Chapter 1
There are many words to describe Martha Rodgers. Affectionate, Flamboyant Ambitious, Upbeat, Artistic and Loving come to mind foremost. The word, murderer though is the furthest description in anyone's mind.
Martha Rodgers has been raised with the values of her father beliefs. He was a stern man born and raised in the Midwest. He believed that everyone needed to make their own way in his or her lives. Nobody should get a handout. An honest day's work equaled an honest day's pay. He tries to instill this wisdom on Martha at a very young age. The problem was that she just did not put forth the effort to follow his guidance.
She is a carefree soul. As a child, she has never been one to follow along with the status quo. Her life is always one of being naive to the events around her. One such instance is when times were tough. The family was in need of cash to secure food to last the week. Even though she knew of the dilemma, she makes the statement that she would forgo a meal or two to feed her younger siblings. It is not until her mother informs her about the family's current situation that she has made this decision.
As with life, things move forward. In her early years as a teen, she always had an interest in the arts. She studied drama at the local community college and has excelled in the course. Her professor has taken her under his wing working with her to hone the gift that she has so obviously possessed. He has seen bigger things for Martha in her future. He wants to bring out the hidden talent that she possesses. The problem with this is that she really never thought that she deserves his tutelage.
It is not until the first raving reviews have appeared for the first production of the musical "She Loves Me" that Martha has realized that she is a rising star. She monopolizes on her talents. After years of reading for parts and paying her dues in the Broadway community, she has been noticed by a writer who is looking for just the right person to bring his character to life. He has found her then proceeds in his quest for her to read for the part. After receiving the invitation to read the part, Martha is overjoyed that a writer of his caliber would take the time to tailor a part just for her. Though, she still has her doubts.
So, while she mulls over her decision. She decides that a night out on the town would be in order. Arriving at the cabaret she takes a seat across from the stage. It took a while to notice him, but there he is. She is taken by his stature and good looks. Mind you Martha has never been the promiscuous type. However, where this man is concerned she would make a one-time exception. It's like a game of cat and mouse. He would glance at her then she would do the same. Before she knows it, he is walking towards her.
"Hello, I'm Jackson, Jackson Hunt." He says in a rich masculine voice.
"Well, Mr. Hunt it's a pleasure to meet you." Martha says coyly.
"The feelings mutual Miss..." He says, coaxing a response from her.
"Rodgers." Martha states.
"Would you mind if I joined you since you seem to have an empty seat?" He asks a little too boldly.
"I'd be tickled pink." Martha replies.
"Well then thank you," Jackson says, sitting down to enjoy her company.
They made small talk and as the night drew to a close Martha did not want the evening to end. There is something about this man that she could not quite put her finger upon. He is dark and reserved. Perhaps, that's what draws her to him in the first place. There is a story. It is one she hopes she would discover. He rises from his seat, then starts to talk once again.
"Well, Martha, I have had a very enjoyable evening present company included. However, I think it's time I took my leave." He says which alarms Martha.
Thinking quickly Martha counter proposes.
"It doesn't need to end so quickly." She coyly says blushing.
"Why Miss Rodgers what exactly are you offering?" He suggests.
Martha never is the type of person who initiated a situation like this. It has been a very long time since she has the company of a man in her bed. She decides to throw caution to the wind.
"Well, I think we should return to my place, then have a nightcap." She says with an inviting voice.
Hunt would not deny the fact that he is very taken by this beauty. He could see a very long lasting future with this woman. However, the constraints of his employment would prevent him from this being no more than a one-time encounter. Though, the draw he feels towards her would ultimately make up his mind.
"Well, Miss Rodgers I'd be a cad to refuse." He says in a debonair style.
With that he takes her hand, then helps her up. Taking her wrap, he places it around her shoulders. Retaking her hand, he leads them out of the cabaret. Walking up the sidewalk, they both have thoughts and expectations of what the rest of the night would bring them. He is the first to break the silence.
"So where are we going?" He asks not knowing the direction.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. My place is about 4 blocks from here. It's a short walk." Martha says apologizing.
"That's fine. It's a nice night for a walk." He reassures.
"Yes, yes, it is. Martha agrees.
The walk is a comfortably quiet for the rest of the way. Both are wondering how the night would proceed. Arriving at her door, she wants to tell him that she is not normally the type of person who does something like this. As she slips the key into the lock, then turns to look at him she knows that the look within his eyes told her that he understands. He takes in her apartment. It is quaint and inviting. It has the look of someone who makes her living space her own. A colorful painting hangs from the wall above the loveseat. There are window dressings that scream with vibrant color. Martha Rodgers is one who lets the world know how she feels.
"Scotch or Bourbon…?" Martha asked.
"Let's go with the Scotch." He replies getting comfortable on the love seat.
Martha pours a glass for each of them, then hands him the glass. His fingers brush along her hand. It shocks her at first, but then she relaxes at his touch. They both clink glasses in a toast.
"To the future!" He says as he throws back the drink.
Martha not wanting to be called a slouch, throws back her drink too. The amber liquid disappears in one gulp. Martha is looking for the courage to move forward with this night. Sitting next to him Martha is so curious about this man. She does not want to push him too hard. She sees something in him that she thinks is devotion. She dismisses it since they just met.
Knowing that his job would only afford him to have one night with each other he seriously thinks about his next move. He makes it a bold one and leans in to give her a searing kiss. Her eyes grow wide and within seconds she releases any and all fears. She takes his hand, places the now empty Scotch glasses on the end table and moves leading him to her bed.
He is an extraordinary lover. He has the tools and knows how to use them. Never has she felt this level of euphoria with any man she has ever been with. He has been tender but on the other hand, he is also very intrusive, making her feel like she was the only woman on the planet. As she drifts off to sleep, she could see something more long term with him. As she falls into a deep sleep her thoughts of him quickly fade from her mind. She sleeps so soundly that she never felt the bed move when he quietly removes himself from it. Dressing and looking down at her Jackson Hunt knows that he has fallen for her. He would watch over her whenever he is back in the states. Now this was the way it has to be.
Martha woke with a start. She rolls over to where he should be only to be met with a cold empty space. In the back of her mind, she has felt that this would happen. The only remnant that remains of him is his scent on her sheets and pillow. The last night together, she likened to being in heaven. She is glad that they have met. She knows that she loves a lifetime with him in just one night. She drags herself out of her bed having made up her mind about the offer. She would do it. She picks up her princess phone, then dials the number.
"Hello." The voice said on the other end of the line.
"Hello Mr. Simon, this is Martha Rodgers.
My dear Martha, what a pleasant surprise… So, what do I rate in answering your call?" he asks.
Martha pauses. She loves hearing such flowery language that only he could produce.
Mr. Simon, I would love to accept your offer to have the lead role in your new play." She melodiously says.
"Well, Miss Rodgers, I am happy to hear of your decision. After your reading, last week, I was amazed at the range of your abilities. So, next week we start rehearsals are you able to be at the theater on Monday, let's say around 10am?" He inquires.
"Mr. Simon that would be great I'll see you then." She gushes.
"Looking forward to it Miss Rodgers. Good day." He says very giddily.
"Good day Mr. Simon." Martha says just as excited.
Martha hangs up the phone. She starts her day thinking about the tasks at hand. Her mind drifts to the events from the prior evening and wonders where he is...,
A/N: This is a reposting of a story that I had written about 3 years ago under my first pen name. Some readers might recognize it, so for that, I do apologize. But for the new readers, please review and comment!
P2P