Broadway Baby (18 page)

“Are you gonna spank me now, Mama?” Lily whispered.

“I will spank you after we talk,” Shelby confirmed. “First, I want to know if you understand why I am going to spank you.”

“I was naughty,” Lily’s voice was small.

“You did some naughty things, Lily,” Shelby agreed. “So tell me why you think I am going to spank you.”

“I tried to catch you with a trap at the theater,” Lily’s fingers began to play with the buttons on Shelby’s shirt.

“And why shouldn’t you try to trap me at the theater?”

“Because somebody could get hurt,” Lily continued to focus on the buttons her fingers were twirling.

“Exactly,” Shelby agreed. “You were very lucky that Lou wasn’t hurt, Lily. I don’t ever want you pulling a prank like that again.”

“Okay Mama.”

“Tell me what else happened today to cause this spanking,” Shelby encouraged.

“I didn’t get changed when you told me to and dumped my toys all over the floor.” Lily took a deep breath. “And I called you Shelby and I called you a bad name.”

“You did. Do you ever call me Shelby or a bad name, Lily?”

Lily shook her head. “No. You’re Mama and I’m not allowed to call you anything else. It’s in the rules.”

“That’s right, it’s a rule. A big rule. Is there anything else you need to tell me about today?”

Lily nodded slowly, “I made a fuss at dinner and I tried to throw my bath crayons at you. I’m sorry, Mama.” The tears were already falling and Lily tried to snuggle more into Shelby.

Steeling herself Shelby shifted and put Lily on the floor in front of her. Grabbing a tissue from the nightstand, Shelby wiped Lily’s face and took her hands into her own. “Go get the hairbrush and bring it here.”

“Are you going to brush my hair?” Lily asked widening her eyes.

Shaking her head Shelby answered, “No I am not going to brush your hair, Lily. I am going to spank your bare bottom with the hairbrush.”

Lily’s chocolate eyes opened in horror. “But that will hurt,” she protested. “It might even break my hiney and I’ll never be able to sit again.”

“Bring me the hairbrush, young lady,” Shelby repeated rolling her eyes at Lily’s announcement.

Sniffing Lily dragged herself to the dresser and picked up the hairbrush. Holding it like it was a wet dishrag out in front of her, Lily walked even slower back toward Shelby. Reaching the bed Lily put the hairbrush into Shelby’s outstretched palm.

“Thank you.” Shelby put the brush next to her left thigh and then patted her right one. “Over you go, young lady.”

“Don’t break my hiney, Mama,” Lily sniffed as she moved forward a little more and allowed Shelby to guide her over her right thigh. The position allowed Lily’s torso to be supported by the bed and for Shelby’s leg to cover Lily’s so that she couldn’t kick too hard or roll off Mama’s lap.

“I am not going to break your hiney, but I am going to make sure that you remember I am the Mama and you are my little girl, Lily Anne. Your behavior was unacceptable. I love you, baby, but there will be no more of this behavior.”

Shelby easily pulled Lily’s pajama shorts and panties down causing Lily to start howling almost immediately. The swats were slow and even and Shelby knew that they weren’t too much for Lily to handle. She wanted Lily to remember this spanking for a long time and knew that building the burn on little Lily’s backside would make the impression that she needed.

Even though Lily was crying, Shelby continued the spanking, stopping only when Lily had stopped struggling over her lap. The bottom in front of her was now a hot pink and Shelby could feel the heat coming from it. Rubbing Lily’s back she gave her a few moments.

“I am going to finish this spanking now, Lily. Remember that I love you, baby girl.” Picking up the hairbrush Shelby raised it and brought it down ten times focusing on Lily’s sit spots. The howls and pleading started once more, and by the time Shelby had finished a few moments later Lily was lying over her lap sobbing.

Tossing the brush onto the floor, Shelby gently corrected Lily’s clothing before righting her and picking her up. Grabbing Albie she moved to the rocking chair and cradled Lily in her lap as she would a small child. Albie was immediately grabbed and squished between Lily and Shelby as Lily turned into Shelby for comfort.

Shelby began to rock and hum as Lily slowly calmed down. Grabbing some tissues, Shelby wiped Lily’s face and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “It’s okay, baby. It’s all over.”

Lily continued to sniff, and with a final shudder relaxed into Shelby. Snuggling as much as she could, Lily yawned and then sniffed again. “My hiney feels broken, Mama.”

Smiling Shelby kissed the top of Lily’s head. “Your hiney is not broken, but I think it might be smoking.”

“Really?” Lily twisted and tried to see her backside stopping when she heard Shelby chuckle. “Mama, no fair teasing me when my hiney is on fire.”

“I’m sorry, baby girl.” Shelby kissed Lily’s temple again and continued to rock. Hearing another yawn Shelby rubbed Lily’s back. “It’s time for bed, baby.”

“Will you lay with me, Mama?” Lily whispered.

“I would love to lay with you, baby.”

* * *

Almost three weeks had passed and Tony fever was growing. Odds were being given on Shelby and Lily getting the nomination for best lead actress and best supporting actress in a musical. The official announcements would come out in about a month but in the meantime Lily and Shelby were acting as if they hadn’t even heard the rumors.

Cora hadn’t tried to contact Lily again but for some reason Lily was getting a bad feeling about the woman giving up so easily. Shelby and Lily’s relationship was going strong with both facets of their lives seemingly working smoothly. Big Lily had pushed Shelby a couple times but a few warning swats had been all it had taken to bring her back in line. Lily had also come to love good girl spankings and tried to earn those as much as she tried to avoid naughty girl spankings.

Another Sunday matinee had ended and Lily and Shelby were spending some time at the park feeding the ducks. The week had been stressful for Lily with the Tony rumors and wondering if they would perform at the event if nominated, while Shelby had taken it in stride.

Little Lily was having the time of her life feeding the ducks while Mama watched. “Look at this!” Lily hollered tossing pieces of bread into the air and onto the water only to watch the ducks pounce on it. Giggling, Lily did it again as Shelby chuckled.

They had a blanket spread out under their favorite tree and Shelby was glad that the park wasn’t overrun with young children. Their spot seemed to be far out of the way for families and was perfect for her and little Lily to enjoy their hot dogs and the ducks.

Hearing footsteps Shelby looked up just in time to see a woman approaching Lily from the back. “Lily, come here please.”

“Aw, Ma—” the words died on Lily’s lips as she turned and nearly ran into Cora. Saying nothing else, Lily went to the blanket and sat down next to Shelby.

Cora’s eyes were narrowed as she approached the blanket. “So it’s true then?”

“What’s true, Cora?” Lily asked.

“You two are living together?”

Both women sighed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes, I’m living with Shelby. How did you find out?”

“You aren’t the only one who can find things out, Lily.” Cora kneeled on the blanket. “So, are you sleeping with her?”

The question was cold and Shelby mentally counted to ten. “What Lily and I do together is not your concern, Mrs. Prescott. Now if you would be so kind as to leave. We need to get going.”

Bristling at Shelby’s demeanor Cora turned back to Lily. “You call her Mama all the time?”

Lily shrugged. “It started as a joke at the theater. It drove Shelby nuts at first, now it’s a habit. Why do you care?”

“You don’t think it’s strange?” Cora asked.

Shelby shrugged. “Like Lily said it started out to annoy me. Now I’m used to it and it’s not a big deal. Two of the other actors tease me with it every now and again as well.”

“Why did you move in with her?” Cora demanded.

“None of your business, Cora.” Lily scooted closer to Shelby.

“Then I guess you won’t mind when I take it to the tabloids that you’re living together.”

Shelby sighed. She had expected this at some point, she just hadn’t expected it from Lily’s mother. “Do what you want to, Mrs. Prescott. We have nothing to hide. As for the tabloids, do you really want to do that to your own child?”

Cora’s eyes dropped to the blanket briefly and then looked up and flitted between the women. “I just want to know why, Lily.”

Looking to Shelby for guidance and getting a short nod Lily let out a breath. “I made a bad decision a few months ago and the producer and director were worried about me and bad publicity—what that publicity could do to the show. Anyway, it was suggested that Shelby keep closer tabs on me and this seemed the best solution. It made everyone happy, and the show has been going strong since.”

“And you were okay with Lily being shoved at you?” Cora demanded toward Shelby.

“I actually offered,” Shelby smiled at Cora. “I figured she could do with a little guidance. This business is hard and one bad decision at nineteen can affect your entire career. I didn’t want to see her do anything to damage that. She’s good, and I want her to succeed.”

Cora nodded and stood. Looking down at Lily and Shelby she let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry I wasn’t what you needed, Lily.” Turning on her heel before Lily could respond Cora disappeared down the path and toward the entrance to the park.

“Is it me or did she just apologize for my shitty childhood?”

“Watch the language, young lady.” Shelby scolded gently. “But yeah, sounds like she understands it was shitty too.”

“Mama, you said a naughty word,” Lily giggled.

“I guess that will be our little secret,” Shelby tapped Lily on the nose. “Do you want to finish feeding the ducks?”

Dark eyes lit up and Lily’s head bobbed happily. “Yes, watch me feed them, Mama.”

“I will, baby.”

* * *

“Lily come here!” Shelby was brought out of her thoughts when she noticed Lily begin to toss entire pieces of breads at the ducks.

“But I wanna…”

“Now, Lily Anne.”

Turning from the pond Lily stomped to Shelby.

“Sit.” The single command had Lily on the blanket pouting before Shelby could get the bag of bread out of Lily’s hands. “I think it’s time we head home.”

“But the ducks are still hungry,” Lily protested.

“You’ve fed them half a loaf of bread. They’re fine. We’ll save the rest of for another day.” Shelby began to pack the bread as Lily laid down and stared at the tree branches above her.

“I want another hot dog, Mama.”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“You’ve already had two, Lily.” Shelby patted Lily’s thigh and made her sit up. “It’s time to head home for the evening.”

“I want another hot dog,” Lily tried again.

“If you’re still hungry when we get home I’ll make you a snack.” Shelby stood and helped Lily to her feet. “Help me fold the blanket.”

“Fold it yourself,” Lily pouted. “You’re the mama, you do it.”

Holding the blanket over her arm Shelby moved and leaned close to Lily taking her in check by the elbow. “That is enough attitude from you, young lady. You do not speak to me like that. I suggest you stop right now, Lily. That is unless you want corner time and an early bedtime tonight.”

Handing Lily part of the blanket, Shelby and Lily quietly worked together and folded the it before linking hands as they walked away from the pond and out of the park. Hearing something behind them, they both turned to find a photographer snapping away.

Ignoring the man, they continued to walk until reaching the curb. Noticing the photographer following them, Shelby hailed a cab. They climbed in and Shelby gave the man the address as she and Lily rode in silence.

* * *

Entering the apartment Shelby wasn’t surprised when her familiar mantra of “Shoes and bag,” made Lily sigh heavily.

Muttering about OCD Mamas, Lily put her things away before heading to her bedroom. Putting her own things away, Shelby pulled out her phone and made a call to her publicist.

Sitting on the couch and tucking her feet underneath her Shelby waited on hold for a few moments. “Jodi, we may have a problem. Lily’s mother found out that she and I are living together and threatened to sell a story to the tabloids. Of course she’s over eighteen! No, Jodi, I don’t really care what they print about me, you know that. I’m worried about Lily, she’s never really had to deal with fake stories in the tabloids before.”

Listening for a few moments Shelby nodded and then sighed, “Yeah, I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare her and let you work your magic. Yes, feel free to talk to Lou and Marv about the reasons she moved in with me. No, I’ll wait to hear from you before I say anything publicly. So far nobody knows unless they work with us and none of them care. Okay, I understand. Thanks Jodi. Bye.”

Ending the call, Shelby tossed her phone on the table and stood. The sooner she and Lily had this talk the better. Just as she was getting ready her phone dinged signaling a text. Picking it up Shelby saw red as a picture of her scolding Lily at the park came into view.

Want to talk, Mama, or want me to sell this to make up for my salary cut?

Growling at Cora’s text Shelby cursed wondering how the woman even managed to get her cell number. Deciding to let John do some digging among the crew Shelby knew she’d approach Lou and Marv by phone after she spoke with Lily.

Shelby replied to the text telling Cora that she would contact her later, and then walked down the hallway toward Lily’s room. Crossing the threshold of Lily’s room Shelby noticed Lily curled up on her bed. “Baby?”

Receiving no answer Shelby crossed to the bed and sat down next to Lily. Rubbing Lily’s back Shelby was almost knocked off the bed by the force of the hug. “I hate this,” Lily sniffed.