Lovers & Liars (11 page)

Max
Webster wove through the thickening crowd to join Erica and Gunther. “Well?
What did you think?” The older man’s hand shook, and he was still sweating.

“I
think it’s a hit. But what the hell do I know? Sales in the next two
weeks’ll
tell us, right?”

“Give
it a month. Yeah.”

“Do
Broadway people still wait up for reviews?” Erica asked.

“
The Times
, maybe.
You can use it as an excuse to stay up all night partying, but the others are
weeklies,” Max said.

“We’ll
get it in the morning,” Gunther said, finishing the champagne in his glass.

“Fingers
crossed, Max,” Erica said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

His
attention was drawn by his two stars, who called him over for a picture. Erica
and Gunther wandered over to the sumptuous buffet. Cold shrimp and raw oysters
were surrounded by crudités accompanied by several dips.

The
next table was loaded down with beautiful desserts. Mini éclairs, napoleons,
and cannoli shared the table with tiny lemon tarts and bite-size pecan pies.
Erica filled a plate with the delectable confections while Gunther found a
seat. She watched his gaze search the crowd as they nibbled on the goodies.

“Aren’t
there people here you should talk to?”

“Probably.
Don’t know if I’d want to use the Broadway cast in the movie. They might have
other commitments, too. Cara Brewster might be good for the lead.
Gotta
see if she can sing, first.”

He
made comments on people he recognized around the room. The stars came over and
introduced themselves. The magic of the evening faded for Erica as work-hungry
actors cornered Gunther, and tried to impress him, talking his ear off. He
smiled and nodded at them, exhibiting a patience Erica didn’t know he
possessed.

At
two o’clock, Gunther took her hand and headed for the door. “Let’s blow this
joint.”

He
didn’t have to ask her twice. They said goodnight to Max Webster and his wife
then hit the street. Despite the late hour, they had no trouble finding a cab.
Erica’s mind reeled from all the people she had met and the show, the notes,
trying to keep up with everything going on. Gunther appeared to be right at
home with the chaos, remembering everyone’s name and filling her in on what had
gone on.

She
cuddled up to him, feeling a bit jealous. She wanted his full attention again.
Fool! You’ll never have his full attention
as long as he’s in this business. Find some quiet little man with a nine-to-five
job who can worship you. It sure as hell won’t be Gunther Quill. He’s too big
for you. Get out now.

Erica
refused to listen to her conscience.
Shut
up. Too late. He’s it. No one else will do.

He
drew her closer to him just before they arrived at the hotel. Once they got
upstairs, she stepped out of her spiked heels and stopped to rub her feet.

“Those
things are vicious.”

He
laughed. “You women. What you put yourselves through for fashion!”

“Oh?
And a tuxedo is comfortable?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.

The
smile fell off his face. “Touché.”

She
grinned. It was hard to win a point with Gunther.

He
ripped his tie open and unbuttoned his shirt, giving a sigh as he rubbed his
neck. “Damn shirt gets tighter every year.”

“That’s
because you’re getting a swelled head,” she said, hiding a smile behind her
hand.

“Oh
yeah? I’ll show you who’s got a swelled head,” he said, grabbing her around the
waist. He heaved her over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom,
banging the door closed behind him to drown out the sound of her laughter.

Chapter
Seven

Monday
morning, Erica rose at her usual hour. She hadn’t slept well without Gunther in
her bed. She was cranky. Amy was already up and a pot of coffee made.
Thank God. Maybe the coffee will help. Have
to face Amy. Ugh.

“Morning,
Erica,” Amy said in a pleasant tone of voice.

Erica
just stared at her as she added milk and a little sugar.

“Can
we talk?” Amy looked meek.

Erica
narrowed her eyes.
What’s she up to?

“Shoot.”

“I’ve
been looking for apartments. It’s pretty expensive to live on my own.”

“What
about Garth?”

“We’re
not ready to move in together, yet.”

Erica
sipped from her mug and stared at her roommate. “What are you getting at?”

“I’m
sorry I said the things I said to you. Can we patch it up? We’ve been friends
and roommates for over a year. It seems a shame to flush it over such a silly
disagreement.”

“My
feelings for Gunther are silly?”

“I
just mean, maybe I was hasty. I guess you’re seeing a different side of him.
Something I never saw. I shouldn’t judge. Can’t we work it out? We’ll save a
boatload of money if we stay together.”

Erica
contemplated Amy’s words.
I don’t want to
waste my money on higher rent. But I don’t want to live with anyone but
Gunther.

“Please,
Erica?”

“I’ll
think about it. You can stay another month. We’ll see how things go.”

“Great!
Thank you.” Amy smiled.

Erica
put her rust bucket in gear and pulled out of the parking lot. She was still in
a bad mood when she reached the office.
What
a wonderful weekend. Like a fairytale. Now back to reality. Sleeping alone and
working my butt off. At least I have class tonight.

Gunther
was all business, he’d already arrived by eight o’clock with a list of things
for her to do. He was like a different man from the trip. Erica’s spirits fell.
They worked side-by-side the entire day with no touching between them.
What the hell? Was I just a weekend good
time?

At
six o’clock, Erica packed up her things. She had to meet Sam at six thirty for
dinner and rehearsal before class. As she headed for the door, Gunther cut her
off. Placing his hands on her upper arms, he continued to talk to her about
what they needed to do the next day. When he paused for breath, she stared at
him, feeling hostile.

He
leaned over and kissed her. “Goodnight, doe-eyes. See you tomorrow.”

Her
eyes widened. “Really?”

“What?”

“You
treat me like a queen all weekend and today I don’t exist? Then, you kiss me?”

“Baby,
this is a business office. No time for fooling around here.”

“Oh?
I’ve heard your couch is a famous casting couch.”

“You
want me to do you on the sofa?”

“Do
me? Do me?” Angry tears threatened.

“I
mean make love to you, of course.”

“I
don’t want you to do me at all.” She slammed the door on her way out. Fury and
outrage at his callous treatment of her fought with tears of hurt.
Amy was right.
She drover faster than
she should, propelled by rage and rejection.

When
she entered the Aquarius Diner, Sam was waiting. She walked up to him, grabbed
him by the neck, and planted a big kiss on his lips. The look of surprise on
his face made her laugh.

“Not
that I haven’t wanted to do that for a long time, but why now?”

“Why
not now?” She lowered her lashes and peered out at him.

Sam
took her in his arms and kissed her deeply in front of the patrons of the
diner, who all cheered when they broke.
Sam
can kiss. Still, not the same as Gunther.

Erica
smiled at him while she straightened out her T-shirt and slid into the booth. Sam
took the seat opposite her. He toyed with her fingers while she glanced at the
menu. They ordered burgers and Cokes.

“Want to rehearse our lines?”

Erica
recited her part, then he came back with his. They did the entire scene before
the food arrived. All the talking made her thirsty so she took a swig of her
drink.

“We’ve
got it nailed,” Sam said.

“Looks
like it.” Erica took a bite of her burger, though she had no appetite.

“
Whit
said something about sending us on auditions.”

“Yeah,
what was that about?”

“We’ll
find out tonight.” Sam finished his food.

When
Erica was done, Sam paid the check, took her hand, and headed to class. They sat
together and exchanged opinions privately. Though they were only good friends,
knowing looks from classmates and
Whitmarsh
himself
led her to believe everyone thought they were dating.
Maybe I should go out with Sam. He’s attractive, very handsome. Why
not? Gunther’s obviously moved on.
But she couldn’t bring herself to take
the next step with Sam.

Their
scene was well received by the class and the teacher who offered valuable
constructive criticism. Sam bristled at the advice from his classmates. He’d
confided in her that he didn’t respect them—what did they know about acting?
They didn’t have half his experience. She calmed him down.

Today,
he was happy and settled back in his chair, shooting a lustful look at Erica.
Uh-oh, what have I started? Am I always
going to want what I can’t have? Gunther is so out of reach.

Whitmarsh
Eddy called for attention before the class ended.

“There
are two auditions coming up. Both for supporting roles, male and female. So you
all have a chance. One is for
Barefoot
in a week. The other is for
Strange
Bedfellows
a few days later. Look for the sheet tacked up on the bulletin
board for details. I wish you all luck.”

Heading
to the parking lot, Sam pulled Erica into a corner. “Are you going to try out?”

“Absolutely.
You?”

“Definitely.”

“Only
one problem.”

“What’s
that?”

“As
I mentioned before, Mr. Quill, my boss, didn’t want to hire an actress.”

“So
don’t tell him.”

“Oh,
I won’t. But he’s one of the producers on
Strange
Bedfellows.”

“Really?
Then you’re a shoo-in for the part.”

She
looked at him in the dark.
He almost
sounds disappointed.
“If he sees me, I’m sure to be eliminated.”

“He
can’t do that.”

“You
don’t know Gunther Quill.”

“Why
are you messing around with this stupid class? Ask him to cast you.”

“I
can’t do that. He’ll be mad. He’ll fire me if he finds out.”

“That’s
crazy. The biggest opportunity is right under your nose.”

“You
don’t understand.”

Sam
stared at her. “Oh, I get it. You’ve got the
hots
for
the guy.”

“I
don’t,” Erica said, with no conviction in her voice.

“Not
exactly an
Academy Award
performance,
Erica.”

She
turned away from him. “It’s late.”

“Prove
you don’t have the
hots
for Quill. Come home with
me.”

For
a moment, she thought about it.
Might be
fun. Teach Gunther he’s not the only fish in the sea.
She looked at Sam. He
didn’t hold any attraction for her. As good-looking as he was, there was no
chemistry.
Shit! Damn you, Gunther Quill.
She knew her heart, even though she railed against it.

Erica
shook her head. “Why ruin a beautiful friendship, Sam?”

His
scowl told her what he thought of her excuse. “Go ahead. Kid yourself. You’ve
got it bad for him if you’re turning me down.”

She
bristled. A nasty retort was on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it.
No need to make an enemy.
“Bad timing,
Sam. Another time.”

“Yeah,
right. Sure. Keep
tellin
’ yourself that, Erica. See
ya
.” He huffed off toward his car.

Erica
drove home, mad at herself for not going with Sam, for loving Gunther, and for
putting up with his crap. She burst into the apartment, making Amy jump.

“Grouchy,
aren’t we?” she said.

“Stay
outta my way.” Erica stomped into her room and slammed the door. She fell on
the bed, crying.

* * * *

The
next morning she arrived at seven-thirty, determined to get there before
Gunther. He strolled in at seven forty-five, startled to see her.

“Great.
You’re early. We have a lot to do.” He took off his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves.

Erica
marched over to him, pushed him up against the wall hard, and leaned on his
shoulders to keep him there. “We have something to talk about first.”

“Okay,
but…”

She
shouted right in his face. “No buts!”

He
held up his hands in surrender. “Go ahead.”

“What
is going on? Last weekend, I was the queen to your king. This week, I’m mud.
I’m garbage. The nameless, faceless assistant. What the hell happened?” As she
spoke, her anger dissipated and sadness rolled into her heart.
Why don’t you love me back?
Tears
threatened.

Gunther
studied her face. “No waterworks. You know how I feel about that,” he said.

“This
isn’t about how
you
feel, it’s about
how
I
feel! Or can’t you get that
through your thick head?”

“Temper,
temper, Erica.” His words added fuel to her fire.

“I’m
not a yoyo, to pull me up when you want to play and let me lie when you don’t.”

“I
never said you were. You’re jumping…”

“Don’t
tell me I’m jumping to conclusions.”

“Why
not? When you are.”

She
arched an eyebrow in response.

“Just
because yesterday was crazy busy doesn’t mean we’re through. Doesn’t mean I
don’t want to see you anymore. I had a dinner meeting with Gabe that went late last
night.”

She
stepped back, studying his face.
Can I
believe him?

“Doe-eyes,
I’m still crazy about you. I’m just not ready to make it more formal, move in
together or anything, yet.” He inched closer to her and ran his knuckle down
her cheek.

“You
didn’t have a hot date last night?”

“With
Gabe? You’re kidding, right? Call him if you don’t believe me.” He reached into
his pants pocket and produced his cell phone, offering it to her.

She
sank down on the corner of her desk. He moved forward swiftly, taking her into
his arms. Try as she might, she couldn’t hold back the tears.

“Baby,
honey, doe-eyes. Don’t cry. Please, baby, it breaks me up.”

But
she couldn’t help it. “My emotions don’t run on demand, Gunther,” she replied.

He
held her and rubbed her back. Pressing her cheek into his chest felt good. His
arms around her felt better.

“There’s
nobody but you, Erica. You
gotta
believe me. But
things are moving so fast now.
Strange
Bedfellows
is kicking into high gear. Casting is underway. I’m on pins and
needles about
Sway,
and there are two
other productions I have to close out. I’m wiped.”

She
knew what he was saying was true.
I’m an
idiot! He’s right. Business is through the roof now. No time for love and
moving in together. Grow up, Erica. Show him you’re a woman and not a crybaby
little girl.

She
took the handkerchief he offered and dried her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m feeling a
little…”

“Insecure?”

She
nodded. “You’re not known for…well, you’re known for screwing around.”

“Maybe.
Okay, yeah. In the past. I did. But now, it’s different. My business is finally
taking off the way I want, and I have you. I do have you, don’t I?”

She
smiled at the hint of doubt in his voice.
Gunther
Quill insecure? Never!

“You
do have me.”
Oh boy, do you have me.
Totally hog-tied.

“Good.
Then, I’m a happy man. I’ve been waiting all my life to put the pieces of the
puzzle together, and they’re coming together now. I’m going to have my dream at
last.”

“That’s
good for you. But I have to take care of myself.”

“I’ll
take care of you, babe. Don’t worry. Why don’t you come and spend the weekend
with me at the beach? I have a great house there. We can relax.”

He knows just what to say. Give the
fish some line then reel her in. What can I say?
“That’d be great.”