Taking Chances: A Holiday Romance Read online

  Rachel returned the call early the next morning. “Hi, babe. Sorry I didn’t call back last night, but I’ve got great news.” Ashley waited to hear the news without interrupting. “I’m going to be in a new television show that just started filming.”

  “I didn’t know you were an actress,” Ashley said surprised. All the time the two women had spent together, Ashley had no idea.

  “That’s because it’s been so long since I’ve done anything. They hired someone else for the part, but the girl got fired.”

  “What show?” Ashley asked trying to sound interested.

  “It’s a medical show. I’m going to play a nurse. Believe it or not, I’m going to be one of the main characters.”

  “That’s great, Rachel,” Ashley said with a roll of her eyes. Just great, she thought. “Sounds like you are going to be busy filming.”

  “Yeah, I’ve got a lot of stuff to do. Wardrobe, lines to learn and publicity pictures. I can’t believe how lucky I am.” Rachel took a breath. “Can I see you this weekend?”

  “I have a show Friday, Saturday and Sunday to do.”

  “Can I come to your Saturday show?” Rachel asked excited.

  “Sure. I’ll get you a ticket and backstage pass. Just let me know how many tickets you’ll want.”

  “Oh, I almost forget to tell you. Guess who the lead is on the show I’m doing?”

  Ashley had no interest, but asked anyway, “Who?”

  “Jill Thompson. I can’t believe I’m going to be working with her.”

  Yeah, me either. “That’s great, Rachel, just great.” Ashley tried pretending to show enthusiasm for her girlfriend, but knew this would probably end their affair. Ashley knew the hours that went into doing an hour long drama show. She had dated an actor years ago and when she landed on a hit show, Sharon didn’t have time for Ashley. She couldn’t completely blame Sharon because she was also on the road so much. “So just give me a call and let me know how many tickets you want. Congratulations on the show.”

  “See you on Saturday, babe.”

  *

  Rachel drove to the studio to begin her first day on LA Emergency. The table reading would begin in a half hour and she rushed to park her car and make her way over to where the show was going to be filmed. Everyone was already seated at the table when Rachel entered the room. Melissa Gardner who was the show’s creator and producer stood up.

  “Hello, Rachel.” Melissa put her hand on Rachel’s shoulder. “I would like to introduce our new cast member, Rachel Justice.” She didn’t mention that Rachel would be replacing the fired Lisa Lopes. “I’m sure that everyone is going to make Rachel feel welcome,” she said looking across the table.

  “Hi, Rachel,” Jill said from the opposite side of the table.

  “Hi, Jill,” Rachel answered wearing a big smile.

  “Do you two know each other?” Melissa asked raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes,” Jill answered. “We have a mutual friend.” Jill hoped that Rachel wouldn’t mention who it was. The last thing she wanted was for Melissa to ask too many questions. Rachel didn’t volunteer any information and took the seat that Melissa pointed to.

  After the reading, Rachel was told to go over to wardrobe. She was in there talking to the costume designer when Jill began to go through the racks seeing what she would be wearing each week. Of course, most of her wardrobe consisted of scrubs with a few slacks and jackets thrown in. The real surprise was when she stepped out into the parking lot. She watched as someone walked toward her waving her hand in the air. Jill whispered, “Wendy.” The two women hurried toward each other and when they were close they pulled each other close. “I’ve missed you,” Jill said softly.

  Wendy stood back and smiled brightly. “I’ve missed you too, my friend. I heard you were filming here and I had to track you down.”

  “Come to my trailer so we can catch up.” Wendy nodded and followed Jill. “I can’t believe you are here. Are you doing a film?”

  “I am. We are still in rehearsals, but I’ll be here for a few months.”

  “What about Quinn?” Jill asked about Wendy’s wife.

  “Quinn is here for the weekend. She flies back to North Carolina on Monday.”

  “I don’t know how you two do it. I can’t keep a relationship going when I live in the same state.” Jill had met Wendy Harris two years ago on a photo shoot. Jill’s career had taken off in modeling, but she wanted to move onto acting. They were both in a short-lived series together and became instant friends.

  Wendy giggled. “It isn’t always easy, Jill, but it is so worth the effort. Quinn finally hired extra help at the store so we can spend more time together when I’m filming.” Wendy’s wife Quinn owned a hardware store with her mother back in North Carolina. “It has even given her mother some time off too.” Wendy shrugged. “It works well.”

  “We have to get together. I’d love to see Quinn too.” The knock on the door interrupted their conversation. “Come in,” Jill called out. The door opened and Rachel appeared in the trailer. “Rachel,” Jill said, standing up surprised.

  “Hi,” Rachel began, but saw Jill had company. “Oh, I’m sorry. I could come back.”

  Jill turned to Wendy. “Wendy, this is Rachel Justice. Rachel, this is…” she began.

  “Wendy Harris,” Rachel said with a smile. “Everyone knows her.” Her smiled opened wide as her hand came out. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too,” Wendy said taking Rachel’s hand.

  “I just wanted to let you know that Ashley is performing this weekend. I’m going to the show and wanted to know if you were interested in tickets?”

  “When?”

  “Saturday night,” Rachel answered.

  “Are you talking about Ashley Rowland?” Rachel nodded. “I love her music. My wife is one of her biggest fans.”

  Rachel’s eyebrow rose with the information Wendy just announced. “Ashley said to let her know how many tickets I wanted. It’s no problem if you want to go too.”

  Jill and Wendy looked at each other. “Sure. Thanks, Rachel.”

  “So three or four tickets?” Rachel asked looking at Jill.

  “Just three, Rachel.” Jill answered.

  “Okay.” Rachel turned to Wendy. “It was nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again.”

  “Thank you, Rachel. It was nice to meet you too. My wife is going to be over the moon.”

  Rachel winked at the two women before she left the trailer. Wendy took a seat again at the small table. “You didn’t seem happy to see Rachel at first. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I just don’t want her to think because we know each other that we’re going to be best friends.”

  “Uh huh, and…?” Wendy continued.

  “And nothing,” Jill answered with a shrug.

  “Okay. I’ll let you have your little secret for now. So when are we going to get together?”

  “Let’s have dinner Friday night and then we’ll discuss the concert over dinner.”

  “Your bestie is going to make me a hero with Quinn.” Jill rolled her eyes and laid her head on her hand.

  CHAPTER 10

  Jill had arranged to meet Wendy and Quinn in a small restaurant that wasn’t normally frequented by the paparazzi. She arrived first and was sitting at a table in a corner away from the windows. Jill stood up when she saw Wendy and Quinn enter the restaurant. The three women hugged before they sat down.

  “I couldn’t believe it when Wendy told me she had seen you,” Quinn said wearing a bright smile. Her light brown hair was cut shorter than the last time she had been in Jill’s company. Quinn’s green eyes showed the love she had for the woman sitting next to her as they held hands under the table.

  “I was shocked,” Jill said giggling. “It’s been too long since the three of us have spent any time together.”

  “We’ve invited you to North Carolina, but you’ve been too busy,” Wendy offered with a laugh. “You were great in that
film you made. Quinn and I are very proud of you.”

  “I was so nervous on that film. I thought everyone would just see me as a dumb blond model who couldn’t act.”

  “You proved them wrong,” Quinn said quickly. “So how do you know Ashley Rowland?”

  “I met her at a benefit,” Jill said with shrug.

  “I can’t believe we are going to get backstage after the show,” Quinn added with a smile.

  “Just don’t drool all over the rock star, honey,” Wendy added with a laugh.

  Quinn rolled her eyes. “I’ll try to control myself.”

  “So are you seeing anyone?” Wendy asked Jill.

  “Not since…” Jill lowered her voice, “Carol. It is so hard to find someone to date that is willing to keep my secret.”

  Wendy began to ask a question, but the waitress interrupted. After their order was placed, she asked, “Have you thought about coming out of the closet?”

  “No,” Jill said quickly. “I’ve done a major film and now I’m starring in a drama. I can’t risk losing my career for…” Jill didn’t finish. How could she explain to Wendy that a roll in the hay wasn’t worth losing her career? Wendy was in love with someone. She married the love of her life. It was different for her.

  “Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone?” Wendy asked looking at her friend.

  “Of course not,” Jill sighed. “I’m just not willing to risk my career in the hopes of finding someone I really care about.”

  “I understand, Jill. I had an established career when I got together with Quinn. If I had lost my career because of our love, it wouldn’t have mattered to me.” Quinn squeezed Wendy’s hand. “Her love was more important than acting.” Wendy grinned. “I’m sure I’ve lost parts after I came out.”

  “You did?” Quinn questioned.

  “Sure,” she answered looking at Quinn.

  “I’m sorry,” Quinn said softly.

  “Quinn, trust me when I say I don’t care.” Wendy smiled. “As far as we’ve come, there is still prejudice.”

  “And that’s why I’m going to stay in the closet,” Jill said laughing.

  “That door will open someday when you meet the right person,” Wendy added.

  “Maybe,” Jill said.

  *

  The three women walked into the arena and met Rachel and her friends at their seats. Once introductions were made, they took their seats and waited for the show to start. Quinn was wearing a wide smile.

  “Are you happy, baby?” Wendy asked her wife, squeezing her arm.

  “You bet I am. I have been a fan of Ashley’s for years and I can’t believe in a few hours I’m going to meet her.”

  Wendy leaned toward Jill. “I think I just lost my wife to your friend. Look at her. She’s bouncing in her seat.”

  “You’ll never have to worry about losing Quinn. She loves you too much,” Jill said giggling.

  “I know, but you just watch her drool all over Ashley later.” Wendy laughed. “Besides she’s a beautiful woman besides being a talented musician.”

  The two women laughed out loud. “What’s going on?” Quinn asked turning to them.

  “Nothing, Quinn,” Wendy answered laughing again.

  April was now introduced to the crowd. She sang three songs before Ashley and her band came out. Then April and Ashley sang the two songs they had written together. The crowd had been enthusiastic during April’s solo performance, but Ashley now had the crowd in the palm of her hand. She was all over the stage once April left the stage. Ashley came near the seats where the group of women were sitting.

  Quinn leaned over to Wendy. “She’s looking at me.” Wendy chuckled. “She is.”

  “Honey, I think she’s looking at her,” Wendy paused. “She’s looking at Jill.”

  Rachel’s hand came up and blew a kiss across the crowd to Ashley. Ashley turned her eyes just in time to see Rachel’s gesture and smiled at her. She moved back to the center of the stage.

  Before the next song began, Ashley acknowledged the crowd. “What’s going on with you and Ashley?” Wendy asked into Jill’s ear.

  Jill kept her eyes on the stage. “There is nothing going on with us.”

  “Uh huh,” Wendy answered looking back at Ashley. “But you wish something was going on, right?”

  Jill shrugged. “I can’t do anything about it, Wendy, even if I was interested,” she admitted to her friend.

  “Is it worth hiding the rest of your life and never finding love, Jill?”

  “It won’t be forever.” Jill tried to listen to the music, but Wendy continued, “You could miss finding the love of your life if you wait until you are ready.”

  Jill looked at Wendy for a moment before her eyes went back to the stage.

  Ashley played for an hour and half before she came back out for an encore. The crowd had been on their feet most of the night and everyone’s excitement was evident by their faces. Someone now came to get the women to take them backstage.

  “Ashley is giving an interview with some reporters. She’ll be here shortly. Make yourselves comfortable,” the man dressed in black advised.

  By the time Ashley entered the large room, she had changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She walked over to Rachel and kissed her cheek. “How did you like the show?”

  “It was wonderful, Ash. We all enjoyed it,” Rachel said, pointing to the smiles of her friends and new friends.

  As Ashley moved over to Jill, she introduced her friends. “Ashley, this is my friend Wendy and her wife Quinn.”

  “You, I know,” Ashley said taking Wendy’s hand. “I’ve enjoyed your films, Wendy.” She turned to Quinn. “It’s nice to meet you, Quinn.”

  “I’m a big fan, Ms. Rowlands,” Quinn said holding onto Ashley’s hand.

  “Ashley, please.”

  Quinn giggled which made Jill and Wendy laugh. They looked at each other knowing Wendy had been right about Quinn.

  “I can’t believe I’m here standing with you,” Quinn went on.

  Ashley continued to smile and now Rachel was introducing her friends. Food was brought into the room so everyone could snack and Ashley went around the room meeting the rest of the people that had been invited backstage. Wendy didn’t miss that Ashley’s eyes strayed to Jill’s face often. She now pulled Jill away from the crowd of people.

  “That woman has feelings for you,” Wendy said meeting Jill’s gaze. Jill shrugged. “You can’t tell me you don’t see it.”

  “Okay. I see it. I’ve seen it before, but I’ve never encouraged her.” Jill let out a frustrated sigh. “Besides, she’s dating Rachel.”

  “Do you have feelings for her?” Wendy asked.

  “I’ll admit she’s very attractive, but I could never date her.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she’s a very out and famous lesbian. The moment I would be seen alone with her, my secret would be out.” Jill shook her head. “No way.”

  Quinn walked up to them. “Is everything okay?” she asked raising an eyebrow.

  “Sure, honey. Just catching up with Jill,” Wendy said with a grin.

  They mingled with the crowd and Quinn was sitting with April and her boyfriend in deep discussion of her music. Ashley walked up to Wendy. “Your wife seems to be enjoying herself.”

  “Oh, you have no idea. She’s been riding a high since I told her we were coming tonight to see you perform.”

  “It is nice to meet the fans up close and personal,” Ashley said smiling.

  “I saw quite a few guys drooling when you were singing even though they know you’re a lesbian,” Wendy added.

  “I’m sure it is the same for you.”

  Wendy laughed. “Yeah, I guess, but don’t tell Quinn that.”

  “Jealous type.”

  “Not in a psycho way, but yes,” she laughed again. “I find it cute.” Wendy now watched some woman walk over to Quinn. The way she was touching Quinn told Wendy she was flirting. “I think I should go
tell Rachel’s friend that Quinn is off the market.” She walked toward them.

  Ashley stood there watching as Wendy walked up to Quinn and kissed her softly. She had to laugh when she saw the look on the girl’s face.

  “What’s so funny?” Jill asked walking up to Ashley.

  “Watching Wendy mark her territory.”

  Jill turned toward Wendy. “Was someone hitting on Quinn?” Ashley nodded as they watched Wendy sit across Quinn’s lap. They were both laughing.

  “How long have they been together?” Ashley asked Jill.

  “Four years now. You can see how much they love one another,” Jill said with a nod of her head. Ashley nodded her head in agreement. “Where is Rachel?”

  Ashley nodded with her head toward a corner of the room. “That’s my publicist she’s speaking with.”

  “We can’t help it in this industry to constantly be networking.”

  Ashley turned to look at Jill. “So why aren’t you?”

  “I’m busy enough with my new show.”

  “Yeah, congratulations on getting that.”

  “Thanks. I hope the public likes the show. I think it’s very well written, but you never know.”

  “I’m sure the show will run for years,” Ashley said lightly touching Jill’s arm.

  “Thank you so much for the tickets. We all enjoyed the show so much.”

  “It was my pleasure. I’m glad that you and your friends had a good time.” Ashley turned to look at Jill. “Anytime you want tickets just let me know.” Ashley laughed. “Even if it isn’t my show, I can probably get you tickets.”

  Rachel finished networking and made her way back to Ashley. “Hi, babe.” Her hand went up and down Ashley’s arm. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

  CHAPTER 11

  The cast of LA Emergency was enjoying the wrap party for the winter break. The ratings had been great and they were picked up for the rest of the season. One of the producers approached Jill at the party and began to discuss what they had planned for the second half of the season.

  “We’re bringing in a love interest for Rachel. Since she’s gay we are going to make her character gay on the show.”