Laying Low in Hollywood (24 page)

   “Oh don’t get me wrong, I don’t dispute that Lane is living there with Jorge Broussard.  But that, much like their relationship, is nothing but a scam, the real attraction is between Ron and Lane.  The relationship between Jorge and Lane was created as a buffer to keep the heat off of Ron Brannon, since he wasn’t officially divorced, at the time.  Besides, Jorge Broussard is gay, everyone knows it,” said Maurice.

   “Oh my God!” cried Jorge, shaking his fist at the television screen.  I cringed, I couldn’t help but feel for Jorge, but I was afraid the worst was yet to come.  Maurice was going to embarrass me publicly, since I had denied his advances.  My heart was racing in fear.

   “As far as I know, he’s still not officially divorced, yet his soon to be ex-wife is running wild with football superstar Roman Fleming.  I guess I wouldn’t blame Ron if he did hook up with Lane Jensen, I mean she’s beautiful and quite talented.  Anybody that watches the show regularly will know what I’m talking about.  When I saw the practice clips during the first episode, I thought her team would be the first to be eliminated, Ron Brannon couldn’t skate at all!  The fact that her team is now one the two finalists is just a testament to her talents,” exclaimed the host.

   “I will not deny that Lane Jensen has her talents.  When she set her sights on Brannon, the poor bastard didn’t have a chance.  Even I, have found myself a victim of her seductions,” said Maurice, raising his eyebrows at the camera.             

   “So you do not believe for a moment that Jorge Broussard and Lane Jensen are a couple?” asked the host, who was, thankfully, ignoring Maurice’s claim that I had seduced him.

   “I know Jorge Broussard well.  He is a brilliant producer, I had worked for him for years, we were quite close.  It was no secret to me that his tastes run more to the buff, muscular men, than to women.  Of course, he adores women, but Jorge is a creative genius, he has a knack for finding talent and bringing all the elements together to create a masterpiece,” said Maurice.

   “It sounds like you have a great deal of respect for Mr. Broussard, and a long career with him, I might add.  What happened to end your partnership with him and the network?” asked the talk show host.

   “Well I hate to kiss and tell, but unfortunately, I was fired as a result of an evening I spent with Ms. Jensen.  I guess it is easier for Mr. Broussard to overlook it when she turns her attentions to one of his stars, but not so much when she is involved with a mere cameraman,” said Maurice, as he smiled slyly at the cameras.

   “You made the moves on his girlfriend, and he fired you?” asked the host, staring at him in shock.

   “I didn’t have to make the moves on her, she wanted me!  It was only one night, but believe me, it was worth it.  Loosing my job with the network wasn’t all that bad.  I was able to sell some of my secret footage from the show, I believe what I captured speaks for itself,” said Maurice.  I was seething, I was horrified that Maurice had implied to everyone on National TV that we spent a night together, the man was a total sleeze bag!

   “America, we have some of that secret footage to show you tonight.  First, we will show you the footage of Lane and Jorge together, which was provided to us by the network, this footage has been taken over the past, nearly four months.  Take a look at some of these images and decide for yourself if you believe Jorge and Lane are truly a couple,” said the host, smiling for the camera.

   The footage provided by the network began rolling.  It was a series of clips from parties, practices and performances.  The first clip was obviously from the end of a show taping, I was kissing Jorge on the cheek, and the two of us were chatting with other cast members.  The next clip showed the two of us standing there with our arms around each other at a party.  Then there was a clip of Jorge helping me out of the limo at the premier party.  Then a clip of Jorge with his arm possessively around my shoulders as I oversaw a practice session.  I smiled serenely, I was actually a better actor than I thought, the clips certainly looked convincing, anyone would believe that Jorge and I were a happy couple.

   “I think you will find my revealing clips a little more convincing,” said Maurice, smugly.

   “Can we run Mr. Dubois’ clips please?” asked the host, then Maurice’s clips began flashing across the screen.  There was a covert looking shot of my wine toast with Ron, taken on the first day we met.  A very disturbing clip of Ron staring into my eyes and touching my cheek, yeah, that was definitely a “busted” moment.  Then there were several clips of us skating together, which were hardly convincing.  All in all, it made Maurice’s claims seem kind of lame.  I had to smile a bit to myself, maybe the viewers would realize he was full of hot air and not believe a word he said.

   Maurice was smiling smugly when the cameras panned back on him, but the host was not so easily convinced. 

   “I don’t know, I’m not seeing any evidence of a torrid affair in these clips.  I mean, sure, they obviously don’t hate each other, but to me, what I see here is, two people who are close friends.  Two people, who have had to work closely together and have become quite close because of their working relationship,” said the host, dismissively.

   “Lane and Ron are the real lovers, there is nothing between Lane and Jorge,” spat Maurice.

   “Can we roll the clips from the network again,” said the host, indicating they should run the clips of me with Jorge again.  As they flashed up on the screen the host began speaking again.

   “I think they look very happy together.  They seem to have a genuine affection for each other.”

   I smiled, that much was true.  I may not be Jorge’s lover, but I really had grown to love him.

   “Jorge is not her type.  He stepped in when the media caught them together, he was worried about his ratings.  Ron and his wife were still, supposedly happily married at the time.  It was later that she announced that she wanted a divorce,” said Maurice, his lip curling with displeasure.             

   I rolled my eyes miserably, what did Maurice stand to gain from rating me out?

   “Well next week is the grand finale, maybe we will find out then.  Will Lane Jensen take her team all the way to the top?  Will Lane and Ron find true love as a couple when the show is over?  Tune in next Thursday at seven and find out.  I know I’ll be watching,” said the host.

   I sighed miserably as they cut to a commercial.  I looked over at Jorge who was now about to burst with excitement. “This is completely amazing, it’s like everyone is doing a commercial for our show.  I love it!  There’s nothing better than free advertising!”

   I was glad that Jorge was excited, I was beginning to wonder if anyone realized that there was actually going to be skating on the show next week.  It seemed as if everyone thought it was some sort of soap opera, and all the loose ends were going to be tied up next week.

   “Are you going to sue Maurice for slander?” I asked Jorge.  I was sure he was upset that Maurice had told the world that he was gay, and I was completely pissed that he had implied to everyone that we had slept together.

   “I had thought about it at first, with that whole gay thing, but in the end he ended up doing me a favor.  I’m guessing that even people who don’t watch the show regularly will now be watching the finale, just to see what all the hype is about!  Maurice was trying to kill us, but I think he just put our ratings over the top!” cried Jorge, giggling excitedly.

   “Well I’m glad you’re excited because the jerk just implied to the entire world that the two of us slept together,” I snapped angrily.

   “That’s what men do, it’s an ego thing.  Do you actually think anyone is going to believe that crap?  I mean you’re gorgeous and he’s well...not,” said Jorge.

   “I’m glad that you’re happy, since all you care about is your precious ratings,” I told him, glaring at him angrily.

   “Oh Lane, just enjoy all the speculation.  America loves fast women who know how to wield their power over these poor besotted men, you’re like Joan Collins, or Elizabeth Taylor, ggrrrrr!” growled Jorge.

   “I’m going to bed,” I snapped, standing up.

   “Good night my little ratings enhancer, sleep tight.

   I rolled my eyes and gave him a little amused smile.  Then I leaned over and kissed Jorge on the cheek.  “Good night love.

                           
CHAPTER 28

  
Before I realized what had happened, nearly two weeks had passed and the taping of the finale show on Wednesday was approaching quickly.  The best part, was that Ron was feeling completely recovered from his lumbar strain, and I had a very ambitious program put together.  

   I couldn’t wait to see the entire performance, complete with the costumes, lighting, and of course, the elephant.  The costumes were jewel colored satin, trimmed and embroidered in gold, I thought they were completely incredible.  I giggled excitedly as Jorge and I swooned over them in the wardrobe department, they were perfect! Ron’s costume was a deep sapphire blue, embroidered with gold.  Elena’s satiny, chiffon embellished sari dress was a deep, rich purple.  I knew they were going to look gorgeous!

   Our program included a brand new pairs spin, side by side camel spins, a star lift, a throw double lutz, a death spiral and a stunning new spiral sequence.  Kevin, our sound guy had edited my song down to just under 4 minutes, which would be the equivalent of a competitive skater’s long program, which would be pushing my team’s endurance a little bit.  Luckily, the first thirty seconds of the music would be devoted to my team’s ride in on the elephant, so the actual skating part of the program would be about three minutes and thirty seconds, not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

   Of course, all our practices had been off limits, to everyone except to a select few people.  Jorge had been spying on the other team a bit.  He couldn’t tell me any details of what the other team was doing, of course, but he seen both of our teams in their practices and he told me in confidence that we had team Miramsatsu beat by a landslide!

   As taping day approached, I became more and more anxious and excited.  I was usually pretty laid back, but for some reason this competition had me completely turned upside down.  I wasn’t sure if it was one hundred percent all about the competition, or if much of my anxiety revolved around my secret romance with Ron.  When the show was over, I guessed I would be free to live my life without any repercussions from Jorge or the network, but would Ron still want me then?  

   Tuesday night I was out by the pool at Jorge’s house, I was trying to relax, but so far I hadn’t had much luck.  I was hopelessly keyed up.  I had a glass of wine and I was listening to music on my i-pod, trying to calm my frazzled nerves.  The taping of the finale was tomorrow night and my stomach was all in knots.  I was like a kid on Christmas eve, I was so excited, I could hardly stand it. 

   Jorge had finally left to go have drinks with friends.  I was practically bouncing off the walls and he couldn’t take it anymore, he just wanted to get out of the house, and away from me. 

   I was excited that my kids were both flying in for the finale in the morning.  I couldn’t wait to see them, I missed them so much!  I was startled when my cell phone started ringing.  I looked absently at the caller ID and was stunned to see it was Greg.  I stared at my phone for a moment completely stunned, what could Greg possibly want?

   “Hello?” I wanted to ignore his call, but I was curious.  I wasn’t sure why he would be calling me, though I thought that perhaps he had grown up a little bit, and wanted to wish me luck tomorrow night.

   “Hi Lane, it’s me Greg,” said the voice on the other end of the line.

   “I know, caller ID,” I snapped.  Why was he calling me now, when I was finally over him?  Up to this point he hadn’t found the need to stay in touch with me, he had never even called to say good bye when our divorce was final.  The only confirmation I got from him, was his signature on a piece of paper, from his lawyer.  More than twenty years of marriage, and that was all he could offer me.

   “I guess you’re wondering why I’m calling now, after all this time,” said Greg, he didn’t sound at all like himself, but I hadn’t heard from him in almost six months.  In fact, I was surprised to be hearing from him now.

   “I was wondering, why you would call me up out of the blue, more than six months later, after you tore my heart out and stomped all over it,” I told him.

   “I guess we didn’t part on the best of terms,” his voice was soft, and gravely sounding, I was suddenly acutely aware that he was upset about something.             

   “No we did not.”

   “How have you been?” he asked, I frowned, he was beating around the bush.  Greg didn’t like small talk, and he never did anything without proper motivation.  Something was up.

   “Right now I am on top of the world, but I am getting the sneaky feeling, my euphoric mood is about to change.  Why are you calling me now Greg?”

   “Well...um...”

   “You know the best thing to do is just spit it out,” I was mocking him, I had already cried away all the affection I had for him.  He had hurt me badly, my feelings for Greg were gone.

   “Jill kicked me out,” he sighed.             

   “What?  I thought that the two of you were in love,” I cried, my voice was dripping with sarcasm.

   “Lane, I’m sorry for what I did, it was stupid,” said Greg.

   “You’re right, it was stupid, but what’s the point of apologizing now, it’s too late now, you’ve already ruined everything,” I told him very matter of factly.

   “So that’s it, you’re going to just forget what the two of us had, after more than twenty years together?” he asked.  I almost burst into hysterical laughter, he was loosing his mind.

   “Have you forgotten Greg?  It was you who divorced me!  It was you, who was already gone.  It was already done and over with by the time I got home from China.  You never even gave me a chance to try and work things out!   Now that your nubile little girlfriend has suddenly wizened up and realized what a putz you are, you have no place to go.  I’m sorry Greg, but I’m not a complete moron.  I didn’t want our marriage to end, but it did. What we had is over!”

   “Yeah I know, I watch TV.  I guess you’re going to hook up with that football player, Ron Brannon.  Everyone has been talking about it, they’ve all been talking about how you’ve been practically throwing yourself at him, even though he’s still married,” said Greg, his voice was laced with disgust.

   “Yes that’s right, I’m a terrible slut.  Think whatever you want Greg, as long as it makes you feel better.  Just remember it was you, who ditched me.  Besides, Ron is a much bigger man than you...in a lot of ways!” I almost giggled, I was being kind of catty now, but I couldn’t help it, how dare he act like this.  He was being a child!             

   “I just think you need to have a little more discretion, you’re making a huge spectacle of yourself in Hollywood.  It’s kind of embarrassing...think about our children,” he said.  I rolled my eyes.  He was the one that divorced me after more than twenty years of marriage, for a twenty seven year old, and he hadn’t been discrete about it at all!

   “Well since we’re no longer married, I guess that’s no longer your business,” I snapped, fully prepared to hang up on him.              He was trying to turn the tables on me, but that wasn’t going to work.  I wouldn’t accept the guilt he was piling on me for the end of our marriage.  He had destroyed our marriage, I had never even seen it coming!

   “Lane wait, I’m sorry.  I have nowhere to go, and I was wondering if I could stay at the house, until I find an apartment or something,” he was on the verge of tears, at least it sounded like it.  I rolled my eyes, Greg wouldn’t hear any of my pleas back when we were breaking up.  I could be just as cold hearted.  I was done, he was not using me anymore!

   “Sorry Greg, I’ve already sold the house.  In case you haven’t heard, your slutty ex-wife is not only throwing herself at Ron Brannon, but she is living with a Hollywood producer!  I didn’t need the house in Colorado Springs,” I told him.  It was a lie, the house in Colorado Springs was exactly as I had left it.  I had planned to go back there, and back to what was left of my life there, but now I wasn’t so sure.  Regardless, I wasn’t about to let Greg hang out there.  He’d wanted out of the marriage so bad, he gave it all up, now he’d ruined another relationship.  I wondered if he even realized what a pig he was!

   “Oh,” he said, he seemed to be at a loss for words.

   “If you find a place to live you should watch the show Thursday night, it’s going to be awesome,” I told him.

   When I finally hung up the phone, I was shaking nervously.  It took a lot of resolve for me to be mean to Greg, and not give in to him.  He had hurt me at every possible opportunity, I had already decided that this was Karma, turning around and kicking him in the butt, finally.  As far as I was concerned, he could go back to Chicago and live with his mother, she’d take him in, in a second!

   Finally, Wednesday arrived.  I was nervous, but our dress rehearsal had gone so well, I knew my team would do fine.  Elena was even fine with riding in on the elephant, and I actually think she was excited about it.

   Baylee and Ramsey had arrived in town and I took them out to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants.  We had a lot of catching up to do, I hadn’t seen either of them in months.  They were both excited to be in Hollywood for the finale of the show.  They were being treated like stars themselves, the network had taken care of everything for them and they were both completely blown away, they were were being so spoiled.

   “So what song is your team skating to tonight?” asked Baylee, she was smiling at me broadly, her face was flushed with excitement. 

   “I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise, but you’re going to love it.  The entire program is going to blow everyone away,” I told them.

   “I can’t believe how far they’ve come, when I saw the first episode, I felt so bad for you.  They were so awful, I thought your team would be the first one eliminated,” said Ramsey, taking a sip of his soda.

   “You really are amazing Mom, I mean the past several weeks your team has been fabulous, even with Ron being injured,” said Baylee.

   Yeah, speaking of Ron, what’s the deal?  I’ve heard all the rumors over the past several weeks, that there is something going on between you and Ron, but I have also heard that you are living with Jorge Broussard, and the two of you are lovers,” said Ramsey, shrugging in confusion.

   I bit my lower lip nervously.  Even though my kids were grown, it was hard for me to talk to them about things like lovers.  It had been hard enough for me to talk to them about Greg’s affair with Jill.  I didn’t want them to think their own mother had been playing it fast and loose in Hollywood, even though if one listened to the rumors, they might believe that I had been sleeping with at least three different guys, when in reality, I hadn’t slept with anyone!

                 “I have been living with Jorge, but we are not a couple.  The truth is Ron and I have feelings for each other, but under the circumstances, we haven’t been able to act on those feelings,” I told them.  They were both nodding at me in understanding.

   “He has two young girls, and even though his wife is divorcing him, I worried that she might use our relationship against him, to keep him from his girls.  Jorge had been worried about negative publicity, we have pretty much been waiting for the show to be over, or his divorce to be final, whichever comes first, I guess,” I told them.

   Baylee and Ramsey were both very understanding and supportive of my semi-secret romance with Ron.  They really just wanted me to be happy.  They knew that the divorce had nearly destroyed me.  I was very close to both my kids and I didn’t keep things like that from them, we’d always had a mutual respect for each other.

   That night at the taping, the format turned out to be a little different than we were used to.  The host brought both teams out to the main stage before we began so he could interview us.  The skaters had their costumes on already, so we got to assess the other team for the first time.

   Team Muramsatsu was dressed all in white, I wasn’t quite sure what their theme was, or if they even had one.  It was very obvious what our theme was, when you saw my team in their brightly colored costumes trimmed in gold.  To keep with our team’s theme, tonight even I, was in costume.  I was wearing a red dress, that was trimmed in gold, and it was modeled to look a bit like an Indian sari.

   After the interviews, it was time to get down to business.  Both teams had a three minute warm up, then team Muramsatsu would perform first.