulders to soften the effect. Travis nodded approval. They spoke little on the journey, mindful that the driver could hear everything, but as they walked into the studio she said, ‘I looked up “Notes For You”. What a start we’ve made!’

‘You’re doing a terrific job,’ he said. ‘I’m grateful. Look, there’s an audience waiting.’

The entrance was crowded with people who’d found an excuse to be there when Travis arrived.

‘You’re a star,’ he murmured.

‘Help!’ she squeaked.

His hand was around her waist, holding her close. ‘Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. This guy approaching is Vince, the director.’

Vince was about forty, vigorous, calculating but amiable. He looked Charlene over quickly and seemed pleased.

‘Glad to meet a lady I’ve heard so much about. Travis says you’re his guest of honour, so we’ll have to make sure you enjoy your visit.’

The day that followed was breathtaking. One by one, all the big shots came to greet her, size her up and nod their approval. It was clear that they had guessed the true situation, since Travis had been seen with her so soon after the scandal. Denzil Raines went so far as to give him the thumbs up and say, ‘Well done. Good move.’

Since she was protecting the studio’s most valuable property, she was assigned an ‘assistant’. This was Vera, a backroom girl who shadowed Charlene with instructions to take care of her needs. At lunchtime Travis took her to the studio cafe.

‘Sorry to have left you alone last night,’ he said.

‘Actually, I wasn’t alone. One of the TV channels showed wall-to-wall episodes, and there you were, all the time.’

‘You mean you couldn’t get rid of me.’ He laughed.

‘Let’s say it was useful for research. I noted the way you end every episode with some declaration about life.’ She struck an attitude and recited, ‘“Seize the moment whenever it comes. Don’t let the chance slip away, or we may regret it for ever.” Why, what’s the matter?’

Travis had groaned and covered his eyes.

‘You couldn’t have picked a worse example.’ He sighed. ‘Life imitating art and making a mess of it. I told you about going to the wedding of my brother Darius. While I was there they showed that episode, where I announced “Seize the moment”. Unfortunately, my brother Marcel saw it, and it gave him a mad idea. At the reception he announced his engagement to his lady love, Cassie.’

‘Why is that unfortunate?’

‘Because he overlooked the little matter of asking her first.’

‘Ouch!’

‘Exactly!’

‘Did she refuse him in front of everyone?’

‘No, she played along in public but refused him when they were alone. I gather they’ve now separated.’

‘But that’s his fault, not yours.’

‘I know, but it’s depressing. I want to do my family good, not harm them, even indirectly. I’d like to get closer to them. I know we’re in different countries but even so-’

‘You can be emotionally close even from different countries,’ she agreed.

‘Yes, we might if things were better, but something always goes wrong. Darius’s wedding was the first family celebration I’d managed to get to for ages. I had visions of a friendly reunion with my father. How stupid can you get?’

‘Wouldn’t he speak to you?’

‘He wasn’t there. He didn’t want Darius to marry Harriet and did all he could to split them up. When he didn’t succeed, he was furious and snubbed the wedding.’

‘But you’re all grown men. Who does he think he is?’

‘One of those Roman emperors we were talking about. Probably Nero.’

‘I promise never to tell him you said that.’

‘Thanks, though I doubt you’ll get the chance.’

There it was again, the hint of wry sadness beneath the cheerful mask. But it was gone in a moment. Something across the room had attracted his attention.

‘Lee’s here,’ he said. ‘In the doorway, watching us. But don’t look round.’

‘I wasn’t going to. I don’t want him to think I’m yearning after him. I must talk to him once, tell him he’s got nothing to worry about-’ She gave an ironical smile which made Travis put his hand over hers. ‘When I’ve done that we’ll draw a line under it and go our different ways, with no looking back.’

‘Isn’t there always some looking back?’ he asked gently.

‘A little, but we don’t have to be sentimental. What’s done is done.’

‘That’s very good. I just hope you can go on feeling like that. Yearning and regret for what can’t be changed can waste your life. Now, I have to go; they’re beckoning me.’

Left alone, she brooded. Travis’s remarks about the wisdom of not indulging in regrets made her remember his absence the night before. Was he already looking ahead to the day when she would be surplus to his requirements? She guessed he wouldn’t cruelly dump her. He would hand her gently into the arms of another suitor, thus preserving her feelings and her dignity.

She supposed she ought to be grateful to him. She couldn’t imagine why she wasn’t.

‘Can I sit down?’

Looking up, she saw Lee, smiling at her in a way that had once made her heart turn over.

‘Sure,’ she said.

‘I’ve been waiting for the chance, but I didn’t want to disturb you when you were with the great man.’

‘I tried to call you this morning but your phone was switched off.’

‘Yes, it still isn’t working properly,’ he said with an uneasy laugh.

Suddenly she pitied him. Maybe it wasn’t entirely his fault that he was a coward. Not every man could be brave and generous like Travis.

‘Stop worrying,’ she said. ‘It was a false alarm.’

‘You mean you’re not-?’

‘No, I’m not. It’s over. Finito. Kaput. Nothing for you to worry about.’

He beamed. ‘Oh, wow! That’s wonderful. Then everything’s all right.’

‘I suppose if you look at it one way, yes.’ It annoyed her that it didn’t seem to cross his mind that she might be disappointed. She wondered if anyone else’s feelings had ever crossed his mind in his entire life.

‘You’re quite sure, aren’t you?’ he asked anxiously. ‘There’s no chance of a mistake?’

‘No chance at all. Stop worrying.’

His whole being was brilliant with joy. ‘This is so wonderful.’ He leaned forward, seized her face between his hands and planted a smacking kiss on her mouth. ‘Bless you for being a great girl!’

He danced away. Charlene stared after him, confused. Where was the devastation she should be feeling? Where was the disappointed love?

Love! said a scathing voice in her mind. Is that what you called it? More fool you!

She’d longed to believe it was love, especially when she’d thought she was to have his child. But the bleak emptiness showed her a cruel truth. Her ‘love’ had been as much an illusion as his; a fantasy created by a lonely girl who yearned for a feeling of belonging.

There was even an incredible sense of relief that nothing now tied her to this irresponsible boy. She was free. Alone, but free.

‘Charlene, for pity’s sake, what’s the matter?’

Travis suddenly appeared in the seat beside her, seizing her, anxiously searching her face.

‘You look so strange,’ he said frantically. ‘I came back for a moment, and when I saw him kiss you I thought…I don’t know what I thought. But please, tell me you’re all right.’

‘I’m fine, thank you,’ she said lightly. ‘He kissed me from relief, that’s all. He’s got what he wanted.’

‘What about what you want? Did he ever think of that?’ he demanded, unconsciously echoing her own thoughts.

‘That would only have confused him.’

‘Do you want me to punch him?’

She shrugged. ‘Whatever for? Everyone’s happy.’

‘Are they? Are they?’ His eyes, fixed on hers, were angry and dark with meaning.

She was saved from having to answer by the arrival of Vera, offering to take Charlene to see some more of the studio.

‘That sounds great,’ Charlene said cheerfully. ‘Let’s go.’

Her mind seemed to have slipped into another dimension and she enjoyed the tour, especially the last part, where they crept into the rehearsal room just as Travis was confronting Lee in a scene.

‘It’s best to think a little before you speak,’ ‘Dr Harrison’ was saying. ‘Your patients will appreciate it.’

‘I do try,’ Lee was saying in character. ‘But things can get very difficult.’

‘Hey, what happened there?’ called Vince. ‘Travis, you’re supposed to simply stand there and look at him, not reach out as though you meant to hit him.’

‘Sorry,’ Travis said in a tight voice. ‘Something made me jump.’

‘OK, do it again,’ Vince called. ‘Travis, remember you’re full of warm feeling and generosity.’

‘Yeah, right!’

‘Let’s leave them to it,’ Vera murmured, and they slipped away.

Charlene recalled Travis saying he rarely lost his temper and found it hard to cope when he did. But surely he hadn’t lost his temper with Lee?

Yet the look on his face had surprised her, and possibly everyone else in the room. Anger coming out of nowhere.

At the end of the day she went out to wait for him in the car. There were nods and salutations from the others who were leaving, always with an edge of curiosity and respect.

I could get used to this, she thought. OK, so it’s all a con, but who says I can’t enjoy a con while it lasts?

After a few minutes Travis joined her and they relaxed in the back together.

‘Do you ever have to drive yourself?’ she asked.

‘I’m not allowed to drive myself,’ he said, grinning. ‘The bosses say they want me free to think of nothing but my “art”. The truth is that I’m not a brilliant driver and they’re terrified I’ll have an accident that will reflect badly on the show.’

As the car pulled away, Charlene saw Lee watching her from a distance. He waved and quickly stepped back into the shadows. She glanced at Travis, wondering if he’d noticed, but he was looking the other way.