The Birth Of Eve (6 page)

Monday morning her agent Sally Marr was on the phone

“Eve honey, there is a photo of you with Nathan in today’s
Mirror; apparently someone caught you going into the house holding hands. It’s
a stunning picture of you both and to be honest sweetie this couldn’t have
happened at a better time ready for the premier. I haven’t told you yet but
Christopher Novak is keen to raise your profile; apparently he found you
mesmerising on screen.” Eve was bouncing up and down on the sofa whilst poor
Freud was trying to sleep on her lap.

“Anyway our plan was to get you noticed together at the
premier; this however has given us a perfect platform for this weekend. Darling
I am spending all of Saturday with you for a full glamorising day. We are going
to turn you from an extra into leading lady over the next few months so enjoy
the ride. But Eve be wary of anyone new, do not talk to strangers or any one
pertaining to be a friend. You are now fully exposed so be prepared. See you
Saturday I will email you your itinery, Nathan is meeting you on the red carpet,
take care sweetie.” After hanging up the phone Freud was practically tossed
across the room as she stood up to pirouette around the lounge.

“Oh my God Freud I am famous, well almost” She sat down
again skeletons may come knocking, Rory! She prayed he was in prison or moved abroad,
he would take great delight in wrecking her chances. Plus she hadn’t wanted to
be known as another of Nathan’s girls, things had changed since she had told
him that. At least she would now be able to walk down the red carpet with him
without regret; she didn’t like the idea of doing it alone. Michael appeared in
the kitchen making her jump and the kitten screech.

“Sorry Eve the back door was open” Eve didn’t remember unlocking
the back door this morning, and as much as she was becoming attached to her new
father she didn’t like him turning up at his will.

“I was actually going food shopping this morning, so maybe
come back later” she saw the instant hurt in his eyes so quickly tried to
soften the blow, meanwhile Freud was scratching at his feet, whilst he tried to
kick her off.

“You can come back for your tea if you like” that seemed to
appease him so she said good bye then grabbed her coat and shopping list to pop
to Tesco.

She bought a copy of the daily mirror there and had a look
at their photo, Nathan looked stunning as usual. Eve sadly looked plain and
ordinary beside him, the quote was “an understated beauty.” Worried about his
reputation she decided he deserved better, she would shine on his arm on
Saturday. He would be proud and the papers would not be using “understated” to
describe her anymore.

When she parked up back home in front of the garage she
unloaded her bags, and walked to the front gate. She noticed a woman in a
baseball hat on the opposite side of the road crouching down.

“Hello are you okay?” the woman stood and looked sadly over
to her, when she saw Eve she froze and looked nervous all of a sudden. Eve
couldn’t make out her face properly beneath the cap; seeing Eve head over to
her she swiftly walked away. Eve looked down at the road where she had been
crouching and saw what appeared to be a dead animal. Recognising the ginger fur
Eve dropped to her knees on the floor to take a closer look.

It was Freud, the woman had gone, and it crossed her mind
that she may have been the one to hit him. Eve was alone with the tiny bundle,
she checked him hoping to find a tiny heart beat but he was definitely gone.
She knew when she left he had been inside, but had he slipped by her ankles as
she left? Eve was devastated; she knew Tara would be too. Eve went inside and
fetched a shoe box using Freud’s blanket from his bed; she wrapped him up
tightly and placed the lid gently on top. She would leave him in the garage
until Tara returned; maybe they could bury him together.

Eve was unloading the shopping numbly; a day that had
started so well had now turned sour. She still could not work out why she
hadn’t noticed Freud slip by her; Michael had left by the back door maybe he
had inadvertently let him out. Eve didn’t want to blame him but she was sure she
would have been more careful. Her phone rang, it was Nathan

“Hey gorgeous thought I would say hi before I go on stage. I
can’t wait for London this weekend; did you see the paper today?” Eve had
momentarily forgotten the photo

“Yes I did and before you ask I am fine about it, I wonder
who took it though? I have to make sure next time I am not wearing black, I
looked so drab next to you.” Nathan reassured her but he was noting a strange
undertone in their conversation and asked if she was okay.

“Not really, I came home from shopping and found Freud dead
by the side of the road; it looked like his neck was broken. I am so upset he
must have escaped either when Michael went out of the back door or me the
front, I am sure I would have spotted him though.” Nathan was quick to make his
mind up about the accident.

“Honey you would have noticed, no doubt at all on that one.
Michael however hates the cat he probably didn’t take as much care over
ensuring its safety” Eve was offended at his insinuation

“He didn’t hate Freud; actually it was the other way round,
I am sure if he did let him out, then it was entirely accidental.” Nathan was
steadfast in his opinion so Eve changed the subject and soon they said their
goodbyes as normal and Eve finished unpacking. Tara came home in high spirits
that was until Eve took her out to see Freud.

“Oh poor thing, don’t blame yourself Eve, it could have
happened to either of us he was a speedy little thing. It is odd that being hit
by a car broke his neck though; I would expect him to be crushed. Never mind we
should bury him now really in case he starts smelling the place out.”

The two girls dug a hole deep enough to prevent him being
dug up by foxes, they dug under a large rose bush so they could remember him.
After covering him over they sat on the grass and both had a little weep
together, Michael appeared at that moment.

“Hi ladies I wondered why you weren’t answering the door, is
everything alright you look upset” Eve filled him in on the accident. He seemed
genuinely concerned he may have been to blame, sweeping aside any doubts she
had about his intentions to Freud. In fact Michael disappeared and then
returned with a small wooden cross to mark the grave. Tara was overwhelmed with
gratitude and hugged him profusely causing Eve to frown at the pair. She
wandered into the kitchen to make a start on tea, while Tara picked her dad’s
brains over some theory or other on parallel dimensions.

The week continued in a similar vein; Michael came for tea
most evenings, he wasn’t happy about her leaving him at the weekend. Eve became
a little frustrated at his apparent selfishness; he had to learn her career was
important to her.

 During the day Eve made a start on beautifying the garden
whilst Tony worked on the garage conversion. Thankfully discovering a dead body
had not put him off the job. It was Friday and Tara waved Eve off at the
station for her train ride to London, she didn’t like leaving her alone with
her dad around. Her attachment to Michael was beginning to worry her; she
resolved to talk to him on her return.

After a very comfortable train ride she was met at the
station by Sally and a limo. They had both checked in to the Mayfair Hotel by early
evening. Tomorrow was going to be a big day and Eve was nervous about allowing
herself to be styled. Shying away from attention was going to be impossible
after this weekend. Part of her relished the adventure she was about to begin,
the other part wanted to run a mile. Nathan rang her room, he had just checked
in on the floor above. They met in the bar with Sally and some other actors who
were in the movie; plus of course Christopher Novak. He seemed to make it his
mission to monopolise her company for the evening so she didn’t get a moment to
chat at all to Nathan. As they all parted ways; Nathan found an opportunity to
get her alone to say goodbye he kissed her on both cheeks and whispered;

“Until tomorrow, see you on the red carpet.” A shiver ran
down her body and she smiled up at him as Sally swept her into the elevator
back to her suite.

“You two will be arriving separately tomorrow, but we are
going to time it so you are able to walk the carpet together. I will call for
you nine sharp in the morning for the spa treatments downstairs okay?” Eve
hugged her agent, they were very close and Sally had been wonderful over the
five years they had worked together.

Eve settled into the silk covers trying to induce sleep, the
last thing she needed was eye bags. Tomorrow was going to be the biggest day of
her career so far she wanted to be fully prepared.

After a morning of facials, waxing and threading Eve’s skin
was tingling all over as Sally and she had a quiet lunch together in her room.
The afternoon schedule included her dress fitting, Sally had organised a dress
for her and shoes too. Eve was taking a huge risk allowing her to select
something but she trusted her fully. Fashion awareness and choosing clothes was
not something Eve excelled in.  The hair stylist was coming at four; Sally
suggested soft curls and her hair down.  Eve’s hair reached the middle of her
back, but as she always tied it up Sally decided it would make the most
dramatic impression.

Four hours later Eve was standing in front of the mirror
open mouthed at the woman looking back at her. Sally had chosen a dress by a
top designer; it was silver grey off the shoulder with a fitted bodice that
fell to a ruffled waterfall effect skirt slit open on one side. The bodice gave
her curves an hour glass appearance, her breasts displayed in all their glory.
Eve wanted to fold her arms but at the same time couldn’t help but stare at her
own image. The unfeasibly high shoes were Manolo Blahniks’ apparently; they
were also silver with jewelled straps across the toes. Her eyes had been given
a sultry Smokey look and for the first time in her life she was wearing red
lipstick. Tears filled her eyes as she took it all in, her full glossy brown
hair looked windswept and fell over her shoulders, Nathan wouldn’t recognise
her.

“Don’t cry Eve it took a long time to get your eyes looking
so amazing, now you look like a leading lady. I can guarantee that it will be
your face on all the front pages this week, you look absolutely fantastic. I
feel quite emotional myself, Christopher will be so proud. Let’s go your public
are waiting” The woman in the mirror smiled and Eve for once agreed, she did
look beautiful; it was her time to shine now, no more hiding in the shadows.
She stepped into the corridor and into the rest of her life.

As the limo pulled up to Leicester Square Eve was suddenly crippled
with nerves, there were crowds of fans shouting. She imagined most were here
for the two leading men, Nathan and Tom. Cameras were flashing and she could
sense the anticipation of the crowds as her limo pulled up. Sally grasped her
arm

“Nathan is right behind us, walk up to the first lot of
photographers and he will join you there. You look stunning, don’t fidget with
your dress, walk slowly and above all smile. This is your moment to be
discovered, after tonight everyone will know your name and you will be launched
into the media. Enjoy every minute you have so much potential don’t waste this
chance” After her wise words Eve felt her strength return and as the door
opened for her she carefully stepped out. Her dress parted and the
photographers had some great shots of her long legs and new shoes.

As she approached the first bank of cameras, she paused to
pose for photos as she had been instructed. Her eyes were dazzled by all the
flashes but amongst the faces shouting her name she saw a very familiar one
that almost stopped her heart. Rory was smiling at her from the back a smug
look on his face. Eve felt her smile weaken and almost crumpled when two arms
came up behind her and swept her onwards along the carpet. Nathan. They stopped
at each photo stop and posed together; reporters were shouting questions which
they ignored totally. After an hour of strutting their stuff they finally met
up with Christopher to find their seats. Nathan for the first time got to look
at Eve fully.

“I am blown away Eve, I knew you were beautiful, I couldn’t
imagine you ever looking more so that is until now. I can’t begin to tell you
how amazing you look; every pair of eyes has been fixed of you. I am the
luckiest man alive. Now tell me who the creep was that scared you to death at
the first stop?” Eve couldn’t believe he had noticed that, fortunately
Christopher interrupted and she avoided answering. She had no idea why Rory was
there but it could only be bad news, she pushed it to the back of her mind and
did her best to enjoy every minute of the evening.

The film was wonderful, Nathan looked gorgeous dressed as a
knight, and she still felt like pinching herself as she looked down at their
hands entwined. She did notice herself too, although she had only had few lines
and been an extra Christopher had kept her image in shots, none of the scenes
she had been in had been cut. She also noticed as the film progressed the
camera seemed to hone in on her, she was certainly unmissable. When the credits
rolled she was stunned to see her name on them, she was still in shock when the
auditorium erupted into applause and the lights came back on. Sally was
whispering with Christopher and Nathan took the opportunity to congratulate
her.

“The camera loves you Eve, did you really not notice how
much the cameras were following you on set?” she shook her head still
bewildered

“You are so, humble that is what makes you so appealing to
the audience, you have a vulnerability that is attractive to both sexes. Your
future is very bright Eve remember tonight, this is where it all began” Eve
nodded tears brimming; Nathan wiped them away and stroked her cheeks. Then they
were escorted to the after party, Eve imagined Nathan being dragged away from
her but he did not let go of her for the entire evening. Actually she found
that she received as much attention as he did; from the press and other
well-known celebrities. When Dame Judy Dench introduced herself Eve almost
fainted, she spoke only briefly but inferred how lovely it would be to work
with her one day. Wow was the word of the day, especially after Christopher
took them to one side.

“Eve I have a new movie due to start production in December.
The film is based in Los Angeles and I want you two in it together, as
supporting roles. It is too soon for you to be a leading lady so this is the
next logical step for both of you. Launching you over here in a British based film
is one thing, next we need you to translate to the US audience. I want you both
to come over for a few days to read through the scripts and see what you think,
maybe in two weeks’ time if you can?

Nathan answered on her behalf as she was too dumbstruck to
respond. When he walked away Nathan lifted her up and span her around, she
giggled in delight a few amused glances were cast their way. Nathan whispered
conspiratorially

“I am going to head back to the hotel, would you like to
join me?” Eve knew what he was asking and she couldn’t be happier, nodding
shyly he wrote down his room number and gave her a lingering kiss that made her
want to jump him then and there. Eve watched as he walked away and waited
twenty minutes before she made her excuses and followed after him. She touched
up her make up in the back of her limo and she felt a herd of cattle running
around in her stomach. She needed to tell him about Rory first, the question of
contraception was bound to come up. Would he still want her? Her mood sank a
little as she made her way to the elevator. She halted when a blonde heavily
pregnant girl stepped directly in front of her with a look of hatred on her
face.

“Leave Nathan alone bitch” Eve stumbled backwards, who the
hell was she? She recalled the rumours of a pregnant girlfriend and her heart
sunk

“I am Sasha, his expectant girlfriend, when it suits him. He
pays me to keep quiet you know, he wanted to pay me to have an abortion but I
refused. I did warn you to stay away but you just wouldn’t listen would you
bitch? I am carrying his child and I will be his wife, you are a distraction
but now you are over” the girl slapped Eve right across the face. The lift
doors opened and Eve took the opportunity to escape; sobbing as the doors
closed to behind her. She knew he was too good to be true; thank God she hadn’t
let him too close. What was he playing at? Eve couldn’t equate tender sweet Nathan
with the one who would pay a girl to destroy a baby.

Inside her hotel room the tears flowed unhindered, she was
furious and felt so foolish, she couldn’t possibly work with him now. Was that
what this was? Christopher had asked him to get close to her just so he could
increase her profile. That is what Sally had said but she hadn’t absorbed the
impact of that. Snatching her phone she sent a nasty text to Nathan basically
telling him to do one then sank to the floor an emotional wreck.

Her phone rang half an hour later, expecting it to be Nathan
grovelling she was about to silence it but luckily in time saw that it was
Christopher Novak. Pull yourself together Eve; you may be able to salvage your
career if you try. Eve answered trying to steady her voice. “Hello”

“Eve I believe you met a young woman tonight at the hotel”
Eve was silent, how did he know

“Eve I need to tell you about Sasha before you jump to the
wrong conclusions” Eve interrupted

“Christopher I appreciate your call but if you have been
asked by Nathan to try and repair the damage I think you are wasting your
time.” He was quick to reply

“Nathan hasn’t spoken to me tonight; a receptionist
witnessed the altercation and reported it to me the moment I got back. Sasha is
a tribulation we are all enduring; she was an exotic dancer who had a plan to
change her life. She seduced Nathan one night when he was on a drinking spree,
he fell for her, or so he thought. She however had her own agenda. Within a
month of them being together she was pregnant, despite her professing to be
safe and taking the necessary precautions.” Eve could tell he didn’t feel
comfortable with this chat!

“She hoped for a proposal but once he realised she had
tricked him he ended their relationship. Nathan always had the intention of
supporting his child. Sasha threatened to abort the baby unless he paid her
money, so he paid her off to keep the child. Now she is threatening to give it
up for adoption and is exhorting more cash that way. Make no mistake, Nathan
was an idiot but he has been dealing with an imbalanced woman. He intends to
get custody of the baby as she doesn’t want it, unless he marries her of
course.” Eve felt awful at the conclusions she had jumped to; but still this
was a huge secret to keep from her, then again she was keeping a large one
herself. She needed to see him and apologise, and hope he would forgive her, it
was time for honesty. Christopher bid her goodnight and Eve straightened out
her dress.

Eve practically ran barefoot to Nathan’s room knocking on
the door desperate to see his face. When he pulled it open she threw herself
into his arms sobbing. Nathan swept her off her feet in one move and carried
her to the bedroom. Sitting on the edge he waited for her to calm down;

“Eve honey it is okay now; don’t cry, look at me please” Eve
wiped her tears and looked at him for the first time, he sucked in a breath
when he saw her red cheek, Eve had completely forgotten about that.

“Did she hit you?” Eve nodded as he stroked her face “Jesus
Eve I am so sorry, she is a total head case, I totally understand why you were
so angry. I should have told you all about her a long time ago, she is trouble
I am so sorry” Eve shook her head

“I am sorry too, I have my own demons and I shouldn’t expect
you to open up if I don’t” Eve took a deep breath “You asked me about the man I
saw earlier?” He was suddenly very attentive

“He is called Rory, when I was in the care home he groomed
me to be his girlfriend when I was fifteen. I got pregnant after a few months
of being his adoring puppy; because of my age he took me to a back street
clinic to have an abortion. He was so angry that I had risked exposing him for rape
of a minor” Nathan was riled up already

“Rory dropped me off at the home and took off; I haven’t
seen him since, until today. Anyway I reacted badly to the abortion and
contracted a severe infection. Tara took care of me secretly but in the end she
had to get help and I was rushed to hospital. I had to have a full
hysterectomy, and now I am unable to have children, I am sorry for not telling
you. If this alters things I totally understand, why you would want a woman who
can’t give you a family.” Eve was rambling but soon stopped when she saw his
face.

“Eve I have only ever wanted you, if it is just you and I
for the rest of our lives that is fine with me. As for the arsehole, let Sally
deal with him, any problems you must tell us straight away, we all have
skeletons Eve we just have to learn how to manage them. You are all I want and I
will prove that to you”

Nathan stood up and pulled her to her feet, saying nothing
he reached around her and unzipped her dress so it fell to the floor in a
puddle. He groaned as he saw her body for the first time, his lips met hers in
frenzy. Before she could take a breath Eve found herself naked and being
worshipped by an equally naked and delicious Nathan. His body was even more
dramatic in the flesh; his perfectly toned torso was smooth and rigid under her
fingers. As he plunged into her she welcomed him with a moan and together they
were swept away on a wave of sensation that continued well into the early
morning.