Winter's Role, page 9
“Actually,” she said, licking her lips and smiling broadly, “that one’s not a rumor.”
Taken by surprise that she would actually give him any kind of answer, he said, “Would you care to elaborate?” He looked significantly at their joined hands.
“Mmm, not right now,” she answered him coyly, smiling and pulling Jessie with her, leaving him standing there speechless for a span of seconds. Behind them, Joanie and Carson followed silently.
Jessie noticed as they moved on toward the entrance to the theater, that Bob had recovered his ability to speak and moved on to his next celebrity victim. Smiling to herself, she thought Steph had handled that rather nicely.
“Don’t get too excited just yet,” Joanie’s voice sounded drolly from behind her when they finally made it through the door into the theater. “There are plenty of other reporters here drooling for a chance to get the big scoop. And trust me…The way she’s clinging to your hand and hanging on to you, the news will be out by the end of the night. I really hope you’re prepared for this, Jessie. By tomorrow evening, your name and picture’s going to be splashed all over every rag mag from her to Timbuktu.”
“Well, I’m glad I decided to wear something besides jeans and a t-shirt, then,” she responded sarcastically, tired of the woman talking in her ear. It was more than obvious from her tone that Joanie was none too happy about the way Stephanie was purposely making sure people saw them. She just kept reminding herself that Joanie really was looking out for Stephanie’s best interests.
Ten minutes later, after weaving through a mass of other celebrities and people in the industry, they managed to find their table and took their seats. Relaxing slightly as they sat down, Stephanie leaned toward Jessie. “You doing okay?”
“I’m good,” she answered, smiling confidently. “My dad actually brought me to one of these things years ago.”
“Speaking of your father,” Joanie interjected. “I just saw him come through the door.”
Jessie looked to the entrance and sure enough, JD was making his way through the crowd. As she watched, he wove through the crowd expertly, making his way toward their table. “Dad!” Jessie said when he got close enough that he could hear.
“Hi, Jess!” JD said, pulling her into a huge hug. When he let go, he hugged Stephanie too. “Well, it looks like we’ll be sitting here this evening. Everyone, I’d like you to meet my production assistant, Robin Craig,” he said by way of introduction as he took a seat and got comfortable.
“Good evening,” the 50’ish Robin said in greeting, taking a seat between JD and Joanie. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Jessie. JD’s told me all about you.”
Jessie smiled at her, shaking her hand. “Thank you, Robin. It’s nice to meet you, too.”
Just then, a waitress came around and took their drink orders. While they waited, JD leaned over to talk to Jessie. Taking advantage of all the noise in the room, JD said, “I admire what you’re doing Jessie. I just hope you know what you’re in for.”
“I have a pretty good idea. But, I have to ask…How did you manage to get seated with us?”
JD took a drink of his Scotch. “Joanie set this up. If the two of you are determined to go through with this, she’s going to make sure things go her way. In other words, she’s doing damage control.” He looked at Jessie pointedly. “You do understand that this could hurt Stephanie’s career?”
Jessie nodded. “We’ve considered that. I was willing to wait, but this is what Steph wants. Not that I don’t want it, too…I just don’t want her to hurt her career.”
“Well…let Joanie handle things. Trust me. She does know what she’s doing.” He set his glass back on the table.
“She said my name and picture are going to be everywhere by tomorrow evening,” Jessie said, looking for confirmation from JD.
Her father nodded. “She’s right. But that’s because she’s going to make sure that’s what happens. She’s also making sure that anything anyone hears about you is what she wants them to hear. You’re not going to have many secrets after tonight.” He looked at Jessie, taking her measure. “You’re sure you’re ready for this, Jess?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Jessie said, taking a drink of her Vodka.
JD smiled and slapped her on the back. “Spoken like a true Drake! That’s why Joanie made sure I was sitting here tonight. She’s hoping that people knowing that you’re my kid will make this whole ‘coming out’ thing more acceptable.”
“That makes a difference?” Jessie asked, not quite understanding why anyone would care who her father is.
“Jessie,” JD sighed. “This is Hollywood. It makes a difference. You’re dating Stephanie Winters now. She’s not an A-lister, but she is a pretty well-known celebrity. People will want to know why you think you’re good enough to be a part of this world.”
“What? That’s just stupid and ridiculous,” Jessie said, disbelieving.
“It may be,” JD agreed. “But it’s true. It’s another reason you’re mother never allowed you or your brother around this part of my life.”
At that moment, the lights blinked, and everyone in the theater found their seats. A few minutes later, the director of ‘Lonesome Moon’ took the stage to thank everyone involved in the making of the film. Then, when the applause died down, he introduced the movie.
As the lights dimmed and the film began, Stephanie reached over and grabbed Jessie’s hand. Leaning into her shoulder, she whispered, “As you might have guessed, this isn’t your typical movie screening. Jason likes to do things differently and always bucks the traditional movie theater experience. So, when the movie’s finished, this is going to turn into a big party. There will be photographers and reporters everywhere, so be prepared for questions.”
At Jessie’s sudden look of near panic, Stephanie took pity on her. “I’ll be right here with you, Jess. I won’t leave you.”
“Joanie thinks you’re hanging on me already,” she said, looking into the green eyes.
“She’s right, I am,” Stephanie said, her eyes becoming smoky and her voice lowering. She leaned in and kissed her, not caring who was watching. “I want everyone to know how much I love you.”
“Joanie’s going to kill us,” Jessie said between kisses.
“And you think I care?”
“God, I hope not,” Jessie whispered, getting caught up in the moment.
By the time the film was over two hours later, Joanie was glaring at both of them. JD, who really didn’t care for Joanie, found the entire thing quite amusing to a certain degree. He had only agreed to Joanie’s request because it would benefit Jessie and Stephanie. He had never cared for movie premiers and certainly wouldn’t have attended this evening if it wasn’t for the two of them. Watching them, he had to smile. They were obviously in love, and he’d never seen anyone so brazenly defy the woman before. He had to hand it to Stephanie, she certainly had guts.
When the lights came up, the director and actors came up on stage to applause and thanked everyone again. Then, holding up a glass of champagne, he yelled, “Let’s party!” Music suddenly sounded through the room and everyone was getting up from their tables to enjoy the rest of their evening.
When the music started, Stephanie grabbed Jessie’s hand. “Come on, let’s go refill our drinks.” Pulling Jessie out of her chair, they made their way to the bar at the side of the room.
As they stood in line, Stephanie was approached by a few people; most of whom she’d worked with on various movies or TV series. As their eyes tracked to Jessie, since Steph was holding her hand, the actress introduced her to each and every one of them as her girlfriend. There were a few raised eyebrows from those who had never suspected that Stephanie was gay, but most just accepted her declaration with a smile, congratulating them both.
Catching up with the two women, JD introduced Jessie and Stephanie to some friends of his from the recording industry as they made their way through the crowd. After listening to the CD that Stephanie had given him, he’d decided to call his friend Cliff, who had expressed interest in her music right away. He was fairly certain that Jessie would never accept his help getting any sort of recording contract, but he had to try. Jessie was good. Really good. And it would be unfair for her to work so hard and never get the attention for her music that she deserved. Or at least, that’s the way JD saw it. Julie, he knew, would see things differently if she ever found out he’d done this.
So, when Cliff showed up, he promptly introduced them. They talked for quite a while about songwriting, Jessie’s influences, what the music business was like and the state of modern music. It immediately became apparent that the two had quite a bit in common, and they quickly became absorbed in conversation.
Stephanie, listening intently at first, found herself becoming lost in the more technical aspects of the recording industry. When she realized that her glass was empty, she decided to get a refill. Slipping out from under Jessie’s arm, which was firmly wrapped around her shoulder, she was about to get a fresh one, when Jessie caught her hand.
“Hey, where ya going?” she asked quietly.
“Just to refill my drink,” she answered, smiling. She grabbed Jessie’s empty glass. “I’ll be right back,” she said, kissing her.
“You promise?”
“On my life,” she replied, kissing her again.
“I’ll be right here,” Jessie replied, her eyes lingering on the woman as she walked away.
Cliff and JD, watching them, smiled at each other. When Jessie finally turned her attention back to them, Cliff said, “She’s a beautiful girl, Jessie. She’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Jessie replied. “I’m still in shock over the fact that she’s interested in me.”
“I’m not,” he answered. “You’re every bit her match. You make a great couple.”
“Jessie’s still traveling back and forth from Ohio to LA every couple of weeks,” JD told Cliff.
“Mmm, well…if she’s not reason enough to move out here full time, I might be able to come up with another one,” Cliff said.
“She is…more than enough reason, I mean,” Jessie answered quickly. “We’re just trying not to rush things.”
“Jess…” JD interrupted. “What you’re doing tonight is about as far from ‘not rushing things’ as you can get. By tomorrow, everyone’s going to know that Stephanie Winters is dating you.”
Jessie sighed. “I know, Dad. I’ve been informed of this numerous times over the last few weeks.”
Cliff laughed. “Do you want another reason to move out here, Jessie? Besides Stephanie? I think I might be able to help you.”
Jessie nodded. “It certainly isn’t necessary, but it would be great if you could. She’s more than enough reason, like I said. But I don’t want her supporting me or anything.”
“Let me talk to a few people…you have a business card?” Jessie pulled one out of a pocket and handed it over. “I’ll call you when I have something more solid and we’ll set something up.” He shook both their hands. “JD, we’ll talk.”
“Thanks, Cliff. I’ll see you later,” JD said as Cliff walked off to talk to someone else. Turning back to Jessie, he looked at her seriously. “So, what do you think?”
Jessie shrugged. “I don’t know, Dad. It’s a long shot, don’t you think?”
“Jess, you need to have a little more confidence in your abilities,” JD said. “Cliff wouldn’t make an offer if he didn’t think he could deliver. Trust me.”
“I do. I just don’t want to get my hopes up. Not after what happened before…” her voice trailed off, thinking about the recording contract she’d lost years ago. She’d told her father about it weeks ago, during one of their now, weekly phone calls.
Before JD could reply, Stephanie walked back up to them, drinks in hand. Passing one to Jessie, she kissed her on the cheek. “Miss me?”
“Always,” Jessie whispered, looking into her eyes.
From their right, a camera flashed. Turning toward it, Stephanie wrapped her free arm around Jessie’s waist at the same time she pulled JD closer. “Smile, Jess,” she said quickly. “This one’s for The Movie Insider.”
Completely taken by surprise, Jessie managed to smile right before the photographer snapped their picture. When he was done, he thanked them and wandered off to harass another group.
“That really was a photographer for Movie Insider magazine?” Jessie asked as the man disappeared into the crowd.
“Unless he’s changed jobs in the last few months, yeah,” Stephanie answered, smiling at how surprised Jessie seemed.
From behind them, Jessie heard Joanie say, “Congratulations, you two. Your spokesperson has just confirmed to Movie Insider that you are a ‘serious’ couple. You’re out now, Stephanie.”
Following Joanie’s announcement, they fended off numerous requests for impromptu interviews about their relationship. Stephanie, following Joanie’s advice to the letter, spoke only about her upcoming TV series. Jessie, ever at her side, remained silent, answering no questions other than to confirm her name and occupation.
By the time the evening was over, even Joanie seemed to be pleased with the way things had gone. Climbing into the limo, she waited until Stephanie and Jessie were seated across from her. “Well, all things considered, I’d say this evening went rather well. Of course, there’s still going to be a round of interviews now, but…” She shrugged and looked over at Jessie. “I have to admit, you did better than I expected, Jessie.”
She raised a brow at the compliment, but accepted it gracefully. “Thanks, Joanie. I did try.”
“Mmm, you did great, Jess,” Stephanie added, leaning into her and holding onto her arm. “I knew you would.”
Jessie turned and smiled at her, kissing her on the cheek. “Thanks, Sweetheart.”
Across from them, Joanie rolled her eyes and shook her head. These two were going to be the death of her yet. On the other hand, of all the celebrities she’d worked with, Stephanie was by far the least demanding. If this was the most difficult thing she ever had to do for Stephanie, she could do it. Besides that, even though she was still leery about Jessie’s motives, she did like the woman. If nothing else, she obviously loved Stephanie. And…she made her really happy. Either that, or Jessie should be the actress.
* * * *
“Well, you’ve got what you wanted,” Joanie said, looking at Stephanie over her glass of wine. “After tonight, everyone’s going to know about Jessie…and the fact that you’re a lesbian.” The two women were currently seated in Joanie’s living room. After the premiere, they’d all gone back to Joanie and Carson’s house for a night cap.
“It is what I wanted,” Stephanie said. “It’s exhausting living a lie all the time. Thank you, for everything you did tonight.”
“Oh, the fun’s just starting, Steph. You do realize that every time you go on the late night shows to talk about the series, you’re going to be bombarded with questions about Jessie?” She raised an eyebrow and looked over at the actress pointedly.
Stephanie nodded. “Yes, I do realize that. I also realize that there are certain things I can’t say. I’m not going to say anything to embarrass her or cause her any problems. The last thing I want is Jessie dealing with this on her own when she’s at home.”
“We’ll need to coach her on certain things,” Joanie agreed. “She can’t just go talking to the press whenever they ask her a question.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes at the woman in irritation. “You really think she’d do that? My God, Jessie’s a lawyer! She understands the power of the media.”
“I know, I know…I’m just trying to impress upon you the importance of being careful. I don’t want Jessie answering a seemingly unimportant question and have it blow up in our faces,” Joanie said, feeling the need to explain herself. “I also don’t want her answering personal questions. You know…about her past, especially this Alex woman…or about her addiction to drugs, or about your sex life…”
“Now Joanie, do you really think I’d do that?” Jessie asked, walking into the room with Carson. Smiling broadly at Stephanie, she sat down on the couch and slid next to her, kissing her. “Hey…”
“Hey yourself,” Stephanie responded, kissing her back and leaning into her. “You two enjoy yourselves?”
“Yeah. Carson has some really nice guitars in his collection,” Jessie said, catching her hand.
Joanie huffed at them, acting like teenagers. “We were discussing the importance of your answers to questions from the press and how they could affect Stephanie’s career.”
“Oh, so…what you’re saying, is that if anyone asks, I shouldn’t tell them about all the little noises she makes when we’re…” she was cut off by Stephanie’s hand clamping down across her mouth.
“That’s exactly what she means,” Stephanie said, rolling her eyes at Jessie and shaking her head. She knew Jess was kidding around just to irritate Joanie. Still…
Jessie laughed. “I know. I’d never talk about anything like that.” Growing serious, she said, “I mean…that’s for me and me alone. I’d never, ever, talk about that with anyone. I’ve never even talked to Theresa about us.”
“Really?” Stephanie asked, slightly surprised. For some reason, she had just assumed that Jessie told Theresa everything.
Jessie turned and looked at her. “Steph…I’d never tell her any of the intimate details about us. I know that I’ve always shared everything with her in the past, but none of that mattered. It was just sex. But you…what we have…it’s not for public consumption. It’s not for anyone but us and I’d never do anything to damage that.”
Stephanie felt her heart melt. “Oh, Jess…”
“And, as for Alex, I’ve already spoken to her. She won’t say anything to hurt Stephanie or me,” Jessie reassured Joanie as Stephanie wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close.
