Chapter 14. "Gotcha"

In the eye of the storm there was Rooney. In her arms Cate could hide against the fierce attacks that were everywhere in the press and on social media. The disclosure of her affair with Rooney had unleashed a stream of accusations and insults. It was clear that cheating on your husband of eighteen years did not go well with an audience that up till then had loved the Australian star and her adorable family. And it was also clear that Cate had lied when she denied having had sexual relationships with women, after a Variety interview had suggested she did. Seducing her much younger, female co-star proved that she was actually a lesbian predator.

"They forget to call me a home-wrecker", Rooney fumed, throwing away the magazine she had been reading."While I am as much part of this as you are."

Cate laughed.

"Don't worry. They'll come up with it in no time."

They were in bed together, staying at an exclusive and above all discreet resort at the Californian coast. Keeping away from the press had proved difficult if not impossible. The news about their affair and the possible breakup of Cate's marriage had been trending on the Internet and in the traditional tabloids and magazines. They had both refused to communicate with any of the journalists that had tried to confront them in various situations or to reach them by phone or e-mail. Their agents had issued short statements in which the press and the public were asked to respect Cate's en Rooney's privacy. But that hadn't put a stop to the numerous speculations about the specifics of their affair.

There had been support as well, though. Todd, Sarah, Phyllis and other members of the crew proved to be loyal friends, unwilling to share details about the relationship between Cate and Rooney during and after the shooting of Carol. Rooney's extended family had gathered around their besieged kinswoman. And also Cate's mother, after a long and difficult talk, supported her daughter unconditionally. The LGBTQ-community was proud to welcome two new, such high profile members.

All they could do now was wait until the publicity would die down. Which would of course be impossible with the Oscars ceremony coming near.

"Can't we just skip those damned Academy Awards ? After the Golden Globes and BAFTA's we can be certain Carol will not win anyway." Rooney was still angry, adding:

"I just want to stay here, with you."

She looked at Cate, who was sitting next to her, still reading, her glasses sliding to the point of her nose. How was it possible that she was here, with this wonderful woman and to have her all to herself ?

"I love it when you wear your glasses." Rooney cupped Cate's chin, turning her face towards her. Amused, Cate looked in the green eyes of the young woman sitting next to her. Rooney kissed her.

"I love it when you smile like that."

Cate took of her glasses, putting them on the nightstand with the magazine she had been reading. She reached for Rooney, unbuttoning her own shirt and then Rooney's, uncovering her small breasts.

"And what else do you love, Miss Mara ?" She pressed Rooney down on the mattress, covering her fragile body with her own. Rooney put her hands around Cate's neck, pulling her face towards her.

"You. I love you."

They kissed. It was a languorous kiss, a kiss shared by lovers who by now knew each others body and the way to touch it so well. Cate was still overwhelmed by the power of her desire whenever she touched Rooney. Never before had she been attracted like this by a female body, its softness, its curves, its, well, feminity … Rooney most of all loved Cate's beauty when not adorned with the professional makeup and stunning couture: the "real Cate" who still wore her casual outfits with a natural elegance.

Both being very private persons, even Cate, despite her funny, laidback Aussie image, they had discovered they could just be together, not talking for hours, enjoying each others company and wathever they were doing at that moment. Cate admired Rooney's sharp mind, her sound judgements, her generosity. Rooney could not help but be in awe of Cate's quick wit and her sometimes chaotic but effective way of dealing with problems and practicalities. "That comes with having four children", Cate would say. She tried to talk to the boys every day, missing them and the little girl. She would be quiet after those phonecalls and Rooney respected that it was Cate who determined if they would talk about it, or not. They were partners now, in the true sense.

On the day of the Oscars they would not see much of each other. Before their entrance on the red carpet they both had to spend hours with an entire team of make up artists, dressers and hair dressers that would take care of their looks and outfits. Rooney was certain Cate would stun everybody with her seafoam green gown by Armani. But Cate could hardly wait to see Rooney in the sheer white dress by Givenchy that clung to her body, showing every perfect detail of her slender frame. "I don't know if I will allow other people to look at you in this dress," Cate said, devouring Rooney with her eyes, filling her with want.

There would be press everywhere and Hylda had hired some extra staff to shield both Cate and Rooney from too intrusive eyes and questions. Still, they were not afraid. It would be the first time they would be seen together in public after the disclosure but they were not ashamed for their love.

That night they walked the red carpet, arms linked, with Todd between them, like a watchful elder brother. Beaming, he steered them through the crowd. There were flashlights and shouts from the photographers, eager for the striking trio to give them the right angle to take their pictures.

"Now just Cate and Rooney !", one of them shouted after a few minutes. Todd gave the two women on his arms a questioning look.

"It's okay, we can handle it," Cate whispered.

Todd stepped back gracefully.

And then it was so easy for Cate to turn to Rooney, putting her arm around her shoulders, while Rooney let her arm circle Cate's waist. This was it.

"Gotcha !" Cate laughed, pulling her smiling lover close. A wave of flashlights engulfed them.