STAGESTRUCK - The Complete Series (31 page)

I’d expected Max to greet me with hostility, but I’d never imagined that the rest of the restaurant staff would treat me like an outcast. When I pushed open the front door and stepped inside, Megan and Lisa were standing behind the hostess station. I smiled as I approached them; they gave me identical glares, turned their backs, and stomped away. I tried not to let their attitudes bother me; I knew that I was about to get much worse from Max.

I made my way through the main dining room and crossed into the bar area. Chelsea and Max were both behind the bar; she was carrying on a lively conversation with a group of customers while he washed high ball glasses at the sink. Max’s back was turned; I took a seat behind him and cleared my throat.

“What can I get…” His voice trailed off as he turned and saw my face. “What are you doing here?” He asked harshly.

“I wanted to come by and apologize for the article in this morning’s Sun.” I told him. “I never expected the press to be so brutal and I certainly never wanted you drug in to any of it.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Kate. That reporter didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. I wasn’t thrilled to be painted as an incompetent writer and I hated the billionaire bartender line but if it means that people will see you for who you really are, I consider all of that a small price to pay.”

“How can you say that?” I asked him. “You know I’m not the kind of person that asshole described.”

“I know nothing of the sort.” He argued. “I know that you slept with me the first night we met and then ignored all of my calls. I know that you didn’t want anything to do with me until I started dating someone else. And I know that I walked into a bar to see my girlfriend after a really bad day and found her kissing another man. All of that seems to fit with the woman the reporter described.”

“Max, you misunderstood what you saw that night.” I insisted. “If you’d just given me a chance to explain…”

“How stupid do you think I am?” He spat. “I caught you with him on a Friday and someone photographed the two of you going in to his building that Monday night. Do you really expect me to believe that you weren’t already seeing him before we broke up?”

“Yes, because that’s the truth.” I told him. “Look, I didn’t come here to argue about the way we ended. I wasn’t with Dylan then but I am now. I really just wanted to apologize for the article and tell you that I’ll do my best to keep your name out of print.”

As angry as Max was and as hateful as he was being, a part of me still longed to be in his arms. I wanted to tell him that he was right, take all of the blame for the way we ended, and beg him for forgiveness. But I knew that the time for that had passed, that pushing the issue would just cause more problems.

Max opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by a woman who’d snuck up behind me.

“Excuse me,” the quiet voice startled me and I turned around to greet her. “I didn’t mean to startle you Ms. Harper, but my husband and I are having lunch and I couldn’t help but notice you. I am one of your biggest fans; I’ve already seen your show twice. Would it be too much to ask for a quick picture?”

“Not at all,” I told her with a warm smile. “I’m so glad you like the show.”

“Would you mind taking this for us?” She asked Max. “I want a good picture and I’m awful at taking selfies.”

Max’s jaw clenched but he accepted her phone. She threw an eager arm around me; the flash fired five times and then Max passed the phone back to her.

“Thank you so much,” she gushed. “I’ll let you get back to your conversation now. Ms. Harper, you’ve just made an old woman’s day.”

She went back to her table and Max turned to me with a hateful scowl. “I have work to do. You said that you came to apologize and you’ve done that. You need to leave, Kate.” He insisted.

“Max, there’s no reason for things to be so hostile between us.” I told him. “Can’t we just agree to leave the past in the past and be friends?”

“I have enough friends.” He quickly replied. “And there’s no reason for there to be ANYTHING between us. There are plenty of people around who adore you, go make friends with one of them and leave me the hell alone.”

Max turned back to the sink and resumed his dishwashing. I knew that patching things up with him was a lost cause, so I quietly stood up and left the restaurant.

“I can’t believe that Max was such an ass.” Mark told me. “He had no right to talk to you like that. If you want, I’ll call the restaurant and complain. I’ll say that I was having lunch there last Wednesday and was appalled by what I heard.”

“Thanks, but I think it’s best to just leave it alone.” I replied.

It was Monday afternoon and Mark and I were enjoying a couple’s spa appointment in one of Manhattan’s trendiest salons. We lay on side by side massage tables, slathered in mineral mud and packed in hot towels.

“You know, I’ve heard that some people lose up to five pounds after one of these treatments.” Mark said. “I’ll have to pay attention to the way my pants fit when we leave. I may have to add a stop here to my wedding prep list.”

“Have the two of you decided on a date?”

“Not yet. Parker’s parents weren’t thrilled by the news. We’ve put the planning on hold for a little while to give them a chance to come around.”

“I hate to hear that.” I told him. “How long are you going to put the wedding off?”

“We haven’t decided.” He sighed. “I completely understand that Parker wants his family there. But we can’t start OUR family until after we’re married. The whole thing has me frustrated to no end, but I’m trying to keep that to myself. As hard as it is on me, it’s a thousand times tougher on Parker. My parents are both overjoyed about the marriage and they’ve always supported me. His parents didn’t speak to him for over a year after he came out.”

“I never knew that.” I gasped. “That must have been so difficult for him. I know I complain about my mom a lot, but I can’t imagine coming from a family like Janette’s or Parker’s.”

“I know, I feel the same way.” Mark replied. “My life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve never been truly on my own like they have. This conversation is depressing me, how are things with your fine ass boyfriend?”

“About the same,” I told him. “He’s still beautiful and I still can’t figure out how I ended up with him.”

“What about work? Any new weird shit to report?”

“No, everything’s been normal. I’m still waiting for the police to release my dressing room, that’s been a little frustrating. But Detective Ramos has been processing it by himself when the theater’s empty. The inconvenience is worth the privacy, I guess.”

“I’m sure they’ll turn it back over to you soon.” He assured me. “Though I’m not sure you should leave anything valuable or sentimental in there from now on.”

“I won’t. I’m lucky that all of my costumes were being cleaned or they’d have been destroyed too. I really think that I’ll be safe though, with all of the added security. There’s a camera pointed right at my door so if the asshole does try anything else, we should be able to catch them.”

“I hate the idea of anything else happening, but I love the idea of the bitch finally getting caught.” Mark said.

“Bitch… so you think it’s a woman?” I asked.

“I think it’s Serena, don’t you?”

“I did at first, but she had an alibi for the first break in, remember?”

“I don’t see why that lets her off the hook.” He replied. “She could have had anyone plant that article for her.”

“That’s what Ramos said but I can’t think of anyone that would help her do something like this. I’m starting to think that it could be someone random, like an obsessed fan.” I told him.

“The police don’t have any ideas?”

“No, none that they’ve told me about. They’re investigating practically everyone at the theater. Ramos and Klein have taken a bunch of fingerprints and held a ton of interviews. Everyone knows that they’re investigating a break in, but most people have assumed that one of the box offices was targeted.” I explained.

“Kate, I don’t know whether to be relieved or worried that the stalker hasn’t acted again. On one hand, they may have gotten bored and given up. But on the other, the lack of any new threats could mean that she’s planning something much, much worse next time.”

I admitted that I’d had the same fear myself. “But honestly Mark, I’m really trying to think positively. Worrying about what this asshole is going to do next is no way for me to live. I’ve done everything I can to protect myself; I don’t want to sit around and speculate about what may or may not happen next.”

“That’s totally understandable, we’ll change the subject again. I for one would like to know if the delicious Mr. Matthews is good in bed.”

I laughed and spent the next few hours telling Mark all of the reasons I was falling in love with Dylan.

“So, where would you like to go first?” Dylan asked as we slid into the back of his limo. Detective Ramos had called the night before and let me know that my dressing room had been released as a crime scene. Dylan and I were going to spend the morning shopping for new furniture and decorations.

“I don’t know, I guess any department store will work.” I replied.

“Bloomingdale’s then?” he suggested.

“That sounds fine.” I agreed. Dylan gave our destination to Peter, raised the partition, and turned to me.

“What’s wrong Kate? You usually love shopping.”

“I’m just thinking about the things I can’t replace.” I told him. “I wish I’d waited a little longer to move in my personal stuff.”

“I can have a new frame made.” He offered. “I saved a stack of the reviews and there are plenty of playbills.”

“Thanks,” I said with a forced smile. “I’d appreciate that.”

“I know that you’re upset about that picture from Mimi. If I could replace that too, I would.”

“It wasn’t the picture,” I told him. “I can print a new copy of that. It was the letter she wrote for me that was framed on the opposite side. I searched the dressing room for it, I was going to save it regardless of what shape it was in. But I never found it anywhere.”

“Have you asked Ramos or Klein about it?”

“Yeah, they went through the evidence bags but didn’t find it. It’s really not that big of a deal, I’m just being overly sentimental.”

“You’re sad. I say that we take the day off, spend a ton of money, and then spend the entire night in bed.” He suggested.

“I don’t want to miss another show,” I insisted. “Let’s get what I need, have lunch, and get to the theater.”

“Alright,” he agreed. “If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

“It is… work will make me feel better.”

“I’ll make you feel better.” He replied. He pulled out his phone, pushed some buttons, and raised it to his ear. “Can I speak with Claire please?” He asked whoever answered the other line.

“What are you doing?” I whispered.

Dylan held up a finger, signaling for me to be patient. “Hi Claire, it’s Dylan.” He said after a few moments. “I’m on my way in with my girlfriend and we’ve got quite a shopping list… furniture, a vanity set and a small sofa for sure.  Is your schedule clear? Great… yes, the east room would be great. No, we’ll come in through the front… perfect, we’ll see you soon.” He ended the call and stowed his phone in his jacket pocket.

“Who’s Claire?” I asked.

“She’s the head of Bloomingdale’s personal shopping department. I thought that the VIP treatment might help brighten my mood.” He smiled. “Claire’s having some samples pulled and arranged in one of the private rooms.”

“They’re going to haul heavy furniture through the store so we don’t have to shop with everyone else?” I asked in disbelief.

“Of course they are,” he shrugged. “It’s easier for everyone that way. Unless you’d rather walk through the store?”

“No, I’m fine with having it all brought to us.” I replied quickly, thinking of my VIP shopping trips with Janette. Those had been a blast and they were both before anyone knew who I was, only that I had money to spend.

The limousine slowed to a stop outside the department store; Peter put the car in park, climbed out of the driver’s seat, and moved around the car to open my door. I slid out and Dylan followed closely behind.

“Thanks Pete, I’ll call you when we’re ready.” Dylan told him. He wrapped an arm around me and we walked into the store.

“Hello Mr. Matthews,” a perky blonde greeted us just inside the door. “It’s so great to see you again, it’s been too long.”

“Thank you Claire, it’s nice to see you again as well. This is Kate Harper, we’re shopping for furniture for her dressing room today.” Dylan explained. “Kate this is Claire Johnson, she always takes care of me when I come in.”

“Ms. Harper, it’s so nice to meet you.” Claire gushed. She offered her hand and I shook it gently. “I’m such a big fan, my husband and I saw the show last week. We’d already been once of course, Dylan gave us tickets when it opened. But after reading your reviews I just had to see it again. You were phenomenal, you even managed to make this guy look better.” She said with a teasing grin.

“That she does.” He agreed. “Everywhere we go.”

“The room should be ready now, if you’d like to follow me.” Claire told us. She led us off the floor and through a series of corridors. Finally, she pushed open a large door and we stepped into a plush room. The floors were covered in thick, creamy carpet and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. A small selection of furniture lined the far wall; a larger seating area was arranged in front of it.

“Please, take a seat and help yourself to the coffee and muffins.” Claire said, gesturing to the sofa. Dylan and I settled in; he poured us each a cup of coffee while Claire continued. “I know Dylan’s style, but I wasn’t sure what you would like so I had a little of everything brought in.” She explained. “If you don’t see anything you like here, we’ll pull some more.”

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” I assured her. “I’m going to have a hard time choosing already. I took a drink of coffee and turned to Dylan. “I see three sofas that I love; I’m going to test them out.”

“Wait just a minute.” He said. “Claire, there’s something else that I’d like your help with today.”

“Anything, Dylan,” she smiled.

“As I’m sure that you’re aware, awards season is right around the corner. Kate’s going to need gowns for the SAGs, the Golden Globes, the Emmy’s, and the Tony Awards. We may hit the Oscars and Grammy’s too, but I’m not sure of my schedule for those dates yet. Now no offense to your selection, but I don’t want her to wear off the rack for the Tony’s, we’ll have something designed for that one. Could you help us with the rest?”

I looked at him, dumbfounded again; he had that effect on me pretty frequently.

“Is something wrong?” He asked.

I looked from him to Claire and blushed. “Dylan, I’m making pretty good money now but most of it has to cover my rent. I can’t afford three designer gowns.” I quietly reminded him.

“Don’t be ridiculous Kate, I’m paying for them.” He insisted.

“I can’t let you do that.” I argued.

“I have to go to the shows; I want you on my arm and I want you in couture. I wouldn’t expect you to pay for it. Just let me spoil you!” He smiled.

“Oh that is so sweet.” Claire gushed. “You two will look so good on the red carpet, everyone will be jealous. What do you say Kate? We just got our new lines in. I could take your measurements in a snap and go pull the gowns.” She offered hopefully.

“Alright,” I said with a smile. “The shows do sound exciting!” I confessed.

“You’ll love the first two.” Dylan told me. “They get kind of old after that, unless of course you win.”

“And how many times have you won, Dylan?” Claire asked, pulling a measuring tape from her pocket. I was sure that she already knew the answer; I also knew that Dylan was thrilled to have a chance to talk about it again.”

“Nine times,” he said. Claire started taking my measurements as Dylan counted off his record. “One Emmy, one Globe, seven Tony awards.”

“And counting, I’m sure.” I added with a smile.

He beamed back at me. “I bet you’ll have me beat in no time. The nominations for the Tony Awards will be out in just a couple of months. Would you care to place a wager on who’ll win favorite new female?”

I watched the Tony awards every year and I’ve always dreamed of winning one of the coveted trophies, but I hadn’t given the idea a single thought since I’d won my role. “Do you really think so?”

“Yes, in fact I know so. I’ve seen all of this year’s other new actresses, they couldn’t hold a candle to you.”

Adrenaline rushed through my body and I felt my face flush.

“Do you need to sit down?” Dylan laughed.

“Go ahead, I’m all finished.” Claire announced. “You just relax here and I’ll be back soon with tons of gowns for you to try on. Would you like me to send in some sandwiches?”

“No thank you, the muffins are fine.” I replied.

“Okay, if you need anything, Paige is just outside.”

“Thank you, Claire.” Dylan smiled and she quickly left the room. Once we were alone, Dylan wrapped an arm around me and I cuddled into his chest.

“You’re feeling overwhelmed again, aren’t you?”

“You can tell?”

He nodded. “But you didn’t go into a hysterical fit this time, so that’s an improvement. Please tell me that you’re not about to say ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘I’m not that girl’. I thought you’d gotten over all of that.”

I pulled away from him and smiled. “I have gotten over it. I’m overwhelmed, but with excitement. I’ve realized that I CAN do this. I’m pretty fucking good at it, actually. I’ll take as many awards as they want to give me.”

“That’s my girl.” He grinned.