Chapter 7 Skype, Oh My, And More

When I got home, I set up the laptop and sent a text to Emmett. He responded immediately and in minutes, my screen was filled with his beautiful, handsome, sexy face.

"Hey, sweetness," he said, grinning, his dimples creasing his cheeks.

"Hi yourself," I replied, grinning back. "You look tired, baby."

"Yeah, well, it was a long flight," he said, a smile touching his lips. "I didn't really get much sleep last night; someone kept waking me up."

"I have no sympathy for you," I replied, a blush staining my cheeks. "You're just too tempting.

He laughed

"Right back at ya," he retorted.

Then were both silent, staring intently into each other's eyes, and then he took a deep breath.

"How was the show, tonight?" he asked.

"Good, Sheri tried out a new song," I replied. "It seemed to go over well."

What is wrong? Why are we being so stilted, talking about mundane things?

"I miss you," I whispered. "It wasn't the same, knowing that you weren't going to be there afterward"

"I miss you, too, sweetness," he replied. "It's hurts to see your beautiful face and not be able to touch you."

"Oh, Em, I want you to touch me," I cried softly. "I need you so much."

"God, babe," he groaned, rubbing his face. "I can't stand this. I'm gonna have to go."

"Wait!' I cried.

But, it was too late, he'd already signed off. I sadly logged ff and closed the laptop, tears filling my eyes. Then the idea formed in my head. I'd heard about it, but would I be able to do it?

Without stopping to think about it, I brought the teacart in from the kitchen and set it at the foot of my bed. It was tall enough for what I wanted. Setting the laptop on it, I adjusted it so that the webcam was focused down on the bed. After stripping, I logged back in to Skype and entered Emmett's ID. Grabbing my cell, I sent him a text.

Hey bb, get back on skype, now! M.

Reaching into my nightstand, I pulled out my trusty "rabbit", lay back against my pillows and waited. Three minutes later, my screen flickered to life.

"Mara, what…Oh fuck!" he moaned. "Babe, what are you tryin' to do to me?"

"Just tryin' to help my baby out," I said huskily. "So you just lay back and watch. Oh, and if you need to take matters in hand, feel free to do so. I think I'd like to watch that."

By now I was highly aroused, just thinking about what I was about to do. I'd used my "little friend" often in the last two years, and knew exactly what I needed to do. Lying back against my pillows, I licked my lips slowly, placing my hands on the side of my neck and started to run them down my chest.

"Are you watching me, baby?" I asked breathily. "This is for you."

"Yesssss." I heard him whisper.

The tingling shiver that went through me, made me bolder. I slid my hands down to my breasts and cupped them, pressing them together, pulling at my nipples. I groaned and heard him respond in kind. I opened my eyes and staring into his, pulled the right one up and sucked on the nipple, letting it go with a wet pop. My core flooded.

"Oh hell, yeah!" he exclaimed, his voice raspy'

"I'm imagining that this isyour mouth and these are your hands, Em." I moaned, closing my eyes and giving in to the sensations. "You feel so good."

The sounds coming from the speaker let me know that I was doing something right for him and for me.

Then I moved my hands downward and began to writhe, undulating my hips.

Glancing up at the screen I groaned, seeing that he had laid back on his own bed and was stroking himself in rhythm with me. Again, my essence pooled.

I spread my legs and slipped one hand down over my sex and the other went back up to my breast. I pulled hard on my nipple as I inserted one finger into my slick folds, groaning. Slowly I began running it up and down, pausing to rub my clit. I inserted another finger and arched up toward the screen.

I could hear Emmett's breathing quicken and I knew that it wouldn't be very long.

"Watch me, baby," I moaned, as I brought my fingers to my mouth and sucked them in, smacking my lips as I licked them clean.

"Oh, holy fuck," I heard him moan.

"Hold off, Em, I'm not ready yet." I panted, reaching for the vibrator at my side.

I brought it to my lips and I heard him gasp and murmur "Oh, God."

He jumped when I turned it on and it began to hum and vibrate. I slipped the phallic end into my mouth and sucked and licked at it sensually. Then I brought it down and circled my nipples with it.

"Ahhh!" I groaned. "Feels so good, baby."

I let it slide down my stomach to the top of my slit and touched my clit with the tip. My hips bucked up off of the bed. Then, spreading my legs wide, I gave him a full view of my openness, and slowly pushed it into myself.

"Oh Fuck!" I screamed as the clit stimulator and the phallus found their spots at the same time. With just a few thrusts, I could feel my tightened coil begin to unravel.

Oh, God…baby…now….NOW!" I screamed as I came undone, undulating violently.

Forcing myself to open my eyes, I watched him as my spasms began to lessen.

"Oh, holy fuckin' shit!" he shouted as he shot streams of his hot cream across his stomach and chest.

Slowly our breathing quieted and we were able to look at each other clearly. Pulling the vibrator out, I brought it, again, to my mouth and sucked my moisture off of it. To my amazement, I watched as he slid a finger across his stomach and sucked it into his mouth, and we groaned together.

"Babe," he said tenderly. "Thank you. You can't know what you've done for me."

"Oh, I think I do," I said, blushing. "I didn't know if I'd be able to, but I had to try. I enjoyed myself, too, but don't get the idea that this will happen every night. Nothing can compare to the real thing."

"I agree, sweetness," he said with a smile. "I promise not to expect you to treat me to this every time we skype. Now, I hate to lose the sight of you, but I have to be on set in three hours. See you tomorrow?"

"Of course, baby," I replied. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Sleep well and don't take any chances. Stay safe for me."

"I can't wait until I'm home and in your arms again," he said softly and blew me a kiss.

"I can't wait either," I replied, pretending to catch the kiss and blowing one back.

"Tomorrow night, babe."

"Tomorrow," I agreed and we logged off together.

I sat for a moment, and with a secret smile, I went into the bathroom to clean up and wash the "rabbit". I climbed into bed, naked, and snuggled down into the covers.

Goodnight, my love… Wait, what? I sat straight up, pressing my fingers to my lips. Oh God!

For the next few days, I lived for the late night skype sessions with Emmett. He was true to his word and didn't expect a repeat of that first night, every night. There had been a couple more and, believe it or not, it was becoming less intimidating.

On the first Friday after his departure, I received an unexpected phone call.

"Miss Brannigan?" a man's voice asked.

"Yes." I replied.

"I'm Darren Grey, Emmett McCarty's manager," he said, identifying himself. "Emmett asked me to check into finding a good, reputable agent for yourself and Miss Connery. Would you be available to meet someone this afternoon?"

"I…uh…well," I sputtered. "We have rehearsal at two o'clock."

"That would be perfect. Jenny…Jenny Dolan…would like to hear you both before any decision is made, by you or her," he said. "Would it be okay if we come by the club this afternoon?"

"That would be fine," I replied, my mind whirling. "We'll be there until five o'clock."

"We'll see you sometime this afternoon, then," he said. "We're looking forward to it, Emmett has raved about you."

"Thank you," I said politely. "We'll be looking for you."

"Good, we'll see you later," he said. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye," I replied and slowly replaced the receiver on the charger.

For a moment, I just stood there in shock. Then shaking myself, I sent a text to Emmett.

Emmett you are an amazing man! ~M

I didn't know when he would check his messages…he was probably filming…so I also called, intending to leave him a voicemail, also. He answered on the first ring.

"Babe?" he asked. "What's going on? You never call during the day. I was just texting you back."

"Nothing's wrong, dimples," I replied excitedly. "You are just the most amazing man in the world!"

"I could have told you that." He chuckled. "But what have I done to make you realize it?"

"Darren Grey just called and he's bringing an agent to see Sheri and me, this afternoon," I said softly. "I owe you big time, baby. Sheri and I both do."

"I'll remind you of that, tonight," he said, his voice lowering perceptibly.

We were both quiet for a moment, and then I heard him take a deep breath.

"Did Darren mention this agent's name?" he asked, clearing his throat.

"Jenny Dolan," I replied. "Do you know her?"

"Yeah, she's the best, Mara," he said. "She's tough and a tiny spitfire, kind of like

Alice. If she takes you on…which I'm sure she will…she'll work tirelessly for you."

"Mr. McCarty, they're ready for you on set."

I heard the summons for Emmett.

"Gotta go, babe," he said. "I'll see you tonight."

"Thanks again, baby," I said softly. "I lo…ook forward to that."

At two o'clock, I walked onto the stage at the Torch Club. As usual, Sheri was there before me, tinkling away at the piano. I went over and sat on my stool, picking up the sheet music she had set out, flicking through it.

"We're gonna have a couple of guests in a while," I said nonchalantly.

"Oh?' she said, running her fingers across the keys quietly. "And, hello to you, too. Who's coming?"

"Hi," I retorted, looking up at her, shaking with excitement.

I jumped up and threw my arms around her.

"Emmett's manager is bringing a music agent to hear us today, this afternoon!"

"What?" she screamed. "How? Who? What are you gonna sing?"

She was bouncing around the small area, suddenly hyperventilating. I forced her back onto the piano bench, grabbing a piece of music and forming a sack out of it. I held her by the back of her head and placed the improvised bag over her mouth and nose.

"Sheri, sweetie," I said, much more calmly than I felt. "Breathe, honey, slowly. Come on."

Slowly she came out of it, and pulled at the paper from her face. She took a deep breath and looked up at me, sheepishly.

"Sorry," she said. "But Jeez, Mara, you can't spring something so big on me that way. Now start at the beginning.

My logical, steady Sheri was back, and I told her all that had happened.

"If I wasn't so happy with my James," she said, laughing. "I might be tempted to take that man of yours away from you!"

"Only over my dead body," I growled teasingly.

She grinned, then her practical side took over and we discussed the night's song list, deciding to include the The Man That Got Away /My Man medley.

We had just finished a run through of Stormy Weather when Felix came in, leading a man and a tiny woman into the club.

"Mara, this is Mr. Gray and Ms. Dolan," he said. "They say that they have an appointment with you."

"Yes, Felix, they do," I replied. "Thank you."

He nodded and went back to his duties. I stepped down from the stage and approached the tall, thin, dark haired man and the tiny woman with blond hair. She actually looked like a little pixie. Sheri followed me.

"Mr. Gray, Ms. Dolan," I said, smiling and holding out my hand. "I'm Mara Brannigan and this is my best friend and pianist, Sheri Connery."

The formalities were observed and Sheri, being Sheri, spoke up.

"This Mr. and Ms. shit doesn't sit well with me," she said. "I'm Sheri, this is Mara, and you are Darren and Jenny, right?"

For a moment there was absolute silence. Then, from the tiny pixie, came a snort and guffaw almost as loud as Emmett's.

"I like you, Sheri," she said. "So, lets get this singing shit over with so that we can get down to business."

We were all laughing as Sheri and I stepped back up on the stage. Twenty minutes later, were seated at one of the round tables on the floor level.

"I like what you do," Jenny said. "And I'd like to take you on. I can promise you 100% of all I've got, which, by the way, is a fucking lot! I will do everything in my power to get you a recording contract with a major label. My cut will be 10% off the top, but I guarantee you that I will earn my money."

"What does that all entail?" I asked.

"First of all, we'll have to get you into a studio to record a demo that I can peddle to the labels. Once that is done, it's a waiting game to see which ones make an offer."

"Will you give us a day or two to discuss this and think it over?" Sheri asked. "I want to talk to my husband; he's part of this, too."

"Of course," Jenny replied with a smile. "Why don't we meet in my office… say at one o'clock on Monday? That'll give you the weekend."

"That works for us," I said, glancing at Sheri for confirmation. She nodded.

Jenny stood, picking up her purse.

"Okay, we'll see you then," she said. "Oh, and when the time comes, Darren here is the best manager in the business."

He stood and handed me his card.

"I wish you the best, ladies," he said, leaning down to kiss our cheeks. "Give me a call when you need me."

"Alright," I said. "And thanks."

As soon as the door closed behind them, Sheri and I were jumping and squealing.

"Can you believe it?" she exclaimed.

"I know, after all this time, our dream may be coming true," I said, hugging her. "We deserve this, Sher, we really do!"

"Yes we do, Mar!" she said emphatically, grabbing my face and kissing me right on the mouth. "I've got to go see James."

She took off, running up the steps and across the stage to the door leading to the back hall. Stopping, she turned back to me.

"We okay for tonight, rehearsal wise?"

"Go!" I said laughing. "We've got it for tonight. Go on; give that man of yours some good news for a change."

I slowly walked up the steps and began straightening the area, getting things ready for the night's show. My thoughts turned to Emmett. How had I gotten so lucky to have met him, and that he seemed to care for me. He had remembered his suggestion that he use his contacts for Sheri and me.

I stopped and stood still, tears filling my eyes, as I finally admitted it to myself

.

Oh, Emmett, I think I do love you, very very much!

It happened during the second set that night. I was singing Stormy Weather when I saw Demitri leading them in and seat them at the table in front of me. I felt a shudder go through me as I stared into those smoky blue eyes. There, staring daggers at me was Rose, accompanied by Jake. He held her hand tightly as he smiled up at me.

I gasped, causing a break in the flow of the song.

Sheri heard it and, glancing up, followed my gaze. She immediately knew who the beautiful, statuesque blond was. Her eyes narrowed perceptively and she hit the piano keys with a little more force. I glanced over at her and our eyes locked for a brief moment. In that look, all was said between us.

A movement caught my eye and I watched as James made his way to the side of the stage; and I sent him a smile. He was as in tune with his wife and me as she and I were with him and each other.

Rose caught the look between James and me and smiled wickedly. She leaned over to Jake and spoke into his ear. He looked over at James and frowned.

At the end of the song, I looked directly at Rose and grinned at her, in challenge. It was apparent that she thought James and I had something going on.

When the show was over, I smiled and gave a little bow, smirking down at Rose and Jake. She glared back at me, the challenge accepted. Game on!

I hurried through my change of clothes and makeup removal; I was anxious to get home to my laptop so that I could tell Emmett about this latest development.

Sheri, James and I laughed about it.

"She's a real bitch, isn't she?" Sheri said. "To come here with her husband just to try and intimidate you. Then thinking that you and James were an item, too funny!"

"Hey," James growled, wrapping his arms around his wife. "I'm loveable, desirable, and extremely good looking."

"Yes, you are, sweet love," she replied, kissing his cheek. "But you're mine and Mara knows it."

"Yes, I do," I said with a laugh.

"What was with the blonde?" James asked. "I mean, if looks could kill…"

"I know," I replied. "She's Emmett's ex."

"And the dude with her?"

I laughed.

"Her therapist and husband."

"Whoa…strange!"

"Tell me about it," I replied, turning to pick up my purse. "Well, I'm headed home. I have a Skype date with a hunky man in half an hour."

"Ooh," Sheri said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Have fun, sweetie, and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That's like giving her a license to be wanton and lascivious," James said teasingly, picking Sheri up and spinning her around.

"Oh, sweet love," she retorted. "You love me that way!"

"Oh, yeah!" he replied, kissing her soundly.

"Oh, God, get a room, you two," I snarked. "I'm out of here!"

With a blush and a wave over my shoulder, I headed for home.

I had just closed and locked the door behind me, when my phone rang. I hurried to answer it.

Who in the world would be calling at two in the morning?

"Hello?" I asked, receiving no reply; yet I could hear breathing. "Hello?"

There was still no reply and then the dial tone. A shiver ran through me, and I stood still before replacing the hand held on the charger. Then with a shake of my head, I let it go, thinking that it was probably just a wrong number.

I went into the bedroom, stripped down and took a quick shower. Slipping on a pale blue tank and matching boy shorts, I walked over and logged on to Skype. I had just settled onto my pillows when my screen flickered to life. I smiled at the sight of the beautiful man there.

He was silent, not smiling, just looking at me. The smile on my face slowly faded.

"Emmett?" I asked, not knowing what to think.

He took a deep breath, running his hand around the back of his neck.

"Have you got something to tell me, Mara?" he asked quietly, staring into my eyes.

My heart began to race. What was he talking about?

"No," I replied. "Why?"

He was silent, just staring at me. Then he closed his eyes and rubbed his face.

"Are you sure, babe?" he asked again, sounding as if he really needed me to say something important.

"What are you talking about, Emmett?" I asked, beginning to get angry. "Nothing has happened for me to report to you about. In fact, I don't believe that I have to report to you about anything, unless I want to!"

"No, you don't," he said in a quiet monotone. "I just thought that you might want to."

"Don't you trust me, Emmett?" I asked, tears stinging my eyes. "Because, if we don't have trust, we don't have anything."

"I know that, Mara," he replied. "That's why I'm asking you what happened tonight."

"What do you mean, what happened tonight?" I asked incredulously. "We did the show just like always. The only difference was…Oh. My. God! She called you, didn't she? How can you take anything she says as truth, after what she did to you, Emmett? Either you trust me or you don't."

"Of course, I trust you, sweetness," he said. "It's others that I don't trust."

"Yeah, right!" I said with a snort. "Rose isn't over you, baby, and she'll do anything to keep anyone away from you, especially me. What did she tell you? No… wait…let me tell you."

"You don't have to, babe," he said. "I wasn't thinking…"

"No, I want to tell you," I huffed. "She told you that I was flirting with a man in the audience. I was, but it was James, with Sheri sitting right there! When I first saw Rose and Jake sit down, I lost the beat for a second. Sheri heard it and glanced at me, then to where I was looking. She realized who it was and lost it herself for a moment. James, being James, realized that something was going on and came to stand by the stage. I looked over at him and we smiled at one another. Enough said and done!"

"Oh, sweetness," he started. "I'm so sorry. I…"

"Oh, Emmett," I said sadly, cutting him off. "If something as silly as this can have you doubting me, what kind of future do we have? If Rosalie, the one who hurt you so badly, can put these doubts in your head, I don't think you are ready to trust again. And that's what hurts me, because I trust you without any doubt. I think that, under the circumstances, we'd better give each other some space to sort things out; until you feel you can trust me without doubt. Good night, Emmett."

I reached to log off and heard him call out, "Mara, no…I" and the screen went black.

I sat there on the edge of the bed for a long time, before I realized that tears were streaming down my face. I had just thrown away the chance for a happily ever after. I wiped my tears and stood up. Pulling back the covers on my bed, I turned out the bedside lamp and crawled into bed. Then the dam burst and I sobbed myself to a nightmare filled sleep.

The next day was the first time I ever missed a rehearsal and show.