Hello, again. Here's the 2nd chapter of my story. Thanks to GorgeousSmile and PinkElf for reviewing. Again, this story is not going to be what you expect. That includes characterizations. I know Maureen seems a bit... stuck-up. Also, to clarify one thing, Maureen and Joanne were never lovers and Maureen is straight. This is a VERY A/U fic. Enjoy!
-Serendipity Kat
New York Again
The taxi pulled up in front of the Crystalline Hotel. Maureen waited until Mick opened the door, then stepped out onto the infamous streets of New York. Horns screeched and people yelled. The stench of day-old garbage hit Maureen and she wrinkled her nose.
"Well, here we are: the center of the universe." Mick stated. "How does it feel to be home?"
Maureen pulled her fur coat around her and looked around at the dirty streets she once lived near. She made a face. "Not sure. Give me a few days." She shivered. "Let's go in, I'm freezing." Was she glad to be back, or not? She needed some time. She strode up to the door entrance and waited for the doorman to open it. They went in and Maureen hailed a bellhop. "You, there. Please bring our bags in from the taxi." She marched up to the desk and said to the clerk there, "Reservations for Johnson, party of 2. Penthouse suite, if I recall right."
The clerk nodded. "Welcome to the Crystalline Hotel, Miss Johnson. Here are your room keys. Your number is Suite 246. There are 2 rooms attached to the main living area and balcony. If there's anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, don't hesitate to let us know." With that, the lady handed Maureen 2 gold-plated card keys.
Maureen turned to Mick, who looked amused. "You want some champagne?"
A thoughtful look passed over Mick's face and he nodded. "Of course. To celebrate."
Maureen smiled and turned back to the clerk. "Please have some champagne sent up. Thank you." With that she headed towards the glass-door elevator. It took 3 bellhops to get their entire luggage up to the 18th floor. Well, most of it was Maureen's. When they reached the door, Mick slid one of the keys through and with a mechanical click, the cream colored door opened to reveal a sumptuous room. To the right, against the wall, was a small table graced by a frost-edged mirror with a light blue vase filled to the brim with yellow roses. Aside from the small entryway, 3 steps led into a sunken living area. Directly in front of them lay a light blue couch that looked as if it could hold 4 comfortably. On the opposing wall, were 2 large windows, framed in dark blue and the surrounding walls were a soft yellow. On the left side of the windows another floor-length glass-covered opening stood waiting, almost beckoning the occupants to come out onto the balcony that overlooked the city. Upon entering the living room, there was 1 door on either side that led to the bedrooms. In front of the couch was a large TV and entertainment system. There was also a kitchen to the right beyond the windows. The kitchen was above the entertainment area and was reached by a few steps as well as the doors that opened to reveal short halls leading to the bedrooms.
Maureen smiled. This was perfect for someone of her prominence. "Mick, which room would you like?" she asked as she set her fur on the edge of the couch. She flipped her deep brown hair over her clothed shoulder. She had chosen a simple, but elegant black suit offset by a light blue silk shirt and pearls. She leaned against the couch's edge and bent one leg, removing a black heel and rubbed her foot in obvious relief.
Mick's blue eyes wandered to her stocking-clad foot and lingered. He then shifted his gaze around the room. He stuck his hands in his pockets and spoke decisively. "The one to the left." He flicked some imaginary lint off his jacket. He looked quite dapper in his attire. He wore a navy blue jacket with gold buttons and a black button-up shirt. He left a few of the buttons undone exposing a tanned chest and he wasn't wearing a tie. He detested ties. His tailored blue pants were impeccably smooth and his hand-made shoes shiny. He smiled first at Maureen, then at the bellhops. "Here." He pulled his right hand out of his pocket and handed each a $10 bill. "That'll be all now."
The bellhops bowed slightly and left the room. Mick started taking his suitcases towards his room. Maureen slipped her shoe back on and went towards hers, opening the door as she went. The hallway was short and there were yet another pair of doors. She opened the one on her right and discovered that it led to what was undoubtedly an office. There was a window on one side offset by a large white wood desk that took up 2 sides of the wall. The walls were the same soft yellow that the living area was. She smiled. This would be very nice. She opened the other door and discovered a lovely bedroom. The bed was off to one side and was a four-poster. The comforter was a dark rose and the sheets cream. The walls were a pale pink and the carpet was also cream. There was a dark brown dresser sporting a large mirror directly opposite the bed and the closet was to the right. There was another door to the left which opened into a master bath complete with a Jacuzzi-style tub and a double headed shower. She set 2 of her suitcases down and had the sudden urge to pounce on the bed. She giggled to herself and flung herself onto the soft comforter. She raised her legs and kicked off her shoes. She closed her eyes and willed herself to relax. No doubt the champagne they would have later would help as well. She faintly heard a knock on the door, but decided to ignore it.
After the champagne arrived, Mick went to her room. Seeing she was resting, he watched her in silence. He had removed his jacket and shoes. He smiled. This was good for. She needed to come back. He had seen where she used to live and felt sorry for her. While he knew that she was where she belonged, he knew that she wasn't truly happy. Aside from helping out local theaters, he harbored hopes that being home would bring the sparkle that had attracted him to her in the first place would return. Several months after they reached London, he started noticing that Maureen seemed a bit subdued. She only appeared happy when she was up on stage performing. She hadn't actually performed for about 5 years since she was accepted onto the Board of Directors for the theater and began to run her programs through M. J Inc. He put his fingers together while his thoughts turned around in his mind. He wondered if maybe he could get her an engagement here in New York for a while. She was quite well known in the London circle and wondered how much of the publicity had reached New York. He'd have to get a hold of a few people and call in some favors, but he was sure he could do it. Maybe… 4 or 5 months at most. He'd just have to make sure that was what she wanted. His first task, as always, was to make sure that Maureen Johnson got what she wanted when she wanted. And he would move heaven and earth for her. True he had been the one to introduce her to the life of the privileged; but she had taken his advice and connections and made them her own. She was an extraordinary woman both inside and out. Outside, she was a beauty. Some people might say she was classic and others would say she was Victorian. Either way, she was gorgeous and his muse.
His gaze wandered back over her prone form and the tanned skin of her neck. He walked over towards her and spoke. "Maureen. Wake up."
She stirred slightly.
He sighed. "Maureen, honey, time to get up." He put his hand to her shoulder and shook her slightly.
Maureen heard a voice calling to her from a distance and tried to ignore it. She rolled over, but the voice was still insistent. She frowned and opened her emerald eyes slowly. A handsome face entered her vision and she smiled. "Hi, Mark." She mumbled. The face drew back, conveying shock. She opened her eyes all the way and sat up.
"Mark? I'm Mick." Came the voice, amusement evident. "Who's Mark?"
She looked up into Mick's face and blushed. "Sorry, I was having a weird dream." She stretched and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
Mick stepped back and smiled. "Who's Mark?" he inquired again.
Maureen's smile faded and she looked down at her lap. "Mark is-" she stopped. "-was someone I once knew." She said quietly as old memories began to fill her mind.
Mick looked concerned. Maybe this trip wasn't going to go as well as he hoped. He went over and using a finger, lifted her chin up. "Don't be sad. Where's the Maureen that I know so well?"
Maureen smiled and brought her hand up to his face. "You're sweet, Mick. I'm right here."
He withdrew and smiled. "Champagne's here. Care to join me in a glass of bubbly?" he offered her his arm.
She giggled and accepted. "Why of course, dear sir. I'm be honored."
Together the 2 of them went back into the living area. Maureen sat at the mini-bar while Mick opened the bottle. "I got us tickets to see WICKED tonight at the Gershwin with an invitation to the after-party. Interested? I hear the leading lady is phenomenal." He said as he handed her a crystal flute.
She nodded her acceptance of the glass and replied, "Sure. That would be great. I haven't seen a Broadway show since I left. The London theater system just isn't the same as New York."
Mick held out his glass. "A toast: to success."
"To success." She echoed and glasses clinked.
Oooo... she mentioned Mark. She mentioned Mark... (dances around) (coughs) I'm done.