If You Want Me (16 page)

Alice was so taken aback by her sister’s quiet response that she didn’t know what to say. She sat back down. “Let me pay for the classes, Marie. I want to do this because I…” She suddenly felt an ache in her heart, an ache to tell her sister that she loved her and finally close the distance between them. “Because I love Mia. And because I love you.”

The phone rang, but both Alice and Marie ignored it.

Marie’s eyes misted. “Oh, Alice. I love you, too.” She reached for her hand. “I don’t mean to get down on your career. I’m just frustrated with everything. My life. My failed marriage. I’m thirty-three years old and I’m back at my mother’s house with my daughter.” She sighed. “I don’t know if or when I’ll ever get my life together.”

“Of course you will. And like I said, I can help you. Because you’re my family and I want to be here for you.” When Marie remained silent, Alice said, “At least let me pay for the classes, Marie.”

“Okay, Alice.” A small smile formed on Marie’s lips. “I’ll let you do this. But can I ask a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Please keep this between us. That you’re paying for the classes. I want Mia to think…well, to think I’m paying.”

“No problem.”

“Thanks, Alice.”

Marie surprised her with a hug, and the place deep inside her where she’d locked her emotions opened. She felt the sting of tears, but sucked them back by inhaling deeply through her nose.

“You’re welcome.”

There was a light rapping at the door, and both women looked up. Mia stood there, a frown still pulling at the corners of her lips.

“The phone’s for you, Aunt Alice,” she said, then quickly disappeared.

Alice stood, and Marie followed her example.

“I’ll give Mia some time alone, then I’ll tell her,” Marie said as they walked out of the room.

Alice couldn’t help wondering if she should buy a lottery ticket. If her sister could agree to two of the things she’d suggested in one day, her odds of winning a multimillion dollar jackpot couldn’t be too bad.

Alice picked up the receiver, which lay on her bed. She suddenly wondered if Marcus was calling to say he’d made it home safely, and her pulse raced. “Hello?”

“Hello, Alice.”

“Oh, Connie. Hello.”

“I thought I would have heard from you by now.”

Alice twirled the phone cord around her finger as she lay back on the bed. “Actually, I meant to call. I’ve just been busy.”

“Edmond Minter keeps calling me about you, Alice. This is big, I’m telling you.”

Alice sucked in an uneasy breath. She suddenly wasn’t ready to deal with the question of whether or not she would work on their upcoming film. That reality disturbed her, because two months ago, she would have jumped at such a chance. Maybe she’d needed more of a break from Hollywood than she’d imagined. And with her relationship with Marie starting to look better…She didn’t want to jeopardize that.

“What have you told him?”

“That you’re considering the script and several others. Doesn’t hurt to make it look like you’ve got a dozen projects to choose from, especially with that ridiculous story in
The Intellect
. I’ve done some damage control along with your publicist, which included telling Sebastian Charles we’ll slap him with a lawsuit if he so much as breathes your name in public circles again, but there’s no doubt
some
people will believe that story.” She sighed. “You know, I thought maybe we could set you up with an interview. Maybe
Good Morning America
, where you can show the world just how together you are, that you’re hardly sex-starved. Maybe even mention the real deal, that your mother had a heart attack.”

“No,” Alice said emphatically. “I’m not going to do that.” She wasn’t about to use her mother’s brush with death to gain public sympathy. Besides, she didn’t want to go on any show to refute Sebastian’s bogus claims. She hadn’t done anything wrong, so why defend herself like she was guilty?

“I think it could help.”

“But it could also hurt. If I do an interview, the press will just dissect it and look for signs that I’m lying. No, I’m not doing any interview.”

“All right. I’ve told Edmond that you’re still out of town on personal business, but they’re going to want to hear from you soon. Did you read the script?”

“Not in its entirety,” Alice replied, wondering why she was lying. She’d read the whole thing and had loved it. “But as I said, I’ve been busier than I expected with my mother, and I’m helping out with my niece’s acting class.”

“Well, please try to get to it soon. I’d hate to see this opportunity pass you by. This is a mega opportunity, Alice.”

“I know.”

“All right. Talk to you later.”

“Yes, soon,” Alice promised.

As she hung up, she wondered what had happened to her. Why she wasn’t jumping up and down over the chance to be in this film the way she had done somersaults on her aunt’s lawn when she’d landed her very first role.

She lay back and closed her eyes. It was this whole precarious situation with her mother’s health and their relationship. And now things were looking better with Marie. And then she was absorbed in teaching Mia’s acting class, something she was enjoying immensely. Plus, she and Marcus were recapturing their friendship.

But acting was as much a part of her as breathing was.

She’d be back in Hollywood just as soon as her mother was well. Until then, she wasn’t prepared to make any decisions about her future.

Despite the darkness of the room, when Marie opened the door and crept inside, Alice was instantly alert.

“You awake?” Marie whispered.

“Yeah.” Though she wished she were dead to the world. Thoughts of Marcus and their passionate interlude had kept her awake most of the night, and now she was exhausted. Her dreams had become even more erotic during the night, leaving her thoroughly unsatisfied when she’d awoken and realized his magnificent body was not in bed beside her.

Marie went to the window and pulled up the blinds in one fast movement. Bright sunlight suddenly filled the room, offending Alice’s eyes. Groaning, she threw the covers over her head.

The bed squeaked as Marie plopped down on it and yanked the covers from Alice’s face. “What are you doing today?”

Alice groaned in response.

“Oh, come on. It’s after nine. You can’t still be tired.”

Knowing that there was no way her sister was going to leave her alone, Alice sat up and stretched. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

“I’ve been doing so much overtime lately, they let me have the day off. So do you have plans?”

“No,” she replied, covering a yawn. “Why?”

“Great.”

“Great why?”

“You can help me get some things for the party.”

“Party?” Alice asked, surprised. “What party?”

“Oh. Of course you have no idea what I’m talking about. But I did remember that it’s your birthday on Monday, and I figured we could have a party on Sunday. Kinda a birthday and homecoming party all in one.”

Alice crossed her legs beneath her, then rested an elbow on each knee. “Don’t bother going to any trouble, Marie. I don’t need a party.”

“I’ve already invited everybody.”

“
What?
When?” Butterflies danced in Alice’s stomach.

“This morning. Our talk last night got me thinking. I know you think I never supported your dreams, but that’s not…that’s not true.” Marie gave Alice a small smile. “I just wanted to do something for you.”

That her sister was actually making an effort to mend the rift between them melted Alice’s annoyance. And her resistance. “A party.”

“Mmm-hmm. Everybody I talked to is absolutely thrilled with the idea.”

Alice rolled her eyes. She couldn’t imagine the people Marie invited being thrilled to see her. They’d never been her friends.

“I’m serious. It’s been almost thirteen years since you left Chicago. A lot of people want to see you again, especially now that you’ve become a big-time Hollywood actress.”

“I’m not big time.” She’d had some great roles and great exposure, but mostly in television as opposed to on the big screen.

“Are you for real? That TV series alone made you a local celebrity. A Chicago girl who made good.” Marie smiled tentatively. “Everyone from Smithfield High is curious about Desirée LaCroix. Especially since word has spread that you’re teaching the class at the theater. People want to see you again and say hi. Tell you how proud they are.”

“Why do I find that hard to believe?” Alice asked, frowning.

“Alice.” Marie spoke softly yet firmly. “I know I was pretty blind and self-absorbed years ago, but I realize that you had a tough time during high school. However, you’re not the same person anymore. Don’t you see? You’re beautiful, successful, confident. Maybe you weren’t close with the people I’m inviting—”

“Close? Marie, we weren’t even nodding acquaintances, let alone friends.”

“Okay,” Marie agreed. “I’ll give you that, but what I’m trying to say is that they’re curious about you. If we have this party, you can show everyone how far you’ve come. And you can show them—and yourself—that they can’t hurt you anymore.”

Her sister
did
have a point and a smile touched
Alice’s lips at her sister’s thoughtfulness. Still, she wasn’t sure. “I don’t know.”

“You may not believe it, but a lot of people ask about you. They’ve changed, Alice, and not just because you’re a star now, but because they’ve grown up. Debbie mentions you every time she comes in for a cleaning. And there are others. I think they truly care about you and are interested in your success.”

Alice’s stomach fluttered with nervousness. The idea of spending an afternoon with the people from her high school was daunting at best, even though Marie was right. She
wasn’t
the same person now, so why should it bother her? “Look, Marie, I’m not objecting to the idea of a party. But it should be something small. Something between the family. Remember, Mother’s still recovering.”

“Actually, I asked her about it and she said she doesn’t mind. She’s dying to get out of that bedroom.”

Alice knew her mother was growing restless, being a virtual prisoner in her own home. She was able to get up on her own now, bathe on her own, but Alice and Marie made sure she did nothing at all strenuous, and for a woman who had once been so active with work in and outside of the home, that was like a punishment.

“Sounds like it’s a done deal,” Alice said, resigning herself to that fact. “What did you have in mind for today?”

“I figured we could pick up some decorations. Nothing much, but you may as well choose what you like since the party
is
for you.”

Marie smiled, and Alice found it contagious.
More than anything, she knew this wasn’t about simply having a party, but about Marie trying to make amends and show her that she cared. Her heart filled with warmth. “Sure. When do you want to go?”

“After breakfast?”

“Okay.”

“Great. I’ll be downstairs.” Marie hopped off the bed. When she reached the door, she turned and said, “We’re gonna have a good time.”

Shopping with her sister, something she’d never done. Alice was suddenly looking forward to this simple task.

Yeah, it was going to be fun.

“Hmm. I dunno. Maybe a couple curls. Right here.”

They were in the upstairs bathroom, and Alice stood behind the chair upon which Mia sat. She met Mia’s eyes through the mirror. Her niece indicated the long strands of hair at her temples. Until now, Alice had been loosely curling Mia’s hair in layers to give it volume. “What kind of curls?” Alice asked.

Mia shrugged, then a spark lit up her eyes. “I know. Maybe I can pull it off my face.” Holding the hair atop her head, she indicated what she meant. Her eyes met Alice’s in the mirror. “Like yours.”

Today, Alice wore her hair in a bun with two drop curls on either side of her face. Clearly, Mia wanted the same look. It was harmless, Alice knew, but she suddenly wondered what Marie would say if she saw her daughter looking like a replica of her sister. Alice reached for the curling iron, then paused. In
stead, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Mia, may I ask you a question?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why do you want to be an actress? Is it because of me?”

She frowned. “Is that what my mom said?”

“Kind of.”

“Well, it’s not true. My mom doesn’t believe me, but I do have a mind of my own.” Staring ahead, Mia fluffed her shoulder-length hair.

“I’ve got an idea.” Alice pulled back some of Mia’s hair, testing variations of the look. She hadn’t noticed it before, but Mia really did resemble her. “I think it will look really nice if we pull the top back and give you some ringlet curls by your ears. What do you think?”

Mia nodded with enthusiasm.

Reaching for the curling iron, Alice picked it up and went to work. Chad had called and asked if he could have Mia tonight, since she’d be spending Sunday with her mother and Alice for the birthday party. Marie had agreed, and now Alice was getting Mia ready for her dinner date with her father.

“I’ve been working with you for the past several weeks,” Alice said as she continued to curl Mia’s hair, “and you’re definitely a good actress. But what do you like about acting?”

Mia’s face lit up. “Everything. I love getting to pretend I’m someone else. I love making people laugh. I love getting to act in a story that always has a happy ending.”

She was more like Alice than she knew. But it had nothing to do with Alice’s influence on her. Perhaps it was in the genes.

“What about you?” Mia asked. “What do you like about acting?”

“Pretty much the same things you said.” She wound more hair onto the curling iron. “I’ve just always loved stories. Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed movies and fairy tales and…I don’t know. It’s just always been a part of who I am.” Completing the last curl, Alice replaced the curling iron on the bathroom counter and pulled the plug out.

“This looks great, Aunt Alice!” Mia said, smiling. “Thanks.”

“Let me just finish up.” Alice placed a few hairpins in her hair to hold the style. “There.”

Rising, Mia struck a dramatic pose with one hand on a cocked hip, the other at the side of her head. She giggled.

Alice giggled too. As their laughter faded, Mia turned to face her. “Mia, you think you’ll pursue an acting career?”

She shrugged. “You did.”

“I know. But it’s a tough job. To most people it looks glamorous, but it’s not always like that. It’s hard work, long hours. And sometimes your best still isn’t good enough.”

Mia’s lips curled in a frown. “You don’t want me to be an actress.”

“No. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying that you’re young and you have a lot of options. Don’t do something because you think it’s cool. You have to really like what you’re doing.”

“I really do love acting.”

“You do, don’t you?”

“Mmm-hmm. But like you said, I’m still young, so who knows?”

Alice wrapped Mia in a long, tight embrace. Marie didn’t give her daughter enough credit. The child had a good head on her shoulders, and Alice trusted her to make the right decision for her life.

Bending, she gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I’m so proud to have a niece like you.”

Mia hugged her. “And I’m so proud to have an aunt like you.”