Out From His Shadow: Chapter 7: The Mysterious Stephanie.
RJ was caught off guard by Stephanie's reaction to this man...and why did he call her "Edwards"? As far as RJ knew, her name was Stephanie Barrington, and she was a journalist from New York City. RJ watched them as they hugged each other..."There was no kiss between them", he thought. Stephanie, after the hug, introduced the 2 men to each other. "RJ, this is my colleague and good friend Mike Scott. Mike has worked with me on almost all of my assignments since I've been working in London. He is the best photographer in the newspaper business. Mike, this is my friend RJ Hart. Mr. Hart is an American film star. He's here in London filming a movie. "Oh, that explains it", Mike said to him. "I thought you looked familiar when I saw you in the P.M.'s office earlier. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Hart". Mike smiled as he shook RJ's hand. "Mr. Scott, it's a pleasure". RJ said.
RJ stood back and let the 2 of them catch up for a minute. As he waited, he replayed what Stephanie had said ..."This is my 'friend', RJ Hart". All of a sudden there were things about Stephanie he didn't know. Why didn't she tell him her real name? In spite of the questions he had about her now, he was falling in love with her. RJ was hurt to know she thought of him as only a 'friend'...and not a 'good friend', as she said about Mike Scott, but simply a 'friend'. "... and we'll have to work together again very soon", Mike was saying. "Yes, after all, I only work with the best, good bye Mike." Stephanie said to her colleague. The 2 parted company.
Stephanie and RJ drove back to the house in awkward silence...All of a sudden this beautiful woman isn't who she says she is? If she isn't Stephanie Barrington then who is she? And why didn't she tell him the truth from the beginning?
When they got back to the house RJ went behind the bar to mix them a drink. Stephanie took a seat on the sofa. He came over to her, handed her a drink, and sat on the sofa...as close to her as he could get. She was looking down at the carpet. RJ put his hands on her shoulders, and turned her to face him. She still hadn't looked up at him. He put his index finger under her chin, bringing them eye to eye with each other.
"O.K Stephanie Barrington...Edwards? What do I call you? Why all of a sudden are you such a mystery? "O.K. RJ, I'll tell you all about me."
