Read Online Memories of Love by Jean C. Joachim - Free Book Online Page A

what
you’ve got cooked up.” He shuffled into the bedroom, closing the door behind
him.
    It was dark when he went in.
Evelyn’s even breathing indicated she was asleep. He stripped down to his
boxers and ran his hand over his abs. Even at thirty-eight, he had a strong
physique. He worked out on lunch breaks, making fitness a priority.
    Standing at the window, looking out
over the city at night, he took in the vastness of the world. Twinkling lights peeping
through the blackness of night seemed to go on forever. Cara, where are you? Our daughter needs you. And so do I. Come home,
dammit!
    He wondered what exotic location she
was on. Is she sleeping with her leading
man ? Probably gets hit on by every
guy on the set. She must sleep with some of them. He raked his hand through
his hair. Don’t want to think about it.
    He’d seen every one of her movies
and loved them all. Watching her larger than life on the big screen, his heart
beat faster. He’d imagine himself as the hero and sense his fingertips tingle
for a second at the thought of running them down her cheek or closing them
around her breast. He sighed deeply then glanced at the bed. Fortunately, he
didn’t wake Evelyn.
    According to the tabloids, Cara
Brewster wasn’t married...yet. He chuckled as he speculated as to when those scandal-mongers
would start to hint that she was gay. But her unmarried state gave him hope. She’s met all kinds of rich, successful,
attractive guys. Could have her pick. Maybe she still has feelings for me.
    With this crisis in his marriage, he
pondered if it was all meant to be, meant to dissolve at the exact time when
his daughter’s need for her mother appeared to be growing and his need for Cara
was still strong. But he wanted to be fair to Evelyn. She was right. She had
been loving to him all these years, even though something in him had always
hung back.
    And who knew about Cara? She was
probably madly in love with some prince somewhere, or some powerful producer.
He rubbed the back of his neck to relieve some of the tension. What makes me think such a desirable woman
still cares for me or is still available? Dream on, Grant.
    Evelyn stirred. He glanced over, and
sleep suddenly seemed inviting. He climbed in beside her and drifted off as
soon as his head hit the pillow.

 
    * * * *

 
    Rehearsals swung into a heavy schedule
as preview performance dates were nailed down. Quinn, Cara, and Jake worked
until nine o’clock every night. Blocking, missed cues, costume fittings, and lighting
sessions kept them busy night and day. Quinn, being a newlywed, had his wife,
Susanna, sitting in the audience much of the time.
    Since she was an artist, she brought
along her sketchbook. Some days she sketched from photos she had taken, other
days she drew cast and crew members. She and Cara became friends. They chatted
between scenes, and sometimes she had lunch with Susanna and Quinn.
    Jake Matthews sat near Cara and often
asked her questions. While she wasn’t interested in him, she noted his looks
and liked his manner. Always polite, flattering but never gushy, he was easy to
be around. She joked with him and helped him as much as she could, going over
his lines, repeating cues, and giving him tips such as how to remember where to
stand, to always face downstage, and to speak up.
    He’d
be good for Grace. Have to get her out here soon. I miss her.
    Skip made the rounds of meetings
with New York producers, stars, and other agents while Cara was working. The
small cast became like family. Although the big names of the two stars were
sure to sell plenty of tickets, both Quinn and Cara were anxious about their
performances. No multiple takes, reshooting, no dubbing—live theater was a
challenge, especially for those accustomed to the forgiving nature of movies
with videotape, retakes, editing, and sound enhancement.
    One afternoon, Cara took a walk
around the block to clear her head. When she returned, Gus, the security guard,
took her