Because of You (9 page)

Chapter Sixteen

It was chilly and overcast at 8:45 the following morning when Evelyn and Jill stepped out of a cab at ABC's Lincoln Center Studios located near 67th St. and Columbus Avenue.

Jill was rushed into makeup. There she met Sally James and Mickey Dodd. Mickey was a former tennis player. Jill used to love to play tennis when she was younger. Adam hated tennis. Come to think of it, he disliked sports in general. When Adam was at home relaxing, he’d be watching the financial news channels. Since she married him, the only athletic thing she did was take long walks. When had she lost interest in things she used to enjoy doing?

The taping of the show went well. Jill walked on set to the applause from the live audience. It didn’t matter if there was a lighted sign reminding them to clap. To Jill it was still a morale booster. The questions asked had been similar to those asked by Brooks Benning, and she answered them as graciously as she could. It had been easier this time knowing what to expect, proving Evelyn right. She was glad she’d taken the publicist’s advice.

Jill’s focus had been on the show and nothing else. She refused to allow her mind to wander and think about Adam and whether or not he was angry with her. Though she’d felt some butterflies flitting around in her stomach before she began the interview, once it had gotten underway she felt herself begin to relax a little. The highlight had been a conversation she’d had off camera with the gorgeous Sally James.

Sally remarked, “You’re the prettiest novelist I’ve ever read.”

Jill felt her face flush as she thanked Sally, trying to ignore a voice somewhere inside her head snipe,
Yeah, compared to Edgar Allan Poe
.

“I’d just love to have you autograph my copy for me.”

“I would be delighted. I certainly hoped you enjoyed reading it.”

“I thought it was terrific. Perhaps we can discuss it sometime.”

Jill let her held breath out. “I’m so glad—and I’d like that very much.”

Before long they were chatting as if they were old friends. Jill thanked both hosts for having her on their show.

When Sally hugged her goodbye, she said, “Jill, get used to being in the public’s eye. I have a feeling you’re going to become a
very
famous writer. We’ll have you back with your next book. “

“I’d like that very much. Take care.” Jill mentally whispered,
Are you listening, God?

From the taping of the show, they had a quick lunch and then it was off to a book signing at the Barnes & Noble on Broadway.

The bookstore had done a great deal of advertising and a long line awaited Jill and Evelyn. The manager had been on the lookout for Jill and saw her enter. After introducing her to the woman in charge of publicity, he led her to the table at which she’d be signing. Awaiting her was a wall of books divided into neat stacks.

Jill paled at the books. “That’s a helluva lot of books. My hand aches already,” she told Evelyn as a young woman walked up to the table.

“Your bread and butter, love,” Evelyn whispered into Jill’s ear. “Smile and sign.”

“Aye, Aye, Captain Bligh.”

Evelyn caught her reference to
The Mutiny on the Bounty
and chuckled.

***

After the book signing had put a sizable dent in the store’s inventory, Jill and Evelyn said goodbye to the manager and publicity coordinator and left the store. The early morning clouds had dissipated and the sun had come out, bringing its warmth. Autumn in New York was a wonderful time to sightsee, and that was exactly what they decided to do with the rest of the afternoon.

Both women were in three-inch heels and wouldn’t be able to do much walking, so they took a cab back to the hotel to change into jeans and more comfortable shoes. Then they hit the street to take in the sights. It was during this impromptu stroll that Jill learned there was much more to Evelyn than she’d let on. She just hadn’t imagined the half of it.

On the surface, Evelyn was a polished and charming woman. Jill was inherently curious and couldn’t help but wonder if she was married and had a family. All she knew about Evelyn was what the other woman told her, which was practically nothing.

They had walked a short distance from the hotel when Jill noticed Evelyn’s face had brightened like a small child’s at Christmas. “What are you smiling at?” Jill asked, wondering what she might be missing.

“I love Manhattan. There’s so much to do here. Just look around you. Take in the beauty of the buildings surrounding us. Some are architectural masterpieces. Like the Chrysler Building, for example. It’s considered to be an example of Art Deco architecture. The tower is beautiful. And the building’s gargoyles were modeled after the hood ornaments of the Plymouth, one of their major selling cars at the time.”

“How do you know so much about the City, Evelyn?”

“Since I’ve moved to Manhattan, I visit the museums, attend concerts at the Met, and explore the streets every chance I get.”

“I wish I was able to come to Manhattan more. Adam hates the city. Never wants to see a show or go dancing. For me all the culture here is wasted.”

“That’s a crime! Just look around you at all the marquees for the playhouses on and off Broadway. There’s a show for every imaginable taste.”

“Now you’re digging the knife in deeper and twisting. I wish I could light a fire under Adam and get him to come.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to pour salt on a wound,” Evelyn replied, giving Jill’s hand a gentle squeeze.

As the women continued to stroll down Broadway, Jill’s thoughts strayed to Adam. She thought he would have called by now, even if it was to chastise her for going on the tour. Her fertile imagination began to spin disaster scenarios when Evelyn interrupted her thoughts.

“Autumn in London can’t compare to Manhattan. The weather is so much nicer here.”

“Can I ask you a personal question, Evelyn?”

“What’s on your mind?”

“How did you end up living here?”

“I divorced my husband and asked for a transfer. I wanted to start over. Having had no kids to bind me to him, I just packed my suitcase and left.”

“You’re a very brave woman to cross an ocean on your own like that.”

“Why do you think that, Jill? When the necessity of the act becomes stronger than one’s fear of committing to it, a person will do what they must.”

Jill nodded her understanding and as they walked on in silence, she thought about what Evelyn had said. It was quite profound.

The wind had picked up a bit and the leaves rustled on the ground around them. Rain seemed a possibility so Evelyn suggested they head back.

“I hate to admit it, but I’m getting a little tired and could use a rest,” Jill said.

“Okay. How’s about we stop for some coffee on our way back to the hotel?”

“That would be great. We can rest and recharge.”

“A nice way of putting it,” Evelyn said as they turned around and began to head back.

The coffee shop was a welcome sight to Jill, who definitely needed to sit down. As they sipped their coffee, Evelyn asked Jill about Adam.

“It’s a shame that your husband couldn’t accompany you on this tour, Jill.”

“He couldn’t take off from work. He’s a group account director at Hartford Advertising and his job is demanding.”

“Does he have to travel?”

“More often than I’d like,” Jill replied.

“It sounds like you don’t appreciate his business trips much.”

“I hate being alone.”

“No kids, either, I take it,” Evelyn said.

“Unfortunately, no. Hopefully, one day.”

Evelyn smiled. “So what does Adam think about your writing?”

Jill felt as if she’d been hit with a sledgehammer. This was one question she did not want to answer. She was tempted to lie and make Adam sound like an ideal husband, but found she couldn’t lie to Evelyn.

“The writing was okay when he was at work a thousand hours a day and it didn’t interfere with him. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case lately.”

“You sound angry.”

“Did it come out that way?”

Evelyn nodded.

“More like disappointed, Evelyn. He should be here with me or at least have attended the awards ceremony.”

“But his work is the deciding factor, right?”

“The truth is that he didn’t want me to be on this tour.”

Evelyn sipped her coffee. “That’s not good. A husband and wife should always try to be on the same page and support one another’s dreams. I hope he gives it some thought while you’re away and things work out for you both.” She glanced at her watch.

“What time is it?”

“Nearly five-thirty. We should head back now.”

They tossed their empty cups into the garbage and left the coffee shop. Then Evelyn hailed a cab. When they got back to the hotel, they went upstairs, showered, and changed for dinner.

Chapter Seventeen

Jill and Evelyn had dinner on the eighth floor in the Lounge Restaurant. Sitting at a window seat, they had a lovely view of the city that was now lit by a myriad of bright lights against the dark, starless sky.

“I’ve been all over the United States, but I must confess, New York has the most beautiful skyline anywhere,” Evelyn said as they ate their steak and lobster entrees.

“Honestly, I’ve hardly been anywhere,” Jill confessed.

“That’s a shame. You should travel and see this gorgeous country. At least now with your books, you’ll be able to.”

A sad, faraway look passed over Jill’s face. She would have liked to share this adventure with Adam, but she doubted he’d ever take that much time off from work.

“Are you all right, Jill?”

She quickly flashed her a smile. “I’m fine, but I could use some more wine.”

Evelyn caught their waiter’s eye and held up her wine glass. A moment later, their glasses were refilled.

The conversation turned lighter with Evelyn telling Jill about London, and the wine further relaxed Jill. After their meal they strolled through the hotel and came upon a lounge where a three-piece band was playing what Adam always called “elevator music.” Despite his disdain for the music, Jill actually liked it. It was great music to write to.

“That place reminds me of a small pub my ex-husband, Tony, and I used to frequent in London. It had a jukebox that only played ballads. We used to dance together so closely it took the place of foreplay.”

Jill giggled. “That would make a great scene for a book.”

“You have my permission to use it. You and Adam go dancing much?”

“Hardly. Adam hates to dance.”

“You guys don’t seem to do much of anything together. When do you have fun?” Evelyn said. Watching the expression on her face, she added almost immediately, “I’m way out of line here. Sorry.”

Jill sighed. “You hit the proverbial nail on the head, Evelyn. The truth is we hardly ever do anything together anymore. I’m a workaholic widow.”

“I think you may have heard something like this before, but it begs repeating. Life is too short not to try and enjoy it. Schedule dates with Adam.”

“What?”

“Make it your business to set aside one day each week to go on a date with your husband. Take in a movie or go out to dinner. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do as long as you do it together.”

“But what if Adam won’t go?”

“Just try it. I wish I had tried harder with Tony. I might be still married to him.”

Jill nodded.

They went upstairs to their rooms. Jill had to be on the set of New York Today early the following morning.

“Good night, Jill. Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

“Thanks for the advice, Evelyn.”

“Thank me after you try it and it works.”

Jill chuckled. “Good night.”

No sooner had the women closed their doors to their rooms behind them than Jill’s cell began to ring. She dug in her purse and found her phone. Adam’s name flashed on the screen.

Jill’s face paled as she collapsed onto a bed. “Hello, Adam. Why are you calling so late? Is everything all right?”

“I didn’t mean to alarm you, Jill. I just wanted to say good night.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Adam, but to tell the truth—I really didn’t expect to hear from you.”

“Why not? I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, but—but you were so angry with me because I wanted to go on the tour…”

“Honestly, I did some soul-searching while you’ve been gone. I realize now how important this promotional tour is to you and your writing career.”

“Hearing you say that makes me very happy, Adam.”

“Yeah, I’m ready to make some new moves. I need to take my life in a different direction.”

“Care to share?”

“It’s late and I’d rather talk about it when you come home.”

Even though he’d piqued her curiosity, she realized she’d have to wait to find out what he was hinting at. “All right. I’m happy to hear from you, Adam.”

“Then, I’m very glad that I called. Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night. Be home soon.”

***

The following morning Evelyn and Jill had a quick breakfast before they left the hotel and headed to West 66
th
Street where the cast of New York Today taped the show.

“Well, you look happy today,” Evelyn said.

“Adam called last night. Said he missed me.”

“See, perhaps things are going to be just fine. Now don’t forget to make a date every week. Making quality time for each other is
very
important. Trust me,” Evelyn told Jill.

“I guess you’re right.”

Evelyn gently cupped Jill’s chin. “Girlfriend, I’m always right. You’ll see. Everything’s going to be just fine, because things always work out in the end.”

Evelyn hoped this wasn’t merely a reprieve. In her experience, men didn’t gain understanding overnight. The next time Adam tried to hold Jill back might just be the last time. After all, most men fear ambitious, career-minded women. She should know. Tony had been a great deal like Adam.

The three hosts of the television show were all prominent women in the field of entertainment. Barbara Sessions had won two Tonys acting on Broadway; Lorraine O’Day had been a leading lady in Hollywood some twenty years ago before retiring to raise her family, and June Fox was a country singer with a string of hits.

Though Jill still got a bellyful of fluttering butterflies being in the limelight, she was learning to cope with them. She also was quite used to the process, from makeup to meeting the hosts and going over what would be discussed. The weird part was that when she met the three women of New York Today, they seemed in awe of her. Couple that with the fact that Evelyn had just gotten the call from Robin Wycoff that
Never
Leave Me
was now number one on the
New York Times
bestselling list for fiction, Jill could now tack onto her bio the phrase, “
New York Times
bestselling author.” For a nobody like herself, Jill thought this was momentous.

After the taping of the show, Evelyn and Jill had lunch at the hotel. They had to pack and head for JFK, where they would fly from later that afternoon for California. Although she missed Adam, Jill was filled with excitement. She’d never been to California.