Read Hollywood Princess Online
Authors: Dana Aynn Levin
Hollywood Princess (51 page)
“Let’s go down to the beach.
I want to watch the sun rise,” Eli suggested.
It was black out now, but this ti
me of year the sun rose early. That was in only a couple of hours. I kissed Eli’s nose.
“Great idea,” I said enthusiastically.
I scooted off the sofa. Kissing Eli’s forehead I said, “I’ll be right back.”
I
returned a few minutes later. Elizabeth was sitting, knees pulled in, holding the chenille throw tucked around her. She smiled at my entrance.
“I was cold,” Elizabeth explained.
“Here, Sweetheart,” I said, and I handed her a grey Donnelly sweatshirt.
Eli rose and sli
pped her arms into the hoodie. The extra long sleeves swallowed her arms so I zippered it and cuffed the sleeves.
“This is yours,” Eli laughed.
“It’s the warmest one we have.”
“I like bi
g sweatshirts,” she assured me. “You changed.”
I was wearing sweatpa
nts and a pullover sweatshirt. “I wasn’t wearing any pants anyway,” I added.
Eli laughed. “I noticed.
And you took out your lenses too.”
I had my glasses on. “It’s late.
My eyes are dried out.”
The crescent moon over the ocean a
ppeared close enough to touch. Its low-wattage glow reflecting off the gently breaking white caps cast an ethereal air to the blue-black sky. It kept the otherwise dark pre-dawn hour from complete blackness.
Just up from the water’s edge, far enough back not to get wet from the tide, I
shook out the chenille throw. When it settled on the chilly sand I again reached for Eli’s hand and helped her down to sitting between my legs. I wrapped both arms around her shoulders and we sat watching the surf ebb and flow. With my love in my arms, the moon lighting the scene, and the sound of the pounding surf, it was magic.
Time passed.
The moon had set. The sun was rising. Darkness slowly receded. Pink tinged the horizon; an indication that another beautiful day lay ahead with no coastal fog to mar it.
In advance of the a
pproaching high tide, the waves were breaking more often and more powerfully than before. I had sited our blanket perfectly. We sat close enough to enjoy nature’s wake-up call, but far enough away that we stayed dry.
Elizabeth
sat cross-legged, leaning against my chest like a ragdoll while my arms held her snugly. Exhaustion soon claimed us. Eli’s eyes were tired, swollen slits. I was afraid to know what I looked like.
Elizabeth and I were making
a memory we were certain to cherish forever. I yawned again. I couldn’t wait for the sun to rise a little higher so we could crawl into bed.
Eli smiled and care
ssed my stubble-covered cheek. Even in this condition, she was exquisite. I gathered all the energy that remained to kiss her. Then Eli yawned and stretched her arms like a kitten.
“Oops!” she said awkwardly, smiling sheepishly.
I laughed softly at her indiscretion. With the level of comfort we shared, it didn’t matter. At dawn, it was even appropriate.
“Too bad we didn’t stay up ‘til dawn on our first date,” I remarked.
“I’m glad we didn’t.”
“Tonight wouldn’t be as special if we had.”
“Yeah,” Eli answered. “Tonight was the best.”
“I would have thought a different night
topped your list.”
Eli giggled.
“That one’s down a few notches. Any night where you vomit cannot be number one on your list.”
I laughed at the memory. “That still bothers you?”
“I was so embarrassed.”
“So what made tonight the best?” I asked.
“I like our freedom here.”
“And that we made love?”
“Yeah, that’s always nice.”
Eli kissed my cheek.
We were both so mellow.
“You know, Danny, that first night I
would have if you’d wanted to. It’s not as though we’d just met. I wanted to. Badly. But that month you made me wait, it seemed like forever.”
“It did?
Poor baby,” I teased.
“Oh come on Danny!
You have to know that every time you kiss me it’s like I’m going to die. It was torturous.”
“Do you still feel like you’re going to die when I kiss you?”
“Yes,” she admitted, but Eli blushed.
“I think we’ve more than made up for the wait.”
“You were so afraid,” Eli giggled. “It was as though you were the virgin.”
“I wasn’t afraid.
I wanted everything perfect because you were a virgin.”
Eli giggled again. “Danny, y
ou were afraid you’d end up in a monogamous relationship where you’d spend every night and day with me. You were afraid I’d move in with you.”
“Uh, Eli?”
“Yes, Daniel?”
“Isn’t that exactly what happened?”
“Yes.” Even this tired, Eli grinned, victorious. Somewhere along the way I’d released myself from my fears. “Do you regret it, Danny?”
“Not for even one minute, babe.”
In my sleepy haze my lips found Eli’s, and I kissed her, proof of my undying love.
How ironic – yesterday had been the best day of my life while today was one of the worst. A large part of me wanted to go back to sleep and not wake until Monday. I sighed. Avoidance was not to be.
Perhaps it was the strong coffee Danny was continually gulping, but he was handling the lack of sleep much better than I was. My yawning was incessant. If only I could stay awake until we arrived at the Newman’s later.
“There’s my long-lost son and his girl next door!” Ellen greeted us with hugs. Her attempt at humor fell flat. Danny and I were too brain-dead.
“Actually, Elizabeth’s not from next door, Mom.”
“I know where Elizabeth lives, Daniel.”
“We’ve been busy, Mom.”
“I’m sure you have been. If I’d lived at the beach with Dad when we were your age, I’m sure we wouldn’t have shown our faces in public much either.”
“Mom!”
I laughed at Danny’s uncharacteristic discomfort, and then I yawned.
“Has Danny been keeping you up, Elizabeth?”
“We stayed up to watch the sun rise at the beach,” I answered.
“Nice. As I said, Daniel.”
Danny kissed Ellen’s cheek.
“We’ll be upstairs packing, Mom.”
“Don’t forget, we’re all having dinner together tonight.”
“Where?” I asked.
“Here,” Danny answered.
“I thought Danny and Steven would enjoy a home-cooked meal before going off for three months of restaurants and caterers.”
“Thank you, Mommy,” Danny responded with a playful wink.
“Good. Then we don’t have to get dressed-up.”
Ellen gave me a hard stare. Suddenly I was conscious of my gym shorts and tank top. Danny wasn’t dressed any better.
“Yes, you do,” Ellen stated bluntly. “This isn’t Malibu, Elizabeth.”
“Randi can bring you something. I’ll call her,” Danny said.
“Maybe I need to keep clothing here too.”
Upstairs, Danny deposited two of the three suitcases he had brought from Malibu on the floor. Tomorrow they would all be loaded into the limo that was coming for Steve.
Then Danny left me alone while he went to fetch a collapsible luggage stand from another room. Like the largest black wave, the enormity of tomorrow swept over me.
When he returned, I was seated cross-legged on the end of the bed, my hands supporting my moping face. I felt as sullen as I looked. Upon seeing me, Danny propped the stand against the wall and sat by my side.
“Eli,” Danny said softly, and he took my hands.
I tried not to, I really did, but I couldn’t. Like an open spigot the tears I’d kept hidden poured out. Danny’s strong arms enveloped me and held me close, secure. The comfort they usually brought did not come, however.
Danny continued letting me cry. He understood that I needed the release. Better today, than tomorrow.
“Let it out, baby. You’re hurting,” Danny said in a kind voice while he held me.
“I’m sorry,” I sputtered. “I don’t want to ruin the day.”
“You could never do that, honey.”
My crying slowed, and then it stopped. There was a wet stain on Danny’s shirt. He gently wiped my face with his thumb.
“I love you, Eli. It won’t be that bad. I’ll see you on Friday.”
“I know.”
Danny lifted my chin and kissed me. The sweetness of his lips made me smile.
“I’ll make it the best reunion,” I said cheerfully.
“I’m sure you will. Every week.”
Today I was determined to keep a smile on my face. I wanted our last day to be happy.
Oddly, I felt light-hearted having released all my emotions in the last few days. I had achieved clarity. Now, I almost looked forward to putting Danny on the plane so I could begin my real summer.
My job started tomorrow. I couldn’t concentrate on work while living in girlfriend mode with Danny the focus of my attention. Putting Danny on the plane was such a definitive act it would automatically propel me forward.
The early morning sun filtering through the blinds filled me with joy. I loved living here, and not only because I shared the house with Danny. At dinner last night I felt out of place, stifled. Returning to Brentwood, even for one evening, was like retreating to childhood.
“How are you enjoying playing house?” Mom had asked as if it were a game.
Danny and I were not “playing” anything. This was our life. I resented Mom acting as though it was nothing deeper than a thinly veiled excuse for us to fool around.
Danny and I were adults. We had spent the past year being adults. I could not return to my parents’ home and be treated like a child. I could not return and be forced to act as though Danny and I had never happened.
I rose from the bed, threw open the blinds, and inhaled the salty ocean air coming through the partially opened glass slider. I wanted to be ready when Danny returned from the Jacobs-Newman golf outing.
Steve was stepping out of his limo when Danny pulled up beside the plane. The driver unloaded Danny’s three suitcases and one belonging to Steve and carried them to the Gulfstream to be loaded in.
Steve approached and opened my door. At the same time, Danny opened the small trunk of the Porsche. While he removed his backpack and laptop,
Steve reached for my hand and helped me out.
“Elizabeth, we’ll see you Friday, right?” Steve asked.
“Yes. Friday.” I bit my lower lip that had begun quivering.
Danny placed his bags on the ground. Steve held me but turned to Danny.
“I’ll know by Wednesday if the plane is available.”
Danny nodded.
“Otherwise you’ll go commercial. Sorry, honey.”
“That’s fine,” I answered quietly.
All that mattered was seeing Danny. I’d be in First Class so I didn’t really care. One more year with Danny and I might begin to care.
Steve wrapped his arms around me. His warmth always brought me comfort.
“You be good, Elizabeth.”
I smiled at his addressing me like a little girl.
“Keep an eye on my man for me,” I said.
“I certainly will. Anything for my favorite girl.”
Steve hugged me tightly, and I hugged him back.
“I never imagined you’d be the girl putting Danny on the plane today. I’m glad it is. He’s in good hands.”
“Thanks, Steve. I love you too.”
“Elizabeth, while Danny’s in Vancouver, the beach house is still yours to live in. It’s your home now, yours and Danny’s.”
“Thank you, Steve.”
I hugged him tightly. I loved Steve so much. How fortunate I was to have two loving fathers. Steve kissed my forehead and handed me over to Danny.
“Don’t be long. I have a meeting,” Steve told his son before taking his leave.
As we watched Steve climb the stairs to the plane, Danny took my hands. Our eyes locked on each other’s. My insides trembled. I didn’t want them to. Danny should remember me as happy.
There was no time for further thoughts as Danny cradled me in his arm and kissed me. His tongue teased my lower lip that parted, giving him entrance. I moaned as he pressed against me. Danny’s fingers ran down my side to my thigh, and then squeezed my rear through my skirt. My tongue danced with his and Danny hardened against me. My head was spinning. Then Danny pulled back, ending our kiss.
“I’m going to miss you, babe,” Danny whispered.
“I’ll miss you too. Terribly.”
“What are you doing today?”
“Steff and Emma are coming for dinner. They had no idea that I was in town.”
“I bet they don’t know where you’re living either.”
“I’ve been occupied, Mr. Newman.”
“You certainly have been.” Danny tenderly kissed my lips.
“They’ll be surprised that I can cook,” I laughed.
“Secret facts about Elizabeth Jacobs,” he laughed. “I’m glad you’ll be with friends. When are you moving back home?”
“I am home, Daniel. Our home. I’ve made up my mind. I’m staying in Malibu,” I answered with a confident smile.
“That’s great,” Danny said, but I wasn’t sure he meant it as he hesitated. “I didn’t think you’d want to be alone.”
“I won’t be alone. You’ll be there with me.”
“How am I there?” Danny asked, puzzled.
“You’re everywhere. Danny, your presence is in every room. And at night, I’ll put on one of your shirts and curl up with your pillow. It’ll smell like you’re with me.”
“What made you decide?”
“Are you happy that I did?”
“I’m the one who’s leaving. All I need to be happy is knowing you’re happy.”
I touched my hand to Danny’s smooth cheek. He reached for my hand and we kissed again.
“Our home is my home even when you’re away. To move out would nullify the past seven months. It would be as though the past ten days had never happened.”
Danny’s sapphire eyes twinkled at me like the finest gems as he smiled at our shared memories.
“If anyone had told me a year ago that I’d be living with a girl, I’d have told them they were nuts. There was no way I wanted to come home to the same girl every night.”
“I guess you don’t know yourself very well,” I laughed.
Danny shrugged, and he smiled impishly.
“Yeah, I guess not. And if anyone had told me that girl would be Elizabeth Jacobs, I’d have said they must be smoking some very strong weed.”
“Thanks a lot, Daniel. Was the idea of me that repulsive?”
“Honey, you know you were never repulsive. But to me Elizabeth Jacobs was a scrawny kid with thick eyeglasses. And then there was that brother-sister thing.”
“That never hung me up.”
“So it took me a little longer than you to get past that. But once you re-entered my life, it only took me a couple of months to get past the incest thing and take you to bed.”
“Danny,” I purred.
“Eli, you know you drive me crazy.”
“Yes I do, Daniel. And I will continue to do so for the rest of your life.”
“You’d better, Sweetheart. I’m counting on it.”
Danny laced his hands into my hair and pulled our lips together. Mine parted to receive his love. My arms reached around his back to hold us firmly together. Our hearts beat rapidly as my head was spinning from the power of Danny’s kiss. Every emotion we were feeling about his departure we now shared.
“Daniel, you’ll see Elizabeth on Friday. We have to go,” Steve called from the door of the Gulfstream.
Danny stopped kissing me and called back. “I’ll be up in a minute, Dad.”
For the first time, I sadness overtook me. Steve calling Danny was a chilling reminder of where we were and why. Up until now it had been easy to block out reality.
“Baby, don’t be sad. Friday will be here soon.”
“I know. I’m trying. You’ll have a great time in Vancouver,” I said enthusiastically.
My hands remained around Danny’s neck keeping us close.
“I’ll be working really hard.”
“It’s going to be an amazing experience. Everyone will be impressed that Steve’s son takes his job so seriously.”
“I do take it seriously. I may have this job because of Dad, but I’m going to prove to everyone that I deserve it.”
“Of course you deserve it. You’re smart, conscientious, and hardworking.”
“And I already have a fan club,” Danny smiled. I rolled my eyes.
“Steve and I are so proud of you. Danny, I respect you so much.”
“Baby, I love you. You’re going to be great at your job too.”
“I hope so. I want Dad to be proud.”
“Of course Mike will be proud. He’s lucky to have you. You’re an amazing woman, Elizabeth.”
My insides wanted to explode from joy. I squeezed his hand. I was glowing.
“Daniel, I love you so much,” I squealed.
“Daniel, c’mon! I can’t be late to my own meeting,” Steve yelled down again.
“Be right there, Dad!”
“You’d better go.” I said tentatively.
“Yeah. I don’t want Dad getting angry.” Danny smiled at me. “I’ll call you tonight, baby. Let’s Skype. You’ll think I’m there.”
“Not quite.”
“Use your imagination. I will.”
Danny pulled me to his chest. His arms wrapped around me and my hands clasped tightly around his neck. This would be our last kiss and we made it count.
“I’ll see you Friday,” Danny said when we finally parted.
“I love you, Danny.”
“I love you too.”
“Steve’s waiting.”
I smiled at Danny, wanting to make a good memory. He quickly kissed me again and smiled a warm, encouraging smile.
“I’ll call tonight. Have fun with the girls.”
I nodded as we slowly parted and Danny walked toward the stairs to the plane. One solitary tear slipped out of my eye and down my cheek as I watched him.
Three steps later, Danny bounded back to me.
“I forgot these,” Danny said while picking up his backpack and laptop. “One more kiss,” he ordered, and I happily obliged.
Danny grinned as we parted. “Gotta go,” and he ran for the stairs.
I watched the flight attendant pull the heavy door closed. Only then did I return to the Porsche. I sighed and leaned against the side of the car, my arms folded across my chest shielding me from the chill I felt inside. I smiled and waved to the plane, certain that Danny could see me from the window. He had to see me smiling.
The plane soon taxied down the runway. As it lifted off into the clear, sun-drenched sky, tears fell from my eyes. “Friday will be here soon enough,” I told myself.
Then I smiled, pleased that for the second time this year I had successfully started a new life. I climbed into the Porsche, started the engine and began my drive back home to Malibu. I had dinner guests to prepare for.
To Be Continued
…
