Rollie had called Lucinda when he left to get Angie's breakfast, though it was after lunch when the finally left the hospital. She was still putting the last of the streamers up when Bluey started barking, indicating their arrival.
"Okay everybody, they're here. Get ready."
Rollie opened the door and let Angie enter first. She was surprised immediately by shouts of 'welcome home, Angie' which sent her backing into Rollie in surprise. When they shouted again, Angie turned and hid her face in Rollie's chest. His smile slowly left as he looked down between Angie and their friends. Lucinda and the others were surprised and just stood there with their mouths open.
"Ange? What's wrong?" he whispered.
Slowly, she looked up at Rollie. "I was...I wasn't expecting this." She wasn't used to such an outpouring of affection especially when it was aimed at her.
"I know, sweetie. That's why they call them surprises. C'mon."
"I...I just feel a little overwhelmed. No one's ever done something like this for me before."
"Ange, these are our friends. They were worried about you and they wanted to welcome you home," Rollie said softly as he cradled her face in his hands, "don't you think you should turn around and say hi to all of them?" He knew then that she had been taken aback at the outpouring of affection towards her. She had always kept a lid on her own emotions.
"Yeah. I guess so," Angie said slowly as she turned around. She held Rollie's hand firmly in her own. "Umm...thank you everyone for all of this. It really means a lot...more than I can say. I'm sorry for my initial reaction, I was just...overwhelmed, I guess. Thank you for welcoming me home," Angie said as a tear escaped her eye.
"Oh don't worry about it Angie," Lucinda said as she came and took Angie's other hand and led her to her cake. "It's just our way of saying we all love you...and Rollie, and appreciate everything you guys do for us in the name of friendship."
There were sandwiches and salads, beer and coffee, as well as the cake. Angie finally let go of Rollie's hand and sat down on the couch, refusing to admit how tired she already was. Soon, Sarah Gatti, Mira, and Lucinda joined her while Rollie spoke with Francis.
There was a knock at the door and Rollie went to answer it. He smiled broadly as he pulled Li Chen into a big hug.
"Angie, look who's here," Rollie called.
Angie got up from the couch and a broad smile splashed across her face. "Oh my God, Li. How are you?"
"Aren't I the one that should be asking you that? Rollie told me what happened to you when he called," Li smiled as they hugged. He was still thin but his color was better and the lines of worry that marked his face were now gone. He was nattily dressed in a blue suit and looked out of place in the company of Rollie and Francis, who were both casually dressed. Lucinda's eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw him.
"Yeah, but you were shot," Angie reminded him.
"Well, I'm feeling much better now," Li laughed.
Rollie filled Lucinda and Sarah in on their newly arrived guest. They were both impressed by his dedication to his work and his people.
"So, I haven't seen anything written by you in the paper yet Li. Aren't you going to write about it?" Angie asked.
"I will. There have been some stories in other media papers about it but none of them have the background that I have. I don't want to just do an article," he said. "I want to do a series. I also have some interest from a publishing company about doing a book. So, the paper, the book company, and I have to come to some arrangements that will allow it to happen. If I do the book, which I want, then I may retrace my steps for the newspaper. I'm very excited," he smiled.
"That sounds like a great plan. It would certainly allow more in depth coverage than a regular article would," Rollie agreed.
"Yes. But my wife isn't very happy about it."
Lucinda's jaw dropped. Both Rollie and Angie looked surprised as well.
"I've already spent over a year away from her on this story," Li continued.
"I didn't know you were married," Angie said, surprised.
"Well, it wasn't something I really wanted to think about when I was on that ship and I thought that it was hopeless. I mean, compared to what all those other people had sacrificed for a chance at a better life...I really couldn't complain or feel sorry for myself."
"She must be a very special woman," Rollie smiled, "to put up with you leaving her for all that time."
"Yes, she is," Li agreed, "So, I guess I have a lot to think about. It's too bad you won't let me cover any of your adventures. I have a feeling that there is a wealth of intrigue and adventure that surrounds you two," Li smiled.
"Well sorry," Rollie laughed, "the story embargo is still requested. We have enough to think about without everything getting into the newspapers."
"That's for sure," Angie agreed.
Li joined Rollie and Francis over by Rollie's workstation. Li just shook his head at Rollie's home, filled with animatronics, masks, computers, a working VR chamber and a robotic dog.
"You know, my son would love this place," Li laughed.
Rollie coughed on his beer, "you have a son too? You certainly like to play things close to the chest. Remind me to never play poker with you."
"I will," Li laughed, "He's just over a year now. I've missed most of his baby moments," he said sadly, "You know, maybe I should just stay home for awhile."
"I'm sure you'll do what's best for your family and for those people," Rollie assured him. He admired Li's commitment to the story but if he had been in his shoes he didn't know if he could leave Angie or any children they might have. Rollie swallowed his beer slowly realizing what he had just thought. He looked across the room towards Angie. Even across the room while in conversations with their friends, their eyes still locked upon each other. Angie smiled and blushed when their eyes met and Rollie's eyes crinkled up when he smiled too. Then, they both returned to their respective conversations.
"It sure brought a lot of attention to the issue, I'll tell you that," Francis chimed in.
"Yes, but the problem is that the attention is there for the story at the beginning and then politicians make promises to make changes, and everybody agrees that more needs to be done. Then the media move onto another story and the political will soon dissipates and nothing changes," Li lamented.
Francis, ever the optimist, suggested, "Maybe that won't happen this time,"
Both Li and Rollie looked at each other and then shook their heads, silently agreeing that they wouldn't shatter Francis's na•ve allusions.
Mira, Sarah, and Lucinda were sitting nearby Angie on the couch. The three of them were talking and Angie was just listening. She felt her energy level getting low but she didn't want the party to end. It was nice having Lucinda, Mira, Francis and Sara, and Li here to welcome her home. Home, she thought, smiling to herself and realized that she now thought of Rollie's loft as her home. She curled herself up into the corner of the couch as she stifled a yawn. She jumped slightly when she felt Rollie's hand on her shoulder.
"Are you tired?"
"I'm okay. I just wanted to listen, that's all."
"You look tired, Ange," he knelt before her and looked her in the eyes, "it's your first night back. You shouldn't overdue it."
"Fine," Angie sighed as she stood up, "but that doesn't mean that the party has to end. Why don't you visit for a while with everybody? You don't have to baby-sit me you know," she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on his mouth. Rollie pulled her back as he kissed her softly on her forehead and held her there for a minute or two, taking in her smell.
Angie said goodnight to everyone and went upstairs to bed. Li was the first to leave twenty minutes later when he said he had to get home to his family. He told Rollie that he would call soon to invite him and Angie to dinner at his home soon. Francis and Sarah left soon after, followed by Mira. Lucinda stayed behind to help with the cleanup.
"So, umm...does Li have any brothers?"
Angie awoke when Rollie climbed into bed a few hours later. She curled up against him and his arm went around her. He figured she would be awake.
"Did you sleep?" he asked.
"Yes, daddy I did," Angie purred, "but I sleep better when I'm snuggled up against you."
"It's good to have you home, Ange."
"It's good to be home, Rol."
Rollie awoke during the night to find himself alone in bed. He checked the bathroom but Angie wasn't in there. He grabbed a t-shirt and his jeans and headed downstairs. He found Angie pacing between the kitchen and the lounge area. She was wringing her hands.
"Ange? Are you all right?"
Angie looked up at him with a perturbed look. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. I just...I can't sleep. I don't know, I just woke up a few hours ago and just couldn't go back to sleep. I tried doing some work but that didn't work. I tried reading but that didn't help either. Maybe I should watch TV. Yeah, maybe I should do that. You don't have to stay up though, Rollie. You should get some sleep. No sense both of us not getting sleep, right? I know, maybe I'll play a video game...yeah, I could go online or something and play and play with some friends. There must be someone online at this time. What time is it anyhow? It's 3:00 am. I'm sure I could find somebody to play with. Or I could go into a chat room. There's always someone on in there. Probably some weirdo like me who can't sleep," Angie wrung her hands again, "I don't know. Maybe I will watch TV. Though I probably should use this time to my advantage and get some work done. But I don't know where we are on that since you were doing most of the work. Still, I'm sure I could figure it out—"
Rollie had sat down on the stairs just listening to Angie ramble. He rubbed his tired eyes. Watching her was making him even more tired, as he knew that this was part of the withdrawal. He hated seeing her go through this.
"You know, I've been meaning to take apart my computer for awhile and upgrade it, maybe I should do that now—"
"Angie, hold on," Rollie finally interrupted. He didn't think Angie was in any condition to upgrade her computer right now.
"You're right. Now's probably not the time. I can do that later. Rollie, you really should go back to bed. You look very tired. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'll probably just watch TV, I guess. There's not much to do. I know! I could clean up the kitchen, or maybe the stock room in the basement. Yeah, that's what I'll do. I can alphabetize and color code everything so that everything is easily accessible," Angie started in the direction of the basement when Rollie grabbed hold of her arm. She looked up at him puzzled. "What? What? What is it? What?"
"Just breathe," Rollie instructed her.
"Earth to Rol, I am breathing. That's not the problem. The problem is I can't sleep. I have all this energy right now and I don't know what to do with it. Maybe I should go for a walk. Maybe some fresh air would help," Angie went towards the door and grabbed her coat. She put it on over her pajamas. She was still in her bare feet. Rollie caught up with her.
"Angie, it's 3:00 am. You can't go for a walk right now. It's not safe. You're feeling buzzed right now. It's the aftereffects of the drug. You just need to ride it out. I know. Why don't we play chess?"
"Chess? Chess? No. It's too slow, too slow. You know what I would really like to do? I would like to go for a drive, a really fast drive maybe in the country, with the windows down, feeling the wind in my hair, loud music blaring from the radio. I would really like to do that right now...except, I don't have a car! I bet you wouldn't let me borrow your car, would you Rollie? I just...I don't know what to do, Rollie. I feel so restless. And yet, I feel so tired too...but I can't sleep. My mind is racing. I feel like I'm bouncing off the walls. I don't know what to do," she said near tears.
"Come here," he said as he pulled her to him. He crushed her to him in a tight hug. He could feel her body shake with unspent energy. He lifted her face to him and kissed her softly, only to be met with Angie's hungry and very demanding tongue pushing it's way into his mouth. Angie suddenly pulled away.
"No, Rollie. I don't want to hurt you. The way I feel right now...I could really hurt you."
He looked down at her with love, "I'll take my chances."
"No," Angie cried and moved away.
Rollie's hand went to her shoulder. Angie turned suddenly and pushed him back down onto the couch. Rollie was glad the couch was there. Angie was tearing at his clothes, kissing him on his mouth, all over his face, and once she removed his shirt, down his chest and even further. Rollie groaned. He raised Angie's face to his and returned her kisses. Then, he rolled off the couch and stood up.
Angie jumped into his arms and straddled him, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Rollie slowly walked up the stairs with Angie, all the while the two of them sharing hungry and demanding kisses. Rollie reached the bedroom and Angie hopped off Rollie. He removed her pajama top and pushed her back onto the bed. But Angie was the aggressor here, so she rolled over on top of Rollie and straddled him. She pulled at his jeans and quickly removed them. Then Rollie caught Angie's wrists, and rolled over onto her. He looked into her eyes, which were dark and wild. He licked her breast as he removed her pajama bottom. Angie again maneuvered to be on top of him and she kissed her way down his chest, to his stomach. Rollie groaned as he felt her move on top of him and as she started the rocking motions. Her lips came back up and took his mouth in hers as their bodies moved in more and more demanding rhythms. Rollie felt himself climax, and then Angie continued bringing him back again and then again, wanting more and more.
"Bloody hell, Angie."
"What?" Angie smiled wickedly
Rollie was spent but Angie still wanted more. He moved on top of her and started slowly. He could feel her coming but he drew it out and wouldn't give her release until she he was sure. Finally she came, and he collapsed on top of her. Angie's eyes were closed. He kissed her eyelids and she opened them and smiled tiredly.
"Thank you."
"No, thank you," Rollie insisted, as he went to move off of her.
"No, don't. Not yet," Angie said as she held him to her. "This feels nice."
Rollie kissed her forehead, then her eyelids, her nose, her cheeks, her chin, and then her mouth. Gently, he brushed the damp hair from her forehead and brushed a tear away from her eye with his finger. Angie reached up and grabbed his hand and gently kissed the palm of it. With a shared look, Rollie moved off Angie and she snuggled up against him. Rollie kissed the top of her head and as he looked down he saw that Angie had already fallen asleep. Rollie closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him now too.
Angie awoke alone in bed the next day around 12:30 in the afternoon. After a quick shower she donned her robe and descended the stairs, where she spied Rollie working at his workstation. Rollie looked up from his coffee as she came down the stairs.
"Morning, sunshine," he smiled.
Angie stopped and stretched and Rollie thought she had all the grace of a cat. "Mmm, morning," she purred, unbelievably content after last night, "You're up awfully early considering we didn't get to sleep until after 5:00." She sat down on the edge of his desk as she reached over and grabbed his coffee, taking a deep gulp. The warm liquid warmed her bones.
"Yeah, I'll probably pay for it later," he admitted as he went into the kitchen and poured Angie a coffee.
Angie took the coffee gratefully. "Rollie, you don't have to get up with me when I can't sleep. Like I said before, there's no sense in both of us losing sleep—"
"Ange, believe me, it was my pleasure to be up with you last night...or this morning, rather. I want to help you through this. You don't have to go through it alone, you know."
"I know, but there are some things that you can't help with. I mean, when I feel like that I guess I have to find a way to just ride it out. It would be great if I could use up some energy by riding my bike or rollerblading but I guess that it's not safe to do that at that time of night."
"No. It most certainly is not," Rollie shook his finger at her, remembering how she tried to leave last night in her bare feet and pajamas. "Just remember, I am here to help you in any way I can," Rollie reiterated, "and I mean, any way I can."
Angie blushed at the implied meaning. Still, she felt guilty for Rollie's lack of sleep because she could see how tired he was now. "I'll figure something out. Hopefully, it won't last long," Angie sighed. She put her empty cup in the sink. "Maybe I'll go to the herbalist in the village and see if there is something natural that I can take."
"That's a good idea. Do you want me to go with you?"
"Nah, it's okay. I think I'll ride my bike down there. It will be good to get some exercise."
"Hey! What do you call last night?"
"Well that was quite a workout too, I admit," Angie blushed, "I didn't hurt you did I?"
"Let's just say that, you keep surprising me Angela Ramirez."
"Well, you were certainly up to the challenge Rollie Tyler, several times in fact," she teased as she leaned down and kissed him, "Ugh! If I don't get going now I will never get out of here. I guess I should get dressed now," she sighed as their kiss began taking on intensity. Rollie swatted her on her behind as she turned from him and went up the stairs.
Rollie started making a mold for one of the actor's faces in Bradford's film. The effect called for him to be badly burned on one side of his face. He already had the actors 3D facial scan from last week. He had two other molds to make for two other actors. Lucinda came bounding in.
"Hey, where's Angie? Is she sleeping? I thought I would take her shopping or something."
Rollie looked up from his work and explained where she was. Lucinda took a long look at him as she came over to him.
"You look awful, Rollie. Are you getting enough sleep?"
Rollie blushed slightly, "I didn't get much last night. Angie kind of had a rough night."
"Aww, poor baby. I guess you stayed up to hold her hand, huh?"
"Yeah, something like that."
The phone rang and it was Tom Bradford on the phone. He told Rollie his financing for the film had just fallen through because he refused to sign the leading lady the studio wanted. He assured Rollie that he was still committed to the film and was searching for another source of funding but that it could take some time. He also told him that he understood if he took on another project and would be unavailable for his picture once he got the funding.
Rollie told him he was in no rush to work on another picture at the moment and would be very interested in working on his film once the financing was in place. Bradford promised Rollie he would keep him posted on any developments. Rollie delivered the bad news to Lucinda.
"That's just great! Here I am in New York now with no money and no job. Just wonderful."
"I thought you wanted to move back?" Rollie wiped his hands of the goo from the mold he had just made, which he promptly threw in the trash heap.
"I do, sort of, I guess. I don't know but it sure would have been easier to make that decision if I had a job. What am I supposed to do now?"
Rollie though about it, "Well, I do know of another film that's under way as we speak. Maybe they could use another actress. But I warn you, it's a horror type film."
"I don't care. I need money to either stay or allow me to go back to LA, let alone eat," Lucinda lamented, "It's so good of Angie to let me stay at her place. It's a godsend."
"Yeah," Rollie smiled, "it's a win-win situation. I'll give Tony a call."
Tony Valez said that he was indeed looking for another actress for a supporting role. The one he had hired had left for a role on a soap opera. He also strongly hinted that he would love for Tyler FX to come on board too.
"I thought you hired DOTT FX for the job?"
"I did but they don't have the same enthusiasm you have for it. Are you sure you can't do it?"
"Well, it so happens that the picture we were working on just fell through but I don't want to tie myself up with anything else in case they get going again."
"Would you consider doing some of the auxiliary effects?"
"Well now, that all depends on what you mean by auxiliary," Rollie admitted. He hated having time on his hands, though he knew he could use it on the never-ending VR project for the suits in Osaka. Still, it wouldn't hurt to find out what Tony needed. Plus, Angie would have to agree to it as well.
Rollie called Angie on her cell and told her that he and Lucinda were off to a meeting with Tony. He invited her along but she admitted she was a little tired and should probably rest when she gets home. He told her he would fill her in when he got back.
Rollie and Lucinda arrived at the set of Zombie Biker Babes. When Rollie had told Lucinda the title of the film, she almost backed out but soon realized that beggars can't be choosers. She just hoped that her role would be small although she ended up liking its director, Tony Valez. He was dark haired, and somewhat shorter than Rollie and he had deep dimples which she saw plenty of because he smiled often. It was evident that he and Rollie shared boyish enthusiasm for movies and special effects. Lucinda got the part after one read through. She was told she could start on Monday. Lucinda went to wardrobe so that she could be fitted for her costumes.
Rollie and Tony went to his trailer to discuss the effects that he wanted Rollie to do. Rollie knew that he and Angie could do it but he wasn't too keen on jumping into a picture where another FX team was already working. He had done that before and Angie had ended up accused of the murder of Nick Breen. He knew this would be different, but how different would depend on the egos involved.
Rollie and Tony finished their meeting and walked towards the DOTT FX trailer to speak with Damien Ott, the owner of the company. Rollie and Damien knew each other by reputation only. They both respected each other's work but were also highly competitive.
Damien seemed to take Tony's suggestion of hiring Tyler FX for some of the more complex gags in good stride, but Rollie sensed an underlying resentment. Rollie knew he would probably feel the same way so he couldn't really blame Damien, but he had promised Tony he would listen to his proposal. When Tony left to take a call outside, Rollie and Damien talked more honestly.
"So what do you think, mate? I don't want to step on anybody's toes. You're doing the principle effects and Tyler FX would only do two gags. But Tony knows that we won't come on board if you have any objections to it."
"To be honest, when Tony told me he had wanted you from the beginning I was not happy about being second choice," he sighed heavily, as if he had just come to a decision. "But I know you and Tony go way back and that Tyler FX provided the effects for Splatter one, two, and three. If you want to do the gags...I have no problem with it, and if I can help in any way...."
"Thanks, mate. I appreciate that. It would be a pleasure to work with you...but before I agree to anything I have to discuss it with my partner, Angela Ramirez, first. I'm afraid Tony has sort of jumped the gun in believing that we've agreed to come on."
Damien smiled, "Yeah, he's like that. I meant what I said. I have no problems working with you or around you, if that's what you prefer. If you'll excuse me...I have to get to the set-up. Let me know what you decide?"
"I will," Rollie promised. He hoped Damien was being honest and not just putting on a pleasant show. Rollie walked over to Tony and told him he would call him with his decision. Then he went looking for Lucinda and he gave her a ride back to Angie's place.
Angie was already at the loft when he returned. She was asleep on the couch. Bluey was beside the couch, seemingly asleep as well and Chiops was lying on top of Angie. Rollie put his finger to his mouth to shush Bluey when the dog started barking as Rollie entered the loft. When Angie stirred, the cat jumped off her.
Angie sat up and pulled her knees to her while Rollie took a seat at the end of her feet. When he had sat down, she stretched her legs out again, across his lap and his hand rested on her calves.
"You look rested," Rollie smiled as he moved a strand of hair from her eyes.
"Yeah, I think I slept for almost two hours. I was surrounded by our weird menagerie," she smiled as she pointed at Bluey and her cat. "You should get some rest too," she caught his hand and held it in her own.
Rollie rubbed his eyes. He was tired, "Yeah, maybe I'll join you here," he said as he moved to lie next to her.
"I've got a better idea. Why don't you take my place and I'll go and fix us dinner," Angie suggested. "How does spinach linguini with white clam sauce sound?"
"Mmm, sounds good but shouldn't you be resting? Maybe I should fix dinner."
"Don't you dare move. You need your rest too. You're always taking care of me, let me take care of you for a change," she said as she kissed his forehead and pulled the throw blanket to cover him. "I'll wake you when dinner is ready."
Rollie usually wasn't one for naps but the events of the last few days were finally catching up with him. Now that Angie is home now, he found he could relax and sleep came almost instantly. It was forty-five minutes later when he awoke to the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.
Rollie walked towards the kitchen but stopped in the doorway. He smiled inwardly at the sight of Angie making dinner. She even had an apron on. It wasn't that he saw her as a domestic goddess all of a sudden...it was just the little things that he and Angie now shared that was taking on new meaning because they are a couple: the dinners they shared, the dances they shared, the conversations in bed, and Sunday mornings reading the Times in bed. He moved up behind her and slowly encircled her waist with his arms. Angie leaned back against him and looked up at him and smiled.
"I was just about to go and wake you."
"Mmm, no need. The aroma woke me," he nibbled her ear, "I had no idea how hungry I was until just now."
"Are you talking about food or...." Angie turned in his arms.
"That's a good question. Ask me again later," he said as his lips came down on hers.
"If we keep this up this food is going to go to waste."
"We wouldn't want that," his lips brushed her neck, "would we?" his eyebrow arched in question.
Angie laughed, "No, we wouldn't. I worked very hard. Besides, it's very good."
"What's for dessert?"
"What? I have to make dessert too?"
"No. You don't have to make it," his eyebrow arched again.
"You're impossible," Angie slapped his chest.
"Me? You're the one who attacked me this morning remember?"
Angie moved to set the table. "Uh huh. Right. You know you could have said no?"
"Are you kidding? Me say no to you? I'm not stupid. Besides I told you I want to help you any way I can, remember?"
"So does that mean that tonight if I have a hard time sleeping..."
"Definitely."
"You're a good man, Rollie Tyler."
Rollie and Angie had a quiet dinner before which Rollie turned on the stereo. After dinner, Rollie led Angie to the window, where they danced by the moonlight.
"Finally. This is nice."
Angie looked up at him, "What do you mean?"
"Well, let's face it Ange, we haven't exactly had a lot of moments like this."
"No, I guess you're right," Angie leaned into Rollie, sending his pulse rate soaring. She reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers. Rollie pulled back a bit and cradled Angie's face in his hands. He looked down at her briefly and smiled. Then his mouth came down on hers ever so softly, planting a soft, wet, kiss on her lips. Then his mouth started going down her neck, with Angie arching backwards, a soft moan escaping her lips. Then...there was a knock at the door.
Angie straightened, a look of disappointment on both her and Rollie's faces.
"Bloody hell," Rollie complained.
"Double bloody hell," Angie echoed, wondering who could be at their door but remembered Rollie's loft was like Grand Central Station. Rollie smiled at her use of his term.
"Bluey, on screen front entrance," Rollie commanded the electronic dog. He still held Angie by the waist. They both turned to see Lucinda standing at the front door waiting to be let in.
"What do you think? Should we let her in?" Rollie asked.
"I guess so," Angie replied disappointedly as she made her way to the couch where she promptly plopped down. Rollie went over to open the door.
"Hey guys," Lucinda called.
Both Rollie and Angie said hello, but there was such a lack of enthusiasm that Lucinda wondered if they had been fighting.
"I came by to see if you wanted to go out somewhere tonight, like dancing, or to the pub, or something? Are you two okay?"
"We're fine," Angie answered.
"Ah, thanks Luce but we were kind of hoping to spend a quiet evening here, you know, just relaxing," Rollie replied.
Lucinda shook her head as if she understood. Then she looked at Angie. "How are you doing, Angie? You looked pretty tired yesterday and Rollie said you had a rough night."
Angie looked at Rollie, unsure of what he had told her. His look told her that he would not tell her everything.
"Actually, I'm trying to catch up on my rest. I hope I do better tonight. Somehow, the nights are the worst."
"Did Rollie tell you about the Zombie movie we're working on?"
"No," Angie looked at Rollie with a questioning look.
"No, I didn't get around to telling Angie the news yet, Luce. Thanks," He frowned at her, "and besides, nothing was decided on our end yet. Not until Angie and I discuss it."
"What about the Bradford movie?" Angie questioned.
Rollie told Angie about his conversation with Tom Bradford that morning and about his talk with Tony Valez. Lucinda told her about her necessity for a job and how she ended up with a role in the Zombie Biker Babes movie.
"So, when were you going to tell me about this?"
"I was going to tell you when I got home, but you were asleep. Then afterwards, well...."
"Right," Angie reddened.
"Oops! I'm sorry for letting the cat out of the bag," Lucinda apologized, "I thought by now Rollie would have told you."
Rollie sat down next to Angie and put his arm around her shoulders. "Luce, we kind of had other things on our minds. You know, nowadays work isn't the only thing we think about."
"I'm so sorry," Lucinda again apologized as she jumped to her feet and gathered her belongings, "I should get out of your way. You probably want to be alone."
"No, Luce it's all right," Rollie insisted as he too got up.
"Luce, don't go. It's okay," Angie too insisted, "We've barely had time to catch up, what with me ending up in the hospital every five minutes. Stay."
"Really?"
"Really."
Rollie echoed the sentiment and the three of the sat around and heard more of Luce's life in Los Angeles. Rollie had told Angie that Lucinda was contemplating moving back to New York, so Angie was curious about whether she was serious or not.
"Are you really thinking of moving back here?"
"I am," Lucinda smiled. "It's not that I don't like LA, I do. And I have friends there too, but being back here with you guys made me realize that I want to be around friends that are willing to go all out for me when I really need it and sometimes I just feel so alone out there. I mean...I know that if I ever were in really bad trouble—"
"You mean like when we first met?" Rollie interrupted.
Lucinda smiled, "Yes, exactly. Anyway, I know that I can count on both of you and that's something that's really important to me now. And you know that I would do anything for either one of you...it's just not easy to be there for someone when you're thousands of miles away."
"Feeling a bit mortal, are we?" Angie teased.
"Just a tad," Lucinda admitted.
"Welcome to the club, Lucinda," Rollie laughed, "I think Angie and I have been feeling a bit mortal for awhile now. There's nothing like near death experiences to show you how mortal you really are."
"I'll say," Angie agreed and Rollie squeezed her shoulder. Lucinda marveled at the closeness between the two that was always there but was now much deeper. It made her wish that she had someone like Rollie in her life.
"Well, I still have a lot to think about," Lucinda admitted, "I'm not going to rush into anything though. I want to make sure that what I'm feeling isn't just nostalgia for the good old days."
"Well, whatever you decide Lucinda," Rollie hugged her, "I'm sure it will be the right one for you."
"Me too," Angie echoed.
Lucinda left and Rollie told Angie about the job for Tony. It would only be two gags, one fairly small, the other would be the big climax. Angie worried about how their current FX crew would feel with Tyler FX doing the big climax. Rollie told her he wondered about that too but that Damien Ott had assured him that he was okay with it.
"If we decide to do the gags," Rollie said, "I want Damien and his company to be involved in the planning and execution of it."
"I think that's the only way to insure that at least they won't try to sabotage our work," Angie agreed.
"So, what do you say? Are you up for it?"
Angie shrugged, "Why not."
Rollie pulled Angie up off the couch, "Now, where were we?" he smiled.
"We were dancing which is a very rare and recent pleasure that I get to share with you," Angie answered as her arms encircled his neck.
"Well, we've got some time to make up for then, don't we?"
A few days later Rollie called Tony and informed him that Tyler FX was on board and they wanted to work with Damien Ott on the gags. Rollie set up a meeting with Damien, which Angie elected to miss because she was still physically drained by her ordeal. She said she was going to go for a swim and use the sauna at the gym and then return to the loft for a nap. Rollie was just glad that she was taking care of herself. He promised to giver her all the details on his return.
After his meetings Rollie went to find Lucinda who was already at work. The two had planned to meet for lunch. He had just about reached the door to Lucinda's trailer she was sharing with another actress when he heard his name called. His mouth dropped when he recognized the voice and turned to see Danielle Vandenglas coming towards him.
Dani strode up to Rollie and wrapped her arms around him. She pulled him to her in a deep, intense, kiss.
"Where have you been Rollie? I have been trying to reach you. We never did take another weekend getaway like we planned," she said in her thick accent.
Angie had made fun of her elocution once by comparing it to talking with a mouth full of marbles. Rollie hadn't found it funny at the time, but now he did. Rollie was suddenly struck by how she imagined they would pick up where they had left off all those months ago without any regard as to what has happened since then.
"Dani, it's nice to see you," Rollie smiled genuinely as he pulled her arms from around his neck. "I've been kind of busy, you know how it is. Besides, a lot has happened since we've last seen each other."
"Are you coming on board? Tony said you might. I would love to work with you again," she said as she wrapped one arm around his neck. She seemed not to have heard what Rollie had just said. "Damien is nice, but he is no Rollie Tyler."
"Umm, I don't know yet," Rollie pulled away. "You know — Wow! I had no idea you were in this flick."
"Eh, well, it's a job," Dani complained. "It was either this or a photo shoot in Norway. Call me crazy but I didn't want to wear a bikini, high heels, and a fur coat on a fjord for three weeks."
"Ah, the life," Rollie smiled. "You know, I'm supposed to be meeting someone for lunch—"
"Oh no you don't, Rollie Tyler!" she caught his arm, "You and I are going to do some catching up. Tell Angie you'll share a sandwich with her some other time."
Rollie shook his head then looked at Dani, "You and I do have some catching up to do, Dani, but it won't be over lunch. And as for Angie, I'm happy to tell you that she and I share a lot more than sandwiches for lunch nowadays."
Dani eyes were vacant. She didn't understand what Rollie was saying. So what if Rollie and Angie shared soup or salad along with their sandwiches? What did that matter to her?
Rollie sensed her confusion and smiled. "A lot has happened since we saw each other last, Dani...gosh, there's no easy way to say this," he sighed. "Angie and I are together. We are a couple now and we're very happy. So even if Tyler FX does come on board Zombie Biker Babes, you and I will only have a professional relationship," he rolled up his script in his hands and noted the understanding in her eyes now. "I'm sorry Dani. You had to know."
Dani was about to say something when Lucinda came out of her trailer and squealed as she ran up to Rollie and threw her arms around him from behind. Rollie laughed as she did that. Dani just couldn't believe that Rollie would have taken himself off the market like that and certainly not to be with anyone like Angie. She just couldn't believe that.
"You ready for lunch Rollie?" Lucinda squealed.
"I sure am, Luce," Rollie looked back at her, "let's go." Rollie left without another word to Dani. He didn't even invite her to join them. If this was Rollie Tyler he had definitely not changed for the better in her book. Obviously Angie Ramirez brought out the worst in him.
Lucinda and Rollie ate at the outdoor cafeteria that had been set up. It wasn't Rollie's choice but Lucinda had a short lunch break.
"So who was that you were talking to? Do I have to report back to Angie?" Lucinda's eyebrow rose teasingly.
"No, you don't," Rollie replied quickly if even a bit indignantly, "that was Dani Vandenglas. From what I gather she is the leading lady in this picture and...an old friend."
"Oh really? And does Angie know about this 'old friend'?"
"Yes, she does," Rollie replied somewhat defensively. "Look, Luce, I'm going to tell Angie about Dani being in this picture but please don't make a big deal about it. Angie...well, she's jealous of Dani but believe me, she has no reason to be. Not anymore."
Lucinda studied Rollie's face as he spoke. Her eyes narrowed at Rollie and she could see how nervous he was about Angie's reaction. "Don't worry. I won't make a big deal...but if I catch miss VAN-DEN-GLAS making any moves on you, well, let me just say I will be a good friend to Angie and I will scratch her eyes out on Angie's behalf."
Rollie smiled, "You won't have to. I already told Dani about Angie and me."
Lucinda shook her head and groaned, "Men!"
Rollie returned to the loft with some Chinese take-out. Angie was at her computer playing a game online when he came up behind her. She hadn't heard him come in.
"Hey," he kissed her neck, "did you get some rest?"
"I did. Ooh, hold on a sec. I'm about to blast the squadron leader — right— about— now— BANG! Ha ha! I've still got it," she proclaimed as she blew on her trigger finger. She turned and grabbed Rollie's face, kissing him wildly.
"Yeah, you've still got it sweetie," Rollie agreed.
"So, how was your meeting?" Angie asked.
"Mmm, why don't we eat first? I brought Chinese." Rollie rose and went into the kitchen to prepare their feast.
Angie watched him go, a slight uneasiness creeping into her stomach.
"Okay, spill," Angie ordered Rollie as she entered the kitchen.
Rollie had just finished taking all the cartons out of the bags. His mouth tightened as he looked over at Angie.
"Okay, first of all I want you to know that I did not know until today that she was the leading lady. But even if I had it should not, and would not, have influenced my decision, nor should it yours, on working on this picture for Tony."
"What are you talking about?" Angie grimaced in confusion.
"Dani," Rollie replied after a pause. "Dani is the leading lady."
"Oh."
Angie didn't say anything more about the matter during dinner. In fact, she was pretty quiet which worried Rollie. After they washed the dishes and Angie was finished drying them, Rollie grabbed her by the hand and pulled her towards the couch.
"Ange, talk to me."
"What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know," Rollie said after a pause. "Just don't go all silent on me. That's so unlike you," he smiled mischievously.
"Very funny," Angie folded her arms in front of her. She looked over at Rollie who was watching her intently. His brown eyes were daring her to look at him and she cracked a small smile inadvertently as she melted, just a little. God, I love him, she thought. She realized she couldn't be angry with him for not knowing about Dani.
"Did you tell Dani about us?"
"I did."
"You did?"
"I did."
"What did she say?"
"Uh, well she didn't really say anything. Lucinda came out just then and the two of us went to lunch."
Angie was silent a moment, her arms still folded in front of her. Then, she reached over and caressed Rollie's cheek, "I love you Rollie."
Rollie caught Angie's hand and kissed it, "Oh sweetie, I love you too."
"I guess I can work on a movie with Dani," Angie sighed.
"We can do this together."
"Right. Together." Angie agreed.
"It'll be good."
"I wouldn't go that far."