Just a reminder. Italics means someone is speaking to them self, and bolded italics means someone is talking. If I had to put quotation marks on everything, I would just quit.
We're going to need this five minutes ago Jessica, Stuart Mearns demanded in his drippy nasal voice, popping his boxy head into the room where Jessica was busy preparing a color board. Jessica continued working, not even bothering to acknowledge his presence. Stuart was a complete geek, and unfortunately, one that couldn't be manipulated by her charms.
Although….Jessica grimaced, as she picked up a tube of glue and applied it to some labels...…sometimes she did notice his beady eyes lingering on her chest. And on her legs too! Of course...male attention was always welcome.
Except that admiration from Stuart, although he tried to hide it, didn't serve her any purpose. He had been cracking the whip all day. Jessica looked up and through the office window to see him pushing a dress form into a large storage closet.
Stuart's primary function was to make her life miserable. He was also in charge of supervising her this Monday afternoon, the very afternoon that had potential to be the most important one of her life.
I'm going to quit this job, then I'll never have to see him and his coke bottle glasses again! Jessica thought, as she pulled out an inventory list. Grace Fowler was away from her office, tending to Lila, and had left Stuart as taskmaster. In fact, Grace had been briefly in and mostly out for several days now, calling caterers, going over menus, importing wine, finalizing guest lists…..holding Lila's hand.
Jessica huffed in irritation. Why is Lila so needy? How dare she take her mother away from me when I have important deadlines to make! Grace's absence meant that Stuart was the temporary boss, and it also meant more work for Jessica. And Jessica didn't like more work! Especially today! She stared at the clock above her head. It was just after two.
At this rate, I'll be late to my photoshoot!
Jessica looked around at the office, thinking about how little she'd miss it once she was gone. She loved doing fashion shows, although...…even that was getting tiresome, especially since the models were the ones having all the fun. The kind of fun I'll be having soon, Jessica mused, while opening up an envelope of silk swatches.
I really am going to miss working with Grace…but not that loser Stuart!
Grace was the best boss on the planet. It definitely helped that Jessica was working for the mother of her best friend. Especially…...as a mother with a young child herself, Grace always understood that Jake came first. At least that's what Jessica told her whenever she needed an excuse for slacking off. Or heading to the beach to work on her tan.
She quickly placed her finished work on Grace's desk. It wasn't her best effort, but she had better things to do. Besides, it didn't matter. Today, or very soon from today, would be her last day. She sneaked out of the back door of the office before Stuart could see her leaving, ran to her car, got onto the freeway and headed north.
Just under two hours later, she saw the signs for San Fernando. She followed the exits to the Chatsworth area and turned into a one way street lined with low rise houses, a few apartment buildings, and some offices. It wasn't an area Jessica knew too well, she couldn't remember a time she had ever been there. She checked out the address that Brian had written for her and once she got in front of it, pulled into the parking lot.
She checked herself out in the mirror. The last thing she wanted was to look flustered. Jessica ran a brush through her hair and reapplied her crimson splash lipstick. She got out of the car and looked around. The building that loomed ahead, much to Jessica's disappointment, certainly didn't look glamorous.
But then again, she figured, the sets inside are probably beautiful. She had worked on enough sets herself to know that the outside didn't always show promise. The outside doesn't have to be too inviting.
Of course it doesn't Jessica,! she chided herself as she walked to the entrance. A big time photographer has to keep things low key. Or he'd have all kinds of wannabes lining up out here for his attention!
She pushed in the door and strutted inside. A raccoon eyed woman sat at the desk, yawning as she chatted on the phone. She put the receiver down, and stared blankly at Jessica.
Hi, Jessica said, as she gave her biggest smile. I'm Jessica. I have an appointment with Marcus.
Have a seat, the receptionist pointed to a row of chairs. The woman picked up the phone and continued with her conversation. Jessica sat on one of the chairs, and put her head shots and purse on the seat next to her. She quickly became bored, sucking in her cheeks as the woman talked about the food she bought for her cat. After about five minutes, she hung up the phone, picked it up and dialed another set of numbers.
Yeah, she's here, the woman said. What girl? She's not coming today, I just spoke to her. Uh huh. Yeah. MmmmHmmm. What's your shoe size hon?
Oh? Jessica said, seeing the woman was talking to her. Seven and a half.
And your bra size?
What? Jessica almost scowled at the imposition. Thirty four C, she answered hesitantly.
Maybe they were looking for underwear that would fit under her clothes properly? She did it herself at work. Different types of underwear could make or break the magnificence of an outfit.
Yeah that's small, but it can work, she heard the woman say. For now.
Small? Jessica sneered. She'd better not be talking about me! Small is those size zero models who are five foot ten! I have to stuff their bras sometimes! Small is Elizabeth who I know still wears a B cup!
The woman put the phone down and poured herself a cup of coffee. After five minutes of ignoring Jessica, she picked up the phone again, ready to dial.
Is Marcus here? Jessica asked, trying not to let the impatience lace her voice.
He's busy hon. Just give him five minutes.
After thirty minutes of listening to her yapping on the phone, sipping her coffee and popping her gum, Jessica eyed the woman in irritation.
Is there a bathroom?
Out this door, four doors down, the woman motioned, without looking up. Jessica grabbed her purse and walked out to the hallway. All she wanted was to stretch her legs and splash some water on her face to freshen up. She peered at her reflection in a large mirror along the way.
Not bad Jess…. considering how tired and famished I am!
Her stomach growled, reminding her that she only ate a salad for the day. In fact, she had been eating salad for the past week. Except for the time at Bruce's party where she was eating one treat after the other, Jessica had been watching her diet, ever since Brian gave her Marcus' number. It couldn't hurt to lose a couple of pounds.
Now which door did she say? Right or left,? Jessica thought as she went along. It must be this one.
She turned the knob and pushed the forth door open. The opened room was brightly lit and Jessica was almost blinded with the gleaming bulbs overhead. She got accustomed to the glare and scanned the room. It was then her heart stopped. In the middle of a busy scene, and on a pink patent leather couch, sat two women, naked as the day they were born, kissing each other. The only thing they were wearing was garish makeup and hideous heels that looked to be five inches. A muscular guy stood smoking in his underwear while someone was rubbing bronzer on his body. Jessica's stomach turned and her jaw dropped as she watched a photographer snapping away as the two women fondled each other. There were plenty of other people in the room, and Jessica knew enough to know that this certainly wasn't high end fashion.
I'm not working with him,! one of the women said. Where's Tony?
I don't want to work with you either, the almost naked man said, lighting another cigarette.
Well I'm not staying here one minute after six, one of the other men said. You better get to it Brittney or you don't get paid!
The woman who objected got off the couch and stormed off in her impossible shoes. At that moment, Jessica had seen enough. She turned on her heel and ran back out to the reception area to see a man leafing through her photos.
Hello hello hello little lady, a man said as he spotted her. You must be Jessica, he smiled with approval. Brian told me you'd be coming.
You're Marcus,? The photographer? Jessica managed to squeak, still repulsed by the thoughts of what she saw a minute ago.
In the flesh. And, he leered at her. Brian told me all about you. Mmmhmm. Uh huh. He rubbed the hair on his goatee. Ready to start?
I….You….For once in her life, Jessica was speechless. I…I don't think this is the place for me.
Come on babe. He rubbed his hands together. You're just as sweet as Brian told me you'd be. Don't tell me you're shy. He picked up her photos. I already know you look really good on film.
Just come on in, we'll take a few shots. Solo, he winked. You don't have to work with anyone today. Except me, he nodded slowly.
A wave of nausea overtook her and Jessica yanked her folder from him. Without a word, she went to the exit, pushed the door and practically ran to her car. She started the vehicle and drove, not really caring where she was going, her nerves rattled. Of all the slimy sleazy, humiliating encounters to be had in life, this had to be the worst. Jessica had never felt more used, more degraded. All her plans, all her dreams! Her lip began to tremble and her vision suddenly blurred with tears. With shaky hands Jessica pulled up to a gas station, turned off the engine, placed her head on the steering wheel and started to cry…...
So what time does Adrienne arrive? Mrs Abigail Wexford asked Elizabeth, as she placed a strip of adorable baby chick stickers in a small pink basket. She reached out to grab a bunny eared shaped pencil, and placed it near the stickers.
She was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago, Elizabeth answered, looking at the fine imperial clock on the mantle. You know how the train is late out of Grand Central sometimes. And it's Friday. There's lots of traffic today.
Actually I don't, Mrs Wexford laughed. Elias would never let me take the train out of the city!, she grimaced, referring to her loyal driver. And neither would Margo. Her old eyes twinkled. See how well my servants take care of me? Speaking of which….. Have you and Nicholas found anyone yet? You know Elizabeth, she said, without giving Elizabeth a chance to respond….. She looked up and around at the coffered wood ceiling, and admired the intricately painted English hunting scenes within the paneled walls. Whoever you hire, will have to pass Monica's test. She's been working in this house for Eleanor for thirty years now… it's home to her. She knows every nook, every cranny, and she wants it treated with respect. She'll have to come here and interview potential replacements with you. And I suppose Eleanor will want to get a word in about who ends up working in this house.
Abigail's friend Louise sniffed as she popped a chocolate in her mouth. Good help is so hard to find these days. She reached out her hand for another chocolate, and Elizabeth marveled at the size of the ruby on her finger. Well Elizabeth, have you interviewed anyone?
Elizabeth's face reddened. How am I…an everyday girl from California supposed to know anything about hiring maids?
Not yet, she replied. We're not quite ready to live here full time yet, Elizabeth admitted. Although….I'm pretty sure Nicholas' office will complete their transition after the summer. Half of his firm is staying in the city, while the other half is moving here. Elizabeth could feel their curious eyes as the older women all scrutinized her.
Please don't ask me if I'm pregnant, she pleaded silently as she tied a bow around a completed basket.
Conversations about moving to Greenwich were usually met with hints and suggestions about babies. Just last week, Elizabeth wanted to crawl her way into a pit, one deep enough to contain her embarrassment when one of Eleanor's friends, who was probably even older than Nicholas' aunt, took it upon herself to recommend the best positions for conceiving. Elizabeth's jaw had almost dropped in disbelief to hear the elderly woman's details.
That's how I had my Andrew, she declared proudly. Nine months later he was born. Exactly on the date!
Ahhh…. I uhhhh….I'll keep that in mind, Elizabeth replied, still mortified.
Elizabeth was seated in the dining room, preparing gifts for a children's egg hunt and party on Sunday. She had agreed to play hostess to Abigail and her friends, and although she didn't have a maid to serve them, or catered food to pass around, the women looked happy enough, munching on the small sandwiches and drinking the lemonade she had scurried to make just this morning.
And what about you Elizabeth,? Abigail's friend Maggie queried as she wrapped chocolate eggs in colored tissue paper. Are you going to keep working in the city?
For now yes, Elizabeth told her. After the summer, I'm not so sure. The party season will soon start up on Long Island so I'll be really busy working, she continued, trying not to laugh at the look on Maggie's face.
Long Island! Maggie huffed. Elizabeth! Don't tell me you're spending the season there! Our summer parties in Greenwich are so much better than those trashy bacchanalias filled with all the riff raff from Manhattan! And the locals in South Hampton with their tacky Mc Mansions that they rent out for thousands a week! Hmmm! It looks like the same construction company builds the same house over and over. Huge, soulless, no character, hideous recessed lighting everywhere, no charm whatsoever!
Elizabeth bit her lip and shrugged. Well….Nicholas and I had a lot of fun out there last summer. And he's thinking of finally bringing his boat over here from California. Every time we've gone out on the water, we've had to charter from the yacht club. He wants to take me around Montauk. And we might sail to Block Island.
Now that is a place I would recommend, a woman named Stella added to the conversation.
Elizabeth had met Stella at her wedding. But she couldn't remember whether her last name was Smythe or Blythe.
Block Island is heavenly, Stella continued. It's not even twenty miles from Montauk. My parents first started spending summers there when I was a child and we lived in Rhode Island. We have a cottage there Elizabeth, so whenever you're ready, just tell me and I'll give you the key. We'll have our care taker prepare the place for you.…
Thank you Stella, Elizabeth smiled graciously. That's very kind of you. She was still getting used to calling these women by their first names, and living in a world where people had ritzy homes everywhere, and doled them out like small pieces of candy.
It's a lot better than Martha's Vineyard for sure, Stella continued.
Well Martha's Vineyard is overrated. Louise agreed. And Block Island is the best place to get away from the crowd in Newport.
Lance is playing in Newport this summer, Abigail informed them.
A woman named Michelle spoke from across the table. Is he,? Mitchel will be golfing in Newport in August, she told them, referring to her husband. She looked from side to side dramatically. I won't be going with him, she sniffed. I'm taking my grandchildren to Mustique.
Uh oh, Elizabeth thought. On her wedding day, she recalled Mitchel eyeing her, and all the other young women in his vision, for far much longer than what was considered appropriate.
There must be a problem there. Knowing Abigail, I'll hear all about it later.
The woman raised her brow and peered at Abigail. Speaking of Lance. Where is your grandson?
He has a temporary job at Bedfordshire Academy, coaching the youngsters with their riding. Their regular instructor got the measles, can you believe that?
Abigail turned to Elizabeth, handing her a pair of scissors. Which is pretty funny, because he got kicked out of there when he was sixteen. In fact, that is where he first met Nicholas. I remember Nicholas coming here some weekends, and staying with Eleanor. Sometimes he'd bring his friends. Lance would too. Abigail shook her head. They'd all get together and raise a ruckus like all young boys do. The school is just a bit of an hour north of here.
Yes I know, Elizabeth smiled. Nicholas told me all about it. He took me up there before we got married, to see his old haunts. I was really impressed with the campus. And the academics are excellent.
Well, it's a shame my grandson didn't have too long to benefit from their curriculum. Abigail lowered her voice. After getting expelled, he got thrown out of Westminster too. So we enrolled him at Adderbury. Which he hated because there are no girls there. After getting caught at an off campus party drinking with the principal's daughter, my son sent him to St Michael's in Rhode Island, and he managed to graduate, but only after his father gave a generous gift to the school library. The only reason he behaved himself in Rhode Island is because Edward threatened to put him in either military school or Immaculate Redemption Christian Academy, where every waking hour is spent either in class or in the chapel. She put her fingers on her temples and sighed. That boy…..
Although, he seems to be behaving himself these days, and I think he really likes Adrienne. Which is why I'm so happy you invited her this weekend Elizabeth. Lance is coming back tomorrow morning. When he went to Bedfordshire, he couldn't wait for Fridays so he could come home. But now, he really likes being there and guiding the children.
Well, school is not for everyone, Elizabeth thought aloud. He's doing what he loves, and he's happy.
He is, Abigail agreed, but I wish he would settle down. None of us are getting any younger. I should threaten to adopt a baby girl from Appalachia and leave all my money to her if he doesn't give me a great grandchild soon.
Her eyes were suddenly sad. I wouldn't have it any other way, for him to live elsewhere I mean. It gets lonely, in the house. Whenever he goes up to Maine to see his parents, I count down the minutes till he gets back. I always regret that his mother didn't have another baby…..
Speaking of babies…
Oh God, not again! Elizabeth remained silent while the other women prattled on about who was pregnant, and who had just given birth. To her relief, the doorbell rang and she excused herself to answer it. She opened the door and saw Adrienne, her petite frame clad in a floral spring dress.
Thank God you're here, she said giving her friend a quick hug. Elizabeth hung her jacket and led Adrienne into the powder room where she washed her hands and freshened up. Adrienne entered the room, a shy, hesitant smile on her pale face as she saw several pairs of curious eyes, ready to scrutinize her. For someone so small, she made quite the impression, with her ivory skin and striking, almost black eyes. After bringing her around the room to meet everyone, she sat next to Elizabeth at the mahogany dining table, and within half an hour, the two friends were deep in their work, catching up on old times and sharing dreams for the future.
I feel so out of place,! Adrienne whispered as she glued some paper ears on to a bunny sign. I mean they're all so…..
Rich? Elizabeth finished for her, as stretched her arms and put her hair in a lose ponytail.
You don't think they look down on me for being a dancer do you?
Of course not! I work for a gossipy magazine and they like me well enough. Elizabeth laughed. At least I hope so.
You came at the right time actually, Elizabeth smirked conspiratorially. She lowered her voice, looking at the women around the table, stuffing prize cards in envelopes. I should be thanking you. They're probably so busy talking about you and Lance, they've forgotten about me completely. I'm stale news and I like it like that. At the rate things are going, they'll soon ask me what college I'm sending my first born to!
Adrienne sighed. I'm not exactly the upper east side. I mean, Liz! I'm from a farm in Wisconsin. There's no Prada there!
Elizabeth nodded slowly. We are a long way from Williamsburg aren't we?
From Williamsburg….and….. Adrienne's eyes were wistful….the one stop light town I grew up in.
Elizabeth smiled. Do you miss it?
Sometimes, Adrienne responded. She wrinkled her nose. Not the mud and the cow patties. My parents thought I was insane when I told them I was moving to New York to be a professional dancer.
And as for Williamsburg, well, I still have the pleasure of going back there. She giggled suddenly. We have a mouse living behind the stove, and our new roommate doesn't want to kill it.
Elizabeth eyed her curiously. How is that working out by the way?
Well, he hasn't come up with the rent for two months. Adrienne sighed.
And I can hear him snoring through the wall. Just one of the joys of sharing an apartment...
Elizabeth nodded knowingly, almost feeling guilty, that she had moved out. She was in the position to offer her friend money, but she knew Adrienne would never accept it. As conversation flowed around the table, she got up and grabbed a pinata shaped like Humpty Dumpty, and started stuffing it with candy and small toys.
Her in laws had called last night to announce that they'd be soon coming for a visit. Nicholas' father would be spending some time in Boston, and knowing Skye, she would probably decide to stay close to Elizabeth and her son. As much as she was looking forward to seeing them, she was apprehensive at the thought of Skye's questioning looks while staring at her belly…...
