The Movie Star: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  THE MOVIE STAR

  By

  Lydia Rose

  Edited By

  Holly Schneider

  FOR LINDA ALWAYS

  CHAPTER ONE

  “What time is softball practice?” Quinn asked her friend Mary as they sat having lunch together.

  “Six thirty. I’m bringing someone new.” Mary smiled at her friend. The two women grew up together and had remained friends all their lives.

  Quinn was one of the few lesbians in this small town in North Carolina and Mary was the first woman Quinn had come out to. It wasn’t until Quinn was in college that she had had her first lesbian experience. They both returned home after college to settle in the small town. Mary’s was by choice and Quinn’s was by the death of her father. Quinn’s father owned the local hardware store and her mother needed her help to run the store. That was eight years ago and now Quinn couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

  “Is she gay?” Quinn asked, hopeful since the only lesbians in town were too young or they held no interest for her.

  “Sorry, Quinn, but no, she’s an actress,” Mary said, touching Quinn’s arm.

  “An actress? What is she doing here?”

  “Her mother is Arlene Andrews.”

  “So Wendy Harris is here in town?” Quinn asked now showing some excitement. Everyone knew how sick Arlene was and Quinn figured out why the actress was here. Arlene moved to North Carolina with her husband ten years ago. He was killed in a boating accident five years ago leaving Arlene alone. The town took the stranger under their wing and made Arlene a part of the community. Arlene was proud of her daughter and the town watched her series every week.

  “Yes. The same woman you’ve been drooling over all those years on television.”

  “And she plays softball?” Quinn asked, remembering Wendy’s femininity from the part she played on television. Wendy had played a medical examiner who always got the best looking men who were making guest appearances on the show. Besides that fact, she was drop dead gorgeous.

  “Yes, she was on the softball team with me in college,” Mary answered, rolling her eyes.

  “Is that where you two met?”

  Mary nodded. “Yeah. She was my roommate too.”

  “So she’s here spending time with her mom?”

  “Yeah. She hired a full-time nurse to take care of her, but she wanted to be with her. I don’t think Arlene has too much time left.”

  “What about her mother’s store? Is she working there?” The store sold what Quinn called trinkets. The items were meant to be sold to the tourists that frequented the area in the summer.

  “Arlene has a great employee who is now running the store for her. You know Ruth Fields?”

  “Yeah, at least Arlene doesn’t have to worry about Ruth stealing from her.”

  “Wendy has added some of her paintings to the store, too,” Mary added.

  “She paints too?” Quinn asked, rolling her eyes.

  “Yes, she paints too.” Mary laughed. “They’re quite good. You should stop in and check them out.”

  “For what?”

  “Your house could use some decorating. You’ve been living there for three years and the walls are still bare.”

  “That’s the way I like it,” Quinn insisted to her friend, but knew she didn’t have an eye when it came to decorating. She had always hoped that she would meet someone who could take over that role.

  “I’d better go if I’m going to make it to practice tonight,” Mary chuckled. “And Quinn, don’t drool all over the star tonight.”

  Quinn giggled. “I’ll try not to.” She knew that was going to be a tough task. Quinn fell in love with the TV star the moment she saw her on television. Her computer screen now held dozens of pictures of Wendy Harris from on and off the show. Quinn knew she would have to stay away from this woman in order to hide her feelings. The last thing she needed was for Wendy to realize her feelings for the beautiful woman.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The women gathered on the field tossing the ball back and forth waiting for their coach to arrive. Mary pulled up in her van and Quinn stood in the field watching the other woman get out of the vehicle. She lowered her sunglasses from the top of her ball cap, hiding her gaze and stared at her. Wendy had on a pair of shorts and a cotton baseball shirt. Her long blond hair was pulled into a pony tail and came out the back of her cap. Quinn continued watching as Wendy and Mary gathered the equipment from the back of the van. Quinn was brought out of her apparent trance as a ball hit her in the arm. She turned and yelled, “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Better yet, what are you doing? We’re supposed to be practicing and you’re standing there like a statue.”

  “Ha, ha.” Quinn returned her gaze to the two women who were now walking toward her. She quickly turned and through the ball back to her teammate.

  Mary smiled as she reached Quinn. “Wendy, this is my best friend Quinn.” Quinn turned and nodded her acknowledgement, but kept her hands to herself. Mary now turned to the rest of the team and made the introductions.

  “Are you Wendy Harris from TV?” Justine asked, moving closer to her.

  “I am, but while I’m here, I’m just Wendy,” she said smiling. “Okay, ladies?” Wendy asked.

  There were hushed tones as they nodded and replied. Quinn just stood there taking in the vision before her. The woman was even more beautiful in person and she wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup. Wendy’s high cheekbones and full lips drew Quinn’s attention before moving down to her full breasts. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. As her eyes came back to Wendy’s face, their eyes met. Wendy grinned telling Quinn that she had been caught staring as Quinn pretended to not notice that she had been caught staring.

  Wendy followed Mary to home plate. “Sara, pitch some balls to Wendy. She hasn’t played in a long time. Let’s see how rusty she is.”

  Sara stood on the mound as Wendy got into position. She took a few practice swings and then turned to Sara. Sara gave a wind up and threw her best pitch. Wendy connected with the ball and it soared out to center field.

  “Good shot, Wendy,” Mary said. “Try another one.”

  Sara tried to put more spin on the ball, but Wendy hit this one, too. It was a line drive. “Mary, I don’t think you have to worry about Wendy being rusty. She’s good,” she said, walking toward them. “Can you catch and throw too?”

  Wendy smiled and nodded.

  “Wendy, get out to third base. Quinn, you’re playing shortstop.” Mary gave out the positions and practice began for the next two hours.

  Quinn took notice to the woman to her right, but she didn’t offer any conversation. Even when Wendy complimented Quinn on a play, Quinn just nodded her head. That’s it. You can do it. Just pretend she’s just another teammate and not this beautiful woman you have a crush on.

  Everyone was exhausted when practice ended. The team walked to the coolers for something to drink.

  “Our first game is next Saturday. Anyone that can’t make it?” Mary asked of her team. No one spoke up. “Good. We’re headed over to Stella’s for a drink if any of you are interested in coming over.”

  Everyone met up at the bar and began taking their seats at a table. Quinn came in a few minutes later sticking her phone in her back pocket.

  “Quinn, the usual?” Stella asked from behind the bar.

  “Thanks, Stella.” Quinn answered, as she went around the bar greeting people.

  Wendy leaned over to Mary with her glass of beer in her hand. “What is she, the town Ambassador or Mayor?”

  Mary giggled. “That’s just Quinn. She knows everyone in town and they all love her.”

  Quinn finally
arrived at the table and took the only seat available. Which happened to be right next to Wendy. “So did you enjoy playing today?” Quinn asked as she took her seat. Don’t talk to her, you idiot.

  “I did. It’s been so long since I played.” Wendy’s smile was radiant.

  Quinn finished her glass and stood up. “I’m heading out,” she said, pushing in her chair.

  “Quinn, can you give me a ride?” Wendy asked, already standing.

  “Yeah, please Quinn,” Mary said, “I’m not anxious to get home to a whining husband and screaming kids just yet.”

  “Sure, Mary. No problem. Ladies, see you next week.” Quinn added before they left the bar.

  The ride was quiet until Quinn finally asked. “I have to make a stop if you don’t mind?” Quinn asked once they pulled away from the curb.

  “No problem,” Wendy said, but they pulled up to a house. “Who lives here?” She asked looking toward the front of the house.

  “Me.” Quinn glanced at Wendy before she opened the car door. “I have to take a shower. I have an appointment later.”

  Wendy just sat there.

  “Wendy, come sit on the porch if you don’t want to wait in the house. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  Wendy finally opened the door and took a seat in a rocking chair on the porch. As she sat there rocking, a woman approached.

  “Hello, Wendy, I’m Quinn’s mother, Tina.”

  Wendy held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “How is your mother?” Tina said, taking a seat next to Wendy.

  “No change. I get up every day hoping that today will be a better day.” Wendy shrugged. “It hasn’t happened yet.”

  “Are you on Quinn’s softball team?” Tina asked looking at her obvious outfit.

  “Yes. We had our first practice today. It’s been so long since I’ve played.”

  “Not surprising,” Tina said with a chuckle. “You have been busy for quite a long time.” She took Wendy’s hand. “Your mother is so proud of you. Arlene made sure we all watched your movies and show.”

  “How embarrassing,” Wendy said, covering her face.

  “We all wanted to watch. We were all proud of you, Wendy. Are you going with Quinn to see the kids?”

  “The kids?” Wendy asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “Every week, Quinn reads to the kids in the hospital. I thought maybe she was taking you with her.”

  “No. I had no idea that she does that. We were at the bar after the game and I asked Quinn for a ride home.” Wendy looked out onto the grass surprised by Quinn again. First, it seemed like she was the town Ambassador, and now she reads to kids in a hospital. What next, she thought. “Quinn should run for mayor in this town. Everyone knows her and she knows everyone, too.”

  Tina laughed. “The town gets along with Quinn, but I don’t think we will see a gay mayor in my lifetime,” she said laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” Quinn asked, coming out the front door.

  “Wendy said you should run for mayor.”

  Quinn looked at Wendy and grinned. “Did you tell her why that will never happen?” she asked her mother.

  “Yes.”

  Quinn was wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top. Over the tank top was an open shirt. “Are you ready to go?”

  Wendy stood up. “It was very nice to meet you, Tina.”

  “You too, honey.” Tina leaned over and kissed Quinn’s face. “Be careful,” she said to Quinn. “Wendy, say hello to your mother for me and tell her I’ll be by this week to see her.”

  Quinn pulled up to Wendy’s mother’s home and she was about to thank her for the ride when Quinn opened her door. Wendy wondered what she was doing, but she now found herself following Quinn to the front door.

  “Hello, Quinn. Come inside,” Harper the nurse, said to her. “Wendy, you look like you need a shower.”

  Wendy grinned. “I do.” She turned to Quinn. “Thanks for the ride home.”

  “No worries. Sorry, we had to take a detour.”

  “It was for a worthy cause.” She smiled and followed Quinn into the living room.

  “Hi, Arlene. How are you feeling?” Quinn asked kissing Arlene’s cheek.

  “Why complain,” Arlene said reaching for Quinn. “How are you, dear?”

  “I’m good.” Quinn took the seat on the floor next to Arlene.

  “Wendy,” she said, looking over Quinn’s shoulder. “Did you have fun?”

  “Yes, Mom.” Wendy moved into the room.

  Arlene looked at Quinn. “Quinn, you’re going to be late.”

  Quinn took Arlene’s hand. “The kids will understand if I’m a few minutes late.”

  Arlene looked at Wendy. “You should go with Quinn. Some of the kids might know who you are. They’ll be thrilled to meet someone famous.”

  Wendy looked from her mother’s face then to Quinn, who sat there smiling. “Do you mind, Quinn?”

  “Why would I mind?”

  “Thank you, Quinn.” Arlene touched Quinn’s hands as Wendy left the room to get changed.

  “For what?”

  “Taking Wendy with you. She needs to be out there instead of just sitting here with an old sick woman.”

  “Isn’t that why she’s here? To spend time with you?” Quinn kept her voice low so only Arlene could hear her.

  “Yes, but I think she was tired of Hollywood, too. Her first marriage was such a disaster. I kept hoping she’d meet someone else, but she kept telling me that California is full of phony people.” Arlene chuckled. “She said the entertainment industry is full of egotistical maniacs and she was becoming one of them. I think that’s why she wanted to come here. Wendy needs to be around normal people and do normal things.”

  They both heard Wendy coming down the stairs. “Are you ready to go?” she asked as she walked into the living room.

  Quinn stood up. “Sure.” She leaned over and kissed Arlene’s cheek. “Mom said to say hello and she’ll stop in to see you soon.”

  Arlene took Quinn’s hand in both hers. “Thanks for coming to see me, Quinn. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Arlene. Get better soon,” Quinn pointed with her finger.

  Arlene chuckled. “I’ll try just for you Quinn. Now get going. Those kids are probably wondering where you are.”

  “I won’t be too long, Mom.”

  “Wendy, I’m fine. Take your time and enjoy yourself.” As the girls left the house, Arlene laid back down on the pillow. She had used all her strength to make the girls believe she was feeling fine, but the truth was she was anxious to get this nightmare over.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Quinn and Wendy walked in the front door of the hospital and were greeted by the staff.

  “Quinn, the kids were wondering where you were.”

  “Couldn’t be helped today,” she said with a wide grin.

  “I see you brought a professional to help you read the stories,” the nurse said as she recognized Wendy.

  Wendy giggled.

  “Yeah, I’m sure Wendy can do the voices better than I can.” This was the first time Quinn had complimented the star.

  The nurse pushed Quinn. “Get in there before we have a riot on our hands.”

  “I’m going, Lois. Take it easy.” Quinn reached for Wendy’s arm and led her to the solarium.

  The two women were led to a large room where a dozen kids lay in beds or sat in wheelchairs.

  “Hey, kids,” Quinn called out.

  “You’re late,” an older girl said.

  “Yes, but look who I brought with me.” Quinn waved her hands toward Wendy.

  “Are you Wendy Harris?” the girl asked.

  “I am,” Wendy said, taking the girl’s hand.

  “I like that movie you made about the sick girl,” she said staring at Wendy.

  “Thank you. I liked that movie, too.” It was a sad story about a young girl with cancer. Wendy now wondered if this girl had cancer, too.

  The other kid
s began to beg for a story to be read not really impressed by Wendy’s presence.

  Quinn smiled and looked at the kids. “Do you think we should have Ms. Harris read one of the parts?” The kids cheered and Quinn held out her arm to her. “You got the part,” Quinn said as they sat side by side. They discussed who would take what part and then began reading.

  Of course, Wendy was a pro at imitating the voices for the parts in the book. Quinn looked at Wendy smiling as they finished the last book. Some of the kids had fallen asleep already.

  Quinn stood up and Wendy followed. The kids began to clap and Quinn took a bow. She now took Wendy’s hand, and they both bowed. “We both enjoyed reading to you all, but it’s time for you all to go to sleep so you can get better.”

  There were some groans, but most of the kids were good about knowing they wouldn’t win this battle. Quinn stood by the open doors and said good bye to each child as they were taken from the room. “I’ll see you next week,” she said to each of them.

  When the room was empty, Wendy approached. “Have you ever been back and someone’s gone?”

  Quinn looked at Wendy. “Sometimes. It may be that they got better, but I have lost a few of them. That’s the hardest because they’re so young. They’ve never had a chance to live their lives.” Quinn wiped at a tear. “Thanks for coming tonight. The kids enjoyed a second voice.”

  “I’ll come back with you anytime, Quinn. Just let me know,” Wendy said as she got out of the car at her mother’s home.

  “Good night, Wendy. I guess I’ll see you at the game.”

  “Good night, Quinn.”

  ****

  The following morning Quinn walked into the café in town to buy her morning coffee. As she opened the door, she stopped in her tracks. “Adam, put her down.”

  “Quinn, it’s Angie Wilson,” he said, holding Wendy across his chest.

  “Adam, put Wendy down before she performs an autopsy on you.”

  “Aw, Quinn. I love this woman.” Adam lowered her to the floor.

  “Are you okay?” Quinn asked, moving closer to Wendy.