Taking Chances: A Holiday Romance Read online

  “That seems to be very popular these days,” Jill said trying not to show her sarcasm.

  “I think it will increase our ratings.” Then he waved his hand, “Not that the ratings haven’t been good, but it will keep us on top.”

  “Who are you planning on hiring?” Jill asked out of curiosity.

  “Well,” he grinned, “we were thinking of you.”

  “Me?” Jill asked shocked. “Why me?”

  “We think it would be good for your character.”

  “She’s too young,” Jill insisted. Beside the fact that she felt that would be creepy in her mind.

  “Rachel is only a few years younger than you are. Are you up for this?” he asked.

  Jill realized that if she said no, it could hurt her career. She relented and said, “If you think it will be good for the show, but I have to let Marion know.”

  “We’ve already discussed this with Marion. She said the decision was strictly yours.”

  Jill had no choice. “I look forward to reading the new scripts.” She watched as the producer walked away.

  “Are you okay, Jill?” one of her cast mates Billy asked.

  “I just got run over by one of the producers.”

  “I heard.”

  “You heard about me and Rachel?”

  “Yeah. I think it will be great and Rachel will be the envy of all the male stars on the show,” he said with a wink.

  Rachel walked into the room with a minor player in the show named Sara. They were holding hands and Jill’s jaw dropped open. “That is new.”

  “I saw that coming from a mile away.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah. Sara made a beeline for Rachel the moment the show started production.”

  “That could get messy if it doesn’t work out,” Jill said through gritted teeth.

  “Then Sara will be released from her contract.”

  Jill now wondered if Rachel had broken up with Ashley or if Ashley had ended the affair. She watched as Rachel and Sara approached.

  “Hey, honey,” Rachel said wearing a wide grin. “Who would have thought we would end up as girlfriends?”

  “That’s only for the show, babe,” Sara said quickly.

  “Don’t get jealous, honey. You know it’s you I’ll be with. Jill and I will only be acting,” Rachel said with a wink at Jill.

  Sara moved away to get them a drink. “So you and Ashley aren’t seeing each other anymore?” Jill asked keeping her voice low.

  “I don’t really have time to spend with Ash because of the show,” Rachel stated.

  But you have time to see Sara. “I guess Ashley travels too much.”

  “It’s not even that. It was fun while it lasted, but we both knew what our relationship was. We both had a good time and now it’s over.”

  Rachel was very glib about it and Jill wondered if it had been Ashley to end the affair. “It sounds like you two ended it on friendly terms.”

  “Of course. Now I get to be with you during the day and Sara at night. What more can a girl ask for?” Rachel leaned into Jill. “Are you okay with all this? I mean playing gay?”

  “I’m a professional, Rachel. Don’t you worry about me.”

  Rachel grinned. “Then I look forward to our first scene together.”

  Jill watched Rachel walk away and go over to Sara and kiss her cheek. I’m going to have to do some great acting to pretend that I care about you, girl.

  *

  Ashley was walking through a store on Rodeo Drive when she heard someone come in the door. “Oh, Ms. Thompson. It’s good to see you again.”

  “Hello, Hazel. I thought I would start my Christmas shopping early this year.”

  “Let me know if I can be of any help,” Hazel said almost bowing.

  Jill looked through the racks looking to see if she saw anything nice for her sister when someone walked up behind her. “That’s pretty. It will look good on you.”

  Jill automatically smiled and turned recognizing the voice who whispered in her ear. “It’s not for me. I’m looking for something for my sister.”

  “I think you should buy that for yourself and get her something else,” Ashley said with a chuckle.

  Jill laughed with her. “How are you, Ashley?”

  “I’m good. What about you?” Ashley asked, leaning on a center rack.

  “Good. Good.”

  “So you and Rachel?” Ashley asked raising an eyebrow.

  “What?” Jill laughed realizing that the news had spread far. “Oh, you mean on the show?” Ashley nodded. “Any tips for me?”

  “Yeah, don’t make her angry,” Ashley said with a sneer.

  “Why?” Jill tilted her head. “What did you do?”

  “I broke up with her.” Jill began to laugh. “What’s so funny?”

  “Rachel made it seem that it was a mutual breakup.”

  “Oh,” Ashley said softly. “I should have figured that she would spin that.” Ashley looked at her watch. “It’s almost lunchtime. When you are done in here would you like to get a bite to eat?”

  “I’d like that.” Jill picked up the dress she had chosen for her sister and went over to the cash register.

  “How is the shop across the street?” Ashley asked and Jill nodded her approval. They now walked across the street while Ashley held onto Jill’s elbow.

  As the waitress walked away after taking their order, Jill said, “I have to tell you a secret.” Jill looked around to see if anyone was listening to their conversation. “If I was going to be with a woman, it wouldn’t be Rachel.”

  Ashley response was to laugh. “Why? She’s pretty, young and sexy.” Jill’s response was to blow a low raspberry. “Not your type I take it?”

  “No. I find actors like Rachel are users. They will do almost anything to get ahead.”

  Again Ashley laughed. “Well then it’s a good thing you aren’t really dating her.”

  Jill giggled. “You’re right. I’m only pretending.”

  “Who knows, maybe you’ll end up liking her,” Ashley offered, barely looking at Jill.

  Jill giggled again. “Maybe.”

  “So what are your plans for Christmas?”

  “I’m flying home to New York for Christmas.”

  “That’s nice. You might even see some snow while you’re there.”

  “Who knows,” Jill said, thinking how much she hated the cold. “What are your plans?”

  “I’ll be in New York too, for a show at the Garden.”

  “I hate to ask you, but can I get tickets? My sister has never seen you perform live.” Then Jill looked up. “Are you spending the holidays alone?”

  “Well, our show is on December 26th. I’ll fly in Christmas Eve so we can rehearse.”

  “Come to my parent’s apartment on Christmas Day.” Jill offered watching Ashley’s reaction.

  “I can’t do that.”

  “And why not?”

  Ashley looked at Jill’s face to see if her invitation was sincere or not. Deciding she was being very sincere, she said, “Are you sure, Jill?”

  “Yes. My sister and brother would love to meet you. My sister went on and on when I told her about seeing your show and going backstage.”

  “Are you sure your parents are going to be okay with me. You know,” Ashley lowered her eyes, “me being a lesbian.”

  Jill smiled. “Believe me, they won’t have a problem at all.” Jill couldn’t tell Ashley that her parents were well aware of her own sexual orientation and her brother Jeff was also gay.

  “So are your sister and brother older or younger?”

  “Jeff is two years younger than me and Natalie is two years older.”

  “So you are the middle child?”

  “Yes. In every sense of the word. I was always an overachiever and wanting to impress my parents,” Jill said with a chuckle.

  “What do your siblings do?”

  “Jeff is a psychiatrist and Natalie is a buyer for Bloomingdales.”
/>   “I think I changed my mind about coming. Your brother will think I’m crazy and your sister will think I dress like a slob.” Both women laughed. “Seriously, thank you, Jill. I look forward to spending Christmas with your family.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Jill got a text from Ashley at two o’clock on Christmas Eve telling her that she had landed at the airport. Jill sent a text back saying, If your rehearsal ends early, maybe we could meet? She didn’t hear back from Ashley until eight o’clock that night.

  Just finished. Is it too late for you?

  Jill didn’t bother to text, she called Ashley. “Hi.”

  “Hi,” Ashley’s voice showed she was smiling.

  “Are you tired?’

  “No.” They both were quiet for a moment. “Can I pick you up?”

  “Yes.” Jill gave Ashley her parents address and twenty minutes later she was out front. She got into the town car and smiled at Ashley.

  “Where to, my lady?”

  “How about Rockefeller Center?” Jill asked wanting to see the tree and skaters.

  “Sure, I haven’t been there in years.”

  The driver let them out of the car. Ashley pulled a wool cap down on her head and put up the collar on her long coat. She now reached into her inside pocket and pulled out her glasses.

  Jill looked at Ashley and laughed. “I don’t think I would recognize you if I saw you on the street.”

  “That’s the idea,” Ashley answered taking Jill’s arm. Jill didn’t have a hat, but her coat had a hood which she pulled up over her head. “See now we both won’t be recognized.”

  The two women walked through Rockefeller Center looking at the tall Christmas tree and twinkling lights. They walked around for a while eating roasted chestnuts and warm peanuts. Ashley was enjoying the anonymity, but most importantly her time spent with Jill. Jill still hadn’t shown any interest in her besides friendship, but for a little while she pretended that they were together.

  “It is so beautiful, but I truly hate the cold,” Jill said pulling her coat closer to her body.

  Ashley chuckled and took Jill’s arm and led her to a café for a hot chocolate. They were sitting near the window because there were no other open seats left. Everything was going fine until someone walked past the glass and the woman stopped in her tracks. She looked at Jill and her mouth dropped open.

  “I think it’s time to leave,” Ashley said already out of her seat and called the driver. They hurried to the car before the girl drew a crowd.

  “That was fun for a little while,” Jill said inside the safety of the limousine. “No one knew who I was until the show. Even after the movie, people didn’t notice me.”

  “I noticed you,” Ashley said softly as Jill smiled at her. “Is your life better now?”

  “Financially yes, but I do miss just walking down the street and no one caring who I was.”

  “I can’t believe that no one bothered you when you were modeling.”

  “Most people don’t pay attention to models unless you are some superstar model or dating a big Hollywood actor. Since I was neither, no one cared.” Jill chuckled. “We’re never happy, are we?”

  “I’m happy. Very happy right now.” Ashley looked at Jill. Her eyes went from Jill’s eyes down to her lips. She saw Jill swallow and her body moved ever so slightly in Ashley’s direction. That was all the invitation that Ashley needed. She leaned in the rest of the way and captured Jill’s lips with her own. The kiss began softly, but quickly escalated. Their tongues danced over each other’s as Ashley’s hand went to the back of Jill’s neck. By the time the kiss ended, they were breathless. Ashley searched Jill’s eyes to see if there was regret, but all she found was desire in her green eyes. Ashley now reached for Jill’s hand and rubbed her thumb across the back of her hand. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do that?”

  Jill nodded and grinned. “Probably not as long as I wanted.”

  “Really?” Ashley asked, dumbstruck by her words. “I had no clue you felt anything for me. You are very good at hiding your feelings.”

  “The moment I saw you at the benefit, I was immediately attracted to you.” Jill giggled. “Marion and Lisa saw it. That’s why they kept us apart that night. They told me not to go there, that you would expose me to the world.”

  “So you are a lesbian?” Jill nodded. “I would never intentionally hurt you, Jill,” Ashley said taking both of Jill’s hands in her own.

  “I know that, but you are famous. A famous lesbian and I wasn’t willing to risk my career,” Jill added quietly.

  “So what changed?”

  Jill smiled. “You. I just can’t seem to resist you.”

  Ashley moved closer to Jill and put her arm around her. “I’m glad.”

  “So where do we go from here?”

  “Right now I take you home and tomorrow we will spend the day with your family.”

  “Oh, I am so regretting that now. My mother is going to take one look at me with you and she’ll know.”

  “Is that so bad?” Ashley asked confused by Jill’s worry.

  “No, but you and I are going to be teased.”

  “I can take it if you can.”

  Jill laid her head on Ashley’s shoulder. “I hope you feel that way tomorrow evening.”

  Ashley moved so she could kiss her lips gently. “It will be fun.”

  Jill stepped out of the limo. “I’ll see you at noon,” she said leaning down into the limo.

  Ashley nodded. “I’ll be here.”

  *

  The doorman recognized Ashley the moment she got out of the limo. He opened the door and led her to the elevator. “Merry Christmas, Ms. Rowlands,” he said before the doors of the elevator closed.

  “Merry Christmas,” Ashley responded. Once the door closed she took a deep breath. “You can do this, Ash. It is only the family of the woman you’re in love with.” Did I just say that? The doors opened and Jill was standing there. “Hi. Merry Christmas,” Ashley said surprised to see her there.

  “Merry Christmas, Ashley.” Jill leaned in and kissed Ashley’s cheek. “What’s all this?” she asked pointing to the bag Ashley was carrying. She also had a bundle of flowers in her arms.

  “I couldn’t show up empty-handed to your parent’s home.” Jill chuckled and pulled Ashley along with her to the door of the apartment. When the apartment door opened, Jill’s family was standing there waiting to greet her. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Thank you for inviting me,” Ashley said nervously. The family wished her a Merry Christmas in return. “Mrs. Thompson, these are for you,” she said handing the flowers to her. Ashley reached into the bag and took out a bottle of very expensive wine. “Mr. Thompson.”

  Thank you, Ashley.” He looked at the wine label. “Very nice.”

  Mrs. Thompson took Ashley’s arm and led her to the large living room. “Please call me Helen and he’s Brad.” She turned to her other children. “Ashley, this is Natalie and Jeff.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” they both said shyly.

  “You too. I’ve heard nice things about you both from Jill.” Ashley’s smile was wide. She now reached into her bag and handed them two CD’s. “This was the concert that I did a few months ago in LA.” Ashley turned to Jill. “The one your sister attended. April Carey’s performance is on there too.”

  “Oh, wow,” Natalie said looking at the cover before she took Ashley into her arms. “Thank you, Ashley.”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Jeff was rubbing the front cover.

  “Kids, let Ashley sit down.” Helen led her to the couch. “What can I get you to drink?”

  “Just a bottle of water for now, thank you,” Ashley answered. Her mouth was dry from worry. She was surprised that Jill’s family seemed happy that she was here and then she wondered if Jill had told them.

  “Natalie, will you help me with appetizers. Jill, please sit with your company,” Helen Thompson said wearing a big smile.

  She told them. Brad Thompson took a
seat next to the couch. “Natalie and Jeff are very excited about seeing your concert tomorrow night.”

  “We are,” Jeff said quickly.

  “I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask Jill if you and Natalie needed tickets for guests of you both,” Ashley said smiling.

  “Nah. Neither Natalie or I are seeing anyone at this time,” Jeff answered.

  “I still don’t know what happened with you and Dennis. He seemed like such a nice young man,” Brad Thompson said disappointed.

  Jeff rolled his eyes and caught Ashley’s shocked expression. “I guess my little sister left out some information.”

  Ashley chuckled and looked at Jill. “She certainly did.”

  “I had to keep some surprises for you,” Jill said sitting back on the couch laughing.

  Helen and Natalie came into the room carrying in the drinks and appetizers. “When are you going back to LA?” Helen asked Ashley.

  “I was going to fly back on Wednesday.”

  “You are going to leave New York before New Year’s?” Helen grinned. “Jill is staying until New Year’s Day.”

  “Mom,” Jill scolded playfully. “Let Ashley do what she wants to do.”

  “I was leaving because I didn’t have any plans here.”

  Jill reached for Ashley’s arm and pulled her close. “Well, you do now,” she said with a smile.

  “I guess I’m staying.”

  The rest of the day went smoothly. Ashley enjoyed the company of Jill’s family and it was now time for her to go back to her hotel. “Thanks for asking me, Jill. Your family is wonderful. I had a great time,” she said as Jill walked her to the elevators.

  “My family fell in love with you, Ash.” Jill took Ashley’s hand as they walked.

  “Now if only their daughter felt the same way,” Ashley said turning to look at a very surprised Jill.

  “Thank you for my gift, Ashley.” Jill touched her neck where the pendant hung from her neck.

  “Thank you for my gift too.” Jill had given Ashley a beautiful cashmere sweater.

  “You don’t have to wear it.”

  Ashley stopped at the closed elevator doors and looked at Jill. “I told you I loved the sweater and I will wear it.” She watched as Jill’s face broke into a bright smile. The elevator doors opened. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening?”