The Birth Of Eve (11 page)

Eve shot up off the bed; an idea had sprung to mind leaving
her breakfast half-finished she hopped off the bed much to Nathan’s surprise,

“Sorry Nathan you will have to do without me today; Victoria
has to help me and I need her more than you.” Kissing his stunned face Eve
threw on the yellow sundress and ran down the stairs on a mission. After
searching the ground floor and pool she had almost given up hope of finding
her, she entered the kitchen to seek out Shona. Victoria was elbow deep in
flour kneading out some dough with a huge smile on her face as the chef stood
behind his hands over hers, the pair were giggling like teenagers. Eve hadn’t
seen their posh new chef; he was obviously French and very good looking. The
look on Victories face when she saw Eve was that of a naughty girl caught with
her hand in a sweetie jar. Eve stood smiling hands on hips while the two of
them blushed and tried to appear innocent.

“Good morning Eve this is Michel our chef, he was teaching
me the art of making a French baguette. Were you looking for Shona?” Eve nodded
to Michel and he gave her a smirk.

“Actually I need you Vic, if you can tear yourself away? I
have a crisis only you can help with. Christopher Novak has invited Nathan and
I to a dinner with A list celeb’s tonight and I have nothing to wear”  Victoria
rinsed off her hands excitedly, she gave Michel a flirty slap on the arm and
dragged Eve out of the kitchen.

“Tell Nathan I fancy the chef and I will make you look like
Mrs Doubtfire tonight” Eve giggled and linked Victoria’s arm

“Victoria your secret is safe with me; he is a delicious morsel
though I don’t blame you at all. I felt like I had walked into that scene from
Ghost but with bread dough!” The two girls were giggling away heading out of
the front door when Rachel shouted to them.

“Girls where are you off to?” Once she heard about the
dinner she was as keen to help as her daughter. Rachel grabbed her camera and
phone then headed out with the pair to Vic’s store.

VCM was a small store but in an excellent position, situated
along the same promenade as Chanel and Calvin Klein. Victoria may have avoided
using the family name to gain recognition, but she didn’t hesitate in using
their money to give herself a head start. Not many new designers could afford
such a prime location. The store was laid out beautifully; two glamorous
customer service assistants greeted them warmly. They both stared openly at Eve
looking star struck, Eve flushed a little, and she assumed that they had both
seen her photo on the stores website.

“Girls this is a very special client of mine, Eve Purnell.
Eve is going to star in a huge movie later this year and soon America will know
who she is, she is also dating my brother! Eve has a special function tonight;
so we are going to close the store for the rest of the day and put together a
dress that will get us noticed tonight. There will be many A list celeb’s in
attendance so we could attract new clients. Can you two make us a drink and set
up the sewing area please, I am going to take Eve out the back and play for a
while.” The two girls got straight to work turning the open sign round on the
front door.

Eve was taken into a back room with Rachel; Victoria began
taking measurements deep in thought.  An hour later there were four large
drawings for Eve to choose from, her body looked amazing in sketch form and
each dress design was equally stunning. Eve was spoilt for choice and felt a
little lost for words,

“To me they all look wonderful, I am hopeless at this sort
of thing, which do you prefer Rachel?” Rachel examined each swatch of cloth
with each design; she selected a pale duck egg blue silk to match a floor
length strapless corset dress that was figure hugging in the extreme. Victoria
selected the same cloth but with a very short one shoulder dress with a flirty
hem line. Eve was happy with either so in the end they asked the two shop
assistants for their opinion. The two girls looked at Eve’s brown legs and
sided with Victoria.

“Those legs are amazing you should have them on display” the
decision was made and the girls waited while Victoria cut out a pattern and
pinned it onto Eve. Then it would be cut out in fabric and hand stitched
together. Eve was excited; it would take a couple of hours so Rachel dragged
her down the road to a salon.

“This will be my treat Eve nails and hair; two things that
have to be perfect in LA” The receptionist recognised Rachel immediately and
they were fussed over by everyone. Eve had the works; finger and toe nails,
waxing, makeup and hair. Her hair had been given a keratin conditioning
treatment and was trimmed and layered. Franco a wonderful camp young man then
skilfully blow dried her hair to look twice as thick and so glossy. After
Rachel paid the bill Eve left them a healthy tip, she would return here if ever
she came to visit in the future.

Back in the store the dress was complete; Victoria was
overjoyed with the finished product and led Eve over to a full length mirror. Eve
looked beautiful the dress was a perfect fit and the blue made her skin look
gold and her eyes appear bluer. The skirt was very short but displayed her legs
to perfection; the bodice hugged her curves and nipped in her waist.

“Victoria you are so talented, I am going to pay for this
dress and I want to pick up a few more of your items while I am here. Thank you
so much you have saved my skin today.” Rachel was staring down at her bare feet
she looked up at Victoria who ran out of the door giggling. She returned with a
pair of platform heel sandals in gold and matching clutch.

“Now you are perfect” Rachel took some shots of her which
they were going to keep until the next morning, the press would be there
tonight so she would be all over the media first thing. Victoria would launch
her new range to coincide with the coverage. The new dress was carefully hung
in a clothes bag, Eve then became a mannequin as items of clothing were thrust
on her and photos taken. She left the store with a stack of carrier bags and a
huge smile. She hadn’t realised how much fun a girlie shopping day could be.
Eve was keen to do it again, maybe take Tara to Manchester when she got home.
Thinking of Tara made her frown and she sat in the car with Rachel and gave her
a call which went straight to answer machine. Frustrated that her friend hadn’t
sorted out her credit yet she sent Sue a message again.

Tara should have arrived at her sister’s last night;
apparently Sue received a text to say she had someone to visit first and maybe
delayed a couple of days. Sue had no clue who that person was and Eve couldn’t
imagine either. Ending the call Eve sent a text to Tara just plain and simple
“Where are you?” It was only minutes later she got a response, “Invited to a
colleagues flat, you don’t know him but I will introduce you soon” Eve frowned
Tara never kept anything from her, if there was any hint of a man on the scene
eve would have picked up on it. Tara had been quiet lately; could a new man be
the reason? She had been so sure that Tara had fallen for Michael, a bad
feeling churned in her stomach and the moment they got back to the house she
called him.

“Michael hi it’s me, just wondering have you been near the
house at all. Tara was supposed to go to her sisters but she has taken a detour.
Have you seen her?”

“I went passed this morning and her car was missing, I
assumed she was with Sue. To be honest I haven’t seen her since the morning you
left, she has been avoiding me recently so I can’t help you I’m afraid” This
fitted with what she had thought. Tara had been avoiding Michael so maybe she
had met someone new. Eve was a little hurt that she hadn’t confided in her,
perhaps her relationship with Nathan and her dad made her feel isolated.  They
said their goodbyes and Michael was pleased to hear she would be home tomorrow;
she was actually looking forward to seeing him again too.

Eve hung all her new clothes and went out to the pool to
grab her last couple of hours in the sun. Nathan stood to greet her; she could
swear his face had improved yet again with the sun and Shona’s miracle cream. Nathan
stroked her hair and admired her nails

“You have been busy, I am looking forward to seeing your new
dress my mother says you will stop traffic in it” Eve laughed and turned to
Rachel and Victoria smiling, the wonderful Shona appeared with a tray of
sandwiches. Eve hadn’t eaten today so helped herself to a few; if she was going
to drink tonight then she better not have an empty stomach.  After they had all
had their fill of lunch Victoria started to clear away the dishes much to her
parent’s amazement.

“I will take these down to the kitchen; it will save Shona
the trip.” She winked at Eve who covered her giggle with a cough. Grant and
Rachel stared after her in shock

“Well that is a first, my daughter helping out the staff she
seems to have taken an interest in cooking recently perhaps she is in training
to become a wife” Eve turned away so they couldn’t see her smile, how close
they were to the truth and didn’t know it. Eve was sure there would be no
stigma from her parents if she fell in love with a chef. However the little
time Eve had spent with Victoria told her she was just after sampling his wares
rather than planning on marrying the man.

As her hair and makeup had already been done Eve couldn’t
practice her swimming today, they weren’t flying until late tomorrow so she
would have time in the morning she hoped. Covering her hair and face with a
large straw hat she lay on her front, the back of her legs needed a little more
sun to match the front. Nathan stroked his fingers up and down her back and
before she knew it she was asleep.

Standing in the grave yard Eve could see Michael standing
over the body of someone and as she drew close she recognised the cap lying
beside his foot. He was smiling at her with blood on his hands; Eve felt a hand
grasp her ankle and screamed.

Nathan was beside her instantly as she sat up gingerly, her
back had stiffened up and felt sore. She must have been asleep for a while;
Rachel and Grant were looking concerned. Eve tried to appear nonchalant.

“Sorry everyone I am having odd dreams at the moment, I
guess finding a dead body plays havoc with your imagination” Nathan pulled her
into his arms to calm her trembles

“Eve this is every time you sleep now, maybe you should see
a doctor about it, he may be able to prescribe something to help you sleep” Eve
shook her head

“I am not taking sleeping pills, I thought it was the
cottage that made me dream but it is obviously just me. I am sure it will pass
soon; all the upheaval in my life is bound to have an effect on a person. I
have moved house lost both parents then found a new one; I have a new man and
am about to be front page news. Things like that don’t happen every day or
certainly not all in the space of a month.” Rachel agreed with her and
recommended counselling which Eve promised to consider when she gets home. Eve
and Nathan had returned to their room to dress for the party, Nathan dragged
her to the bed and sat her down.

“Is all this too much for you Eve? I would understand if you
felt overwhelmed, can I make any of it easier for you?” Eve took his face in
her hands

“You are my anchor Nathan, the one thing that keeps me sane.
You do enough for me just by loving me” Eve had surprised herself; she wasn’t
one for sentiment so she flushed with embarrassment. Nathan loved the way she
blushed and couldn’t help but take advantage of the moment to share a lingering
kiss, Eve’s pulse shot up and she pushed him a way gently.

“We will be late Nathan, today is important we can catch up
later!” Nathan wore a dinner suit and Eve was almost tempted to say stuff the
meeting, he looked good enough to eat. He left to wait for her downstairs as
Victoria arrived to help her get ready, looking a little flushed.

“Did you help Michel wash the dishes Victoria you seem hot
and sweaty?” Victoria gave her a playful punch as Eve smirked at her

“Vive La France Eve that’s all I can say” The two girls set
about fixing her makeup after falling asleep in the sun. Brushing out her hair
Eve debated putting it up but Victoria talked her out of it. She had to admit
the finished look was perfect the focus was her long brown legs and her glossy
brunette hair.

“Eve remember to smile and pose, the better your posture the
better the picture. Now let’s get you down stairs; fame and fortune await you
lady, I can’t wait to ride the journey with you. If you have to film over here
you must stay with us again, we’ve loved having you.” Eve gave her a hug she
had grown quite attached to her surrogate family. Nathan was waiting at the
foot of the stairs with his parents all wearing huge smiles. Nathan stepped
forward to kiss her cheek,

“Perfect Eve, you look just perfect. Victoria you are very
talented although with a body like that you don’t have to do much to make her
shine.” Victoria laughed and his parents both kissed her as they left Rachel
looked so proud. Sitting in the rear of Christopher’s limo Eve’s nerves were
under control, she felt good about herself for the first time in her life. Nathan
had restored a self-esteem that had been obliterated by Rory; being loved and
desired had brought her back to life. She smiled over at him and they clasped
hands both excited about what was awaiting them.

Christopher’s home made the Matheson’s look like a holiday
cottage, Eve was totally flabbergasted at the size of place. The press were all
cordoned off in a separate area so Nathan took her to the stairs to pose for a
few photos. They answered a few questions as Nathan’s attack had made the news
over here too. Eve noticed a Vogue representative trying to get a closer look
at her dress so she moved towards her, the woman smiled gratefully.

“Thank you I just don’t recognise the label, it is a
wonderful dress and people will want to replicate it, who designed it?” Eve
told her about VCM and where the store was located she didn’t mention the
relationship to Nathan. Once she was known it would come out anyway, the woman
was thrilled and thanked her for taking the time to speak to her. Nathan smiled
proudly and they went inside holding hands stopping to pose briefly at the top.
It was clear to all how much in love they both were. Christopher was waiting
and embraced them both; holding Eve at arm’s length to look her over,

“You look absolutely stunning Eve you will steal the show
tonight. Now come and sit I want to pick your brains before the vultures swoop”
They were led into an enormous ballroom which was currently full of waiters
running around adding finishing touches to the beautifully dressed tables. Eve
was not surprised to discover he had his own bar. They ordered drinks and then
sat together on two large sofas

“Eve I know you read the outline of the film, what did you
think about Martha? Is she a person you could become for a few months? Your
vulnerability on screen would be perfect for her fragility and your life
experiences could bring an extra dimension to her character don’t you think”
Eve agreed with every statement

“Yes to all, I love Martha and feel attuned to her already,
I cried while I was reading it. The characters growth is intriguing and I would
love to explore the emotions of being trapped inside your own mind. I can
relate in part but the rest I can imagine totally.” Christopher nodded and
turned to Nathan

“So could you play an arrogant spoilt brat who falls in love
and finds his soul?” Nathan laughed out loud

“Yes I think the character fits me perfectly in fact I won’t
need to act at all, now cut to the chase who will be playing our parents?” Eve
froze with anticipation while Christopher grinned teasingly

“Eve your mother will be played by Sharon Stone who will be
joined by George Clooney as Nathan’s father.”   They both gasped Eve was a huge
fan of George Clooney; Nathan may just find himself usurped on set as he was
her childhood crush.

“That is fantastic, when do we start and for how long?”
Eve’s eagerness was infectious and the three of them talked nonstop until they
were interrupted by Mrs Novac requesting his presence to greet his guests. They
were left with their drinks in total shock, Eve would learn so much from Sharon
Stone. Talking with Christopher she had suggested that for the main part of the
movie she go unscripted, as she was supposed to be locked in her mind then she
should just mumble and talk nonsense. He agreed with her concept they would do
some trial runs and see what worked the best, humming and singing was something
else she wanted to add. Eve had a decent singing voice so she would learn a few
songs that fitted the character and practice them.

The guests had started to arrive and from their dark corner
they spied a few familiar faces, Susan Sarandon was there, Jody Foster and Eve
spotted one of her favourites Kevin Bacon and his wife. The place was buzzing
and Christopher wanted them to circulate so following behind him Eve clutched Nathan’s
arm to steady her nerves. George Clooney loomed up in front of them and she was
immediately struck by the twinkle in his eye. He stepped forward as they were
introduced and made some joke about not being old enough to pass as Nathan’s
father. He turned to Eve and smiled warmly at her

“Christopher you undersold this one, she is beautiful, Eve
lovely to meet you I have seen you on film and it doesn’t do you justice. I am
looking forward to working with you both.” Eve just grinned goofily at him
totally dumbstruck; she hoped that didn’t stay with her for the entire shoot.
Sharon Stone arrived late and was extremely elegant and very gracious; she and
Eve had a very long chat about the film. They ended up swapping email addresses
so they could share research on the type of condition Martha was suffering
from. On the whole the night was a success and contracts were signed deals
done.

Driving back to The Matheson home Eve was giddy from a
combination of wine and excitement, she could hardly sit still. Nathan was
excited for a totally different reason; he had seen Eve come to life tonight.
She had floated through the room capturing everyone’s attention but had been
oblivious to it all. Christopher had noticed and he and Nathan had shared a few
knowing glances, she was a rising star everyone in that room tonight had
witnessed the birth of Eve.

Once in their bedroom Eve started flagging, Nathan had
wanted to make love to her but seeing her half closed eyes and remembering her
troubled sleep he held back. Lifting her gently he carried her to the bathroom
despite the pain it caused his ribs. Her shoes tumbled to the floor and he sat
her beside the sink; grabbing a cotton wool pad he wiped off the makeup from
her face. Squeezing toothpaste on to her brush; he watched her clean her teeth
and handed her a glass of water to rinse.

Carrying her back to the bed he stood her up on her shaky
legs and slid her dress up over her head pausing briefly when he realised she
was bra less underneath. His control was further tested by the lacy briefs but
he grabbed a t-shirt from his pile and slid it over her body to block it from
his vision. Pulling back the covers he eased her under and covered her up
sliding in behind her careful to keep his growing arousal away from temptation.
Sliding his hands beneath her top he pulled her as close as was decent and
sighed as she relaxed in his arms.

Eve was sound asleep but Nathan was still struggling with
his own disobedient body, Eve moaned and he opened his eyes she was dreaming
again. Stroking her hair he whispered into her ear until the moans stopped and
he soon drifted off inhaling her addictive vanilla scent. Next time he woke she
was still and looked peaceful for the first time in days, she stirred a little
and Nathan tried to turn over without disturbing her.

“Where do you think you are going, stay there” Eve reached
her hand round to pull him back to her. Nathan nestled back into the curve of
her spine; provoking an immediate response from his body. Eve was then fully
awake and turned round to face him.

“So you are ready to play are you? I can help you with that”
Nathan groaned as her hand grasped his length. His frustrations from earlier
rose again to the fore; and he pulled her mouth to his own. Their lovemaking
was raw and erotic, but so fierce it didn’t take long to reach a crescendo. Nathan
savoured the relief and soon relaxed into the sleep his body craved. Eve
watched him for a while until she too managed to find peace, and this time she
slept dream free.

Morning dawned and Eve was torn with her feelings. She was
happy to go and check on Tara and see her father, but she was happy here and
would be sorry to leave.  Nathan was still in dream land so Eve went down
already in her bikini for a swim. Victoria was sneaking out of the kitchen as
she reached the hall.

“Bonjour Victoria, early dining again I see?” Victoria giggled
and then grabbed her arm and dragged her straight to the pool.

“You are amazing Eve look I have spread out the major gossip
pages for you. Look at you, they love you and my dress made the news. Up and
coming designer favoured by Eve Purnell, no mention of my name yet but they are
digging. Apparently the website has gone crazy with orders and the store is
packed with celebs. Thank you Eve so much, this will launch both of our careers
now.” Eve sat down stunned at all the coverage she had, at least equal to if
not more than Sharon Stone. They were being touted as the new Brad and Angelina,
and she had to admit the pictures looked stunning.

“You did it all by yourself Vic, you are so gifted and for
every red carpet event I will want a new dress so be prepared” Victoria filled
up with tears and hugged her new friend; she would miss Eve when she left.  Slipping
into the water Eve sank beneath the surface. The weightless feeling returned
and Eve moved around under the water; using the strokes she had been taught.
When she resurfaced Nathan was watching her amazed at her prowess;

“You look like a water baby down there; you have taken to
the water like a natural.” Victoria beamed with pride;

“My fabulous teaching that’s why, but seriously Eve you have
picked it up so fast. Nobody would guess you hadn’t always been able to swim.” Nathan
stripped down to his shorts and joined her in the water; alongside him she was
more confident to swim full lengths. He swam at her pace in case she panicked
but before long she was swimming up and down alone. She would miss the pool;
perhaps she could find a local one and start having proper lessons.

Nathan received a text from Michael while she was playing
under the water again. He shouted to her when her head bobbed up,

“Eve your favourite father has been trying your phone he is
wondering why you haven’t spoken since yesterday? Should I text him our flight
times and say you will call him when you get home?”

Eve nodded her approval; she would see him soon enough. When
they got back Nathan was heading south to call check on Sasha and pick up some
extra clothes before coming back to stay with Eve and Tara. Eve was thrilled he
had decided to move in; she knew Tara would be fine and it seems Michael
approved now too. Sasha was behaving perfectly by all accounts, Nathan received
daily updates. No further signs of premature labour, and she was enjoying being
pampered. Nathan was more relaxed knowing everything had settled down, the last
thing they wanted was for his daughter to begin her life in an incubator. Sasha
just had to hold on for another few weeks.

Rachel and Grant joined them for lunch; Eve felt that she
had hardly spoken to Grant. He was very reserved and spent a lot of time
working; she sensed no animosity but was most insecure about him. Rachel was
full of the latest media news, Sharon Stone and George Clooney had both spoken
of their excitement at working with Hollywood’s new rising stars. Rachel had
been so thrilled George was the leading man as Nathan could take guests to the
premieres, and Rachel wanted nothing more than to meet her idol. After lunch
Grant said his goodbyes to Nathan, he had to go into to Fox to help with the
launch of a new drama. After he embraced Eve he held her at arm’s length;

“Welcome to the family Eve, I know I haven’t see too much of
you both, but I have a good feeling about the two of you. Rachel and I would
like you to stay with us while you are over here filming, as the baby will be
here anyway it makes perfect sense.” Eve gratefully accepted his offer and
thanked him for his hospitality. She dried herself off under the warmth of the
sun’s rays, relishing the last hour of LA heat. Nathan gave her a gentle nudge,
her signal it was time to get ready. Regretfully she left the pool behind and
went upstairs to finish her packing and dress for the journey home.