The Beginning, page 10
part #0.50 of Off Screen Series
Tamara had expected a jubilant response from her best friend. Addison’s reaction surprised her.
Addison smiled softly.
Tamara was certain that Addison had forgotten she was in the room.
“I love you, Em,” Addison said as she picked up her phone and typed in the same simple words. “I love you.”
Tamara couldn’t help but smile. I hope I find that one day.
***
“Yes, Mom—of course, I am excited,” Emma said as she juggled her bag in a search for her keys.
“You don’t sound excited,” Sherry Bronson observed. “Addison must be bouncing off the walls.” She laughed.
“I don’t know,” Emma answered, still absorbed in the task of locating her keys. “Probably,” she added.
“What do you mean, you don’t know? Isn’t she with you?”
Emma groaned. Why did she carry this monolith of a bag? All it did was allow her to collect crap—crap that she never used—crap that always managed to bury the few things she needed. “I’m getting a smaller bag,” Emma scolded herself.
“What are you talking about?” her mother chimed. “Where is Addison?”
Emma heard a faint rattling underneath her hands and pulled out her keys triumphantly. “Finally!”
“Emma!”
“What?”
Sherry Bronson sighed and laughed at the same time. “I’m just surprised that you aren’t with Addison.”
Emma unlocked her car and flopped into the driver’s seat.
“Emmie?”
“I’m here,” Emma said. “You know how it is, Mom. The studio had a luncheon to listen to the nominations. We all had to be there.” Emma noted the silence that followed. “It goes with the territory. Addy gets that.”
Sherry still did not respond.
“I know what you are thinking,” Emma said as she started the car.
“Do you?” her mother asked.
“Yeah, I do. It’s just part of my life. I would much rather have been home eating Junior Mints with my feet up on the couch, listening to the announcement with Addy. That’s just not the way it goes sometimes.”
Sherry listened carefully to the tone of dismay in her daughter’s voice. Emma’s life in Hollywood was miles away from her family’s life in Kansas—in more ways that could be calculated on an odometer. She had always supported her daughter’s ambitions. No one questioned Emma’s talent. No one doubted how much Emma Bronson loved acting. Emma had always been focused on her career. It had been the center of her world from the time she was in high school. Eyes on the Prize, Sherry often called it. There had been a significant change in her daughter’s life recently—Addison Blake. She wondered if Emma had yet to realize how significant that change was. Choosing whether to voice concern or remain quietly supportive was a fine line to walk as a parent. Sherry could see the handwriting on the wall. It heralded a message that could spell disaster for her daughter if Emma didn’t take the time to read it and heed it soon. Sherry shook her head and resigned herself to remain silent for now. “If you say so,” she finally responded.
Emma could detect a hint of sarcasm and skepticism in her mother’s voice. It was no secret to Emma that her mother struggled to understand Emma and Addison living in the proverbial closet. Sherry hadn’t said a word. She didn’t need to. Emma knew. Sometimes what her mother failed to say, told Emma everything she needed to know.
Emma had been surprised at how enthusiastically her family had welcomed Addison—even her father. He was not as demonstrative as her siblings or her mother. That was never his nature. Emma could tell that he genuinely liked Addison as a person. They had visited her family for a long weekend not long after admitting their feelings. Emma had woken the first morning after their arrival to find her father and Addison conversing over a cup of coffee in the kitchen. It surprised her, and she stood just outside the doorway to listen before entering.
Tom Bronson had been raised in a conservative Baptist home. He struggled with many of his children’s life choices over the years, from the people they dated to where they decided to attend school. Addison could charm a rattlesnake. Charm wasn’t something Addison needed to work at. She was naturally generous and down to earth. Emma couldn’t imagine anyone disliking her lover—not if they bothered to take a moment to engage with her. Her father’s quiet acceptance of Addison was all the proof Emma would ever need of that.
Emma’s mother adored the writer. Emma had joked to Addison that Sherry might trade Emma in for her new girlfriend. The thought made her smile. At least, she could be herself at home. That had worried her initially. It was painful enough to hide her feelings for Addison publicly. The thought of keeping it a secret from her family had been terrifying. “I’m on my way home now,” Emma told her mother.
“To your home or to Addison’s?” Sherry asked.
Emma considered her response for a moment. Addison still had her apartment, but she hardly ever slept there. She worked there during the day sometimes. Occasionally, the pair ended up finding their way to Addison’s apartment after a hike or one of their many coffee dates. They hadn’t slept apart since Emma had returned from Vancouver. More than once in the last few weeks, Emma had considered asking Addison to move into her home officially. Something held her back. How could she ask that of Addison when she couldn’t officially recognize their relationship? Her mother’s question brought her debate back to the surface.
“I’m sure Addy is at my house by now—well, pretty sure,” Emma answered.
Sherry heard the lilt in her daughter’s voice. “Do you two have something special planned?” she asked.
Emma heard a car horn honk at her to give up her space. “Oh, calm down, buddy! Everyone is in such a rush!”
“Emma?”
“Sorry, Mom. Morons in Porches,” she explained. “I sometimes wonder if that is a prerequisite for ownership.” She laughed. She heard her mother snicker on the other end of the phone line. “I have no idea what Addy has planned,” Emma admitted, suddenly curious about the possibilities.
“Well, you’d better get home then and find out.”
“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea,” Emma replied. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You do that.” Sherry chuckled.
Emma knew exactly what her mother was thinking. “Nice, Mom.”
“Say hello to Addison,” her mother teased. “If you think of it.”
“Goodbye, Mom,” Emma said with a roll of her eyes. She laughed as she pulled out into traffic. “I wonder what she’s up to?” she mused.
Chapter Eight
Addison heard the front door close and her heart immediately began to beat faster. She wanted to run into the living room, sweep Emma into her arms, and twirl her around just like the scenes she loved in her favorite old movies. Instead, she closed her eyes for a moment to calm herself. She knew that Emma would be curious about what she had left in the living room. She’d crafted a handful of romantic scenarios before settling on her final plan. She needed to craft something that would celebrate Emma—that would tell Emma how much Addison loved her, regardless of any nominations or awards.
Emma had downplayed her feelings about the possibility of an Emmy nomination. Addison knew that beneath her lover’s cool exterior, Emma was nervous. The possibility of receiving that recognition represented a long-held dream for Emma. Whether or not it should, it was validation of Emma as a serious actor, not simply a popular television star. Addison understood. She was determined that today would be memorable and special, no matter what happened. She took a deep breath and waited.
Emma closed the door behind her and tossed her bag onto the floor. The small table that sat next to her sofa was adorned with a vase full of long stem red roses. In front of it sat an envelope, her name scrawled in a familiar hand. She picked it up and slid out the card:
Emma,
As I write this, I have no idea what today will bring for you. I only know that no matter how it turns out, I will be waiting for you. There isn’t any award, any words for that matter, which could hope to do justice to the amazing woman that you are. I love you more with each moment that passes. I will be forever grateful that we collided, and I hope we travel together for a long time to come. Now, behave yourself and follow the clues I left you. I’ve always wanted to write a mystery.
Addy
Emma smiled and took a moment to inhale the sweet fragrance of the roses that Addison had left. A large box with a thick red bow sat on the sofa. The same writing was displayed on a small piece of paper that read: Open me.
Emma complied. “Addy,” she whispered when she lifted the cover. On top of the tissue paper sat a single pink rose, with yet another note:
Pink roses represent gentility, femininity, and elegance—three words that describe you beautifully. I would add eloquent. I know it’s killing you, so look underneath.
Emma lifted the rose and held it for a moment before peeling back the tissue paper to reveal a stunning black evening gown. She closed her eyes and tugged at her bottom lip. “You are a hopeless romantic, love,” Emma said. The next note cut straight to the point.
Stop staring at me and go put me on!
Emma laughed. “And, a bit of a comedian,” she added. She followed Addison’s directions and made her way toward the bedroom. She stopped abruptly when she looked inside the room. Addison had spared no details. On her bed was a single orange rose set atop her robe, with yet another note tied to it. She picked it up and shook her head in amazement.
Hi again.
Emma chuckled.
Orange roses represent desire and attraction. I’m sure it’s not my best-kept secret, but in case you had any doubt, I could make love to you forever. I know what you are thinking—writers exaggerate.
Emma laughed softly.
I promise you that I’m telling you the truth. But, it’s been a long day already, hasn’t it? You deserve a few minutes to relax. Oh, don’t worry, we will visit this room later.
“I’m sure,” Emma said as she continued reading.
Go relax for a few minutes. The giant bathtub is calling your name. I can hear it. See you soon.
Emma set the rose down and undressed. She laid out the gown and followed the instructions that Addison had left. As she put on her robe to head into the bathroom, she began to laugh. “She must be going nuts,” Emma mused. “I wonder where she is.”
She stepped into the bathroom mid-thought and took a deep breath. Soft candles lit the room. It was obvious that Addison had been listening for her arrival. The candles had barely begun to burn down. The fragrance hovering in the air intoxicating. A thornless lilac rose sat on the edge of the bathtub next to a small bottle of bubble bath, each with a note.
“More notes?” Emma laughed.
Me again. I know what you are thinking.
“Is that so?” Emma asked aloud.
Does she ever stop talking?
Emma laughed.
Occupational hazard of loving a writer.
“Mm. Yes, you should come with warning labels,” Emma agreed happily.
Do you know what lilac roses represent?
“No, but I am positive that you are about to tell me.”
Supposedly, they are mystical. The lady at the store said they are a good way to communicate love at first sight.
Emma nodded as she continued reading.
I don’t know if I can say that I fell in love with you at first sight. After all, I’d seen you a million times before we met. Honestly, it never occurred to me that I would meet you, much less fall in love with you. But, when I think about it, I felt something the moment you looked up at me. You were trying to wipe the coffee off of my jacket. Remember?
“I remember.”
I knew at that moment I didn’t want you to walk away. I didn’t think about it. I just knew it. I’m glad that you didn’t.
“Me too.”
I know you are curious about what’s next. The truth is, Em, so am I. For tonight, I want you to know that you are the greatest reward in my life. You are the melody that gives the lyrics meaning.
Emma began to cry.
So, relax for as long as you need to. When you are ready, meet me by the pool.
Emma glanced at the bottle and read the short inscription.
I think you know what to do with this. Just add hot water.
Emma laughed through a few remaining tears.
Hurry up. I’m probably on my third glass of wine by now.
“I’ll bet.” Emma started the water and added the contents of the small bottle. She dropped her robe and slid into the water. She had to remind herself that Addison was waiting. The hot water soothed away the stress from her day. Addison knew exactly what she needed. Emma sighed in contentment. “I adore you, Addy,” she whispered. She took a few moments to enjoy the peacefulness surrounding her, plotting a scene of her own for the coming evening. “I promise, it will be worth the wait. I promise.” She smiled as her plan came into focus.
***
Addison sat by the pool sipping a glass of wine. She was anxious to see Emma.
Emma opened the sliding glass door slowly and stepped through. Addison stopped breathing for an instant.
Emma had swept her hair up and slipped on a pair of black heels. Her make-up was subtle, but she had taken the time to highlight her eyes with soft shades of crimson and gold. She smiled when Addison stood. Addison wore a fitted black pantsuit. It was complemented by a light blue, low cut blouse. Her hair fell freely, not confined by the ponytail she often sported. Emma could tell that Addison had taken considerable time on her appearance.
A small glass table that sat beside Emma’s pool was adorned with a large candle, and the stone wall nearby was topped with what seemed to be an endless line of tea lights. The sky had faded from its afternoon blue into pink and purple tones. The flickering light of the candles created a romantic atmosphere unlike any Emma had ever seen. As Addison walked by the wall, the flickering light brought out the red highlights in her hair. It took Emma a moment to catch her breath and resume her forward pace. Her eyes danced as she looked at her lover.
“You are beautiful,” Emma whispered as Addison took hold of her hand.
Addison led Emma to the table and pulled out her chair. She directed Emma to sit and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “You are stunning,” she remarked.
Emma smiled at the compliment.
Addison took a seat across from Emma and handed her a small box. A single white rose sat atop of it.
Emma looked at Addison curiously. “Another note?” she teased.
Addison shrugged. “Sometimes I’m better on paper.”
Emma smiled. She looked down and unfolded the note.
White roses. I don’t know what they say about them. To me, they are a promise. This night is mine to you. Now, open the box.
Emma looked up at Addison, who kept smiling. She noted the store’s inscription on the box. Slowly, she lifted the lid and covered her mouth with her hand to stem her emotions.
“Addy—”
“I hope you like it,” Addison said.
“It’s gorgeous,” Emma whispered hoarsely.
Addison smiled. She watched as Emma gently lifted the necklace from its box.
Emma fingered the pendant in awe. A delicate gold chain held an elegant diamond butterfly. The gold edging of the wings made the diamonds appear blue—a blue that matched the writer’s eyes. “Addy,” Emma said softly. “This had to cost you a fortune. “Will you put it on me?” Emma asked.
Addison nodded silently and moved behind Emma. She unclasped the strand of pearls that Emma had chosen earlier and accepted the necklace from her lover. Her hands trembled slightly as she fastened the chain around her lover’s neck. Addison leaned into Emma’s ear, breathing in the light scent of jasmine in her hair. “That’s what you are to me, Em. I was in a cocoon—alone and sheltered. You came into my life and changed everything, gave it new hope and new life, just like a butterfly.”
Emma closed her eyes tightly and fingered the pendant reverently. She had been plotting to turn the tables on Addison. Any hope of that was now lost. This evening was not a carefully planned seduction. Addison was making a profound statement, and it was not lost on Emma. She breathed in deeply and lifted her hand to Addison’s. She tried to think of something to say. All she could do was caress Addison’s hands as they rested on her shoulders.
Addison whispered again in Emma’s ear. “I am so proud of everything that you are,” she said with a kiss to Emma’s head. She made her way back to her seat and poured Emma a glass of wine. “Em? You have to open your eyes if you hope to see the rest of your surprise.” She chuckled, immensely pleased by her lover’s reaction.
Emma was afraid to open her eyes. An emotional tide was rising steadily within her. She took a deep breath and finally looked across at an amused Addison. “There’s more?” she asked, managing a slight giggle.
Addison shrugged and handed Emma another large box that was wrapped in red foil.
“Addy?”
Addison shrugged again.
Emma started to open the paper and stopped. She looked at Addison suspiciously. “No note?” she asked.
“This one is self-explanatory,” Addison answered.
Addison knew Emma—the way Emma’s emotions overflowed at times. She had come to understand that Emma sought and needed simplicity in her life at home. Home had to be the place where Emma could be Emmie, not Emma Bronson the television star. When the front door closed, Addison and Emma became Addy and Em. They played board games, watched terrible B-Horror movies or old classic films while they ate junk food, occasionally finding themselves engaged in an impromptu popcorn fight. Tonight, Addison wanted to give Emma a glimpse of the collision of their two worlds—the world they were forced to navigate outside these walls and the one that existed behind them. Both were a part of Emma. Addison loved all of Emma, and she accepted what loving Emma meant. She needed Emma to know that.
Emma finished unwrapping the box and erupted in laughter. “Trivia Monster’s Movie Lover’s Edition, popcorn, and Junior Mints?” Emma listed the contents of the box.
