Hollywood Divorces / Hollywood Wives: The New Generation (73 page)

Jenny giggled. ‘That’s part of his charm. It’s that grungy bad-boy thing.’

‘I didn’t know you liked bad boys,’ Lola teased.

‘Oh, yes,’ Jenny said. ‘And tomorrow they’re advertising an interview with Shelby Cheney. She’s in the movie with him.’

‘Wonderful,’ Lola drawled sarcastically. ‘Can’t wait.’

‘Should I turn the TV off?’ Jenny asked.

‘No, leave it on. Let’s see what Britney and Justin and all of them are doing today,’ Lola said, opening drawers full of unworn cashmere sweaters. ‘I have to live vicariously now. Matt never cares to leave his precious sports. Not that I
want
to go out.’

‘Oh look!’ Jenny exclaimed.

‘What?’

‘Isn’t that Tony Alvarez?’

Lola glanced quickly back at the TV. Sure enough there was Tony, strolling into some L.A. event with a girl on his arm. A very young, very pretty girl.

‘Turn the sound up,’ she ordered.

Jenny did so, and they both listened as Jann Carl spoke. ‘Attending the
In Style
party in L.A. for paediatric AIDS, film director and one-time fiancé of Lola Sanchez, Tony Alvarez announced his engagement to up-and-coming Puerto Rican singer, Maria Estevan. Maria’s first album,
Lost
, comes out early next year. Tony Alvarez is currently in pre-production on his next movie,
Manic
, starring Nick Logan and Lara Ivory.’

Lola stared at the TV in shock. He’d done it. He’d actually done it. The bastard had gone and gotten himself engaged.

Who was the little tramp anyway? She looked about twelve years old with her curly brown hair and slight build. No boobs. No ass. Not sexy at all. Nothing like Lola Sanchez.

How could he do this to her? How
could
he?

She knew why. She’d rejected him, and this time it would not be so easy to get him back.

Not that she planned on doing so. Hell, no. She’d made a promise to God and it was one promise she intended to keep.

Caught
was winding down, and
still
Shelby had not heard from Linc. She was devastated. They’d been married for over four years and he’d always come back to her whenever they’d had any kind of fight.

This time there was an ominous silence, apart from the things she read in the gossip columns and saw on TV. Apparently a photographer was suing him for millions of dollars, claiming assault and battery outside a strip club.

So now he was frequenting strip clubs. Obviously he was completely out of control.

Her parents had arrived from London, which was nice. They were not the kind of parents who would question her into the ground, they were there to offer their support if she needed it.

She invited Pete over for dinner. Her mother helped out in the kitchen, and they cooked a traditional English meal of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. Pete was a big hit, and her parents warmed to him immediately.

After dinner, they all sat outside on the terrace. Shelby played with the puppy, whom she’d christened Tiger, while Pete talked to her father about vintage cars and how surprised he’d be when he saw Shelby doing her car stunt in
Caught
.

Later her parents went off for a stroll around the grounds, leaving Pete and her alone.

‘Thanks for inviting me this evening,’ he said. ‘The dinner was great. Those potatoes–I’m hooked.’

‘It’s my pleasure,’ she replied. ‘My parents like you.’

‘Are they here because of what’s going on between you and Linc?’

‘They don’t believe in interfering so they haven’t said anything, and I’m not volunteering any information.’

‘You never do,’ he said wryly. ‘Not even to me.’

‘Don’t push me, Pete.’

‘I wouldn’t do that. But I see everything too. Now Linc’s photographed leaving strip clubs and beating up photographers with some model girlfriend by his side. I don’t get it, Shelby. You should be instigating divorce proceedings. What are you waiting for?’

She nodded silently. She knew he was right, but something was holding her back. It wasn’t as easy as everyone seemed to think.

The next day, as soon as she finished work, she drove over to her therapist’s office.

‘What do
you
think I should do?’ she asked Brenda, hunching forward on the couch.

‘That’s not for me to say,’ Brenda replied in measured tones. ‘It’s
your
decision, Shelby.’

‘You always
say
it’s my decision,’ she said, wishing Brenda would be more forthcoming. ‘Meanwhile, I’m coming to
you
for
your
advice.’

‘No, Shelby, you’re coming to me because you need to
talk
about what’s happening. My job is to help you listen to yourself. That’s what you have to do. You’ll know when it’s the right time for you to consider divorce. You don’t need
me
to tell you.’

‘There’s another man,’ Shelby blurted.

Brenda was surprised. ‘You haven’t mentioned
that
before.’

‘He was my boyfriend before Linc. He’s working on my movie, and…I think I like him.’

‘Enough to leave Linc for him?’

‘Linc’s already left me, hasn’t he?’ she said sadly.

‘
Has
he?’

‘It’s obvious.’

‘As I said before, Shelby, only
you
can make the decisions that affect your future.’

Damn! She was getting nowhere fast. Talking to Brenda was like wading through quicksand.

On the way home she started thinking more deeply about Brenda’s words. Perhaps they made sense after all. It was true–only
she
could make the decisions that affected her future.

Then that was exactly what she had to do–make up her mind. Either her marriage was over or it wasn’t. And only she could decide which it was.

A
t the airport, Matt trailed behind Lola organizing her piles of luggage. She seemed to have accumulated a dozen more suitcases during her stay in New York.

The usual army of paparazzi were staked out at Kennedy. Lola was happy to pose with Matt. No more scandal, she was a good girl now.

Oh, yes, and no more Tony, because the bastard had gone and got himself engaged to some Puerto Rican tramp. God! How could he walk away from her as if she meant nothing to him?

No
, her inner voice informed her,
you walked away from him. And it was a wise move. The man is nothing more than a dangerous thug.

He might be a dangerous thug, but that didn’t mean she was able to stop loving him.

‘Over here, Lola,’ called one of the photographers. ‘Big smile.’

She put her arm round Matt and posed, making Matt a very happy husband.

‘Did you enjoy working with Linc Blackwood?’ another of the photographers called out.

‘Linc Blackwood is a real star,’ she said graciously. ‘I’m sure everyone who goes to our movie will definitely enjoy it.’

Matt did not agree. He’d seen the dailies. As soon as they were settled back in L.A. he planned on resuming his acting classes. If Linc Blackwood could be a star, there was hope for anybody.

‘Cut. It’s a print,’ Cat called out.

The cinematographer gave her the thumbs-up sign, and the actors in the scene dispersed.

‘Are you okay?’ Cat asked, walking over to Shelby.

‘Yes, I’m fine. Why?’ Shelby answered, as the wardrobe woman took her jacket and handed her a robe.

‘You look awfully pale.’

‘I
was
feeling a bit headachy this morning,’ Shelby admitted.

‘Go to your trailer and take a break. It’ll be at least forty minutes before we get to the next shot.’

‘I think that’s a good idea,’ Shelby said.

‘Only a few more days to go,’ Cat said, grinning triumphantly, ‘and we’re ahead of schedule
and
under budget. In Merrill’s eyes I’m the girl genius.’

‘That’s excellent news,’ Shelby said.

‘Are you bringing your parents to the wrap party?’

‘I was thinking of doing so.’

‘Bring ’em. It’ll be a blast.’

‘I’m not so sure. They won’t know anyone. Perhaps I should take them out to dinner instead.’

‘With Pete?’

‘Cat,’ she said warningly, ‘don’t cause trouble.’

‘Just asking,’ Cat said innocently. ‘I mean, I know Linc is seeing Allegra, it’s all over the papers, so
you
shouldn’t feel guilty.’

‘You’re a fine one to talk,’ Shelby responded. ‘What’s happening with you and Nick?’

Cat grinned again. ‘I’ll let you know in a couple of days.’

‘Oh, I see. It’s like that, is it?’

‘Yeah, it’s like that,’ Cat said, suddenly feeling shy.

Shelby went to her trailer to rest. Tiger greeted her, tail wagging. He’d peed all over the floor, but she didn’t care. She scooped him up into her arms and cuddled him, not feeling great.

She lay down on the couch and tried not to think about Linc. Then suddenly it struck her like a flash of lightning. Oh, God! She was two weeks late, and she was
never
late. Was it possible that she was finally pregnant?

No. Not now. The timing couldn’t be worse.

She started thinking back. The last time Linc had made love to her was that fateful weekend in New York. He’d ambushed her on the couch in his hotel, almost forcing himself upon her. And he’d not withdrawn as he usually did.

How ironic if it had happened then.

She had to find out. Unfortunately she could hardly pop into the pharmacy and buy a pregnancy-testing kit because it would be all over the news before she got home. And if she sent someone to get it for her, same deal. So she called her gynaecologist and made an emergency appointment for later that day.

She cuddled the little puppy to her. If she
was
pregnant, she had no idea what she’d do.

‘Here’s the deal,’ Nick said, unshaven, his dark unruly hair flopping on his forehead. ‘After the wrap party I’ve got a surprise for you, so bring an overnight bag.’

‘Are we eloping to Vegas?’ Cat deadpanned. ‘Do you want to screw me
so
badly that we have to get married? I hope you’ve booked an Elvis impersonator. I refuse to do it unless you organize the full deal.’

He laughed. ‘Sorry to disappoint you, but there’ll be no getting down on one knee, and
definitely
no ring.’

‘Shame!’ she said, mocking him. ‘I’m
so
disappointed.’

‘Overnight bag. Wrap party. Don’t forget.’

‘Like I would forget. I think I’m finally as horny as you!’

‘My kind of girl,’ he said, with his usual cocky grin.

By the time Lola arrived at the hospital in L.A., Selma was doing more than moving her finger. Over the last few hours her eyelids had fluttered open, and she was conscious.

Lola sat by her bedside surrounded by her family, and Selma’s husband and children.

‘It’s a miracle,’ Claudine kept on repeating.

No, it’s not a miracle
, Lola thought.
It’s the result of my bargain with God
. She’d given up Tony and now Selma was on the road to recovery.

Her mother took her to one side. ‘We’re all so happy you’re back with Matt,’ she whispered. ‘He’s such a nice guy, and so right for you, Lucia.’

And boring!
a voice screamed in her head.
And a lousy lay! And a sponger!
‘Maybe,’ she said, in her best noncommittal tone.

‘No, not maybe, my daughter. Matt will always be there for you. You don’t
want
a wild man like Tony Alvarez. He’s no good.’

I don’t
? she thought.
Why not? Tony Alvarez makes me feel alive
.

‘Besides,’ Claudine continued. ‘Matt will make a wonderful father for your children.’

What children, Mama?

She stayed at the hospital for a couple of hours, then went home to bed and Matt, who was naturally watching sports on TV.

Now that Selma was going to be all right, her thoughts turned to Tony. How could she possibly survive without him? She realized that, yes, she’d made a bargain with God, but if Selma completely recovered, didn’t that change everything? She and Tony were so good together. Sure, she knew he was dangerous and capable of doing terrible things, but somehow it didn’t
really
matter. He’d never done anything terrible to her.

As far as Lola was concerned, love conquered all, good
and
bad.

Early the next morning, Shelby’s gynaecologist called her with the news. She was a pleasant woman, young and confident. ‘Shelby,’ she said, her tone friendly.

‘Yes?’ Shelby said, holding her breath.

‘It’s as you thought.’

‘It’s as I thought,’ Shelby repeated blankly.

‘Yes, I’m happy to tell you that you are indeed pregnant.’

On the one hand, Shelby was ecstatic. On the other, she was more depressed than she’d ever been in her entire life. How could it happen now, when things with Linc were so bad?

Maybe the news of her pregnancy would bring him to his senses. Maybe he’d give up the wild life he’d decided to pursue, and be the husband she’d always wanted. Surely the thought of a baby coming into their lives would straighten him out? Didn’t he deserve one more chance?

Without giving herself time to change her mind, she picked up the phone and called him in New York.

‘Who’s speaking?’ the hotel operator enquired, monitoring his calls.

‘Mrs Blackwood.’

‘One moment, please.’

Then another female voice with a strong Australian accent and a sour attitude got on the line. ‘Yes,
what?
’

‘Is Linc there?’

A bad-tempered ‘No. Who’s this?’

‘Mrs Blackwood.’

Change of tone: ‘Oh, yeah, Shelby. He’s mentioned you. I’m Allegra, we live together, y’know.’

‘No, I didn’t know that,’ she said quietly, her stomach sinking.

‘I guess the divorce is coming up any time soon, right? Is that what you’re calling about?’

‘No,’ Shelby said tersely. ‘I’d like to speak to my husband.’

‘You
could
speak to him if he was here, but he’s not, is he?’

‘Then tell him I called, and have him get back to me as soon as possible.’

‘He’s busy, y’know.’

‘
What
did you say your name was?’

‘Allegra. You’ve probably seen me on the cover of
Sports Illustrated
.’

‘Not a magazine I subscribe to.’

‘Buy it,’ Allegra said, in a bitchy fashion. ‘Then you can get a gander at your competition.’

‘Have Linc call me,’ Shelby said, and uncharacteristically slammed down the phone. It wasn’t often that she lost her temper, but who was this bitch? And what the
hell
was Linc doing with her?

Martha entered the room. ‘Your father wants me to double-check our tickets to London, darling,’ she said. ‘Daddy and I are leaving this week. You’ll be all right here by yourself, won’t you?’

‘Of course I will,’ she said, attempting to calm down.

During the course of her parents’ stay they had not once
discussed her separation from Linc. They were determined not to bring it up unless she did, and she had no desire to raise the subject.

For a moment she thought about confiding in her mother, but then she realized it was hopeless. Neither of them would understand. They were both sweet people, and they’d always been caring parents, but they were totally unsophisticated.

‘I’ve left my Saks credit card on the hall table,’ Shelby said. ‘Go there today while I’m at the studio and buy yourself a glamorous outfit for the party. I want to be proud of you.’

‘Are you saying that you wouldn’t be proud of me if I wore one of my suits?’ Martha replied, sounding hurt.

‘Your suits are lovely, Mum–for England. But you should buy yourself something sexy.’

‘Don’t be so silly, Shelby,’ Martha said, pursing her lips. ‘Your father would be shocked.’

‘Wouldn’t it be fun to shock him sometimes?’

‘No, dear,’ Martha said primly. ‘What
is
the matter with you?’

‘Nothing,’ Shelby said, and kissed her mother’s cheek.
Nothing, except that my husband is now living with a woman in New York, and I’m pregnant, and I don’t know what to do about anything. How sad is that?
‘Okay,’ she said. ‘I’ve got to go, I’ll see you later.’

Gathering up Tiger, she set off for the studio.

Pete was waiting outside her trailer with two cups of Starbucks coffee. ‘Morning, beautiful,’ he said, handing her a paper cup.

‘Hi,’ she said wanly.

‘Did you sleep okay?’

‘Why?’

‘You look tired.’

‘You know, it’s so rude,’ she said irritably.

‘What is?’

‘First of all Cat told me I didn’t look well yesterday, now
you
’re telling me I look tired. I’m sorry, Pete, but I don’t appreciate it.’ She slammed her way past him into her trailer.

He followed her in. ‘You heard from Linc, didn’t you?’ he said.

‘No. Actually I called to speak to him, and some
bitch
got on the line.’

‘Who was she?’

‘I imagine it was his new girlfriend.’

‘Shelby,’ he said patiently, ‘I keep on telling you–hire a lawyer before he does.’

‘Why? I don’t want anything from him. No alimony, nothing.’

‘It’s not as simple as that, Shel. You have houses, cars, investments. It’s all communal property.’

‘But if I don’t want anything…’

‘You
still
need a lawyer,’ he insisted.

‘Why can’t Linc and I work it out together? Why should a man be stuck paying the woman, unless there’s children to consider?’

‘Hmm…you’re every man’s dream,’ Pete said. ‘In more ways than one.’

‘And another thing,’ she said. ‘Why are
you
so nice to me?’

‘Because, as I’ve told you repeatedly, I’m waiting in the wings.’

‘It might be a long wait, Pete.’

‘There’s something you should know about me.’

‘What?’

‘I’m a
very
patient man.’

Their eyes met, and she found herself weakening. Pete might not have to be as patient as he thought. After her conversation with Linc’s girlfriend, she was almost ready to move on.