![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Author: Rolange
Rating: Adult concepts
Summary: Takes place after Fearless Heart. It's a bit long. I was going to edit it but found I just don't have the time. So, I appreciate any who bear with me, lol.
Warnings: Some violence, some sexual content. Also, I do not own the FX: The Series characters and am making no profit from them. They are the property of Rysher Entertainment et al.
Chapter Three
Rollie had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for Angie when he heard Bluey barking. He looked at his watch, 3:30 am.
“Bluey, front entrance.” He could see Angie struggling with the key, dropping it several times and staggering to stand up. “Bluey, Angie’s drunk.” The electronic dog made a questioning whimper and shook his head from side to side. Rollie made his way over to the door. As he opened it Angie fell to his knees, because she had been leaning against it at the time.
“Angie? Angie you okay?” he helped her to her feet. Angie’s eyes were glassed over and she had a goofy grin on her face. Still, Rollie thought, she’s a beautiful drunk.
“Roly…roll…” Angie stammered, “I’m goood,” she waved her hand, “I feeeel goooood,” she slurred and her knees buckled.
“Yeah well, you feel that way now. I can guarantee you won’t feel that way in the morning.”
Rollie maneuvered Angie over to the stairs, “C’mon Angie, work with me here. I gotta get you into bed. C’mon, that’s it…another step.” Getting her up the stairs was difficult with her swaying and almost passing out but finally Rollie managed to carry her the rest of the way to the living quarters upstairs. He placed her down onto the floor and she stood, still unsteady on her feet.
They had just reached the room when Angie’s hand went to her mouth and a sour expression passed her face.
“Oh! I don’t…I don’t feel so good.” She cried as she waved her hand in front of her face.
Putting his arm under hers Rollie quickly took her into the bathroom. Angie made it to the toilet in time to empty the contents of her stomach into it. She held the sides of the toilet for dear life. When she was done she laid herself on the cool floor, her face against the tile. Rollie watched in bemusement. He had never seen Angie like this before.
He poured her some water and got a cool washcloth and sat down on the floor with her. He cradled her head in his lap, “Here drink this.”
“Oh no,” she whimpered as she tried to move away but the floor was moving, “Whoa! Nice floor…nice floor,” Angie swatted the glass away, “No more…no more drinking,” she shook her head but then quickly grabbed her head and moaned, “I don’t feel…feel…so good.” She cried.
“I know, sweetie. I know,” Rollie wiped her brow with the cool cloth and smiled against the top of her head. They sat there until Angie had to throw up again and then she placed her head on the floor again. Rollie went to the bedroom and fetched her robe, which she now left here, and grabbed his own and returned to the bathroom. Slowly, he began to undress Angie and then undressed himself. He started the shower and pulled a half asleep Angie into it with him. She screamed when the cold water hit her skin and she fought against Rollie at first. Once they were finished Rollie had Angie brush her teeth. Then he walked her into the bedroom and they lay down on the bed together. As her head lay against his chest Rollie caressed Angie’s still damp hair until they both fell asleep.
The next morning Angie moaned as the morning light hit her eyes. She covered her eyes with her hands but the touch hurt her head. She whimpered. She pulled the pillow out from under her head and placed it over her head. Even that hurt though. Her hair hurt. Her eyeballs hurt. Her skin hurt. She felt like her tongue was a shag rug. She threw the pillow off and tried sitting up but couldn’t stop the room from spinning. She grabbed her head and lay back down, a moan escaping her lips.
Rollie picked up the pillow near the doorway, a sly smile curving his lips. He had a glass of some murky liquid in his hands.
“You awake?” he asked.
“I’m dead,” Angie whimpered.
Rollie sat down on the side of the bed. The movement brought Angie’s hand to her mouth.
“Here, drink this,” he instructed her.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Nope.”
Rollie helped Angie to a sitting position. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was pale. Her hair had dried in some weird positions as well.
“What is it?” Angie asked warily.
“It’s for your hangover. Trust me,” he smiled, “It’ll settle your stomach. But hold your nose when you drink it and drink it all in one gulp.”
Angie looked at Rollie and then did as he told her. After finishing the concoction she gasped, “Oh that’s awful!” she coughed, “what’s in it?”
Rollie laughed, “Oh, a couple of raw eggs, some Tabasco sauce, and a little Aussie magic.”
“It’s putrid!”
“It works,” Rollie assured her. He moved to sit behind her and caressed her hair…his hands getting caught in some knots along the way. “So, you want to tell me how this happened last night?”
Angie was quiet for some time and Rollie had thought she had fallen asleep. Finally she spoke. “Mira’s hurting Rollie,” she wasn’t sure if she should tell him about Mira’s feelings for him and then decided against it. “She still in love with Michael. She says she can’t let go and she can’t move on. And…I think seeing us happy is just making her even more unhappy.”
“But Ange…to get drunk?”
“I know. I know, not the smartest thing to do. But she really needed to talk and to feel numb and to feel free for a little while. You know Mira is so by the book; she really needed to cut loose and not be Det. Mira Sanchez for a little while.”
“Ange, tell me Mira didn’t drive home.”
“No she didn’t. She picked me up in a taxi, which I thought was odd, but I guess she was planning on getting tanked right from the beginning.”
“So, what’s your poison?” Rollie asked after a pause.
Angie bit her lip and hesitated, “Umm…tequila shots with a beer chaser.”
“Bloody hell. Tequila?” Rollie’s eyebrow rose, “how much did you have?”
Angie hesitated again, “Six—no nine shots plus about three or four beers, I think. At least that’s what I remember.”
“No wonder you’re sick. Was that your first time?” he asked, never having seen Angie drunk before.
Angie shook her head, which she realized right away was a mistake. She moaned and looked at Rollie. “Oh Rollie, give me a break. I’ve been drunk before you know? I used to handle it better though in my younger days. I never told you or my father about it but drinking is a sort of right-of-passage in university. Actually, it’s a pretty stupid tradition.”
“It’s a good thing you didn’t tell us, especially your dad. He would have pulled you out of there by your hair,” he looked down at her, “how do you feel now?”
“A bit better. Thank you.”
“You should get some rest,” Rollie moved from behind her.
Angie sat up when she remembered something. “Aren’t we supposed to meet with Donna over lunch?” the thought of food made her feel nauseous and she returned her head to her pillow, her hand going to her mouth.
“You are not going anywhere. I’ll either cancel it—“
“No. Don’t cancel it Rollie she’s only in town for a few days.”
“All right. I’ll keep the meeting with her for lunch if you’re sure you will be all right.”
Angie smiled weakly, “I’ll be all right. I’m going to close my eyes and try to sleep, I promise.”
Rollie met Donna Ho at a small bistro in the village. She was surprised to see that Angie wasn’t going to be there as well, but soon was very happy to have Rollie all to herself. She remembered Angie’s descriptions of Rollie and was pleased to see that he lived up to her descriptions. Angie had always referred to Rollie Tyler as her boss and her best friend. Angie had told Donna that she and Rollie were now closer than ever and promised they would catch up with each other and she would fill her in while she was in town. Rollie, though, was totally oblivious to Donna’s flirtations and wanted only to discuss business. Donna said that she had just arrived that morning and didn’t bring her company’s proposal with her to lunch. She gave a brief outline of what they wanted, but suggested that she and Rollie get together for dinner to discuss the matter further. Knowing how important it was to Angie that he hears Donna out, he agreed to meet for dinner at the same restaurant tomorrow night. Donna gave Rollie the name of her hotel and her room number…in case he had any questions he wanted to go over with her before then.
Rollie returned to the loft to find Angie lounging on the couch downstairs listening to music and reading a magazine. She was wearing a pair of black leggings and one of Rollie’s sweaters. She wore little make up and had her hair tucked behind her ears. Rollie thought that she looked so young it made him wonder what the hell he was doing with her. He pushed those thoughts away as he sat down near her feet on the couch.
“How’d it go?” she asked.
Rollie shrugged, “She wasn’t prepared. She hadn’t brought the proposal with her so we have to get together for dinner tomorrow. And this time you are going to be there,” he leaned in and looked her in the eyes.
Angie knew how much it bothered him when other people weren’t prepared. She had thought Donna would have been more professional than that.
“I’m sorry it was a waste of your time,” Angie apologized as they held hands across the back of the couch.
“It wasn’t a waste of my time…yet,” his thumb caressed her fingers, “how do you feel?”
“Still queasy,” she admitted as she made a face, “but better. I tell you it will be a long time before I drink like that again.”
“If ever,” he warned her as he leaned in for a kiss.
Angie was still feeling pretty raw so the kiss was very light and sweet. Rollie moved up and lay beside her on the couch, his back against the couch and his arm resting on Angie’s thigh. Angie’s fingers caressed Rollie’s hair, her head leaning down onto his, his head against her breast. Angie remembered what Mira had said about Rollie last night and a pang of jealousy and fear coursed through her.
“I love you, Rollie, though…I don’t deserve you.”
Rollie looked up at Angie and wondered why she felt that way. He tightened his grip around Angie’s thigh, “Yes you do. We deserve each other. I love you, Angel.”
Rollie and Angie arrived early the following evening for their dinner with Donna. Angie went to the washroom leaving Rollie at the table waiting for Donna to arrive. She arrived two seconds after Angie had left. Donna was dressed to thrill, wearing a very low cut dress with a slit that showed practically her whole leg. The dress almost made Rollie’s eyes pop out. He wondered who she was trying to impress, and then the thought him that maybe she was meeting someone after their meeting. Rollie stood when she arrived and held the chair for her. Instead of sitting in it right away though, Donna greeted Rollie with a passionate kiss.
“It’s nice to see you again Rollie. Although I was disappointed that you didn’t take me up on my invitation to continue the meeting at my hotel,” she purred.
Rollie was tongue-tied. He scratched his ear nervously, “Uh…Donna, you seem to have the wrong impression —“ just then he spotted Angie returning from the washroom and his eyes brightened. “Angie? Sweetie, look who’s here….”
Rollie’s arm went tightly around Angie’s waist and he pulled her close. Angie looked up at Rollie puzzled, and then spotted what looked like lipstick on the corner of his mouth. Angie took the napkin off the table and reached up and wiped it off Rollie’s mouth, catching his embarrassed look. Angie noticed the color was the same shade as what Donna was wearing.
Angie’s eyes narrowed at Donna, “What’s going on here?”
“Angie? Is there a problem?”
Angie’s hands went to her hips, “A problem? You bet there’s a problem,” Angie’s voice rose, “Since when do you dress like that to meet a potential partner? Since when do you kiss that potential partner on the mouth? Since when do you screw around with my boyfriend?” and with that Angie threw the napkin in Donna’s face.
Rollie just stood there between the two women watching everything. Boyfriend, he thought. I guess that’s what I am. Wow! He had never seen Angie possessive before.
Angie grabbed Rollie’s hand and pulled him away, “C’mon Rollie. We don’t need this.”
Angie stormed out of the restaurant and was halfway down the block, in the opposite direction of Rollie’s car, before Rollie pulled her to a stop.
“Hey, hey…hold up there champ,” Rollie called to her.
Angie stood with her arms crossed against her chest; anger colored her cheeks and her brow was furrowed.
“What happened in there was a mistake, a misunderstanding. But there was no reason for us to walk out of the meeting. Angie? You’re the one that wanted to meet with her in the first place.”
“I know. It was a stupid idea. You were right. We have too much on our plates right now. I should never have dragged you into this,” Angie looked at the pavement, “Donna hasn’t changed….” She said quietly.
Rollie sighed, “Do you want to go back in there or do you want to write this off?”
“Don’t even think for one minute that I am going back in there. No way! I thought I was doing Donna a favor,” Angie let out a loud, frustrated sigh. Her arms were crossed. “Let’s just forget this whole thing.”
Rollie stared at her a moment and realized it was useless to try and change her mind. Besides, it was no skin off his bones.
“Fine by me. Hey Ange, look!” Rollie shook her shoulder, “There’s a Harryhausen festival playing at that theatre over there. Look what’s playing; It Came from Beneath the Sea! A B-movie classic if ever there was one. Hey, they’re also going to be showing The Seven Voyages of Sinbad too! C’mon Ange. We have got to see it.”
Angie smiled and shrugged her shoulders, “Why not.”
Rollie pulled her to him and kissed her passionately, “Oh my God, Ange, I want you so bad right now.”
Angie poked his rib remembering how she acted when she found out about working with Johnny Rhodes, “Stop making fun of me.”
“Who’s making fun of you,” he asked, “Johnny Rhodes turns you on…Ray Harryhausen turns me on. Just picture it, you and me in a darkened theatre…a Cyclops on the big screen. Who could ask for anything more?”
On Monday morning Angie went to the video location to meet Daryl and to meet the band. Angie was nervous about finally meeting Johnny Rhodes. Not that she really had a crush on him anymore…that lifelong crush was reserved for Rollie. But, so often in the business she was in illusion and dreams about people were stripped away. Actors were just people who were paid to act. Some were nice, most weren’t. Many were jerks and prima donna’s. Angie knew this because she met many of them, some on the way up in their careers, some on the way down. But somehow Angie still put musicians in a different class. Angie thought it was an incredible gift to be born with the ability to make music or sing. This was a talent she didn’t have and she greatly admired it in other people.
Angie saw the limo arrive and waited with anticipation. She put her sunglasses on in an attempt to give herself some privacy, not to look cool, but she noticed that almost everyone around her was wearing sunglasses. So, she took hers off. Then she saw him. Johnny Rhodes, the lead singer for the grunge era band Scorched Earth. Angie had to admit he looked very sexy, dressed in black leather pants and a blue silk shirt that hung over his pants. He had jet-black shoulder length hair, which hung to his shoulders. And sunglasses.
She hoped he wasn’t going to turn out to be an ass.
Daryl went over to greet the band warmly. Then he introduced Angie and some other crewmembers. The introduction didn’t take long because there weren’t many crewmembers. Angie counted six in all, including her. Daryl told the band that he wanted to begin filming this afternoon.
When Angie returned to the loft later that evening she found Rollie mapping out a 3D model for one of the actions sequences. He had a plate of fries in front of him.
“Hey,” she called.
Rollie looked up from the computer, “Hey.”
Angie came over and looked over his shoulder, “What are you working on?”
“A mock-up for one of the sequences,” he caught a smirk on her face. “Do you think you could clean it up for me when you get the chance?”
“Sure.”
“Soooo, did you meet Johnny Rhodes?” he asked as his eyebrow rose.
“Yep.”
“Sooo what’s he like?” he asked as he tried to hide his jealousy.
“He’s still gorgeous,” Angie smirked, “I just met him today. Look,” she held something up, “They gave me promotional t-shirts and their new CD. Tomorrow I get to work with the band a little bit. They want their faces to morph into other people’s faces, you know, amateur stuff. But it’s fun. I have to do CGI fire effects, which will be cool. I don’t think I need to be on set all the time though. Most of the work can actually be done here.”
“I thought you wanted to be there?”
“I do, but not if there’s work on our real job that needs to be done.”
“There’s no hurry,” Rollie assured her, “I’m doing most of the prelim work now, so that’s not a problem,” after these long hard months he wanted Angie to have some fun in her life. “Where are you filming?”
“Oh, you know the old Gasworks building—“
“Isn’t that place slated for demolition?” Rollie interrupted and looked concerned.
“Yes, but not for two weeks,” she assured him, “we should—”
“Should?”
“Be out of there by then,” Angie continued. “You should see the place, Rol. It’s cool. It’s going to add a real industrial, post-apocalyptic look to the video. “
“Yeah, well, you just make damn sure you are out of that building before they blow it up.” After their experience with Levi, Rollie wasn’t comfortable putting trust in Angie’s friends. Rollie rubbed his hands on his face. He was tired. He had been at this all day.
“Here. Let me work on this for a while. Why don’t you go rest?”
“Because you’ve been working too.”
“Yeah, but this is second nature to me…just like explosions and electronics are second nature to you. Go, go, go!” Angie pushed him out of the chair and took over as she handed him his plate of fries.
“Oh by the way,” Rollie called back to her, “Luce called. She’s arriving Friday. Let the bells ring.”
Angie spent most of the week at the video shoot. And she spent a lot of time getting to know the band, especially Johnny Rhodes. She found him to be shy, articulate, and sensitive. Johnny found Angie a breath of fresh air, to be real and unpretentious. They got along really well.
Angie and Johnny talked over a late lunch while the next shot was being rigged. Johnny was fascinated by Angie’s line of work and actually liked some of the same B-movies that Rollie liked. Like Rollie, he said they were so bad they were good.
“So is this you first video?” Angie asked.
“Nah,” Johnny smiled. “We made one a couple a few years ago when we first started out. It was a terrible experience though. I didn’t want a literal translation of the song to video because I think that people’s imagination should be inspired. But the director had his own ideas. I was so green that I didn’t think that I could exercise creative control. I know better now but I must admit that when it comes to visualizing music videos I’m not very good. Anyway, it left a terrible taste in my mouth. I felt like my song had been stolen from me.”
“That’s understandable. I know many screenwriters and directors, and at least one FX artist who feel the same way.”
“Yeah. So we stopped making videos for a while. Plus…there was so much media attention then too….”
“I remember,” Angie smiled, “Scorched Earth was all over the place, along with Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins —“
“Yeah, it was a real media circus. It was pretty intense for a while. Real intense….”
Angie detected sadness in Johnny now. “How did you handle it?”
“The truth?” Johnny smiled nervously. “Not very well. I turned to drugs for energy, for escape. You know you have to be ‘on’ almost all the time and I just couldn’t keep up and I didn’t want to let people down,” Johnny was quiet for some time. “I got hooked on cocaine. It was pretty bad, by the end I was doing crack. I almost died,” his voice was quiet, almost a whisper. “The other band members sat me down one day and read me the riot act, either I get help or I would be out. Me. It was my band. I fought it at first. I was in denial and I was surrounded by people who wanted to keep me hooked. I mean, I was literally giving away money. People I didn’t even know were living in my house. I finally hit rock bottom after a string of arrests and I nearly overdosed,” he took a long drag from his cigarette and chewed on his thumb his eyes staring off into the distance. “I went into rehab and I’ve been clean ever since. Look,” he rolled up his sleeves and showed her his arms. “What do you see?”
Angie looked at his arms, puzzled. “Nothing. Well, a rose tattoo with the name Jane,” she touched his inside wrist.
“Yeah. And no needle marks. I don’t shoot up, snort or even smoke the stuff anymore. It’s a struggle but I nearly died. I’ll never forget that.”
“But you’re doing it. You’re staying drug free and that’s admirable. Now you’re back making music after what? Three years?”
“Yeah. Three years. The music industry has changed a lot. Scorched Earth is no longer the media darlings we once were, not that I’m complaining. I think the media attention is at a much more manageable level now. Of course, our manager Mickey doesn’t feel that way.”
“I noticed. He’s so worried about the record sales. Every time I see him he’s on the phone obsessing over some detail or other. He’s really intense.”
Johnny laughed, “Yeah, he is. He’s been with us from the beginning. He’s okay. He actually thinks my songwriting has suffered since rehab—“
“You’re kidding?”
“No. I’m not,” Johnny shook his head sadly, “He doesn’t realize how much the music business has changed. We’re not the flavor of the week anymore. People seem to want that prepackaged stuff that’s out there. Me? I just want to make music and enjoy the rest of the ride.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
They were called back to the set for another shot. On their way back, Johnny touched Angie’s elbow and leaned in. “Angie? Thanks. It’s nice to talk to someone who doesn’t want something from me. I hope we can stay friends once the video is done.”
Angie smiled at him, “I’d like that. By the way, who’s Jane?”
Johnny smiled and whispered in her ear, “She’s my wife. But you can’t say anything. I met her in rehab and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But with the new album and the tour and Mickey being all tense about things, we thought we should keep it quiet for a few months. Outside of my mom and her parents, you’re the only one who knows.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” she promised.
Rollie had picked Lucinda up at the airport that afternoon and since she was still on the phone trying to make arrangements for where she could stay, he brought her to the loft. She had been on the phone the entire ride back so they didn’t have the chance to catch up.
Rollie left her bags in the car until she found a place to stay. He couldn’t believe how much she had packed for a few days.
“Home sweet home,” Lucinda sighed, “I’m so glad you haven’t changed things Rollie. I cannot tell you how nice it is to see some things remain the same. Hi Blue.” Lucinda smiled and walked around the loft, touching the dragon, and the other animatronics that were placed here and there. “Where’s Angie?”
“Angie’s working.”
“What? Don’t tell me you two aren’t together anymore? I cannot —”
“Relax Luce. Angie is working on a music video project for a friend. She hasn’t quit her day job.”
“Rollie?” she said so sweetly that Rollie knew she wanted something.
“What?”
“Rollie, can I please stay here for a few days? I was supposed to stay with my friend Miranda but she went and got herself a boyfriend and now I can’t stay there. And you heard me on the phone trying to find someone else I could stay with. Please, please, please!” she came over to him wringing her hands and looking so like a little girl lost. Rollie would have fallen for it too, if that hadn’t been the same act she pulled when he first met her and she later set him up for murder. It seemed like yesterday.
“Ah, no, Luce. Sorry.”
“Please? I can stay on the couch, or in the garage. Please?”
“No, no, and no.”
“Why are you being so mean?” Lucinda stamped her foot and pouted.
“I said no,” the truth was that Rollie was expecting Angie back tonight, maybe. He and Angie still hadn’t told Lucinda about the change in their relationship. He wasn’t sure how to begin either. Rollie sat down at his desk. Lucinda followed and bent over seductively over the desk.
“C’mon Rollie. Let me stay.”
“Lucinda, I said no.” Rollie looked at her with a touch of frustration on his face. “Why don’t you get on that phone of yours and call some more of your friends and find out if you can stay with one of them?”
Lucinda let out a loud, frustrated sigh. “Rollie Tyler, you don’t love me anymore!”
Angie stayed most of the week at her apartment because of the late night shooting schedule. She often finished on the set at two or three in the morning and since Rollie wasn’t on a shooting schedule, she didn’t want to disturb him. She and Rollie hadn’t seen each other since Tuesday morning when Angie left for the shoot. Angie returned to the loft Friday afternoon after the shoot broke for the weekend. She was surprised to see Lucinda there. She had forgotten that she was arriving that afternoon. Angie placed her bag on the inside of the door and came up slowly up the stairs. Rollie saw her and his eyes brightened. He mouthed the words ‘thank you’ and rolled his eyes. Angie laughed.
“Angie!” Lucinda turned when she heard Angie’s laugh. She went over and gave her a big hug.
“Hey, Lucinda. You look great.”
“So do you. You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? And there’s something else….” Lucinda held her chin. There was something different about Angie. For that matter, she thought, there’s something different about Rollie too. He’s grumpier. Whatever it was, she would figure it out later. Right now she was on a mission. “Angie? Help me convince Rollie to let me stay here.”
Angie’s eyebrow rose, “What?”
“Luce’s friend bailed on her so now she doesn’t have a place to stay,” Rollie explained from his desk. “I told her the city is full of some really nice hotels—”
“And I am a struggling actor,” Lucinda interjected, “I don’t have the money to shell out for a hotel stay especially if I don’t get the job. Besides it’s only temporary depending on if I get the job, because if I do then I can stay at an apartment hotel for a few months. If I don’t…well then, I will be back on a flight to LA,” she looked at Angie again, “Angie please?”
Angie’s eyes narrowed and she bit her lip. God, for a moment she was almost convinced to help Lucinda. She turned to Rollie, “You didn’t tell her?” she asked quietly.
“I didn’t have the chance. We just got back a few minutes before you arrived and she was on the phone the whole way over,” he motioned with his hands as if to say ‘blah blah blah’.
“Tell me what?” Lucinda’s ears perked up.
Rollie and Angie looked at each other. Lucinda would be the first person they would be telling about them. Mira and Francis already knew, or guessed. Mangela just knew. They really hadn’t told any of their friends. Angie sat down on the desk, her hands clasped under her chin pondering the situation. Rollie came around the desk and sat beside her.
“What going on?” Lucinda asked.
Rollie took one of Angie’s hands in his and smiled down at her and then he looked at Lucinda. “Luce, Angie and I have something—”
“To tell you—” Angie interjected.
“We uh…we’ve been—” Rollie continued.
“Seeing each other—”
“A lot,” Rollie smiled at Angie, “As a matter of fact, we’re in love,” he stared into Angie’s eyes, “And the reason you can’t stay here is because—”
“Because I’ve…been…staying… here,” Angie finished slowly, her eyes still mesmerized by Rollie’s.
The couple then turned their attention to Lucinda, who stood staring back at them. Lucinda had her hand on her chin as if she had heard everything they had said.
“Wait a minute. Back up,” she said finally as she held up her hands. “You two are in love?” she looked at them, stunned. There was a momentary pause and then she broke out into the biggest smile they had ever seen. She even had tears in her eyes. “Oh my gosh! You guys! I am so happy for you,” she cried and came over and hugged the both of them. “When did this happen? How? Tell me everything. ”
Angie bit her lip and looked at Rollie. “It’s a long story,” Rollie offered finally, “suffice it to say that we both woke up to what was underneath our noses for so long. We can no longer deny the definite, combustible, attraction we both have for one another,” he said as he leaned in for a nibble on Angie’s neck. Angie blushed but didn’t pull away.
“Oooh” Lucinda smiled as she watched her two best friends, “well let me just say that you both deserve this. I think you are perfect for each other. I always have,” she smiled and twirled away.
“Oh really?” Rollie followed her, leaving a disappointed Angie on the desk. “Is that why you kept setting her up on dates? Trying to get some male model to steal her away from me? Because she was perfect for me?”
Lucinda laughed, “It was part of my master plan to make you see what you could lose if you didn’t smarten up.”
“Right,” Rollie shook his head, “And if I believe that I’m sure you’ve got some lovely swamp land in Florida that you would just love to sell me.”
The three of them ordered in and over dinner Angie offered her apartment to Lucinda until she finds another place, that is, if she got the part. Angie filled everybody in on the music video. She told them of her conversation with Johnny Rhodes, keeping his secret however.
“Are you sure he’s clean?” Rollie asked, his manner serious.
Angie knew how much it angered him to see people doing drugs. “He’s clean, Rol. He’s worked really hard to stay that way too. I admire that. He’s a really nice guy. I think you’d like him. He even likes the same B-movies that you do.”
Lucinda watched the exchange and nudged Rollie’s shoulder, “Jealous, Rollie?”
“No. I’m not,” he insisted, perhaps too easily.
Angie offered to drive Lucinda to her apartment. Since she was going to be staying there and Angie was going to be staying at the loft with Rollie, Angie needed to pick up a few extra things so she wouldn’t disturb Lucinda while she was there.
Angie returned carrying her stuff and her pet carrier. Rollie spotted the cat and his eyebrow rose. He sauntered over to Angie and helped her with her things. He sucked on a lollipop as he picked up the cat carrier.
“So this is starting to have a look of permanence,” he smiled crookedly, as he stuck his finger in the cat cage and smiled at Bluey, “look Bluey, a new toy!” Rollie knelt down and opened the cat cage. Bluey immediately started barking, the cat immediately started hissing.
Angie gasped and picked up Chiops, “How can you be so mean to my baby?” she came closer to Rollie and held out a paw to Rollie’s face, “she’s your baby now too,” she smiled sweetly.
Rollie just looked at the cat with indifference, “Ah…no,” he growled, “just keep the little fur ball away from my stuff and we’ll be fine.”
Angie set up a litter box in the garage for Chiops. She had put together a bed for him too but couldn’t decide where to put it. She decided to put it near the couch in the lounge. Chiops liked to be around people so she figured she would like it there.
“So, did Luce get settled in?” Rollie asked as he watched Angie place the cat bed in the lounge and pet the cat until she settled into place.
“Yes she is all settled.”
“So what did you two talk about on your way over there?”
Angie smiled slyly, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Rollie thought about it, “Maybe not. You women can have your secrets.” Rollie came up behind Angie and placed his arms around her waist, “I thought she would never leave,” he whispered in her ear. “I haven’t seen you in three days. I’ve missed you.”
Angie’s head went back to rest on Rollie’s shoulder, her hand reached up and caressed his face. “I’ve missed you too. It’s been a long week. I’m going to go up and take a shower….” She pulled away from Rollie and caught his disappointed look, “are you going to come and cheer me on?”
“In the shower?” Rollie looked puzzled but was game, “whatever turns you on—”
“I meant tomorrow,” Angie laughed. “My hockey game, remember?”
“Oh right,” Rollie snapped his fingers. “I guess. You seem healthy enough, although…it might be a good idea for Dr. Tyler here to perform a complete physical on you, just to be sure.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Hmmm. A complete physical?”
“Yep. Could take all night.”
“Okay. And would my doctor be this handsome Dr. Tyler I see before me? Or the strange buck-toothed guy I see from time to time?” she smiled.
“Well, that depends. Which one would you like it to be?”
“Oh, no contest…this one,” she pulled him closer by his lapels and leaned in and kissed Rollie slowly and softly on the mouth. She held his face in her hands. “I’ve always wanted to play doctor with you,” she said throatily and then turned and went up stairs.
“Angela, you naughty girl!” Rollie cried as he ran up after her.
Rating: Adult concepts
Summary: Takes place after Fearless Heart. It's a bit long. I was going to edit it but found I just don't have the time. So, I appreciate any who bear with me, lol.
Warnings: Some violence, some sexual content. Also, I do not own the FX: The Series characters and am making no profit from them. They are the property of Rysher Entertainment et al.
Chapter Three
Rollie had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for Angie when he heard Bluey barking. He looked at his watch, 3:30 am.
“Bluey, front entrance.” He could see Angie struggling with the key, dropping it several times and staggering to stand up. “Bluey, Angie’s drunk.” The electronic dog made a questioning whimper and shook his head from side to side. Rollie made his way over to the door. As he opened it Angie fell to his knees, because she had been leaning against it at the time.
“Angie? Angie you okay?” he helped her to her feet. Angie’s eyes were glassed over and she had a goofy grin on her face. Still, Rollie thought, she’s a beautiful drunk.
“Roly…roll…” Angie stammered, “I’m goood,” she waved her hand, “I feeeel goooood,” she slurred and her knees buckled.
“Yeah well, you feel that way now. I can guarantee you won’t feel that way in the morning.”
Rollie maneuvered Angie over to the stairs, “C’mon Angie, work with me here. I gotta get you into bed. C’mon, that’s it…another step.” Getting her up the stairs was difficult with her swaying and almost passing out but finally Rollie managed to carry her the rest of the way to the living quarters upstairs. He placed her down onto the floor and she stood, still unsteady on her feet.
They had just reached the room when Angie’s hand went to her mouth and a sour expression passed her face.
“Oh! I don’t…I don’t feel so good.” She cried as she waved her hand in front of her face.
Putting his arm under hers Rollie quickly took her into the bathroom. Angie made it to the toilet in time to empty the contents of her stomach into it. She held the sides of the toilet for dear life. When she was done she laid herself on the cool floor, her face against the tile. Rollie watched in bemusement. He had never seen Angie like this before.
He poured her some water and got a cool washcloth and sat down on the floor with her. He cradled her head in his lap, “Here drink this.”
“Oh no,” she whimpered as she tried to move away but the floor was moving, “Whoa! Nice floor…nice floor,” Angie swatted the glass away, “No more…no more drinking,” she shook her head but then quickly grabbed her head and moaned, “I don’t feel…feel…so good.” She cried.
“I know, sweetie. I know,” Rollie wiped her brow with the cool cloth and smiled against the top of her head. They sat there until Angie had to throw up again and then she placed her head on the floor again. Rollie went to the bedroom and fetched her robe, which she now left here, and grabbed his own and returned to the bathroom. Slowly, he began to undress Angie and then undressed himself. He started the shower and pulled a half asleep Angie into it with him. She screamed when the cold water hit her skin and she fought against Rollie at first. Once they were finished Rollie had Angie brush her teeth. Then he walked her into the bedroom and they lay down on the bed together. As her head lay against his chest Rollie caressed Angie’s still damp hair until they both fell asleep.
The next morning Angie moaned as the morning light hit her eyes. She covered her eyes with her hands but the touch hurt her head. She whimpered. She pulled the pillow out from under her head and placed it over her head. Even that hurt though. Her hair hurt. Her eyeballs hurt. Her skin hurt. She felt like her tongue was a shag rug. She threw the pillow off and tried sitting up but couldn’t stop the room from spinning. She grabbed her head and lay back down, a moan escaping her lips.
Rollie picked up the pillow near the doorway, a sly smile curving his lips. He had a glass of some murky liquid in his hands.
“You awake?” he asked.
“I’m dead,” Angie whimpered.
Rollie sat down on the side of the bed. The movement brought Angie’s hand to her mouth.
“Here, drink this,” he instructed her.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Nope.”
Rollie helped Angie to a sitting position. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was pale. Her hair had dried in some weird positions as well.
“What is it?” Angie asked warily.
“It’s for your hangover. Trust me,” he smiled, “It’ll settle your stomach. But hold your nose when you drink it and drink it all in one gulp.”
Angie looked at Rollie and then did as he told her. After finishing the concoction she gasped, “Oh that’s awful!” she coughed, “what’s in it?”
Rollie laughed, “Oh, a couple of raw eggs, some Tabasco sauce, and a little Aussie magic.”
“It’s putrid!”
“It works,” Rollie assured her. He moved to sit behind her and caressed her hair…his hands getting caught in some knots along the way. “So, you want to tell me how this happened last night?”
Angie was quiet for some time and Rollie had thought she had fallen asleep. Finally she spoke. “Mira’s hurting Rollie,” she wasn’t sure if she should tell him about Mira’s feelings for him and then decided against it. “She still in love with Michael. She says she can’t let go and she can’t move on. And…I think seeing us happy is just making her even more unhappy.”
“But Ange…to get drunk?”
“I know. I know, not the smartest thing to do. But she really needed to talk and to feel numb and to feel free for a little while. You know Mira is so by the book; she really needed to cut loose and not be Det. Mira Sanchez for a little while.”
“Ange, tell me Mira didn’t drive home.”
“No she didn’t. She picked me up in a taxi, which I thought was odd, but I guess she was planning on getting tanked right from the beginning.”
“So, what’s your poison?” Rollie asked after a pause.
Angie bit her lip and hesitated, “Umm…tequila shots with a beer chaser.”
“Bloody hell. Tequila?” Rollie’s eyebrow rose, “how much did you have?”
Angie hesitated again, “Six—no nine shots plus about three or four beers, I think. At least that’s what I remember.”
“No wonder you’re sick. Was that your first time?” he asked, never having seen Angie drunk before.
Angie shook her head, which she realized right away was a mistake. She moaned and looked at Rollie. “Oh Rollie, give me a break. I’ve been drunk before you know? I used to handle it better though in my younger days. I never told you or my father about it but drinking is a sort of right-of-passage in university. Actually, it’s a pretty stupid tradition.”
“It’s a good thing you didn’t tell us, especially your dad. He would have pulled you out of there by your hair,” he looked down at her, “how do you feel now?”
“A bit better. Thank you.”
“You should get some rest,” Rollie moved from behind her.
Angie sat up when she remembered something. “Aren’t we supposed to meet with Donna over lunch?” the thought of food made her feel nauseous and she returned her head to her pillow, her hand going to her mouth.
“You are not going anywhere. I’ll either cancel it—“
“No. Don’t cancel it Rollie she’s only in town for a few days.”
“All right. I’ll keep the meeting with her for lunch if you’re sure you will be all right.”
Angie smiled weakly, “I’ll be all right. I’m going to close my eyes and try to sleep, I promise.”
Rollie met Donna Ho at a small bistro in the village. She was surprised to see that Angie wasn’t going to be there as well, but soon was very happy to have Rollie all to herself. She remembered Angie’s descriptions of Rollie and was pleased to see that he lived up to her descriptions. Angie had always referred to Rollie Tyler as her boss and her best friend. Angie had told Donna that she and Rollie were now closer than ever and promised they would catch up with each other and she would fill her in while she was in town. Rollie, though, was totally oblivious to Donna’s flirtations and wanted only to discuss business. Donna said that she had just arrived that morning and didn’t bring her company’s proposal with her to lunch. She gave a brief outline of what they wanted, but suggested that she and Rollie get together for dinner to discuss the matter further. Knowing how important it was to Angie that he hears Donna out, he agreed to meet for dinner at the same restaurant tomorrow night. Donna gave Rollie the name of her hotel and her room number…in case he had any questions he wanted to go over with her before then.
Rollie returned to the loft to find Angie lounging on the couch downstairs listening to music and reading a magazine. She was wearing a pair of black leggings and one of Rollie’s sweaters. She wore little make up and had her hair tucked behind her ears. Rollie thought that she looked so young it made him wonder what the hell he was doing with her. He pushed those thoughts away as he sat down near her feet on the couch.
“How’d it go?” she asked.
Rollie shrugged, “She wasn’t prepared. She hadn’t brought the proposal with her so we have to get together for dinner tomorrow. And this time you are going to be there,” he leaned in and looked her in the eyes.
Angie knew how much it bothered him when other people weren’t prepared. She had thought Donna would have been more professional than that.
“I’m sorry it was a waste of your time,” Angie apologized as they held hands across the back of the couch.
“It wasn’t a waste of my time…yet,” his thumb caressed her fingers, “how do you feel?”
“Still queasy,” she admitted as she made a face, “but better. I tell you it will be a long time before I drink like that again.”
“If ever,” he warned her as he leaned in for a kiss.
Angie was still feeling pretty raw so the kiss was very light and sweet. Rollie moved up and lay beside her on the couch, his back against the couch and his arm resting on Angie’s thigh. Angie’s fingers caressed Rollie’s hair, her head leaning down onto his, his head against her breast. Angie remembered what Mira had said about Rollie last night and a pang of jealousy and fear coursed through her.
“I love you, Rollie, though…I don’t deserve you.”
Rollie looked up at Angie and wondered why she felt that way. He tightened his grip around Angie’s thigh, “Yes you do. We deserve each other. I love you, Angel.”
Rollie and Angie arrived early the following evening for their dinner with Donna. Angie went to the washroom leaving Rollie at the table waiting for Donna to arrive. She arrived two seconds after Angie had left. Donna was dressed to thrill, wearing a very low cut dress with a slit that showed practically her whole leg. The dress almost made Rollie’s eyes pop out. He wondered who she was trying to impress, and then the thought him that maybe she was meeting someone after their meeting. Rollie stood when she arrived and held the chair for her. Instead of sitting in it right away though, Donna greeted Rollie with a passionate kiss.
“It’s nice to see you again Rollie. Although I was disappointed that you didn’t take me up on my invitation to continue the meeting at my hotel,” she purred.
Rollie was tongue-tied. He scratched his ear nervously, “Uh…Donna, you seem to have the wrong impression —“ just then he spotted Angie returning from the washroom and his eyes brightened. “Angie? Sweetie, look who’s here….”
Rollie’s arm went tightly around Angie’s waist and he pulled her close. Angie looked up at Rollie puzzled, and then spotted what looked like lipstick on the corner of his mouth. Angie took the napkin off the table and reached up and wiped it off Rollie’s mouth, catching his embarrassed look. Angie noticed the color was the same shade as what Donna was wearing.
Angie’s eyes narrowed at Donna, “What’s going on here?”
“Angie? Is there a problem?”
Angie’s hands went to her hips, “A problem? You bet there’s a problem,” Angie’s voice rose, “Since when do you dress like that to meet a potential partner? Since when do you kiss that potential partner on the mouth? Since when do you screw around with my boyfriend?” and with that Angie threw the napkin in Donna’s face.
Rollie just stood there between the two women watching everything. Boyfriend, he thought. I guess that’s what I am. Wow! He had never seen Angie possessive before.
Angie grabbed Rollie’s hand and pulled him away, “C’mon Rollie. We don’t need this.”
Angie stormed out of the restaurant and was halfway down the block, in the opposite direction of Rollie’s car, before Rollie pulled her to a stop.
“Hey, hey…hold up there champ,” Rollie called to her.
Angie stood with her arms crossed against her chest; anger colored her cheeks and her brow was furrowed.
“What happened in there was a mistake, a misunderstanding. But there was no reason for us to walk out of the meeting. Angie? You’re the one that wanted to meet with her in the first place.”
“I know. It was a stupid idea. You were right. We have too much on our plates right now. I should never have dragged you into this,” Angie looked at the pavement, “Donna hasn’t changed….” She said quietly.
Rollie sighed, “Do you want to go back in there or do you want to write this off?”
“Don’t even think for one minute that I am going back in there. No way! I thought I was doing Donna a favor,” Angie let out a loud, frustrated sigh. Her arms were crossed. “Let’s just forget this whole thing.”
Rollie stared at her a moment and realized it was useless to try and change her mind. Besides, it was no skin off his bones.
“Fine by me. Hey Ange, look!” Rollie shook her shoulder, “There’s a Harryhausen festival playing at that theatre over there. Look what’s playing; It Came from Beneath the Sea! A B-movie classic if ever there was one. Hey, they’re also going to be showing The Seven Voyages of Sinbad too! C’mon Ange. We have got to see it.”
Angie smiled and shrugged her shoulders, “Why not.”
Rollie pulled her to him and kissed her passionately, “Oh my God, Ange, I want you so bad right now.”
Angie poked his rib remembering how she acted when she found out about working with Johnny Rhodes, “Stop making fun of me.”
“Who’s making fun of you,” he asked, “Johnny Rhodes turns you on…Ray Harryhausen turns me on. Just picture it, you and me in a darkened theatre…a Cyclops on the big screen. Who could ask for anything more?”
On Monday morning Angie went to the video location to meet Daryl and to meet the band. Angie was nervous about finally meeting Johnny Rhodes. Not that she really had a crush on him anymore…that lifelong crush was reserved for Rollie. But, so often in the business she was in illusion and dreams about people were stripped away. Actors were just people who were paid to act. Some were nice, most weren’t. Many were jerks and prima donna’s. Angie knew this because she met many of them, some on the way up in their careers, some on the way down. But somehow Angie still put musicians in a different class. Angie thought it was an incredible gift to be born with the ability to make music or sing. This was a talent she didn’t have and she greatly admired it in other people.
Angie saw the limo arrive and waited with anticipation. She put her sunglasses on in an attempt to give herself some privacy, not to look cool, but she noticed that almost everyone around her was wearing sunglasses. So, she took hers off. Then she saw him. Johnny Rhodes, the lead singer for the grunge era band Scorched Earth. Angie had to admit he looked very sexy, dressed in black leather pants and a blue silk shirt that hung over his pants. He had jet-black shoulder length hair, which hung to his shoulders. And sunglasses.
She hoped he wasn’t going to turn out to be an ass.
Daryl went over to greet the band warmly. Then he introduced Angie and some other crewmembers. The introduction didn’t take long because there weren’t many crewmembers. Angie counted six in all, including her. Daryl told the band that he wanted to begin filming this afternoon.
When Angie returned to the loft later that evening she found Rollie mapping out a 3D model for one of the actions sequences. He had a plate of fries in front of him.
“Hey,” she called.
Rollie looked up from the computer, “Hey.”
Angie came over and looked over his shoulder, “What are you working on?”
“A mock-up for one of the sequences,” he caught a smirk on her face. “Do you think you could clean it up for me when you get the chance?”
“Sure.”
“Soooo, did you meet Johnny Rhodes?” he asked as his eyebrow rose.
“Yep.”
“Sooo what’s he like?” he asked as he tried to hide his jealousy.
“He’s still gorgeous,” Angie smirked, “I just met him today. Look,” she held something up, “They gave me promotional t-shirts and their new CD. Tomorrow I get to work with the band a little bit. They want their faces to morph into other people’s faces, you know, amateur stuff. But it’s fun. I have to do CGI fire effects, which will be cool. I don’t think I need to be on set all the time though. Most of the work can actually be done here.”
“I thought you wanted to be there?”
“I do, but not if there’s work on our real job that needs to be done.”
“There’s no hurry,” Rollie assured her, “I’m doing most of the prelim work now, so that’s not a problem,” after these long hard months he wanted Angie to have some fun in her life. “Where are you filming?”
“Oh, you know the old Gasworks building—“
“Isn’t that place slated for demolition?” Rollie interrupted and looked concerned.
“Yes, but not for two weeks,” she assured him, “we should—”
“Should?”
“Be out of there by then,” Angie continued. “You should see the place, Rol. It’s cool. It’s going to add a real industrial, post-apocalyptic look to the video. “
“Yeah, well, you just make damn sure you are out of that building before they blow it up.” After their experience with Levi, Rollie wasn’t comfortable putting trust in Angie’s friends. Rollie rubbed his hands on his face. He was tired. He had been at this all day.
“Here. Let me work on this for a while. Why don’t you go rest?”
“Because you’ve been working too.”
“Yeah, but this is second nature to me…just like explosions and electronics are second nature to you. Go, go, go!” Angie pushed him out of the chair and took over as she handed him his plate of fries.
“Oh by the way,” Rollie called back to her, “Luce called. She’s arriving Friday. Let the bells ring.”
Angie spent most of the week at the video shoot. And she spent a lot of time getting to know the band, especially Johnny Rhodes. She found him to be shy, articulate, and sensitive. Johnny found Angie a breath of fresh air, to be real and unpretentious. They got along really well.
Angie and Johnny talked over a late lunch while the next shot was being rigged. Johnny was fascinated by Angie’s line of work and actually liked some of the same B-movies that Rollie liked. Like Rollie, he said they were so bad they were good.
“So is this you first video?” Angie asked.
“Nah,” Johnny smiled. “We made one a couple a few years ago when we first started out. It was a terrible experience though. I didn’t want a literal translation of the song to video because I think that people’s imagination should be inspired. But the director had his own ideas. I was so green that I didn’t think that I could exercise creative control. I know better now but I must admit that when it comes to visualizing music videos I’m not very good. Anyway, it left a terrible taste in my mouth. I felt like my song had been stolen from me.”
“That’s understandable. I know many screenwriters and directors, and at least one FX artist who feel the same way.”
“Yeah. So we stopped making videos for a while. Plus…there was so much media attention then too….”
“I remember,” Angie smiled, “Scorched Earth was all over the place, along with Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins —“
“Yeah, it was a real media circus. It was pretty intense for a while. Real intense….”
Angie detected sadness in Johnny now. “How did you handle it?”
“The truth?” Johnny smiled nervously. “Not very well. I turned to drugs for energy, for escape. You know you have to be ‘on’ almost all the time and I just couldn’t keep up and I didn’t want to let people down,” Johnny was quiet for some time. “I got hooked on cocaine. It was pretty bad, by the end I was doing crack. I almost died,” his voice was quiet, almost a whisper. “The other band members sat me down one day and read me the riot act, either I get help or I would be out. Me. It was my band. I fought it at first. I was in denial and I was surrounded by people who wanted to keep me hooked. I mean, I was literally giving away money. People I didn’t even know were living in my house. I finally hit rock bottom after a string of arrests and I nearly overdosed,” he took a long drag from his cigarette and chewed on his thumb his eyes staring off into the distance. “I went into rehab and I’ve been clean ever since. Look,” he rolled up his sleeves and showed her his arms. “What do you see?”
Angie looked at his arms, puzzled. “Nothing. Well, a rose tattoo with the name Jane,” she touched his inside wrist.
“Yeah. And no needle marks. I don’t shoot up, snort or even smoke the stuff anymore. It’s a struggle but I nearly died. I’ll never forget that.”
“But you’re doing it. You’re staying drug free and that’s admirable. Now you’re back making music after what? Three years?”
“Yeah. Three years. The music industry has changed a lot. Scorched Earth is no longer the media darlings we once were, not that I’m complaining. I think the media attention is at a much more manageable level now. Of course, our manager Mickey doesn’t feel that way.”
“I noticed. He’s so worried about the record sales. Every time I see him he’s on the phone obsessing over some detail or other. He’s really intense.”
Johnny laughed, “Yeah, he is. He’s been with us from the beginning. He’s okay. He actually thinks my songwriting has suffered since rehab—“
“You’re kidding?”
“No. I’m not,” Johnny shook his head sadly, “He doesn’t realize how much the music business has changed. We’re not the flavor of the week anymore. People seem to want that prepackaged stuff that’s out there. Me? I just want to make music and enjoy the rest of the ride.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
They were called back to the set for another shot. On their way back, Johnny touched Angie’s elbow and leaned in. “Angie? Thanks. It’s nice to talk to someone who doesn’t want something from me. I hope we can stay friends once the video is done.”
Angie smiled at him, “I’d like that. By the way, who’s Jane?”
Johnny smiled and whispered in her ear, “She’s my wife. But you can’t say anything. I met her in rehab and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But with the new album and the tour and Mickey being all tense about things, we thought we should keep it quiet for a few months. Outside of my mom and her parents, you’re the only one who knows.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” she promised.
Rollie had picked Lucinda up at the airport that afternoon and since she was still on the phone trying to make arrangements for where she could stay, he brought her to the loft. She had been on the phone the entire ride back so they didn’t have the chance to catch up.
Rollie left her bags in the car until she found a place to stay. He couldn’t believe how much she had packed for a few days.
“Home sweet home,” Lucinda sighed, “I’m so glad you haven’t changed things Rollie. I cannot tell you how nice it is to see some things remain the same. Hi Blue.” Lucinda smiled and walked around the loft, touching the dragon, and the other animatronics that were placed here and there. “Where’s Angie?”
“Angie’s working.”
“What? Don’t tell me you two aren’t together anymore? I cannot —”
“Relax Luce. Angie is working on a music video project for a friend. She hasn’t quit her day job.”
“Rollie?” she said so sweetly that Rollie knew she wanted something.
“What?”
“Rollie, can I please stay here for a few days? I was supposed to stay with my friend Miranda but she went and got herself a boyfriend and now I can’t stay there. And you heard me on the phone trying to find someone else I could stay with. Please, please, please!” she came over to him wringing her hands and looking so like a little girl lost. Rollie would have fallen for it too, if that hadn’t been the same act she pulled when he first met her and she later set him up for murder. It seemed like yesterday.
“Ah, no, Luce. Sorry.”
“Please? I can stay on the couch, or in the garage. Please?”
“No, no, and no.”
“Why are you being so mean?” Lucinda stamped her foot and pouted.
“I said no,” the truth was that Rollie was expecting Angie back tonight, maybe. He and Angie still hadn’t told Lucinda about the change in their relationship. He wasn’t sure how to begin either. Rollie sat down at his desk. Lucinda followed and bent over seductively over the desk.
“C’mon Rollie. Let me stay.”
“Lucinda, I said no.” Rollie looked at her with a touch of frustration on his face. “Why don’t you get on that phone of yours and call some more of your friends and find out if you can stay with one of them?”
Lucinda let out a loud, frustrated sigh. “Rollie Tyler, you don’t love me anymore!”
Angie stayed most of the week at her apartment because of the late night shooting schedule. She often finished on the set at two or three in the morning and since Rollie wasn’t on a shooting schedule, she didn’t want to disturb him. She and Rollie hadn’t seen each other since Tuesday morning when Angie left for the shoot. Angie returned to the loft Friday afternoon after the shoot broke for the weekend. She was surprised to see Lucinda there. She had forgotten that she was arriving that afternoon. Angie placed her bag on the inside of the door and came up slowly up the stairs. Rollie saw her and his eyes brightened. He mouthed the words ‘thank you’ and rolled his eyes. Angie laughed.
“Angie!” Lucinda turned when she heard Angie’s laugh. She went over and gave her a big hug.
“Hey, Lucinda. You look great.”
“So do you. You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? And there’s something else….” Lucinda held her chin. There was something different about Angie. For that matter, she thought, there’s something different about Rollie too. He’s grumpier. Whatever it was, she would figure it out later. Right now she was on a mission. “Angie? Help me convince Rollie to let me stay here.”
Angie’s eyebrow rose, “What?”
“Luce’s friend bailed on her so now she doesn’t have a place to stay,” Rollie explained from his desk. “I told her the city is full of some really nice hotels—”
“And I am a struggling actor,” Lucinda interjected, “I don’t have the money to shell out for a hotel stay especially if I don’t get the job. Besides it’s only temporary depending on if I get the job, because if I do then I can stay at an apartment hotel for a few months. If I don’t…well then, I will be back on a flight to LA,” she looked at Angie again, “Angie please?”
Angie’s eyes narrowed and she bit her lip. God, for a moment she was almost convinced to help Lucinda. She turned to Rollie, “You didn’t tell her?” she asked quietly.
“I didn’t have the chance. We just got back a few minutes before you arrived and she was on the phone the whole way over,” he motioned with his hands as if to say ‘blah blah blah’.
“Tell me what?” Lucinda’s ears perked up.
Rollie and Angie looked at each other. Lucinda would be the first person they would be telling about them. Mira and Francis already knew, or guessed. Mangela just knew. They really hadn’t told any of their friends. Angie sat down on the desk, her hands clasped under her chin pondering the situation. Rollie came around the desk and sat beside her.
“What going on?” Lucinda asked.
Rollie took one of Angie’s hands in his and smiled down at her and then he looked at Lucinda. “Luce, Angie and I have something—”
“To tell you—” Angie interjected.
“We uh…we’ve been—” Rollie continued.
“Seeing each other—”
“A lot,” Rollie smiled at Angie, “As a matter of fact, we’re in love,” he stared into Angie’s eyes, “And the reason you can’t stay here is because—”
“Because I’ve…been…staying… here,” Angie finished slowly, her eyes still mesmerized by Rollie’s.
The couple then turned their attention to Lucinda, who stood staring back at them. Lucinda had her hand on her chin as if she had heard everything they had said.
“Wait a minute. Back up,” she said finally as she held up her hands. “You two are in love?” she looked at them, stunned. There was a momentary pause and then she broke out into the biggest smile they had ever seen. She even had tears in her eyes. “Oh my gosh! You guys! I am so happy for you,” she cried and came over and hugged the both of them. “When did this happen? How? Tell me everything. ”
Angie bit her lip and looked at Rollie. “It’s a long story,” Rollie offered finally, “suffice it to say that we both woke up to what was underneath our noses for so long. We can no longer deny the definite, combustible, attraction we both have for one another,” he said as he leaned in for a nibble on Angie’s neck. Angie blushed but didn’t pull away.
“Oooh” Lucinda smiled as she watched her two best friends, “well let me just say that you both deserve this. I think you are perfect for each other. I always have,” she smiled and twirled away.
“Oh really?” Rollie followed her, leaving a disappointed Angie on the desk. “Is that why you kept setting her up on dates? Trying to get some male model to steal her away from me? Because she was perfect for me?”
Lucinda laughed, “It was part of my master plan to make you see what you could lose if you didn’t smarten up.”
“Right,” Rollie shook his head, “And if I believe that I’m sure you’ve got some lovely swamp land in Florida that you would just love to sell me.”
The three of them ordered in and over dinner Angie offered her apartment to Lucinda until she finds another place, that is, if she got the part. Angie filled everybody in on the music video. She told them of her conversation with Johnny Rhodes, keeping his secret however.
“Are you sure he’s clean?” Rollie asked, his manner serious.
Angie knew how much it angered him to see people doing drugs. “He’s clean, Rol. He’s worked really hard to stay that way too. I admire that. He’s a really nice guy. I think you’d like him. He even likes the same B-movies that you do.”
Lucinda watched the exchange and nudged Rollie’s shoulder, “Jealous, Rollie?”
“No. I’m not,” he insisted, perhaps too easily.
Angie offered to drive Lucinda to her apartment. Since she was going to be staying there and Angie was going to be staying at the loft with Rollie, Angie needed to pick up a few extra things so she wouldn’t disturb Lucinda while she was there.
Angie returned carrying her stuff and her pet carrier. Rollie spotted the cat and his eyebrow rose. He sauntered over to Angie and helped her with her things. He sucked on a lollipop as he picked up the cat carrier.
“So this is starting to have a look of permanence,” he smiled crookedly, as he stuck his finger in the cat cage and smiled at Bluey, “look Bluey, a new toy!” Rollie knelt down and opened the cat cage. Bluey immediately started barking, the cat immediately started hissing.
Angie gasped and picked up Chiops, “How can you be so mean to my baby?” she came closer to Rollie and held out a paw to Rollie’s face, “she’s your baby now too,” she smiled sweetly.
Rollie just looked at the cat with indifference, “Ah…no,” he growled, “just keep the little fur ball away from my stuff and we’ll be fine.”
Angie set up a litter box in the garage for Chiops. She had put together a bed for him too but couldn’t decide where to put it. She decided to put it near the couch in the lounge. Chiops liked to be around people so she figured she would like it there.
“So, did Luce get settled in?” Rollie asked as he watched Angie place the cat bed in the lounge and pet the cat until she settled into place.
“Yes she is all settled.”
“So what did you two talk about on your way over there?”
Angie smiled slyly, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Rollie thought about it, “Maybe not. You women can have your secrets.” Rollie came up behind Angie and placed his arms around her waist, “I thought she would never leave,” he whispered in her ear. “I haven’t seen you in three days. I’ve missed you.”
Angie’s head went back to rest on Rollie’s shoulder, her hand reached up and caressed his face. “I’ve missed you too. It’s been a long week. I’m going to go up and take a shower….” She pulled away from Rollie and caught his disappointed look, “are you going to come and cheer me on?”
“In the shower?” Rollie looked puzzled but was game, “whatever turns you on—”
“I meant tomorrow,” Angie laughed. “My hockey game, remember?”
“Oh right,” Rollie snapped his fingers. “I guess. You seem healthy enough, although…it might be a good idea for Dr. Tyler here to perform a complete physical on you, just to be sure.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Hmmm. A complete physical?”
“Yep. Could take all night.”
“Okay. And would my doctor be this handsome Dr. Tyler I see before me? Or the strange buck-toothed guy I see from time to time?” she smiled.
“Well, that depends. Which one would you like it to be?”
“Oh, no contest…this one,” she pulled him closer by his lapels and leaned in and kissed Rollie slowly and softly on the mouth. She held his face in her hands. “I’ve always wanted to play doctor with you,” she said throatily and then turned and went up stairs.
“Angela, you naughty girl!” Rollie cried as he ran up after her.
