Backstage (The Barter System Book 4) (33 page)

Chapter Eight

Last week of September 2012 – Official Opening Night

Walking down the hallway toward the backstage area, Mikayla grabbed Kiefer’s arm and pulled him into her dressing room. 

Madeline stood in the middle of the space with her arms crossed over her chest.  It was quickly clear that both of his sisters were furious. 

“I’ve never known you to be deliberately cruel a day in your life.  If you toy with Theodora, she will
never
recover from it.”  The skin around Linn’s eyes was drawn taut. 

“Mama has plenty to say on this subject.  I’m not her but you’d better not hurt that girl.  I’d never look at you the same way again.”  Mikayla sighed and rubbed her temple. “There are so many women you could have played with while you’re in New York.  Why did you have to pick the one sure to fall in love with you, Kiefer?”

“I honestly don’t know.  I really don’t.  I don’t want to hurt her, I swear to you.  Hurtin’ a woman like her would be the worst thing I ever did in my life.”  He rubbed his hands over his face.  “I’ve told her exactly who I am.  I’m not cut out for long-term relationships and she understands.  She accepts me and our time together for what it is.” 

Madeline gentled her voice.  “Honey, you’ve been the man-whore of Owasso for almost twenty years.  I don’t get it.” 

“That makes two of us.” 

Quietly, Kayla asked, “Did you sleep with her, Kiefer?”  After a small hesitation, he nodded.  “No way to undo that.  She’ll be hooked now.  Far more worldly women than her have fallen for you.”  She put her hand on his arm.  “Were you careful with her?”

The deep breath felt painful.  “She’s like a Botticelli angel.”  He hadn’t meant to
say
the words and gave a small shrug when he did. 

“She’s one of the best women we know.”  Mikayla leaned up to kiss his cheek.  

“I know who I am.  I know I’m not the kind of man she needs.  I have no idea what I’m doin’.”  The words were truer than any he’d said to Teddy and it made him feel ashamed. 

Linn sighed and said, “We have to get ready.  We love you.” 

They hugged him and he walked the dark area behind all the hustle and bustle.  He needed time to think.  When Isaiah appeared in front of him, he wondered if the man was going to do a different sort of talking. 

“I have no intention of beating you up, Kiefer.” 

He relaxed his stance, having tensed in reflex.  “Thanks.” 

The big man tilted his head.  “I heard everything you said last night and as a man, I understand where you think you’re going more than the ladies do.  I’ve also known Theodora since she was born.”  He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.  “Everyone usually underestimates her.  She’s stronger than anyone gives her credit for being, including me and my brother sometimes.” 

“She’s remarkable.” 

“As a grown woman, she knows her mind.  I imagine she also knows there’s going to be pain when you leave.”  Kiefer winced and Isaiah exhaled roughly.  “I wish that wasn’t ahead for her but I also know she can handle it.  All I ask is that you’re good to her while you’re here, careful with her safety, and that when you leave, you give her time to get over you.” 

“That’s…ridiculously reasonable of you.” 

“I remember what it was like to go through life invisible to the world around you.  You see her.  Even if it’s only temporary, it matters.”  Nodding, the older Zelder brother walked away.  Over his shoulder, he said, “Showtime in thirty minutes.” 

Kiefer returned to Teddy’s side and asked what he could do to help. 

The little caterer turned to him with an expression of shock.  “Are you
kidding
?  Get out front!  The show is about to start!” 

She pushed him out of her space and told him the box Ezra had reserved for all of them.  “You have to see them perform.  It’s important and they’re going to blow you away.  Go!”

He kissed her roughly and did as she instructed.  When he found his parents and brothers, they watched him approach.  He could see the disappointment on his mother’s face and decided to be proactive. 

“I already talked to the girls and Isaiah.  Leave it alone for now.  I’m tired.”  He could see their surprise but they said nothing and soon the house lights dimmed and the curtain went up. 

* * * * *

Every member of the Johannson family had always known the twins were talented.  None of them were prepared for the culmination of their years of work.  Enthralled during scenes and positively obnoxious clapping between acts, they could barely control their pride. 

There wasn’t an empty seat in the theater and all of them knew why. 

When Madeline and Mikayla took their final bows, they looked up and blew their family kisses with both hands.  They lost all sense of decorum, screaming and yelling. 

Isaiah was waiting with a huge grin to lead them to the cast area and the second they saw them, the girls were crushed in hugs.  For fifteen minutes, they praised them, asked questions, and gushed over how much fun it had all been.  None of them could stop smiling.

Reynold said, “I thought I’d be bored, I’m ashamed to admit.  I was laughin’ all the way through.  Damn, y’all are more talented than I realized.  I’m so proud.”

Becky was in tears and Ivan was attempting to hide his but they held their daughters between them for a long time. 

“We have to change.  Theodora brought the most amazin’ lobster things.  I’ve eaten four already.” Mikayla patted her stomach and they laughed.  To Kiefer, she added, “Make sure she comes with us tomorrow night.” 

He nodded and watched them run to their dressing rooms.  Each one held the hand of her fiancé. 

With a chuckle, Becky announced, “It’s gonna be a while before they join us so we better grab some food.” 

Over the next hour, they ate Teddy’s cooking while people from the theater industry swarmed the cast. 

It was a long night and Kiefer could tell that the caterer was exhausted by the time everyone prepared to go the launch party. 

Kiefer took Madeline aside.  “I want to take Teddy home.  Would you mind if we didn’t go to the party?” 

The twins hugged him between them.  Linn smoothed his hair from his face.  “Go.  We love you.  Thank you for bein’ part of this.” 

He hugged them back hard.  “Y’all are always my favorite girls.  I’m so fuckin’ proud of you I can barely stand it.” 

With a wink and a wave, he went to take Theodora home so she could shower and sleep.  She was worn out but seemed confused when he snuggled down beside her and turned off the lights. 

“Sleep.  Just sleep, Teddy.” 

The next morning, she woke him with a blowjob that showed him her confidence was growing followed by the best pancakes he’d ever tasted. 

If pressed, he wasn’t sure which he’d have to swear was the better gift. 

* * * * *

The play ran six nights a week and Kiefer spent them with Teddy.  He checked out of his hotel and spent every minute with her. 

One particular night, he met his parents to carry in a specific printer Madeline begged them to find.  The girls were changing after the night’s performance and Kiefer led his parents to the catering area.

All of them came to an abrupt stop when they heard screeching.

“I realize someone who looks like you must inhale
gallons
of this shit every day but I specifically asked for
green juice
.”  A woman who was painfully thin stood on one side of the buffet yelling at Teddy. 

He was livid but his mother put her hand on his arm.  “Wait.”

“Diana…how I enjoy your daily tantrums.  As I tell you
every night
, Madeline told me to provide food,
real whole food
for her cast.  These are your
healthy
choices.  I suggest you take your complaints to Linn herself.”  The woman flinched.  “I didn’t think you’d consider that option.  I have things to do.  Eat or don’t but shut the hell up.”

“You know you’re just jealous…” 

Teddy rolled her eyes.  “I can’t wait to hear this.  Please tell me why I’m jealous.  I’m breathless with anticipation.” 

“I see you looking at the brother.  You’ll never get him just like the Zelders didn’t want to fuck you.” 

Theodora pretended to gag.  “Jesus, they’re my first
cousins
…I would sure as hell hope not.  Oh god, that is so
gross
.”  Diana’s eyes went big as saucers.  Teddy gave a full body shiver.  “Yuck.  Just yuck.” 

Hands on her hips, she added, “As for the twins’ brother, I’m sure you’re right.  Still, I have a life and friends and happiness.  I’m sorry your lack of all three makes you so fucking bitter.”

“You mouthy
bi…
”

“That is
enough
!” 

Becky Johannson was a woman filled with humor and kindness.  She also had the Devil’s own temper when she hit her limit.  Her voice hit a tone that made her husband and son inhale carefully. 

“Young woman, I don’t know where you learned your manners but your rude, insultin’ way of speakin’ is disgustin’.  You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” 

“Who the hell are you?” the actress asked snidely.

Kiefer watched his father take a protective step forward.  It was not to protect his
wife
but the silly woman who had no idea who she was dealing with and risked a smack in the mouth.

His mother smiled slowly and even as a grown man, he remembered receiving it when he was a boy.  It still struck terror in his heart.

“Who am I?  Why, honey, I’m half of J&J Productions.  You might recognize the name…it’s on every paystub you get for workin’ with the play.  I didn’t realize we employed such nasty people.” 

The woman’s mouth opened and closed several times.  Then she carefully posed, hands folded in front of her, and eyed him and his approaching brothers with new purpose. 

“Not a
chance
, sweetheart,” he mumbled. 

Then he walked behind the counter, took Teddy in his arms, and kissed the daylights out of her.  She sighed against his mouth.  When he felt her start to tremble, he lifted his face and gave her a wink.  “Why didn’t you tell her I’m practically beggin’ at your feet?” 

As if trying to figure out what was happening, she managed, “I was too skeeved out over the mention of my
cousins
and
sex
in the same sentence.  I’ll be grossed out for a week.” 

“I didn’t know Isaiah and Ezra were your cousins.”  Lifting one hand, he smoothed it through her hair and she nodded.  “That explains so much.”  He shrugged.  “It would be impossible for non-family to be around you and not sweep you off your feet.  You’re goin’ out with us tonight.” 

“Wait…what?” 

“I’ll help you clean up and we’re goin’ out.”  With another kiss, he sort of let her go but kept his arm around her shoulders.  Jerking his head at the actress who stared at them with shock and contempt, he asked, “What’s your name again?” 

“Diana.” 

“Well, Diana, personality is a deal breaker.  All the focus you have on your looks…spend some of that time thinkin’ about how you behave.  Your nasty attitude is gonna end you up alone and bitter.  I can’t imagine anyone nice takin’ a risk on you.” 

She issued a small scream and stormed away. 

Becky stepped up to the counter and leaned on her elbow.  “Theodora, I don’t know how you deal with all these catty bitches high on caffeine and cigarettes.  I’d be in jail.” 

“So many of the performers I see come through here are starving and clearly vitamin deficient.  They lash out to pretend they aren’t insecure.  Diana is hateful but can you imagine her life?  It’s probably very lonely.  I bet she punishes herself over every pound.  I have to put her in her place but I actually feel sorry for her.” 

Kiefer could see the way Teddy’s words affected his mother. 

“You’re such a pure soul.  I like everything about you.”  Then Becky clapped her hands together and said, “Put us to work.  We’re gettin’ you out of here in the next hour.  We have to insist.” 

The cast and crew drifted in and out of the catering area.  The two women talked as Teddy gave each of them instructions.  When everything was put away, she stepped to the side and called the nurse watching over her mother. 

“Sleeping?  How was her pain today?  Okay, I won’t be home until late but you know you can always reach me.”  She disconnected the phone and turned to the others with a small smile.  “Would you mind if I invited Carly and Bristol to go out with us?  I think you’ll like them.” 

“The more the merrier, dear!”

She called her cousin and grinned.  “Bristol!  I missed you!  We haven’t gone six days without talking in forever.  What are you doing tonight?  Is Carly around?  Would you like to meet me?  Yes,
out
of the house.  It not that rare…you know what, you’re losing the point.”  Glancing at Reynold and Vince, she added with a grin, “Bring the big guns.  Uh huh.  Two, conveniently enough.  Very attractive.  It runs in the family.  I think you’ll be quite pleased.  Yes.  I will.” 

She hung up and laughed at the audience that gathered. 

Ezra said bluntly, “If you’re bringing Bristol and Carly, the evening is about to get rather interesting.” 

“They are extremely bright and outgoing.  Their energy levels resemble that of people abusing narcotics but I assure you, they’ve been that way since they were toddlers.”  Isaiah kissed the top of Mikayla’s head.  “They can keep up with
this one
without a nap.” 

“It was the stuff of legends.”  Madeline put her hands on her hips and smiled at Theodora.  “Are you tryin’ to fix up our brothers?” 

“You
know
how they are and your brothers are going to get bored.”  Teddy shrugged.  “They can drag them all over the city until they pass out.  It will be fun to watch.”

“You are
so
right.  Okay then!  Let’s get out of here.”

Kiefer was amazed that Teddy declined stopping to change.  “I’m pretty tired so I doubt I’ll stay long.  I wouldn’t do much anyway.”