Hollywood Princess (41 page)

Giddy from our love fulfilled, Danny and I arrived at The Cellar. Several tables had been pushed together to accommodate the sizable group of film students. Arriving so late, there was only one chair left. Danny grabbed it and settled me onto his lap. I enjoyed Danny’s strong arms wrapped around my waist, and the scent of his cologne playing on my nostrils.

This was Danny’s crowd, not mine. He was the star and the ambitious student filmmakers showered him with the attention and respect worthy of “The Godfather.”

I didn’t know these students as Danny rarely socialized with them, but they all knew me or at least who I was. The students addressed me with cautious familiarity. I’d seen it before. I was the celebrities’ daughter, and they made an effort to ignore it. They tried behaving casually, as though they didn’t know who I was, but of course they did. 

They were film students. They couldn’t appear obvious, as though they wanted anything from me. Of course to a person, each one if they were being honest, wanted the world from me, and from Danny too. Becoming friends with either of us could provide the boost that might launch their hoped-for careers.

Too astute to be fooled, Rachel was uncomfortable with the attention she was receiving. She had friends in the department, but the interlopers were out in full force. 

Surveying the scene, an amusing thought crossed my mind. Did anyone but me realize that Danny and I were the children they all hoped to eventually raise?

Boredom and lust were leading me to be unusually cynical this evening. I desperately wanted any excuse for Danny to take me upstairs and make love again. His knees rocking between my thighs didn’t help. I flushed, about to combust.

“Will your parents be working together again soon?” A girl named Jess jarred me from my reverie.

“Dad’s one of Steven’s producers on the project Danny’s working on this summer,” I replied.

“I meant your mother,” Jess brusquely clarified.

“Oh, her.” I said, disappointed that Dad didn’t count. “Nothing’s on the calendar, but if the right project came along, they’d love it.”

“Will you also be working in Vancouver?”

“God, no!” I exclaimed.

“Don’t you want to be together?” Jess asked, surprised by my reaction.

“Of course, but not at work. I would never work with Danny. I’m perfectly content flying up every weekend to visit. Physical production doesn’t interest me.”

“Wouldn’t it be fun hanging out on the set?” Jess asked.

“No, not really. Danny will be working. Besides, I have a summer job in L.A.”

“Doing what?”

“Working for my Dad in development,” I answered proudly.

Danny squeezed me tightly, and nuzzled my neck.

“And Daddy gives you off every Friday. Does Mike suspect the epic reunions we have planned?”

I circled Danny’s neck with my hands and kissed him. “Probably,” I answered with a flirty grin, though the thought of Dad embarrassed me.

Danny returned to holding court. Once more I was the bored, observing spouse.

Whoever had Rachel cornered, her fed up expression said that she’d had enough.

Rachel smiled, lips tight, ending the discussion. She stopped by Danny and I, en route to the restroom to escape.

“How’s Barbie and Ken?” Rachel greeted us cheerfully. “What took you so long?”

“Ken needed to decompress,” I answered.

“Decompress?”

“Danny needed an attitude adjustment, so we adjusted it.”

Rachel snickered. “You went back to the dorm, didn’t you?”

“No, we didn’t,” Danny responded.

“C’mon. I can tell. Elizabeth can’t fool me.”  I flushed scarlet. “See. I’m so right!”

“You’re wrong, Rach. If we’d gone back to the dorm, we’d still be there.”

“We sure would be. Can we go soon?” I kissed Danny for emphasis. 

“In a little, babe.”

“I didn’t ask before, but what’s with Barbie and Ken?”

“We are not plastic dolls,” I responded, and I frowned.

“I meant the clothes.”

“I love that dress on Eli. I wanted her to wear it again.”

“That is a great dress,” a nearby girl chimed in. “Didn’t I see that in “People”?”

“Thank you. Yes, you did,” I answered pleasantly.

Danny grinned. “Why don’t you wear dresses more often? I love your legs.”

Danny had a point. I did prefer wearing skirts, but denim was the uniform at Donnelly.

The same girl stared, waiting for a chance to enter our conversation.

“Come with me to the restroom,” Rachel said in an attempt to rescue me.

“I’ll be right back.” I kissed Danny’s cheek and hopped off his lap.

“Hey,” he said. Danny reached for my face and kissed me. “Don’t be long, baby.”

Danny’s kiss left me nearly swooning, and I left with Rachel who rolled her eyes.

“You guys are disgusting tonight,” she said.

“We can’t help it if we’re in love.”

Rachel sighed. Did she know the fun I was having with her?

I followed Rachel into the restroom.

“I’m so sick of these people,” Rachel ranted. “Either they’re the biggest idiots or they think I am. They’re so obvious. They think by being nice to me they’ll become friends with you and Danny. I hate it!”

“Calm down, Rach. I’m sorry we put you through that. They are stupid if they think you don’t read right through them. There’s only one thing Danny and I can do.”

“What’s that?”

“Danny and I will stop being your friends.”

“Perfect!” And Rachel and I burst into laughter.

“So you and Danny didn’t go back to Berkeley? That’s hard to believe.”

“Well, believe it,” I answered. “Danny was feeling down after the screening. He’s been under a lot more pressure than you know. Danny fears everyone’s waiting for him to fail. If he wasn’t strong, he could have had a breakdown.”

“He didn’t say that, but Danny has been crazed lately,” Rachel answered pensively. “It must be hell to follow your father when he’s a legend.”

“Exactly. That’s why Danny needed to decompress.”

“Decompress. That’s a euphemism I haven’t heard before.”

“C’mon Rach. That wasn’t what Danny meant.”

“Maybe,” she smirked, “But you can’t keep secrets from me young lady.”

Rachel raised an eyebrow, and I blushed.

“Let’s just say that I’m a very nice girlfriend who is rightfully loved by her boyfriend and leave it at that.”

CHAPTER 93 - DANIEL

There she was! I grabbed Eli’s hand and pulled her back on to my lap.

“What took so long, babe?” My lips nearly touching her ear made
Elizabeth shiver.

“There was a line.”

“I’m tired of sitting. Let’s dance.”

Gleeful,
Eli bounced off my thighs. I took her hand and led her to the dance floor.  A slow song played. I found that very agreeable; any excuse to touch her.

I placed one hand on Eli’s back and clasp
ed her delicate hand. Soft and warm with a light floral scent wafting off her hair, she was magic.

Eli placed her other hand on my
shoulder. Her feather light touch melted me. A lovely smile lit her face so brightly I basked in her glow. I removed my hand from her back and carefully spun her to the beat. Then she stumbled.  

Eli smiled at her unexpected lack of grace executing a move that should have been perfunc
tory given her dance training. Another spin, another stumble. Eli shrugged, and then giggled. Oh, hell! I was responsible for her wearing those shoes. I certainly didn’t want her re-injuring her ankle. One final spin and Eli was safe in my arms again.

I relished holding her, my han
ds circling her slender waist. Eli locked her hands behind my neck and leaned against me, scattering auburn waves to the beat of the music.

Eli was the p
icture of perfect contentment. I couldn’t help smiling at my beautiful lady, so proud that it was me who made her this happy.

Sparkling emerald eyes enchanted me
when she tilted her head up. Those full pink lips, slightly parted, bewitched me. Knowing how sweet they tasted, I had no choice but to kiss them.

“Can we go home?” Elizabeth whispered.

I smirked. I knew what she wanted. Anyone looking into her adoring eyes would know. It was unmistakable. I would play with Elizabeth a while longer. I enjoyed watching my usually controlled girl on the verge of losing it.

“Plea
se, Daniel,” Elizabeth begged. “I’m tired of being in public,”

I wanted her to ask for it.
It was fun forcing Eli from her comfort zone. She spent too much time there. 

“A few more minutes.”
If I could last that long.

Eli reached up to kiss
me but I reacted first. I leaned down and trailed kisses from Eli’s neck to her shoulder. She shivered and tightened her grip. Eli turned her head slightly to the side so I could kiss her neck and shoulder again. Her eyes were slits of ecstasy.

Eli
abruptly reached her hands back around my neck.

“Kiss me like you’re madly in love,” she whispered.

“I am madly in love,” I whispered back.

“Please, show it,” Eli urged. “
Those awful girls from The Village just arrived.” 

Shit! Amelia and Phoebe.
Double shit!

“Why are they watching us?
It’s been over four months already!” Elizabeth complained. “Don’t they get that we’re not breaking up?” 

“It still bothers you, doesn’t it?” I asked uncomfortably, but at the same time relieved that Elizabeth only knew about January.

“No.” My raised eyebrow signaled doubt. “Well, maybe sometimes. Only a little.” Eli sighed. “Okay. A lot, when I’m forced to think about it.”

“Elizabeth,” I locked on her emerald eyes, “Lay it to rest,
baby. It’s not part of our lives. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

I took Eli’s upturned face and crushed
our lips together. My arms around her back, I held her as close as possible. My hand wandered down her back and squeezed her shapely bottom. I wanted Eli back in the mood.

“Danny, we’re in
public!” Elizabeth squealed. Too bad! That ass belonged to me.

“No
t for long, Eli. Let’s go.”

We walked off the dance floor wrapped around each other and ran right in
to Amelia, Phoebe and Jasmine. I prayed we would safely leave The Cellar.

“Dan,” Phoebe greeted me curtly.

“Ladies,” I greeted them breezily. Eli said nothing.

“So, she’s recovered from the flu, I see,” Amelia
sneered.

“How do you
…?” Eli began, a puzzled expression on her face.

“It’s amazing what a few days in the infirmary can do,” I answered
, effectively cutting Eli off. Amelia and Phoebe scowled.

Eli
zabeth quickly recovered her composure. Remembering which team she was on, Eli smiled at me with adoring eyes.

“It was the exemplary home care that really made the difference,” s
he said and squeezed my waist. Then Eli kissed my cheek.

“And that’s exactly where
we’re going. Mrs. Newman needs more home care. Later, ladies,” We left the three girls dumbfounded, with jaws dropped open.

CHAPTER 94 - DANIEL

Cartons surrounded me. Taking a break from studying, I was filing out Fedex waybills.  Two more and I’d be done. Having spent the last two weeks writing papers and take-home exams, I was burned-out. I had earned a couple of hours off. 

Elizabet
h was taking her French final. She wouldn’t be back for another hour. We were flying home in two days. I needed to call Mom and inform her of my important decision. 

Mom was probably s
leeping, but she wouldn’t mind. Mom had always made it clear that I could call her anytime. Eli too.

“What’s wrong?” Mom was awake and eating breakfast as she answered. 

“Nothing,” I assured her. “Eli is taking a final, so it’s a good time to talk.”

“What don’t you wa
nt Elizabeth to know, Daniel?” Mom asked suspiciously.

“Mom!”

“You said Elizabeth wasn’t there. Danny, you’re hiding something.”

I laughed at her analysis.
Mom was right, of course. Then I explained my plans.

“Whatever you need, count me in,” Mom enthusiastically replied.

“And Mom, I want to visit Grandma. I haven’t seen her in so long. I miss her.”

“
Mother will love it! Did you call her?”

“Not yet. I will later.
I’m going to bring Eli. Grandma knows Eli, right?”

“M
other last saw Elizabeth at your bar mitzvah.”

“That’s what I thought. Grandma
will love Eli.”

“Daniel, my mother’s going to immediately ask me when the wedding is.”

“C’mon, Mom. She won’t do that.”

“Danny, Dad didn’t meet
Mother until I had no choice because she learned I was sharing a studio apartment with someone named Steven, not Stephanie.”

“You told Gra
ndma Dad was named Stephanie!” I laughed, picturing a long-haired Dad wearing a dress.

“For
about a month,” Mom confessed. “Then guilt took hold, and I had no choice but to bring Dad home if I wanted Grandpa to continue paying my share of the rent.”

“We all know Eli’s name is really Elizabeth, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Does this mean you’re completely committed to Elizabeth now?  I want honesty, Daniel.”

“I love Eli.”

“And she loves you. Tell me something I don’t know, Danny.”

Why was Mom doing this?
Because she knew as well as I did that I could never lie to her. 

“Danny, have you cheated on Elizabeth again?” Mom asked bluntly.

The question I was dreading. I couldn’t skirt a direct question from Mom. 

“It would break Eli’s heart if she found out.”

“Oh, Danny!” Mom was crestfallen. I hated doing this to her.

“You’re di
sappointed,“ I said flatly.

“I am. I thought you’d finally grown up a
nd understood what love meant. Every time I talk to you it’s Elizabeth this and Elizabeth that. And when I talk to her, it’s all about you.”

“I l
ove Eli. She’s the most important person in my life.”

“Daniel?
This is how you treat the most important person in your life?”

“It’s only happened a couple of times, Mom. Eli wasn’t around and I was wasted.”  I doubted that made it any better.

“Being wasted is not an excuse,” she scolded. “Danny, you’re certain Elizabeth hasn’t found out?”

“I’m certain, Mom.
I’d be missing important body parts if she did.”

“Florida?” she asked.

“Yeah, Florida,” I answered sheepishly. That all I would admit.

“Danny, why are you cheating
on the woman you say you love? Elizabeth will find out. Then she’ll be devastated and you’ll be alone.”

“I fear that every day, but I’ve never made her promises.”

“Daniel, you’re living with her. I’m sure Elizabeth’s made certain assumptions.”

“Eli knows I don’t want to be like Dad.”

“What does that mean, Daniel?” Mom’s measured voice was rising.

“I’m sorry, Mom.
I don’t want to hurt you,” I said apologetically.

“I’m tougher than you think.
I live with Steven Newman.”

“Mom, I’m sure you love Dad. So do I.
But he hasn’t always been a good husband.”

“Danny.”

“Mom, I love you. Don’t make me talk about Dad,” I pleaded.

“Aren’t you though? It still hurts.
It hurts even more knowing that you know.”

“And it’s been years.
I don’t want to wake up in fifteen years when I have my own kids and wonder what dating other women would have been like. That would crush Eli. She knows when I tell her I’m ready to settle down it will be for real. Eli won’t ever have cause to doubt.”

“I love you Danny, but you’re naïve.”

“I don’t think so. Mom, I know this sounds weird, but it’s been good for me. I get completely disgusted with myself. By then of course I’m sober and I wonder what the hell I’ve done. I hate myself for betraying Eli.”

“
I’m glad you have a conscious. At least I haven’t totally failed you.”

“Mom, you haven’t failed me.”

I knew at some point Jewish guilt would enter the picture. 

“There’s nobody like Eli.
No other girl comes close.”

“Remember that Danny, because you’re right. No one can compare
to Elizabeth. I had no idea Dad had damaged you to this degree. I tried so hard to insulate you…”

“Yeah.”
I was quiet, contemplating.

“R
emember Danny, you aren’t Dad. When he was younger, this wouldn’t have been a dilemma for him. Dad plows straight ahead, never considering the potential damage. He’s cocky, arrogant and always willing to take the biggest risks. That’s how Dad became Dad. He never doubts himself.”

“You’re such opposites.”

“Imagine if we weren’t,” Mom laughed. 

“It would
be non-stop mania.” 

“Steven is the only man I’ve ever loved, but I’m glad you’re not like him. You don
’t need to be like him, Danny. You’re a much more sensitive man. That’s why Elizabeth loves you and why you’re emotionally torn.”

A half-hour later we were still talking. I can discuss anything with Mom. If we spoke more often,
perhaps I wouldn’t get into the messes I found myself in. Maybe I didn’t speak to her more often because I wanted to get into these messes.

I gave Mom a list of things
I wanted at the beach house when Eli and I arrived.

“She’ll love this!” Mom exclaimed. “How did I get such a romantic son?”

“Too many Miranda Jordan movies?” I laughed. “I want everything perfect for Elizabeth. It’s important I make our time in Malibu special.” I meant this wholeheartedly. I wanted it special for me too.

“Danny, when Graciela cleans the house tomorrow, I’ll have her move my things
and Dad’s to another bedroom. You take the master.”

“Mom, t
hat’s your bedroom and Dad’s.” Her generous offer was completely unexpected.

“We’re rarely there.
If you want the week to be special, then you’ll want to wake up in the one bedroom with a full ocean view.”

Mom’s suggestion
, so full of love, touched me. I smiled, picturing Eli waking and standing out on the balcony.

“Now w
ho’s the romantic?” I laughed. “Thank you. Eli will love it.”