Hollywood Divorces / Hollywood Wives: The New Generation (78 page)

‘
I
have a newsflash for you,’ Lola said, sidling up to Tony, who was standing next to Jorge.

Tony turned to look at her as if they were merely vague acquaintances, not passionate lovers.

‘Hi, Lola,’ he said. ‘Did you meet Jorge?’

‘Miz Sanchez is the most beautiful woman here,’ Jorge said, taking her hand in his, bringing it to his lips and kissing it in a courtly fashion. ‘Voluptuous. I
love
voluptuous women.’

‘Me too,’ Tony agreed.

Then what are you doing with that nothing little girl?
Lola thought. ‘How’s everything, Tony?’ she said, playing the game. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen you since New York.’

‘Everything’s tight, Lola,’ he replied. ‘I signed the deal for my new movie yesterday.’

‘Yes,’ Jorge joined in. ‘And Tony also recently announced his engagement to a delightful young lady, quite delightful.’

Somehow or other Lola kept the smile on her face. Jorge must be an idiot: didn’t he know that she and Tony were once engaged?

‘Thanks, Jorge,’ Tony joked. ‘If Maria was a boy she’d be exactly your type.’

Jorge frowned. He did not appreciate his sexual predilections being advertised to the world.

‘Where’s your wife?’ Lola asked, plucking a glass of wine from the tray of a passing waiter.

‘Unfortunately she could not come on this trip,’ Jorge replied. ‘She is at our house in Buenos Aires. Her father is a most important politician.’

‘She doesn’t mind you coming here alone?’

‘Why would she mind?’ Jorge said, his eyes lingering on Lola’s cleavage.

‘L.A. is known as the city of temptations,’ Lola said, shooting a sideways glance at Tony.

‘Ah, but my wife is a
very
understanding woman, and I am a very understanding man. It is only in unsophisticated societies that people get upset when extra-curricular activities take place.’

‘Yeah, women can get very uptight in America,’ Tony agreed.

More guests were arriving. Jorge politely excused himself and drifted off.

‘So,’ Tony said, his eyes inviting her to stay, ‘you wanna tell me your newsflash?’

‘Since you don’t seem bothered by extra-curricular activities,’ she said, savouring the moment, ‘it’s about your girlfriend.’

‘You got somethin’ to say about Maria?’

‘Only if you want to know.’ A long beat. ‘
Do
you, Tony?’

‘Depends.’

‘Where is she?’ Lola asked, taking a sip of wine.

‘Around somewhere,’ Tony said irritably. ‘When I’m ready to leave, I’ll snap my fingers and she’ll be there.’

‘Ah…men.’ Lola sighed. ‘Their egos are so big, just like your beautiful—’

‘You tellin’ me or not?’ he interrupted.

‘I thought you weren’t sure if you wanted to know.’

‘Stop jackin’ me, Lola. Spill.’

‘When you left me in the bathroom without coming back to rescue me—’

‘You coulda come out whenever you wanted.’

‘As you can see, I did. However, I waited a few minutes first.’

‘Uh-huh?’

‘And…it seems someone else had the same idea as us.’

‘You mean somebody else was makin’ out in there?’

‘Yes, and one of those two people was your dear fiancée.’

His face hardened. ‘You’re shittin’ me?’

‘No, Tony. I’m telling you the way it is. You think Maria is so sweet and innocent, when obviously you’re totally wrong.’

‘Who was the guy?’ he said harshly.

‘Ah…that’s what makes this such an
interesting
story.’

‘Stop fuckin’ with me, Lola. I don’t like it.’

‘It wasn’t a man,’ she said, sipping her wine. ‘It was our esteemed guest of honour.’

‘Raja?’

‘Yes, Raja. The great artist was busily going down on your fiancée like there was no tomorrow.’

Unexpectedly Tony burst out laughing. ‘Jesus holy Christ!’ he said. ‘And I thought Maria was so demure.’

Lola was shocked by his reaction. She’d wanted him to call the girl every name he could think of. Instead he was laughing as if it didn’t matter. ‘You mean you’re not upset?’ she said.

‘No way. She’s got the guest of honour’s tongue up her crack, hey, maybe I can get a discount on a painting.’

Lola scowled. Her news had not had the effect she’d hoped for. ‘You’re a pervert,’ she said.

‘No, babe,’ he said, still laughing. ‘I’m a man.’

‘You know what?’ Nick said.

‘What?’ Cat replied.

‘My turn to do something wild now.’

‘Thought we just did.’

‘Yeah, we did, and I’m wet and freezing my balls off. How about you?’

‘
Look
at me,’ she said, shivering. ‘I’m like something left outside in the rain all night.’

‘You’re still a beauty.’

‘Ooh, compliments,’ she said, grinning. ‘I like it.’

‘Here’s what we’re gonna do,’ he said, executing a U-turn and heading back along the Pacific Coast Highway. ‘We’re drivin’ to Vegas and playin’ blackjack. My game of choice.’

‘Oh, in our wet clothes, with
you
driving seven hundred miles an hour, we’re off to Vegas, so
you
can play a dumb card game?’

‘C’mon,’ he encouraged her. ‘You’re an adventurous soul. You
gotta
like gambling.’

‘Can’t say I’ve ever done it.’

‘I’ll teach you. I’m a degenerate gambler.’

‘That sounds
bad
.’

‘I always win.’

‘Why Vegas?’

‘Why not?’

‘I can think of a hundred reasons.’

‘Go ahead,’ he said, driving fast.

‘Okay. My movie wrapped, I’m beat, and come Monday I’m locked in the editing room. I think I need to go home.’

‘That’s not a hundred reasons,’ he argued. ‘Besides, it’s Friday, we’ve got the whole freakin’ weekend. I’ll have you back Sunday night.’

‘I can’t walk into the editing room a total wreck.’

‘I did
your
adventure, climbed down a freakin’ cliff to make out with you,
and
nearly got swept away. Now it’s
your
turn to do something for me. Here,’ he added, tossing her his cellphone, ‘call Amy. Tell her and Jonas to come join us at the Hard Rock.’

‘Really?’

‘My dime. We’ll make it a weekend.’

‘You
are
crazy.’

‘Have you noticed that if I’m not telling
you
that you’re crazy you’re telling
me
?’ he said, looking more dishevelled than ever. ‘Are we a fuckin’ match made in heaven or what?’

‘Actually, yes,’ she admitted, thinking how right he was.

‘Go ahead,’ he said, shooting her a grin. ‘Call my sister.’

‘What’s her number?’

‘Speed dial number one.’

Amy answered immediately. ‘What happened to you two?’ she yelled, music blaring away in the background. ‘Jonas and me are still at the party. It’s a blast.’

‘We took off on a side trip,’ Cat explained.

‘Hmm…I see.’

‘Anyway, your insane brother has requested that you and Jonas join us in Vegas.’

‘Why?’ Amy said, completely unfazed. ‘Are you two getting married?’

‘No,’ Cat answered, choking with laughter at the thought. ‘I’m not even divorced, and somehow I don’t get the vibe that your brother is the marrying kind.’

‘Stop speaking for me,’ Nick interrupted. ‘You never know, I might marry you. Stranger things have happened.’

‘Ooh, I’m
so
excited,’ Cat drawled sarcastically. ‘Try not to forget that I’m still married.’

‘Shut
up
.’

‘Anyway,’ she added, talking into the phone. ‘Hop on a plane and meet us at the Hard Rock. We’re driving.’

‘You’re actually risking your life in a car with my brother?’ Amy questioned. ‘He’s a lunatic driver.’

‘We’ve risked more than that tonight.’

‘I’ll run it by Jonas, but you
do
know that he’s not a spur-of-the-moment kind of guy.’

‘Tell him that we’re celebrating the end of our movie,’ Cat said, ‘and that I’m
begging
him to come. That should do it. Wait a sec–talk to your brother,’ she added, passing the phone to Nick.

‘Hey, little sis,’ he said, one hand off the steering-wheel as they zoomed down the highway. ‘You gonna make it?’

‘If you say so, big bro.’

‘I say so.’

‘Having fun, are you?’

‘Oh,
yeah
.’

‘Told you she was a keeper.’

‘Right as usual,’ he said, clicking off the phone.

‘Can we stop by my apartment?’ Cat pleaded. ‘I need to grab some clothes. Look at me. I vaguely resemble a drowned rat.’

‘I’m looking at you,’ he said sincerely. ‘It’s a beautiful sight.’

Matt emerged from the kitchen. The party was in full swing, crowded with guests laughing, talking and clinking glasses. A classical guitarist played inspirational music, only Matt was not in an inspirational mood. He was severely pissed as he began searching for his wife, his lovely, gorgeous,
famous
wife–his delectable, unfaithful
bitch
of a wife.

Finally he spotted her, talking to Tony Alvarez. He walked over purposefully, his bland face grim. ‘We’re going,’ he said, roughly taking her arm.

‘Excuse me?’ she said, shaking free.

‘We’re leaving,’ he repeated.

‘I didn’t say I was ready to leave.’

‘
I
want to go
now
.’

‘I don’t think so, Matt,’ Lola said, her brown eyes flashing. ‘Go back and watch your precious ball game. I’ll let
you
know when I’m ready.’

‘Don’t talk to me like that,’ he said angrily. ‘I’m your husband. Your
legal
husband.’

She could see he was angry. Taking him back had been a major mistake. Now she’d have to get rid of him all over again, and she was sure her lawyer would not do it for her a second time.

Tony was watching both of them, his dark eyes cool and appraising.

She wondered if he’d dispose of Matt if she asked him to. Tony was a dangerous man–he’d probably do it. Not that she’d ever consider asking him. The only way she’d get Matt out of her house was to promise him another settlement, exactly like she’d had Otto arrange the first time. ‘Go home if you must,’ she said. ‘Send the car back for me.’

‘You’d like that, wouldn’t you?’ Matt said, glaring at Tony. ‘You’d like to stay here with your boyfriend.’

‘What did you say?’ Lola demanded.

‘Everyone at this party knows the deal. You were
caught
in the bedroom with him earlier.’

‘Hey, man,’ Tony said, ‘this is not a conversation to have in public–cool it. People are starin’.’

‘Like
you
give a shit,’ Matt said belligerently.

‘Scuse me?’ Tony said, his face darkening.

‘You’re a two-bit druggie loser. A—’

‘Enough, Matt,’ Lola said quickly, putting her hand on his arm.
Enough, or you could end up like Tyrell White–falling from a nineteenth-floor window. An unfortunate suicide
. ‘We’ll leave, if that’s what you want.’

Matt shot Tony a triumphant look, while Lola made a face as if to say, ‘What can I do?’ She wanted Matt out of her life, but certainly not as the result of violence.

Unfortunately Tony was capable of anything, so to defuse the situation, she would leave with Matt before the two men got into a fight. A fight that Tony would surely win.

Tomorrow she’d call Tony and make everything right. Come what may, their future was together.

The phone awoke Shelby at three a.m. She groped for it in her sleep.

‘Yes?’ she mumbled. ‘Who is it?’

‘Shelby, this is Connie.’

She couldn’t imagine why Linc’s sister was calling her in the middle of the night.

‘Connie,’ she said, struggling to wake up, ‘is everything all right?’

‘No, I’m sorry, it’s not.’

‘What happened?’

‘It’s an emergency, Shelby. A few minutes ago I received a call from a New York hospital.’

‘What about?’ Shelby asked, starting to panic.

‘It’s Linc,’ Connie said. ‘He overdosed on drugs.’

‘He did
what
?’

‘Right now he’s in intensive care. Suki and I are on our way to the airport. They’re, uh…not exactly sure he’s going to make it.’

I’m dreaming
, Shelby thought.
This is all some horrible nightmare
.

Then she realized this was no dream, and her world started to collapse.

‘T
ell me more,’ Cat said, her feet propped on the dashboard.

‘Jeez!’ Nick answered, racing his Maserati past a sporty Mercedes. ‘I’ve told you
everything
about myself. You give a third degree like nobody I know.’

‘I’m excellent at it, aren’t I?’ she boasted, with a wicked grin. ‘I should’ve been a prosecuting attorney.’

‘You would’ve killed.’

‘Thanks,’ she answered proudly. ‘Are we nearly there?’

‘I hope so.’

‘What a night,’ she said, yawning loudly. ‘I never thought I’d meet anybody who’d want to do the crazy stuff I do.’

‘I never met a girl like you either,’ he agreed. ‘It’s a kick.’

‘So, may I hear the rest of the Nick Logan life story?’ she said encouragingly.

‘The
rest
starts now,’ he replied. ‘I’m sitting in my new car with my new girl. And I like it!’

‘Hmm…do you think Amy and Jonas have arrived yet?’

‘They’ve probably checked into the hotel and hit the sheets. It’s some ungodly hour. Sleep seems like a plan.’

‘Sleep
would
be nice,’ she agreed, thinking how much she liked him.

‘In a bed–with you next to me.’

‘What?’ she said, mocking him lightly. ‘You didn’t enjoy the sand?’

‘I can safely say I’ll never forget it.’

‘Nor will I. It was good, huh?’

‘It sure was. Did you—’

‘Of
course
I did. How about you?’

‘Like
I
could fake it.’

‘Men do, you know.’

‘You’ve
really
been mixing with a strange group of guys.’

‘Yeah, I should’ve stuck to the classy type of person
you
hang with.’

‘You’re talkin’ about my nefarious past,’ he said, changing CDs.

‘I am?’

‘Right on.’

‘Thank God we’re almost there,’ she said, checking out a passing billboard.

‘When was the last time you were in Vegas?’ he asked, pumping up the volume on Kid Rock.

‘Don’t recall ever coming here. Isn’t
that
sad?’

‘A Vegas virgin,’ he said, whistling. ‘Wow!’

‘Let’s not get carried away. When were
you
last here?’

‘I sometimes fly in for the fights with some of my pals. It’s a regular party scene. Booze, babes, and two monsters knocking the shit outta each other.’

‘Sounds delightful.’

‘It’s a diversion.’

‘And you always win at blackjack?’

‘I’m lucky that way.’

‘Gambling is an addiction, you know.’

‘Does that mean I’m about to get a lecture?’

‘Not from me. Trust me, Nick–lectures are not my thing.’

On the way home, Lola checked with her mother on the car phone.

‘Selma was very talkative tonight,’ her mother assured her. ‘The doctors say that she’ll be able to come home in a few days. No permanent damage.’

‘That’s
such
great news, Mama.’

‘It’s late, where are you calling from?’

‘Matt and I were at a party. We’re in the car.’

‘Was it a nice party?’

‘Yes, Mama, it was very nice. It was for the artist, Raja Mestres.’

‘That
is
exciting.’

‘I think I saw Antonio Banderas there–your favourite.’

‘What I wouldn’t give to meet that man,’ Claudine sighed.

‘Next time I’m invited to one of his premières,’ Lola said, ‘I’ll take you with me.’

‘No,’ Claudine said firmly. ‘You’ll take Matt. He
is
your husband.’

Oh, God, now she’d have to confront the family again when she got rid of Matt. Her problems were never-ending.

Matt was sulking in the car.

‘
I
’m the one who should be giving out the silent treatment around here,’ she said, when she got off the phone. ‘How
dare
you drag me out of a party while I’m talking to my friends?’

‘Your
friends?
’ he sneered. ‘Is that what you call Tony Alvarez–a
friend?
’

‘Tony’s a very fine director and for your information, a
loyal
friend.’

‘What were the two of you doing in the bedroom?’

‘He was showing me the house.’

‘Some of the waiters were laughing about it in the kitchen.’

‘Laughing about
what?
’

‘You and him in there, then
you
with two women. What are you? A
lesbian
?’

‘Oh, for God’s sake!’

They travelled the rest of the way home in silence. When they arrived at the house, Lola marched straight upstairs. Her mind was in turmoil. Thank God Selma had fully recovered and would shortly be coming out of hospital. Normal life would resume, and Lola had decided that there was no way she was about to be stuck with Matt.

There was only one answer. She and Tony should get married, then
nobody
could criticize them.

How quickly could she divorce Matt? That was the question. And how much would she have to pay him this time? She was rich, but not a billionaire by any means, and getting rid of Matt was turning into a big expense.

Matt walked into the bedroom shortly after her.

‘No TV?’ she said sarcastically, sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair. ‘Surely you want to sit downstairs watching sports for another three hours?’

‘I’m not happy,’ Matt mumbled.

‘Nor am I,’ she retorted.

‘
I
’m the one who’s being treated like crap,’ he whined. ‘I’m your
husband
, Lola. You married me, threw me out, then took me back. You can’t treat me like a dog and expect to get away with it. I
refuse
to be made a fool of by someone like Tony Alvarez.’

‘I’m glad
you
brought it up,’ she said, seizing the opportunity. ‘The truth is that we
never
should’ve gotten back together. We’re not compatible. It was a big mistake.’

‘What?’ he said, perplexed by her attitude. He’d expected to mend bridges–not demolish them.

‘You heard,’ she answered. ‘You’re not the man for me,
and I’m not the woman for you. That’s the way it is, Matt. We should both face up to it.’

His left eyelid began twitching–a sign that he was nervous. ‘What are you saying?’ he said, flushing angrily.

‘I’m
saying
this is not working out for either of us. You have to go.’

‘Lola—’

‘I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.’

‘Compensated?’ he exploded. ‘What do you think I am? An employee?’

‘You know what I mean,’ she said, wishing she hadn’t started something that her lawyer would obviously have to finish.

He started pacing around the room. ‘It’s Tony Alvarez, isn’t it? He always manages to come between us. If it weren’t for him, you and I would be fine.’

‘Maybe so,’ she answered, putting down her hairbrush. ‘However, that’s the way it is.’

‘That’s the way it is,’ he muttered, repeating her words.

‘Not only is Tony one of the most talented directors in the world,’ she said, deciding that since she’d started it, she might as well lay it all out, ‘but he loves me, and I’m finally admitting that I love him too.’ She was glad that she’d said it. Relieved it was out in the open. No more deception.

‘You
love
him?’ Matt said, his bland face turning a dark crimson. ‘He’s
engaged
to another woman.’

‘Maria is only a smokescreen,’ she explained. ‘Tony and I are meant for each other.’

‘You honestly believe that?’ he said, shocked she would say such a thing.

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I only took you back because my family begged me to. It was a mistake. I need to be with Tony, and for once I’m doing what
I
want, not what my family thinks I
should
do.’

Something exploded inside him. He was filled with a
fury he hadn’t known he was capable of. ‘You unfeeling
bitch
!’ he yelled.

‘Pack up and leave tomorrow morning, Matt,’ she said coldly. ‘Tonight you can sleep in the guest room.’

‘You’d appreciate that, would you?’ he said, completely enraged. ‘Why don’t you have your
lawyer
throw me out, like before?’

‘Don’t fight it,’ she said, perfectly calm. ‘I’ve made up my mind.’

‘You’re
obsessed
with Tony Alvarez! That’s what this is all about,’ he shouted. ‘If he wasn’t around, you and I would be very happy together.’

‘Whatever you say,’ she murmured, tired of arguing. ‘I’m going to sleep now. I’m sorry it had to work out this way.’

Shelby did not know who to turn to so she called Pete, who assured her he’d be over immediately.

When he arrived, she was already dressed and ready to go. She’d written a note to her parents, stuck it on the fridge, and put the puppy in its play pen where it couldn’t get into trouble.

‘I need somebody to take me to the airport,’ she said, choking back tears.

‘I’ll drive you,’ Pete said, hugging her. ‘Everything will work out, Shelby.’

‘This is all because I left him alone,’ she said, her beautiful face pale and wan. ‘I should have gone back to him, done what he wanted. I could’ve walked off the movie. It didn’t matter.’

‘It has nothing to do with you,’ Pete assured her. ‘This would’ve happened anyway.’

‘Not if I’d given up my career and been by his side.’

In the car on the way to the airport she decided to tell
him about the baby. ‘There’s something you should know, Pete,’ she said in a low voice. ‘Yesterday I found out I’m pregnant.’

‘Oh, Jesus!
Now
I know why you’ve been in such a funk about everything.’

‘I have to go back to Linc,’ she said, nodding to herself. ‘You’re a wonderful man, and I’ve enjoyed our time together, but Linc is my husband and I love him, so I
am
going back.’

Pete nodded, although he was dying inside. ‘I understand.’

At the airport he informed her that he was coming with her on the plane to New York.

‘It’s not necessary,’ she said. ‘I’ll manage.’

‘No,’ he said, watching her closely. ‘I’m flying with you. You can’t be by yourself.’

‘You don’t have to do that,’ she said softly.

‘Yes, Shelby. I do.’

He purchased both their tickets, and they caught the next flight out.

Later, sitting on the plane, Shelby was frozen with fear. She kept on remembering the good times
and
the bad. The happiness and despair. Life with Linc had never been dull. And now…What if he didn’t pull through? What would she do then?

She had to stop thinking about it. The only positive thing she could do was hope that he made it.

As soon as Nick and Cat walked into the Hard Rock, the front desk alerted the manager, and he came running out to meet them and escort them to the complimentary suite where Amy and Jonas were already settled.

Amy, clad in yellow and black striped leggings and an
oversized T-shirt, was sitting cross-legged on the terrace eating a bowl of cereal and sliced banana. ‘Wow!’ she exclaimed, jumping up. ‘What happened to
you
two? You look like you’ve been through a garbage dump and come out the other side.’

‘Thanks,’ Cat said, stealing a slice of banana. ‘Guess I’d better go take a shower.’

‘Lead the way,’ Nick said, regarding her with affection.

‘Oh,’ Amy said knowingly, ‘so it’s like that, is it?’

Nick and Cat exchanged an intimate look, unable to wipe the smile off their faces.

‘That’s cool,’ Amy said casually. ‘It means you won’t be too knocked over by
our
news.’

‘What news?’ Nick asked. ‘And where’s Jonas?’

‘He’s downstairs buying me a—’

‘Buying you a
what?
’

‘Hmm, you’d better take a look at these and have a guess,’ Amy said, handing them a couple of photos.

Cat and Nick viewed the photos together. They were of an overstuffed Elvis impersonator in a white suit, holding a Bible, standing under a sign that read
The Elvis Wedding Chapel
. Opposite him Jonas and Amy were hand in hand, with huge smiles on their faces.

‘Don’t tell me you—’ Nick began.

‘Yup,’ Amy yelled excitedly. ‘We
did
!’

‘You did!’ Cat screamed. ‘And you had Elvis! How cool is
that
?’

‘Couldn’t help ourselves,’ Amy said. ‘We got here
way
before you guys, and we had nothing to do-except gamble, which Jonas doesn’t. So…since we were celebrating—’

‘Celebrating
what
?’ Nick asked.

‘Merrill made Jonas a producer on his next movie.’

‘That’s fantastic!’ Cat exclaimed.

‘Anyway,’ Amy continued, ‘so we kinda sorta…
y’know, decided to get married.’

‘Holy
shit!
’ Nick exclaimed.

‘Insanity obviously runs in the family,’ Cat remarked.

‘I’ll tell you something,’ Nick said, indicating Cat. ‘If my girl wasn’t already married, we’d probably be doin’ it ourselves.’

‘We would?’ Cat said.

‘Yeah, we would,’ Nick said, challenging her to argue.

‘I dunno about that.’

‘
I
do.’

‘
I
don’t.’

‘You always have to be the boss, don’t you?’

‘Yeah, as a matter of fact I do.’

‘What you need is a man who can control you.’

‘And I suppose
you
’re that man?’

‘Looks like it.’

‘Children! Children!’ Amy chided, as Jonas walked in.

‘Hey,’ Jonas greeted them. ‘You’re here.’

‘And
I
always thought you were so introverted and careful,’ Cat said, shaking her head. ‘Obviously I was totally wrong.’

‘She told you,’ he said sheepishly.

‘She sure did! I’m
proud
of you, Jonas. Get your butt over here–the bridegroom owes me a kiss.’

‘Here’s the plan,’ Nick said. ‘We’ll grab a couple of hours’ sleep, then we’re gonna blow this town
wide
open. We got some
major
celebrating to do. It isn’t every day my little sis gets married!’