Nick:

 

            ‘What the hell?’ I thought to myself the instant she stepped over the threshold. ‘What the hell?’ An eerie silence filled the room as no one said a word.

            Randolph cleared his throat. “Well, I don’t think introductions are necessary. What do you think?” he asked as he walked around his desk and took a seat in the leather chair.

            Neither of us spoke. Our gazes locked on each other’s. “Please,” Randolph said, pointing to the two chairs in front of his desk. Apprehensively, Shea took a seat next to me.

            “Randolph, I’m not going to continue with this meeting until you tell me what exactly is going on,” I said, rising to my feet and leaning on my palms on Randolph’s desk.

            “Well, Nick, it’s simple. I’ve offered Miss Walker here a job,” Randolph explained.

            “She’s not an actress! She’s a lying, conniving, cheating...” I stopped myself and glanced over at Shea. Still beautiful, but definitely not worth my time. She looked down at the floor and twisted the ring around her finger. A smile crossed my face as I recalled the numerous times she’d done that before each show. A nervous habit she’d have until her dying day.

            “Nick, you’re not an actor. You’re a musician. Music will always come before acting for you,” Randolph retorted. “What’s the difference?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow at me.

            “There’s a big difference, Randolph! I’m an entertainer! What is she?” I snapped, slamming my palm onto the wide desktop.

            “That’s it!” Shea bellowed, rising to her feet.

 

Shea:

 

            “That’s it, Nick!” I bellowed again. I wasn’t going to sit there and just take his defamatory comments. Nick looked at me with shocked, wide eyes. “I am an entertainer! I dance! Is that not entertainment?!” I fired at him.

            “Maybe I’ll leave you two alone for a moment,” Randolph said quietly, rising to his feet and leaving the office.

            “What the hell are you doing here, Shea? Trying to ruin my life even more than you already have?” Nick asked.

            “Me ruin your life?! That’s rich!” I yelled. “How about the way you ruined mine, huh? What about that?”

            “You did that to yourself,” he muttered.

            Before I could stop myself, I reached up and slapped him across the face with all my might. It felt good. To finally rid myself of the pent-up rage I felt, but thought of as love. “I want to do this. I want to get back into the entertainment business again. I’m not going die working at La Danse,” I said more calmly, holding my hand and rubbing my aching palm.

            “Fine. We’re both adults. We can put the past behind us for the sake of this film,” he agreed. “But, one mention of us, your son, or the past, and I’ll see to it that you’re gone,” he added through clenched teeth.

            I sat down and crossed my legs, waiting for Randolph to return. Nick paced the room like a caged animal looking for a means of escape. “Safe to come in?” Randolph asked as he opened the door a crack.

            “Yes, Randolph. Sorry,” I apologized.

            Randolph reentered his office and took a seat behind his desk once again. “Now, shall we begin?” he asked, his gaze first on me and then on Nick.

            Nick nodded and took a seat. “Read the highlighted lines. I’ll decide when the read-through is finished whether or not you’ll be stars,” he said, handing us each a thick script.

            I scanned my lines quickly. A temptress indeed. I really wanted this job, so I focused on my lines, absorbing the language and putting myself in the era. “Samuel, are you happy?” I asked with child-like innocence.

            “Yes, Helen. Yes,” Nick read back.

            “Then why are you here with me?” I asked, seduction ringing loud and clear in my voice.

            Nick looked at me. Like he’d never heard me speak like that before. And maybe I hadn’t for it took me by surprise as well. I stole a quick glance at Randolph who sat behind his desk, his mouth contorted in a smile that told me I already had the job.

            “All right, Helen! I can’t deny it! I want you, need you! But what about Rachel?” Nick questioned.

            “What about Rachel?” I asked, batting my eyelashes. I paused as I read the next direction. Kiss. Neither of us moved. We just stared at each other.

            “That was going good, Nick. Shea. Start right there. And add the kiss. The way it is in the directions,” Randolph said, kicking back in his chair and sparking up a Cuban. “And stand!” he added.

            Nick and I rose to our feet. “All right, Helen! I can’t deny it! I want you, need you! But what about Rachel?” Nick questioned again.

            “What about Rachel?” I asked, batting my eyelashes. Nick wrapped his arm around my waist and dipped me back, planting his lips on mine. He kissed me hard, his lips soft against my own. But I didn’t feel anything. The spark I once felt when our lips brushed each other’s was no longer there. I was over him. He was over me. We would never be together again.

            The kiss ended and Randolph clapped emphatically. “Congratulations! You are Samuel and Helen!” he cheered, the Cuban clenched between his teeth.

            “Thank you, Randolph!” I squealed, embracing him tightly. I kissed his cheek in appreciation and he blushed slightly.

            “Thanks, Randolph. It will be a pleasure working with you again,” Nick stated, shaking Randolph’s hand. Randolph nodded his head in agreement.

            “Production begins in February. I’ll call you with the details. Have a great New Year,” Randolph said as he opened the office door for us to leave.

            Nick and I walked silently to the elevator. I noticed I was twisting my ring around my finger again, but why? Nick cleared his throat. Then I remembered. It was over. Really over. When our lips touched, I didn’t feel the soft loving kiss I used to experience with him. It was emotionless, hollow. I truly felt that I could let AJ into my life without the fear of hurting him with my love for another.

            We stepped into the elevator and continued on in an uneasy silence. My eyes watched the numbers tick away until we reached the main floor. “Well, Nick,” I began, brushing the curls away from my face, “Um...I guess I’ll see you on set,” I said.

            “Yep,” he nodded.

            “Have a great New Year,” I added.

            “You too,” he murmured. I reached out my hand for him to shake, hoping to make some peace with him. Nick grasped it in his masculine hand and shook firmly, as if I were any other business partner. Then we parted, him walking one way and I the other.  

            I pulled my parka tighter around my body as I stepped out into the frosty mid-morning air and began the walk home.

 

Kevin:

 

            “Think of me. Think of me fondly when we say good-bye. Remember me once in a while. Please promise me you’ll try.” I sat on the sofa, thumbing through the newspaper and listening to my love practice for her upcoming show. Lauryn had the most beautiful voice. A voice I didn’t know she possessed. I lost myself in the melodious sounds coming from her mouth, my head resting against the sofa back, remembering my days as a musician and thinking how wonderful it would be to be in that business with the woman I loved. Suddenly, my head shot up as a wonderful idea hit me. I grabbed the phone from its cradle and punched in Howie’s number.

            “This is D,” Howie answered.

            “D, Kevin here. I have a wonderful idea. A business venture for you and me. You interested?” I asked.

            “Perhaps. What is it?” he questioned.

            “Meet me at seven for dinner. I’ll explain it then,” I replied. I sat back again and continued to listen to Lauryn’s angelic voice. A smile spread across my face as the details of my plan began to unfold in my mind.

            “What are you thinking about, Kev?” Lauryn asked, a coy smile on her lips. She took a seat next to me and I instinctively wrapped my arm around her body.

            “Our future,” I answered, kissing her lips tenderly.

 

Brian:

 

            I sat alone in the waiting room of St. Patrick’s hospital waiting for AJ and Tristan to return from the lab and wondering. Wondering what I would do now. I needed to get out on my own again. Do something with my life and my money. And although I would always be there for Shea and Tristan, I knew I couldn’t stay with them any longer.

            After a few more minutes of waiting and pondering, AJ came around the corner with Tristan in his arms. A look of relief clearly marked his face. He wasn’t Tristan’s father. AJ set Tristan in his car seat and handed me a piece of paper. The results of the paternity test. “Mail that to the sonofabitch,” AJ chuckled. I laughed at his remark, but seriously considered the idea. If Nick knew for certain that Tristan was his son, perhaps he would move here to be near him. I knew he and Shea would never be together again no matter how hard Shea tried, but he could at least take responsibility for his child.

            On the ride home, I remained silent. AJ tried in vain to initiate conversation, but my answers were non-existent or just grunts or nods. I was once again deep in thought. “B, what’s up with you?” AJ asked when I failed to acknowledge yet another statement.

            “I’m thinking about leaving,” I stated, my eyes forward, my hands locked on the wheel.

            “Why, man?” AJ inquired.

            “I need something different. I need to find myself. I’ve wrapped myself up in Shea and Tristan’s lives so much that I have completely neglected myself and what I want and need,” I explained.

            “What do you want and need, B-Rok?” he questioned. 

            “I want love. I need love. I want to find the perfect person who wants to spend the rest of her life with me,” I told AJ “I’ll always be there for Shea and Tristan, but I just can’t be here for them.”

            AJ nodded his head in silent understanding. I continued to think about what I’d just admitted to AJ Did I really want to leave? Would that be the right thing to do? I sighed. It would be. Now, I just had to tell Shea.                                         

Shea:

 

            “Hello? I’m home!” I called as I opened the front door to my apartment. Nothing. I sighed and set my bag down. My heart still thumped from when Randolph told me I had earned the part. I was so excited that I had to share the news with someone. I snatched up the phone and quickly punched in Lauryn’s number. Several rings later, she still hadn’t answered the phone.

            “Hi. You’ve reached the machine. Do your business,” the strained-pleasant voice said followed by the beep.

            “Laur! I’ve got exciting news! Call me immediately upon your return!” I said with immense exuberance.

            I hung up the phone and sat down on the couch in front of the open window and stared out into the early afternoon activity below.  I watched the people walk to and from their destinations, but a tall, blonde gentleman walking hand-in-hand with a tow-headed toddler captured my attention. I imagined Nick in a few years walking with Tristan like that. Holding his tiny hand on their return home from getting ice cream. Nick being the perfect father.

            I absent-mindedly nibbled on the nail of my index finger as I continued to watch this father and son walk farther down the block. ‘Where is the mom?’ I wondered. Perhaps, they had a relationship similar to mine and Nick’s. Perhaps she’s the one who left. Perhaps she’s waiting for them at their home, another child in her arms. Perhaps.

            I sighed again, remembering what had happened earlier. The spark that wasn’t there. I thought I still loved him, but maybe I was fooling myself. Wanting myself to love him for the sake of Tristan. When we kissed, I didn’t feel what I had in the past. I didn’t need him or want him any longer. I only wanted him to be Tristan’s father. Now, I felt free to pursue a relationship with AJ without thinking that I might betray him when Nick finally came around.

            Suddenly, the front door opened and Brian and AJ walked in, Tristan sleeping soundly in his car seat. “How did it go?” Brian asked, sitting beside me.

            I looked over at him and his face fell. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you get it?” Brian asked, stroking my hair away from my face. He tenderly wiped his thumbs across my cheeks, wiping away the tears that I didn’t know had fallen.

            “No. I got it. I’m just overwhelmed I guess,” I answered, wiping away the remainder of my tears with the back of my hand. “How did things go at the hospital?” I inquired.

            AJ walked over and handed me a sheet of paper. The test results. I read them solemnly and a smile crossed my face. I knew it. I knew Nick was Tristan’s father. There was never a doubt in my mind. “Thank you, AJ for doing this for me,” I whispered, embracing AJ in a tight hug to show my appreciation.

            “You’re welcome,” he whispered back, kissing my cheek.                                

            “So, tell me more about the audition,” Brian said, pulling me down to sit next to him on the sofa.

            “I got the part Randolph offered me. But, Nick was there,” I said.

            “What?” Brian and AJ asked in unison.

            “He’s in the movie too. I seduce him,” I stated.

            “How did it go? Are you okay with that?” Brian questioned, taking my hand in his.

            “I’m fine and I know that if I want this role, if I want to get back into the entertainment business, I have to put our past behind us and focus on the work,” I answered. I looked up into Brian’s face. “It’s over, Brian. I know that now,” I added.

            Brian brushed the hair away from my face and kissed my forehead. “You’ll be fine. We’ll always be here for you,” he said.

            I smiled in appreciation as I rose to my feet and approached AJ “AJ, would you escort me to Lauryn’s play on Friday?” I asked, staring into his deep, brown eyes.

            “It would be my pleasure,” he said, smiling sheepishly. I kissed his lips lightly. When I pulled away, AJ just stared at me. His face broke into a smile and he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

 

Kevin:

 

            “So, what’s this business venture you have in mind?” Howie asked as we sat at a quiet booth in a crowded restaurant.

            “I want to start a record company and management firm,” I stated, taking a sip of my Guinness.

            “What made you come up with this idea?” Howie inquired.

            “Lauryn,” I replied. He looked at me with confusion. “She’s incredible, D. She has the most amazing voice and I want her to be our first client,” I gushed.

            “All right, Kevin. Let’s start this business. We have the money and the experience. I think it would be fun,” Howie said. “But, I’ll have to hear your girl sing. You could be biased,” he added with a chuckle.

            After dinner Howie and I walked around Manhattan looking at office buildings with space to rent and discussing the details of our plan. It was well after two when Howie and I split for the evening. I unlocked the door and quietly entered the walk-up. I leaned against the living room wall and stared at Lauryn as she slept on the sofa. The moon poured in through the open blinds of the balcony doors, bathing her in an angelic white light. Her pale skin looked like porcelain. Her lips full and pink. I knelt at her side and gazed into her face. I stroked her satiny cheek with my fingertips, tracing the curves of her face to forever be etched in my memory. She stirred lightly and her eyes fluttered open.

            “Hey,” she whispered as she stared into my face with her intense blue eyes.

            “Hey,” I whispered back, my fingertips still stroking her cheek. I leaned down and kissed her lightly before scooping her up in my arms and carrying her to the bedroom, kicking the door shut with my foot.

 

Lauryn:

 

            I woke the next morning and stretched my arm out to caress the skin of the man I loved. Only, he wasn’t there. His sheets were cold. I sat up and pushed the hair away from my face. I readjusted the sheet to cover my naked torso and pulled my knees up to my chest. I crossed my arms and laid them across my knees, resting my cheek on my forearm as I gazed out through the lacy curtains to the world outside. I lost myself in the bright blue sky filled with fluffy clouds. It looked more like a Spring morning that a Winter, but the snow on the rooftops reminded me of the bitter cold outside. My gaze shifted to the alarm clock. Nine am. I sighed as I laid my cheek back on my arm and wondered where Kevin would be. Suddenly, the phone rang loudly, breaking me from my daydreaming. “Hello?” I answered.

            “Hey, Laur. Why didn’t you call me back yesterday?” Shea’s chipper voice asked.

            “I’m sorry, Shea. I meant to but I got sidetracked,” I apologized. “What’s this exciting news?” I inquired.

            “First, AJ is not Tristan’s father. But that we already knew in our hearts,” she began, “Secondly, I got the role!” Shea screamed.

            “Congratulations!” I squealed. My face beamed with a wide smile. A truly happy smile for my friend who was on her way to stardom. But shortly after her burst of enthusiasm, a long silence filled the phone. “Shea?”

            “Nick was there,” Shea stated.

            “Why?” I questioned.

            “He’s in the movie with me. Kind of weird, huh?” she said with a faint laugh.

            “How did you handle it?” I asked with a laugh of my own.

            “Lauryn, you should have heard the nasty things he was saying about me to Randolph,” Shea said quietly. “I didn’t know how to react so I bitch-slapped him for his cruelty.”

            “The ass had it coming. Don’t you dare apologize for that,” I replied. “What was he saying?” I inquired.

            “First he said that I wasn’t an entertainer. That I was merely a poor dancer who had no shot at making it big,” she began.

            “Ouch,” I whispered.

            “But then he said that if I even mentioned us, my son, or our past, he would have Randolph and the higher ups terminate my employment,” she continued. “Can you believe that? My son? Not our son. Not his son. But my son!” she spat.

            “Shea, you’ll be fine. You’ll get through this because you want it. You don’t need him to get ahead in your career,” I reassured her.

            “I know. We had to kiss. There was nothing there. Emptiness. We’re over,” Shea said.

            “I don’t know what to say,” I laughed. “Do I say good or that’s too bad?” Shea laughed on the other end. “Do you want to come over for breakfast?” I asked.

            “No thanks. Brian said he wanted to talk. Sounds serious. I’ll call you later,” Shea declined.

            I hung up the phone and crawled out of bed. Silently, I padded to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I let the warm spray of water cascade down my naked body as I lost myself in the music of Phantom of the Opera.

 

Howie:

 

            Kevin unlocked the door to his and Lauryn’s walk-up. I could hear beautiful melodies the instant we walked in. “That’s her,” Kevin whispered. I was shocked. Lauryn had been hoarding this talent of hers. Why hadn’t she made it big years ago? We continued to listen to Lauryn’s voice as I helped Kevin make the bed. The beautiful sounds seeped under the closed bathroom door and filled the room with wonderful, full phrases of music. I laid back on the freshly made bed and closed my eyes, allowing myself to completely absorb the sounds around me.

            “I told you she was wonderful,” Kevin gushed.

            “Kevin, you’re right. Phenomenal. Beautiful. A definite star,” I agreed. “So when do we sign her?” I asked.

            “The sooner the better. Before someone else hears her magical instrument and scoops her out from under us,” Kevin replied. The sound of running water stopped, but Lauryn kept right on singing.

            “He’s there. The Phantom of the opera. Ah......” the rich Ah vowel turned into a scream of shock.

            “Jesus! What the hell are you doing? Trying to give me a heart attack?” Lauryn growled. She clutched the towel around her body tightly to prevent it from slipping and exposing to me what I envisioned to be a beautiful body.

            “I’m sorry, Baby. I just wanted Howie to hear you sing,” Kevin apologized.

            “What for?” Lauryn inquired as she pulled under garments and clothes from her drawers.

            “We started a label. We want you to be our first artist,” I said, grinning widely.

            “Excuse me?” Lauryn asked.

            “Hevin-D. That’s us. Just signed the papers on an office this morning. We want you to be our first client. We want to make you the biggest thing since sliced bread,” I explained.

            Lauryn dropped her clothes, her towel, everything. I averted my eyes as she scrambled to cover her nudity. I was right. A beautiful body indeed. Kevin was a lucky man. “Really? You want me?” Lauryn asked after she had covered herself back up.

            “Yes, Sweetie. We want you,” Kevin said, pulling Lauryn close to him.

            Lauryn started to cry, the tears pouring from her eyes in a mist of shock and extreme happiness. Kevin kissed her lips again and again, his hand caressing her naked shoulders and running down her back. He shooed me out of the room with his hand as the passion increased between the two of them.

            “Call me later,” I said quietly. Kevin gave me a thumbs up and silently, I let myself out.

 

Brian:

 

            My hands trembled in my lap as I waited for Shea to join me so we could talk. How would I break the news of my leaving to her? I didn’t want to hurt her. She was the last person I’d ever want to hurt, but I knew that I needed to find myself and the person I was meant to be with. I thought I’d found her before, but she loved another. And then it happened again. Would I ever find my true love?

            “Hey, Brian. What’s up?” Shea asked as she entered the living room, Tristan on her hip.

            I looked up at her and saw her face darken with confusion. “Shea, please sit down,” I said, averting my gaze away from hers.

            Cautiously, she sat at my side, setting Tristan between us. She didn’t speak, but continued to stare at me, urging me silently to say what was on my mind. “Shea, I’m going to leave,” I finally managed to say.

            “What? Why?” she questioned. “Is it something I’ve done? What can I do to change your mind?” she asked, tears beginning to glisten in her blue eyes.

            “It’s nothing you’ve done and it nothing you can change. It’s something I’ve been toying with for a while now,” I began. “I just need to focus on myself for now. I’ve spent so much time with you and Tristan that I’ve neglected the things that I need for myself.” I paused, gazing down into the bubbly face of the adorable boy at my side.

            I could feel tears of my own threatening to fall as Tristan stared up at me with his big, blue eyes and a bubble of spit on his lips. I picked him up and cradled him in my arms. Was I making the right decision? “I’ll always be here for you. You know that. But it’s time for me to start a life of my own,” I stated, choking back the tears that now consumed my body.

            Shea sobbed beside me, her face buried in her hands. I stroked the curls on top her head. “I love you. I love Tristan. He is my son regardless of what any paternity tests say. But this is for the best. You have AJ now and I need someone to fill the void in my heart,” I finished.

            “I know, Brian. I know,” Shea squeaked. “I never meant to hold you back. I was selfish I guess.”

            “You weren’t selfish. You needed me. But now you’re strong and determined. You don’t need me to be your rock any more. You can support yourself and our son,” I declared. I rose to my feet and placed Tristan back in the comfort of his mother’s lap. “I’ll come by tomorrow for the rest of my stuff,” I said, kissing her cheek lightly.

            She jumped up quickly and flung herself into my arms. “I love you, Brian,” she wept. “Please say we’ll stay in touch.”

            I pulled her back and gazed into her moist eyes. “You can’t get rid of me that easily,” I said with a smile. A smile perked up the corners of her mouth. I leaned down and planted a loving kiss on her beautiful lips. “I love you too,” I said, picking up the suitcase that sat by the door. I opened the door and looked back at my family one more time before closing the door behind me and descending the stairs.