Free Memories of Love by Jean C. Joachim Page B

him in silent question. “Not after tonight. Not after finding you
again.”
    “But until you’re free, we
shouldn’t…” She turned her back to him so he wouldn’t see the color she sensed
was rising to her face.
    He grasped her shoulders from behind,
whispering in her ear. “You didn’t push me away. You let me kiss you.”
    She lowered her head in
embarrassment. “Not my finest moment, perhaps.”
    “It was to me. You still mean
everything to me, and that kiss told me all I need to know.”
    They stood silently for a moment
before Grant released her. He knows I
still want him. Good. I won’t pretend. “I’m staying in a suite at the
Empire Hotel. Can you come for a drink?”
    “Great.” His gaze swept over her
from head to toe.
    When they got outside, Skip was
tapping his foot. “Well, it’s about time, Cara. I’ve been out here cooling my
heels for…”
    She put her hand on his arm. “Skip.
This is Grant Hollings. Grant, Skip Bedloe.”
    Skip stopped short. He looked at
Grant, and a smile came over his face. “It’s about time I met you.”
    Grant’s brow furrowed as he looked
at Skip.
    “We’re going up to the suite for a
drink,” she continued.
    “I have plans anyway. Nice to meet
you.” He extended his hand, and Grant took it.
    “Nice to meet you,” Grant mumbled. After
Skip ambled away, Grant turned to her. “Your lover?”
    Cara burst out laughing. “Not quite.
Skip’s my best friend. He’s gay.”
    “So you’re unattached?” She detected
a note of hope in his voice.
    “For the time being.” She lowered
her lashes, trying to hide her true feelings. There’s never been anyone to rival you.
    “This really is my lucky day.” He folded
his fingers over hers.
    “I don’t think so,” shouted a loud,
female voice. They turned to see Evelyn standing in the alley, her hands on her
hips. “In fact, I think it’s your unluckiest day ever.”
    “Evelyn. You remember Cara,” Grant
made a feeble attempt at an introduction.
    “Remember her? Really, Grant?
Remember her? She’s been sleeping between us for five years.” Evelyn moved
dangerously close to Cara.
    “What do you mean by that?” Anger
shot through Cara’s chest.
    “You know what I mean, you tart,
vixen—” At that, Cara slapped her across the face then recoiled in horror at
what she’d done.
    Evelyn raised her hand, but Grant
grabbed her wrist and subdued her. “Evelyn, don’t do this,” he said softly.
    “Why not? I’ve wanted to do this for
the past seven years,” she ground out through clenched teeth.
    “Don’t, don’t. Please. No one wins
if you continue…”
    “Oh yeah? I win. I get to tell
little miss perfect what I think of her. Her and her precious career. Such a
famous actress—trash if you ask me.”
    “Evelyn, stop!” Grant tightened his
grip.
    “Let her talk, Grant.” Cara said.
“Let her get this off her chest.”
    “You condescending little bitch. I oughta rip every hair out of your head.”
    “Evelyn, calm down.”
    “Don’t tell me to calm down!” She
turned to look at him. “I’ve tried everything a woman can do to get you to love
me. But little miss goldilocks here already had you sewn up.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking
about. I haven’t seen or talked to Grant in five years.”
    “That doesn’t matter. None of it
matters. He’s been in love with you all along. He married me but couldn’t love
me. I knew it, but fool that I was, I did it anyway.”
    “Evelyn, stop…please,” Grant
pleaded.
    “No, this needs to be said. I
thought I could make him love me. I thought I could be perfect, like you are.
But it didn’t work. No matter what I tried, he couldn’t love me.”
    “Grant?” Cara turned a questioning look
on him.
    He shook his head. “Evelyn, don’t.”
    “Is what she’s saying true?” Cara
addressed him directly.
    He hesitated. His gaze fell to the
sidewalk as he cleared his throat. “Well…this is neither the time, nor—”
    “This is