Sunset & Vine: Loose Lips (6 page)

Chapter Thirteen

Vic/Cino

Victoria and Cino spent the evening dining in the dim lights of La Luna e Stelle (The Moon and Stars). With only seven tables, the quaint Italian restaurant was one of the more intimate establishments on the Sunset Plaza. Known for it’s clientele of stars, it was nearly impossible for the average person to book a table.

Although it was located in West Hollywood, one would have thought it was the Amalfi Coast or Capri from the ambiance and aroma emanating from the kitchen. The food was perfection, the service divine, and the companionship a fantasy come true. The unspoken passion had kidnapped them and threaten to consume them. Cino held her hand from across the table for what seemed like the entire evening. Victoria had challenged herself in a vain attempt of trying to remember if she had ever felt this way about a new romance. A feeling of being consumed by a fog of attraction like she had never felt before.

“I scarcely remember what we had for dinner,” she would later relay to Dotty.

“Can I offer you a nightcap at my place?” she asked Cino.

“That would be wonderful, but, I beg you, first, please allow me to share something with you at my home on a special night like this? Then we can go to your place if you like,” he pleaded.

Victoria obliged. While driving up the steep hill towards Cino’s apartment building in the Franklin Hills, they marveled at the magnificent and enormous full moon. It faced them head-on. It seemed as if they were driving directly into it. The moonlight glowed over the entire neighborhood. It was a full, harvest summer moon, and it sat right smack in the middle of Franklin Avenue as it rose up the hill. The moon sat against the clear night sky full of sparkling stars. Real stars, the kind that took the universe billions of years to create. Ones that have more staying power than all the stars of Hollywood combined.

They arrived at his building, the Chateau du Fleur. Victoria was struck by the awesome beauty of it against the moonlight; it was magical. She felt as if she was staring in one of her movies full of romance.

“No movie could ever be this good,” she thought.

Cino opened the door to his apartment and introduced Victoria to a breathtaking, floor to ceiling wall of windows with the lights of Hollywood glimmering in the night sky. It was captivating. His apartment was minimally furnished with just a few pieces of expensive contemporary Italian designed furnishings. Two deep chocolate leather chairs sat in the middle of the windows with a small table separating them as if chaperoning the two amidst the romantic night view.

“Please have a seat. I’ll be right back,” he offered.

She continued standing, transfixed by the hypnotic view from his window, of the city that unfolded before her, lit by the Luna Piena. Full Moon.

Cino embraced her from behind, pulling her close with his arms wrapped around her.

“You are like a beautiful dream in the moonlight,” he whispered into her ear.

“Thank you for showing this to me. It is incredible, so perfect for tonight,” she whispered back.

“I invited La Luna Piena just for you...the stars refused to come as they were jealous of your beauty tonight.” Telling her in his slight, distinct Italian accent.

She smiled and turned to face him. Her beautiful face glowed from the moonlight shining through the huge windows. Cino cupped the back of her neck and head as he slid his fingers through her soft silky hair, pulling her lips to his. They shared a tender first kiss. He slowly caressed her as he ran his hands up and down her back. Victoria was overwhelmed by heated passion as she felt his awakened manhood and body press tightly against her. She pressed back against him while grabbing handfuls of black curls of his hair. Cino lifted her up into his arms and carried her to his bedroom, never once breaking their kiss, allowing it to sweep them away to a point they had both desired since their first meeting.

He laid her gently on the bed’s 500 count, fresh, white Egyptian cotton sheets. He momentarily stood and admired her stunning, moon-lit profile sprawled on the bed as if in a Vargas pose.

Victoria rose from the edge of the bed on her knees while reaching up and slowly unbuttoning his shirt to reveal a thin swirl of black chest hair on his chiseled chest. Cino, in turn, took his kisses to her ear and neck as he stripped her of blouse, sliding both hands under her bra, stretching it so that it rose above her head and arms while still fastened. His full lips found their way to her warm, full breasts, charging them with intense electricity.

He was enthralled by the fill of her natural breasts. Victoria frantically tore at the top button of his pants as she unzipped them to free his powerful manhood; on fire and aching for her touch. Alternating between kisses and flicks of his hot, wet tongue, he slid down to her waist and beyond. His hands found their way beneath her lingerie and then he used his teeth and fingertips, gliding them down the path of her long beautiful legs until she was finally free of all clothing. Cino pulled her down on top of him. It was one of those rare occasions of two people meeting when their attraction literally takes their breath away. They both knew the universe meant for them to bond with soul fulfilling, savage sex, while feverishly descending into passionate lovemaking.

Chapter Fourteen

Suspicious Minds

The Tripartite had become unnerved by the fodder being printed in the latest tabloids. So accurate was the recent gossip mentioned about two of their employers, they initially suspected each other of being a leak. A leak of confidentiality was the kiss of death in Hollywood. This was a town with more secrets than Langley, VA, CIA headquarters.

“’Loose lips sink ships,’ yours and those around you,” Irene volunteered to the other two.

Once they had dismissed themselves as the culprits, they went to work discussing who could have gathered their intimate, dead-on information. They had known each other long enough to trust each other completely as they had made a pact long ago that if one ever betrayed the others they would bring down all three. That’s the way it had to be in order to enjoy unrestrained mutual trust amongst themselves.

The leak called for a strategy and awareness of everyone in their exposed circle, including the group of regulars at Schwab’s. They even gave it a code name, “Operation Loose Lips.” Their investigation commenced with the fielding of all the different people the three of them were exposed to during the day, from the gardeners, to the repairman, to potential phone taps. These women were hardcore and serious when it came to their employer’s privacy.

Not only were they upset that this kind of private information was reaching the tabloids and potentially compromising their employers, but the Tripartite were incensed over being cut out of the money making. They knew tabloids paid a fortune for verified information on the biggest stars.

“We’re talking about maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars here, girls!”

“Now that really pisses me off!” chimed in Natasha. Not that they would have sold out their employers, who had also become dear and generous friends.

“I got a feeling it’s close by,” Maria-Angela said, as she frowned slightly and scanned the dining room of Schwab’s with an expression of suspicion.

They planted false information in front of other employees while at work to see if they leak was coming from their workplaces. Only sharing the real stuff in a “sterile” location like Schwab’s. Then they waited, and waited...for a month. Nothing showed up in the tabloids...except what was being discussed while at Schwab’s. So focused on finding out who was profiting at their expense, they even clammed up at Schwab’s at times, occasionally lowering their volume to a whisper between themselves.A change even Dotty noticed.

“Everything alright with you girls? You’ve been a bit low-key lately. Like in a serious state of mind.”

“Oh, we’re fine, dear, just dealing with some juicy gossip from work that is about to hit the papers. Of course, you know that we can’t talk about it with you.” Lilly makes the motion of zipping her lips.

“Top secret stuff!” adds Natasha, picking up on Irene’s ploy.

Maria-Angela just stared with suspicion and a fake smile. She had not been too keen on Dotty lately, after guessing correctly about her secret affair with Sam.

“It’s in the gut, I just don’t like cheaters,” she said to her friends coldly.

“I thought I’d plant that seed just to start flushing out the possibility of it being someone from here,” Irene informed the Tripartite.

The women switched gears. This was serious and these three intended to get to the bottom of it. After all, their jobs were now potentially at risk. They were furious that someone was taking advantage of them collectively, and that was a bad move.

Maria-Angela was in quite the mood. She had been advised by her employer, screen legend, Ms. Vaught, “If one more of my private comments end up in the those dirty papers I’ll be forced to clean house and start fresh with all of my employees.”

“I am about to lose my job because of someone else making money off of my private conversations,” fumed Maria-Angela.

“OK, I am going to say what we are all thinking. It could be Dotty. Hasn’t anyone noticed how she always seems to be within earshot of our conversations? I think she is eavesdropping on all of the regulars here. Look how fast that story popped up about Victoria and that new hunk of Italian love of hers. Almost before she had a chance to taste those luscious lips of his. Hell, that’s faster than even I can operate!” She glared in the direction of Dotty.

“I have a feeling quite a few of the famous regulars are starting to get suspicious of Dotty,” Natasha added.

At that moment, two famous Rock Stars staggered in after jumping out of the back seat of a new silver Bentley and fighting off a few paparazzi flashing cameras in their faces. It was 8:00 a.m. in the morning and they were as sloshed as a drunk on payday.

“Table for two, Dearie,” the female rock and roller quipped.

“Seat yourselves,” Dotty softly yelled over her shoulder without looking.

“Are you kidding me, what kind of a dump is this joint?” the haggard 35-looking but 22 year old screamed. Before turning to her partner and climbing half way up his torso with one knee to get another taste of his tongue.

“Come on, baby, be nice. Ya gonna get us thrown out of this place too! And I’m starvin!” the rocker’s equally famous escort pleaded.

“I don’t give a shit. Why ya wanna eat here anyways? Just look at this dreary graveyard. I need music when I eat!” she slurred.

The Schwab’s regulars had seen this scene played out a thousand times. The newbies along with a few tourists were horrified.

Dotty didn’t blink an eyelash except to scribble down a few notes after realizing who it was.

The Tripartite were howling amongst themselves. Discreetly enough not to be rude, that is.

“What the fuck are you three bitches laughing at!” barked the female rocker.

That was enough to send both Irene and Maria-Angela to their feet.

“Ain’t it obvious? We’re laughing at the skanky heroin tramp that just walked in,” launched Irene, moving fearlessly towards the famous music star.

“You talkin about me, bitch?” the barely comprehensible singer slurred back.

“We sure don’t see any other nasty, cheap tramps standing around!” volleyed Maria-Angela as back up.

“That’s it! Hit the bricks you two! We don’t allow that kind of dirty talk and behavior in here.” Dotty stepped in while calling out, “Sam, Jacques, we got a couple leaving, as in right now!”

“See what the fuck you’ve done! This is the second place we’ve been run outta and I’m fucking hungry! You are going home. And I’m going to get some food,” the male Star told his companion right before she started sobbing and begging forgiveness from the women and everyone else in the place.

“Sorry, ladies.” Dotty offered to Irene and Maria-Angela.

“No problem, I just hope it doesn’t show up in MOUTH next week!” MOUTH was a leading Hollywood tabloid. Maria-Angela said it before she could check her anger.

Dotty tried to ignore it. But she suspected they were on to her.

Irene didn’t say a word. She just rolled her eyes at Dotty. She was already charged up over the confrontation.

“Well, my dear friends, I guess the proverbial cat’s out of the bag. I am quite sure she got the goddamn message this morning!” Natasha said in her angry Russian accent.

“Let’s get the hell out of here before I lunge at Dotty!” Maria-Angela snapped, as Sam walked by.

“Something wrong, ladies? Sorry about those losers yelling at you,” he offered.

“Thanks, Sam. Have a nice day.” As the three pay and leave.

Chapter Fifteen

Discovery

Jacques was always excited to see the infrequent but cherished super model, Chalon, when she graced their presence. He was especially fond of the big hug and kiss that she always bestowed upon him at their greeting.

“Ah, mon cherie! Finally you allow us to view your beautiful face in person again! We always miss you so much when you go away for long periods.”

“Bonjour, mon amie! How is my favorite Frenchman in the whole world?” Chalon planted a kiss on each cheek. Just long enough for him to inhale her stunning beauty and steal a momentary essence of her soft cheek.

“Favorite Frenchman, uh? I want to be your favorite man!” he delivered with a huge smile, while swiftly swinging the door to Schwab’s open for her entrance.

Chalon smiled and giggled as she cat-walked into the diner. As usual, she caused a stir upon her entrance, even among the jaded set. She was simply a walking, breathing creature of special beauty to behold. Tall, golden brown, with natural sandy blonde colored hair and ravishing green eyes. A look cooked up over hundreds of years of mixing in America. She was at the top of her game and currently the most sought after super model on the planet. She was also sweet, charming, and had not lost her small town San Fernando Valley roots. Making a point of being polite to everyone, regardless of their station in life.

The Tripartite was thrilled to see her, as they were always the first ones greeted with kisses for all, and were always instantly swept up in her glamour and beauty. But not today!

The three women had more pressing matters at hand. They had narrowed down their potential leak of their private conversations down to Schwab’s. The other possibilities of anyone stealing their private gossip had failed to produce any results. That left Schwab’s. But who at Schwab’s was the question?

Chalon had just graced three of the top fashion magazines in the world this month and was streaking from New York to Paris to Tokyo for work. Now commanding $30,000, per day, she was the highest paid model in fashion.

Dotty wasted no time in fishing for details of the super model’s personal life and the male stars whom she had left behind as road kill.

“I try to keep it quiet, Dotty, you know, like your life.” Letting the comment roll off her tongue in a slightly defensive tone.

She had hoped to forget the last bad split, which resulted in a coke and sex binge. Chocking it up to youth.

“Oh, I understand. I just like to hear about your fabulous life. And what a life you must live! So exciting!” Gushing like a fan, Dotty hoped to reel some information in.

“No interviews today, just some fruit, bagel, and tea please.” Chalon ended the exchange with a wave and a smile directed at Michael Deeves while excluding any further eye contact with Dotty.

She was experienced enough to know how to shut them down and place the wall up.

“My personal life will show up in the rags soon enough, no need in having to beat a dead horse to death,” she thought and sighed to herself.

“Umm...had I forgotten how handsome that writer was? What was his name?” Her eyes twinkled towards Michael Deeves.

“I wonder if he’s sold anything yet. There might be a part in it for me. A girl’s always gotta have a plan B.

“There are yachts to by, villas to staff, and careers to conquer. Plan while you’re on top, never in desperation” was the advice an older, ruling diva of the jet-set, Ms. Mae Vaught, had once given at breakfast. Advice she’d taken seriously.

She intended to have a long, successful career. If only she could get her deadly attraction to handsome men, private jets, and two-day parties under control. At least she had walked away from the last one with a $25,000 bracelet to soothe her broken heart, even though it was she who had left him. He demanded too much control over her intercontinental travel.

“But, oh, did he make her sizzle!” A thought that always made her smile.

“So, so handsome, but dangerous. Just the way I like ‘em.”

“Dotty will get none of that out of me ever again. I don’t trust someone who is always asking questions about your personal life.” Bringing herself back to reality as Dotty delivered her breakfast.