Jade's Star

1

Jade’s Star

Jade's Star By Carol McKenzie

Carol McKenzie

2

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

A Silk’s Vault Electronic Publication, in arrangement with author Carol McKenzie. Copyright © 2005 by Carol McKenzie Cover Design and Art by Nerraw, © Copyright 2005 Edited by Carol Fortado

Silk’s Vault Publishing www.silksvault.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from both the author and publisher. All characters, incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity to characters or persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

3

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

ONE

On the eve of her divorce to Randy Crain, she sat cross-legged in the middle of her bed. Jade Anne Crain leaned and switched on the bedside lamp. Scooting back against a nest of pastel colored pillows on her off-white, Queen-sized bedspread, she was wearing nothing but a silky black thong and a matching lacy bra. Rubenesque and dark-skinned, she remembered her high school boyfriend, Johnny Krenshaw. The words he uttered so long ago lingered in her mind, arousing her again. Why couldn't she get him out of her mind, for Godsakes? Relieved her marriage to Randy had ended, Jade read the Marion yearbook, turning pages, smiling, and, on occasion, laughing aloud in remembrance of the times Johnny and she had studied together, went to the movies and swam in his pool. Her hair fell in her face, so she pulled her dark brown rebellious mane to the top of her head and secured it with a stretchy band. On page 131 she located Johnny's picture. He was so dark, tall, handsome and possessed overall chiseled good looks. Her heart fluttered in love and lust. "There he is," she whispered when she saw his picture. Without a doubt he was still that good looking, if not more so. She pressed the opened book to her nose and sniffed the page where he'd penned the sweet note. Closing her doe brown eyes, she imagined his masculine scent. It was so silly, but, God, just the passing thought of him made her pussy go damp. She read the words he had written the day they parted company: I wish you well, Jade. You will stay forever with me in my heart. I don't know if going separate ways is a good thing, but I have to go right away – I hate it. My

4

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

parents are making me do it. I will miss you. Love, always and forever. Johnny K. A song played in her head – Sweet Surrender, and she hummed along with it as she sat on her bed. The recollection of the moments before they had parted company kept her hot for him during bouts of sleeplessness and arousal through the following eight years. Openly, during high school, he had sought her out by flirting, telling her she was the prettiest girl in town, and holding her hand publicly. In private, relentlessly, he turned up the heat. As though he couldn't keep his hands off her, at every opportunity he touched her breasts through her clothing, especially the nipples. Through the bodice, he'd catch the orbs between his lips or his thumb and forefinger, making them stand. On a few occasions, his hand had slipped up her dress and under the band of her panties, locating the lips of her moist pussy. Perhaps also a few times, he pressed down the cups of her bra and caught a nipple between his taut lips and held them up as he suckled deeply, causing her to squirm lustfully. She wasn't an innocent bystander by any means. She'd tease him in return. Just like she'd seen women do for their partners on one of her uncle's x-rated movies. While out on date the night before Graduation, she whispered in his ear, "I didn't wear any panties and it's all wet down there, needing you." The very next night he had taken her virginity; they were both eighteen years-old. One time, when he grabbed her hand and pulled it to his unzipped pants and pulled out his erect penis with the other, she knelt in front of him and took it deep into her throat until she almost gagged. It happened when they had taken a walk in the country and

5

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

went inside an abandoned barn. She teased him unmercifully for several minutes. She tickled its head with her flicking tongue, causing him to moan, enjoying how he closed his lids over his icy blue-gray eyes; his head fell back. Just when it seemed he'd come, she removed her mouth from its head. "I can't take you doing this anymore, Jade." If the sex hadn't been in the picture, they still would have gotten along well. They were just kids, really, and hadn't been out on their own yet. Perhaps it was because they both were so full of themselves when with friends or alone, bubbling over with funny stories, warm touches, during long strolls around town and asking each other questions before fests. Slender, model type white girls shamelessly threw themselves at him, but he wanted Jade. Oh, the dirty looks she received on more that one occasion...when he turned them down and turned to her, treating her like she was his woman. "You're just as good looking as they are. No, you're better looking. Your personality is ten times better," he'd say. Jade had taken birth control pills her last year of high school, but took them solely to regulate her periods, not to use them for protection from getting pregnant. She hadn't fucked a boy until Graduation. Thank goodness, she was on them the night she surrendered. For her, the physical attraction had been intense. Johnny kept her tummy tied in knots with need, their last sweltering days together. One night he had told her, "Mm, my beautiful black beauty, you make my dick hard. Give me some of that brown sugar between your legs." Johnny used his lethal powers of charm and humor, weakening her

6

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

defenses. Blood coursed through her veins still, eight years later and she realized their relationship had been more than a teenager's crush. Much more. Thank God, her ex-husband Randy was moving his things out of the apartment. Lying back in the pillows on her bed, Jade slipped a manicured hand down her belly under the band of her thong and into the crotch. An image of Johnny filled her mind. Her fingers slipped between the swollen lips and stroked her moist clit as light mood music played on the radio. The needy little thing stood up like a miniature penis, begging for his touch. It would have to settle for her fingers for now. Relaxing, lying back, enjoying it, she raised her second hand to her deep rose nipples as thoughts of fucking with Johnny played through her mind. Two hours after they had received their diplomas, it rained. Outdoor festivities had ended and Johnny was leaving. Sitting out in front of her house in the dark as rain rata-tat-tatted on the roof, Johnny pressed his taut lips onto her collar and breathed his hurting words, "Oh Jade. I need you before I go. Real bad. My parents are threatening me...I just don't know what to do. I have to go away to school." Vulnerable, holding on to his arm, she said, "Johnny, I'm afraid. I don't want you to go." "I have to, Jade." Turning in the seat, he reached and cupped her chin in his strong hand. His voice intimate and husky, he said, "Tonight I need to have you. I want you to know that I'll always have a place for you here," he said patting his heart. "Maybe someday I'll come

7

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

back. But for now, I have to do this. I'll use a condom." "I don't know..." Three days later he hadn't moved away to college, so she called, then drove to his house. The small U-Haul van was backed up to the front door. After a day of moving possessions into the van, he emerged after having taken a shower, his raven hair wet and tousled, smelling of an exotic man's cologne, looking yummy, smiling, and loveable. Long after dark, parked on a dark, lonely country road, the small talk had ended. He grasped her hand and dragged it to the hard bulge at the apex of his thighs. "You made my dick hard again, Jade." Why had he been so attracted to her? Was it because they shared lockers side-by-side since middle school, both having a last name that started with "K". Her unmarried name had been Kovack. She sighed with frustration. Should she let him put his cock in her if he was leaving? Her conscience told her no, but her traitorous body told her yes. "I've not been with a man that way." Jade rest her head on his shoulder, knowing their time together could be measured in minutes, not hours or days, and with each tick of the clock, less time existed in which she could be with him. "If you don't want to, then we won't," Johnny whispered. "I wouldn't blame you one little bit to say no. It's up to you, Jade. I'm not going to pressure you." "Right or wrong," she said, then lifted her head and gazed at him in the darkness of the front seat of his car. "I want to, but I'd only do it with you." Pleased, his hands slid down, caressing her ample curves. His mouth lowered to her clothed breast, he cupped her derriere and almost heavy-handedly pulled her tightly to him. He gave her a deep-throated kiss. Unzipping his pants he said, "Let me get under

8

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

you." It was awkward, but he took a seat underneath and she straddled his lap, her crotch pressing the ridge of his standing cock. A mere one-sixteenth of an inch fabric stopped the tip of his cock from entering her pussy. "Let's go to my house," she said. "Daddy and Mom's asleep. We can do it there." Once inside at the base of the stairs, he kissed her hair and nibbled her earlobe. She heard the familiar sounds of home: the grandfather clock ticked and her dad's snores could be heard in the living room. His lips moved to her throat. When she moved her fingers down the front of his jeans, the flat of her hand ran down the velvety mat below his belly button and she grasped onto his granite cock and ran her fist up and down its velvety length. It felt so good to the touch and she wanted him to put it inside her. Johnny murmured, "You smell good," he said his hand cupping the fullness of her hip. Raw, gnawing need of what he had to offer twisted in her tummy and wreaked havoc. "Should we try it, or not?" "Okay. We have to be quiet, though." Knowing her parents would raise all kinds of hell if they discovered they were fucking under their roof, she nonetheless allowed him inside and wanted to fuck him more than she wanted air, water or food, practically. Her breathing ragged, she hesitated. His leaving gave her the feeling she'd soon hurt from their painful separation. She felt the internal storm all the way to the core. How could she face the future without him? If she couldn't have him in her future, she wanted him now. Not knowing or caring about the consequences, customs, or notions about blacks and whites mixing, she said, "Come on."

9

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Hand in hand, they ascended the creaky flight of stairs while her parents slept below and toward the back of the two-story house. Once inside her dimly lit bedroom, behind the closed door, Johnny's arms tightened around her, gathering her to him near the bed. While she arched her back, holding her breasts forward, Johnny unbuttoned her top and slipped his hand down into her lacy nests, bringing her nipples out so he could suckle them. His other hand slid up her dress, into her panties and his fingers into her damp, feminine slit. In a hot kiss he backed her to the bed and guided her back onto the pillows, staying on top of her. Her hand naturally located his throbbing cock. She undid his pants and brought it out. "I love the feel of it," she told him. "It's hard." When she began toying with it in earnest, Johnny winced and drew in a raspy breath. Using his knees he nudged her legs apart; when his mouth came down on her pussy she was shocked, at first. But shock soon yielded to lust. She raised her hips so her pussy would be easier to his mouth to reach. When his mouth rose from her bush, he said, "I'm making it wet so it won't hurt so bad." She gasped. "It won't hurt, will it?" "A little. But once it's over you'll love it." Jade gasped during his initial push. He was right; it smarted. But the pain gave way to a tidal wave of erotic need. She cried out his name. "Oh God, Johnny." The instant the words left her mouth she knew she'd made a mistake. "Jade?" her dad had called. "Who's in there with you?" "Uhh. Just a minute Daddy. It's me, I'm practicing a speech." "Speech?"

10

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Yes. I'll tell you tomorrow." "Go!" she harshly whispered to Johnny. His needs unfulfilled, speedily Johnny gathered his clothes and climbed out her window, falling to the ground below. He whispered, "I love you." Cringing, Jade returned to the present, climbed off the bed and put the yearbook away, chastising herself. How many times did that scene run through his mind at the store earlier? Looking forward to running Jade's Styling Salon, she blackballed the idea of letting Johnny upend her life once again, if such an opportunity ever presented itself, which she doubted would occur. Regarding him, she would control herself by living a simple, celibate life. The recollection over, in the here and now she brought herself to a climax using a hot pink vinyl cock vibrator that she had gotten out of the nightstand. She lay there peering at the ceiling, thinking about an article she'd read in Star Review. Johnny had finished his latest movie and was going home, it had read. Surely he wouldn't remember her after eight years and becoming a Hollywood super-star.

11

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

TWO

Their marriage ended. Did he realize how badly he had hurt her with his carousing, gambling and drinking? Did he even care? Probably not. If Randy could, he'd use her like a worn kitchen rug if she'd let him. That was why she insisted he leave the apartment that very morning. Jade stood over the bed and confronted her newly-divorced husband. He lay sprawled face down wearing gray print boxers, plainly ignoring the decrees. The judge awarded him the good car, the Ford Explorer, and sadly enough, awarded her the dilapidated primer 1989 Fiat. It didn't matter that it broke down frequently. A good-hearted woman, Jade insisted the judge do it that way, because Jade kept the salon and the apartment. However, the next crisis developed – Randy refused to leave. Departure time arrived. Glowering down, Jade stabbed her hands onto her hips. The scissors and name tag bounced in her chest pocket in time to the tapping toe of her uniform shoe. How dare he do this? He absolutely ignored her; he respected no one. Keeping her voice calm she said, "You can't stay. Sayonara, Randy." He moaned. "C'mon, Jade." He drew a pillow over his head. "No! I mean it! Out! You knew this day would come. I'll call the law if you don't move." She refused to sleep on the couch one more night. "And you certainly don't need the law on your butt."

12

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

He lifted the pillow and in a raspy voice, he said, "Just let me sleep a while longer and I'll be on my way." "No, I said." She had to be firm. It was the only way to deal with Randy. "Up, up, up." She knew him; if she would give him an inch, he'd take a mile. Besides, Jade wearied of dealing with his lies. In a way, he reminded her of her deceased father who came home when it profited him. He had driven her mother looney toons with his philandering. Possessing a rich, dark brown, soft head of hair, Jade Crain had drawn it back, and tied it with a blue ribbon so she could keep it out of her face at the shampoo bowl. Freckles lightly smattered her smooth-as-porcelain skin and cheeks and finely curved nose. Jade carried a Rubenesque, fit figure on her average height; her legs were shapely. The corners of her full lips turned upward most of the time. "Come on! You will leave, you know. Go sleep it off at the Park Way Motel. You hear me?" Fuming, she yanked his jeans from the floor and threw them at him. "Up." "Aw, c'mon Jade. I don't like that fleabag motel. Who's going to wash my clothes?" Unreal. "Well, you needed to think about that when you messed with that woman. You can't stay, so forget that." Without mincing words she said, "This isn't your motel, either. Oh, and have her wash your stinky clothes. I'll even throw in a starter box of laundry soap." Thankfully, he had moved his things into a mini-storage earlier in the week. Although he had failed to move out. She needed to make sure he understood her stance

13

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

on his staying. Sadly, he believed what he wanted to believe. There was nothing like good oldfashioned nagging to drive a point home with a hard-headed man like Randy Crain. "Let's make up. Let's forget anything happened and--" She stopped him mid-sentence. "Lies, lies, lies." He couldn't speak if he couldn't lie. "You chose this route. You forgot our marriage vows. You're the one who cheated. Not once, not twice, but you'd been seeing her on the sly for over a year! God knows how many others you snuck around with!" The woman had called one day telling her that she carried Randy's baby. How could he have committed such an asinine act of infidelity? Didn't he know how extremely painful such a finding could be to an unsuspecting spouse? The revelation tore her heart asunder and she had given the marriage her all. For Randy, the apartment had become a stopping off point or respite between dalliances. He mumbled incoherently. How much beer had he consumed the previous night? She disliked being heartless, but his refusal to acknowledge her request necessitated her to employ drastic measures. Over a year earlier, she'd made up her mind, regarding him. When the "bad" outweighed the "good," it was time to leave the relationship. At the last check, the "bad" rose to an all-time high. Once again, he pushed her to the wall, so she set forth on plan B. "I'll count to ten. If you're not up and making headway, I'll call Sheriff Miller." She didn't like going nuclear, but what else could she do? "I mean it. I don't want to, but I'll get a court order and have your butt hauled out of here." His eyes slitted and he raised his dark blonde head off the pillow and frowned.

14

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"This whole thing is so stupid, Jade." "One." A caustic pause transpired. "I'll be a hundred percent faithful this time. Give me a third chance." "If I did, it would be your tenth chance. To answer your question – no. No more chances. So now we're at two." "I have twenty dollars to my name." "Three. Too bad. You shouldn't have lost it in the poker game." She crossed her arms at her waist. "How'd you know?" "It's a wild guess." "Can I borrow a Ten?" "Four. No." "You're beautiful when you're –" "Five," she said, cutting him off. Flattery would get him nowhere. Never would she get involved with another man like Randy. It had been a total disaster since the first day of their marriage. He tried tearing her down. "You can't make it just on beauty operating." "Six. Oh, yes I can," she retorted, her tongue heavy with sarcasm. "You squandered our money, not me." He tried to countermine her words with, "Remember the first time we dated?" he asked softly. "Seven." She disliked being hateful, but she had to forget the love they once

15

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

shared. Jade would not invest more of herself emotionally. Plainly, their marriage died when he started stepping out. Did he actually think that the townspeople would stay quiet about his romps with hussies he found in the tavern on the edge of town? How absurd! Toward the end, she likened their marriage to the Titanic's maiden voyage. Maybe she was being selfish, but the time arrived for her to move on and heal. "Remember how turned on you were when we parked on the ridge? Remember? Mm, you got so hot?" His words infuriated her. "Eight." She spun and left. "I'm going for my cell phone. To hell with counting to ten." She rifled through her purse. "Let's see...what is Sheriff Miller's number?" "Okay, okay. For chrissakes, don't do that. I'll take a shower and I'm gone." "For good?" The bed creaked; her hope enlivened. "Maybe." "I'll call him. I mean it." "All right, damn it, all right. Hold on." Huffily, she hurried downstairs to the salon. Her nine o'clock appointment would soon arrive. *** "Well, is he leaving?" asked Megan after blowing a bubble and drawing it into her mouth. She leaned toward a mirror and refreshed her bright pink lipstick and blotted it with a tissue. Megan stood a little over five feet tall, was a white woman, slender and wore a lot of make-up. She crackled her bubble gum.

16

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Jade tossed an empty hair color bottle into a shampoo bowl and washed it. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks and she wiped them away with a towel. "Damn him!" "Don't let him get to you," said Mrs. Sanderson, a steady 8:30 Friday customer. "He likes that." "He is so terrible," said Megan on her way back to the supply cabinet. "You know how long I'd put up with his stuff? Five friggin' minutes, tops. Gary would never, ever pull the crap that man has pulled on you." Jade had to agree. She'd overlooked too many of Randy's negativities for too long. Tears welled. She boo-hooed for several seconds while daubing her eyes. The divorce had been difficult, but necessary. "You want me to go up and –" started Megan. Jade stopped her mid-sentence. "No, no. He's leaving." "Thank God," said Mrs. Sanderson. A chubby woman, Mrs. Sanderson was a white woman who wore a crown of silver hair and was in the process of getting it tinted darker. Jade guessed her age to be fifty-five or sixty. Jade treasured her opinions and labeled her Jade's Styling Salon's most valued customer. Three times a year, Jade gave her a free haircut. Megan opened a new box of tissues and handed Jade another tissue before she finished Mrs. Sanderson's wax removal treatment. "Dry them eyes, sweetie," said Megan. "I'd be celebrating if that joker's actually leavin'." Megan guided Mrs. Sanderson's head into position. "Hold still. This won't hurt," said Megan. "Not if I do it really fast. Brace yourself." She ripped the sticky paper from Mrs. Sanderson's upper lip.

17

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

The patron yowled, "Ouch! Isn't there an easier way? That hurts like hell." "No Ma'am," said Megan. "Unless you shave – like a man does." "Well, I don't want to do that, then." Buttoning his shirt, Jade's angry, dark-blonde, six feet tall, white husband strode past her as though he pursued a goal. He still had a great build, but a beer belly hung a little over his belt. She predicted that if he kept drinking beer at the current rate, his belly would hang over his belt many inches in the near future. His hair dripped because he had just come out of the shower. At an angry gait, he approached the cash register, not bothering to speak to Mrs. Sanderson or Megan; he merely sneered their way and grunted like a pig. "Oh, no you don't!" screeched Jade. "That's my cash." "No way," said Megan. "Leave her money alone." Stopping, he pointed at Megan and snarled, "I don't appreciate a twit like you getting into our business." "How dare you –" started Mrs. Sanderson. "Stay out of this, you old bitch!" "Don't talk to customers that way," said Jade. Mrs. Sanderson gasped. "Well, I never in my life." "Don't pay any attention to him," said Megan. Randy went behind the counter and punched keys. The drawer clunked when it opened. Jade was glad she hadn't put the bank in the tray. Would he find it? She squeezed her eyes shut and said a two-second prayer, Please God don't let him find it.

18

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"You owe me money. Where is it?" he asked as he removed the tray from the drawer. "I don't owe you a cent. Ask the judge." "You hid it. Now where the hell is it?" He frowned Megan's way and said through tight lips, "You meddling so and so, you're to blame for our break up." "You're the one who can't seem to keep your pants zipped," said Megan. "It's all over town about your antics." She eyed his pants with disgust. "Gross." His face reddened and his veins distended in his throat, "That's the problem of living over a beauty shop. Your life gets aired daily by a bunch of bitches." "Oh, really?" asked Mrs. Sanderson. "You're the one who gives us ample topics." "Don't speak to her in that tone," said Jade, stabbing her hands on her hips. "It's true. She and all the rest in here ain't nothing but a bunch of busybodies," said Randy. "Oh. So here it is." He gave an evil but triumphant laugh. "Leave my money alone!" screeched Jade. Jade grabbed at his arm as he reached for the cookie tin. Shaking Jade off, he rummaged under the counter. She was no match, because Randy was a strong man. "Hah hah! You're getting sneakier by the day, Jade." Shoving Jade away, he struggled with the lid and stole the bills. The empty tin and lid clunked on the tiled floor. "This much, too. Now, we're even." "Oh, no you don't!" "Yes. I will. Watch me." Jumping, she reached, but holding it high, he brushed her aside and hurried out the back door. Jade stayed on his heels.

19

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"You'll lose it in the first poker game you come to," said Megan. "That's my electric bill money. You just can't –" started Jade. "You jerk," said Mrs. Sanderson, rising from the shampoo chair, her plastic cape flying. She too hurried to the back door. Once in the car he said, "This is the least you owe me, Jade, after kicking me out." "What was I supposed to do? Take you back so you can do it again? Not on your life, Randy." The engine started. She pounded on the dusty, muddy passenger door and window. Passersby stopped and watched in horror. "Give me that money back!" "I expect you to come crying and begging me to come back. You'll crack without me." "I wouldn't hold my breath Randy," said Megan from the back door. Jade knew he'd take her money and not look back. How would she pay the light bill? It was past due and the last day to pay it had been Friday. They'd shut it off shortly. And, in order to keep her business going, she needed electricity, for Godsakes. When he sped off, her hands dropped to her sides. She sank to her knees in the muddy alleyway, crying. Megan and Mrs. Sanderson came from the back door. Mrs. Sanderson and Megan helped her inside, telling her everything would be all right. Mrs. Sanderson said, "Honey, I can lend you the money." Jade looked down at the dirty skirt of her dark rose uniform and sniffed. As usual, he hadn't washed the Explorer and she unwittingly brushed up against it. After blowing her nose, she ascended the stairs and said in a shaky voice, "I have to change. I'll be right

20

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

back down." Minutes later, a bit more composed, she entered the shampoo room wearing a clean uniform. Her voice resolute, she said, "I'll earn bill money real soon because I have to." "Don't pay me this week," said Megan. "I can't do that. You'll get paid no matter what." Megan led Mrs. Sanderson to a chair. "Have a seat." With a worried look, Mrs. Sanderson sat near the shampoo bowl. She slipped on her glasses and said, "Here," she rifled through her purse. "I have some money hidden. How much do you need?" she asked and licked her fingers before she counted out the bills. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm not taking it. I mean it. Please, put it away." Where would the money come from? She was a strong woman; do or die, she'd make it without a man – at least she planned it that way.

21

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

THREE

Sniffing, Jade grasped a handful of her hair and shoved it behind her drooping shoulders. With a tissue, she mopped her cheeks dry and cleared her throat. She had to pick herself up by the seat of her pants just as her mother had to do a time or two when she lived with her father. "You should click your heels," said Mrs. Sanderson. Megan backed away and began prepping Mrs. Sanderson for a hair color. "Why?" asked Jade rising, thinking she had to get busy. "I heard something. I've never told you," said Megan. Mrs. Sanderson's eyes moved to Megan's face. "You held a secret from me?" asked Jade. "Yeah," Megan said. "What?" "It's just a rumor." "Megan, sometimes rumors pan out to be the truth," said Mrs. Sanderson. "What is it?" "Sometimes not, too," said Jade. Jade's eyes rose from a disinfectant jar. She pulled out a comb. "Go ahead, don't keep us in suspense." "At Lonnie's...well, I heard he's mixing in with a rough bunch now. They're really hoods. They're loose and wild."

22

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Mm. That's not good," said Jade. Why couldn't he make proper decisions in life and hang out with good people? Acting properly just wasn't his forte. "I noticed a change six months ago. He said he was on the road working – you know, selling these little doo-dads that gas marts keep on the counter? So I stayed the course in our marriage." "Too bad." "And I asked him where he keeps them – his merchandise, you know. Because he just has the Explorer and there is no room to store doo-dads in it. I couldn't get a straight answer out of him if I tried. I have no idea where he kept those doo-dads that he said he peddled. I just thought it was odd is all. Goodness knows how he was making his money." "That's too bad he's that way." "I knew he always had a wild streak." Jade plugged in a curling iron and positioned it so that it wouldn't burn or melt anything. "His dead mother, God rest her soul, had a time raising him," said Mrs. Sanderson. "Half the time he was truant. I don't see how he made it through school. But they kept passin' him on and even let him play football." "It's his life," Jade said opening a new case of combs. She sighed. "If he wants to screw it up, then let him. I feel sorry for those in his path, but at least I'm away from it." "Life'll come crashing down around him some day," said Megan. "Just maybe it's doin' it now," said Mrs. Sanderson. Jade discarded wrapping paper and gazed outside, remembering the rough times he had put her through. She would glue on a happy face and move on.

23

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Megan said, "I'm so very glad you're rid of him. It might be worth a light bill to get him outta your hair." Megan poured peroxide into a hair tint bottle, screwed on the lid, covered the tip, and turned the plastic bottle over a few times. Megan left the room, retrieved a timer and turned the radio on so that easy listening music played. When she returned, she said, "I never told you this Jade, but he's been known to take two or three women home on occasion. And that's only the ones I know of. God knows who all he's done it with outside of town – the low-life –” "Now, why doesn't that surprise me?" asked Mrs. Sanderson from her chair. "Are you going to call the Sheriff about the bill money, or not?" asked Megan as she squirted sputtering and splatting color onto Mrs. Sanderson's silver new growth. "I should. But I won't. I'll chalk this up as a learning experience." "How long were you married again, Jade?" "He ruined two of my years." "Well, honey, you're only twenty-six. You'll find someone new real soon. You've got good look, and I'm sure you'll find one heck of a good man," said Mrs. Sanderson. "I don't know if I want to right away." "You say that now, but you will. Just mark my words." While Mrs. Sanderson waited for the liquid to color her hair, the timer ticked the minutes away. Megan chewed gum, twirled a lock of her long black hair and read the Hollywood scandal sheets. She crossed her long, slender legs and sniffed. Jade gathered all the dirty towels, carried them to the back room and stuffed them into the washing machine, singing her Broadway rendition of I'm Going to Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair. She poured the last of the detergent into the washer and made

24

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

a mental note to pick up a new box at the store. Suddenly she felt much better; she drummed her long manicured nails on the closed lid while turning the dial. The long divorce nightmare finally ended. She muttered, "What a relief." Jade popped a piece butterscotch candy between her lips and sucked on the rich goodness. Megan called to the back, "I remember that after my first divorce I went to Lonnie's and celebrated by drinking a beer." "Oh, really? Hmm. I wonder what I'll do?" When Jade re-entered the shampoo room, she dusted a silk plant and stocked the conditioner, thinking about what she could do to whoop it up. "I think I'm going to a movie. I have a free ticket I won at bingo Wednesday." "What's the movie?" asked Megan. "Last Man to Draw." "A cowboy movie?" "Yes." "Who's starring?" "Johnny." Megan's voice lowered and she stopped chewing. "Johnny?" "Johnny Kershaw," Jade said matter-of-factly. "Cool." "Want to go?" "I can't. Gary's boss is coming over. We're grilling out." "Too bad," Jade said and picked up a bottle of pomade and screwed off the lid. "You told me once you went to high school with him. Right? And he was in your

25

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

class, right?" "I did." In the mirror, Jade arranged her dark brown bangs then washed pomade off her hands. "Mm-hm. Sure enough I did." "Oh, really now? Johnny Kershaw. Woo hoo." "Mm-hm." "Was he as sexy then as he is now?" asked Mrs. Sanderson leaning forward out of the dryer's hood. "I haven't seen him except on the big screen. He was more boyish back then. Wasn't as filled out, you know." "Oh, buddy," said Megan. "He's filled out, all right, and in all the right spots, too." Mrs. Sanderson nodded. "He's coming back, I heard. At least, for a while." Jade blinked, astonished. "Why?" At the counter, she removed her wedding band and engagement ring and studied her ringless, slender fingers. She put the rings in a box and shoved it into her purse. Mrs. Sanderson's voice lowered. "His mother...well, they diagnosed her with the big C. She doesn't have long at all. In fact, the hours are just about numbered." "Oh, no," said Jade. "Really?" asked Megan. "That is terrible. When did she find out, I wonder?" "Recently. Fortunately, Johnny's between movies." "I hope he takes it okay. You know, about his mother and all," said Jade. "I don't know. No one's said," said Mrs. Sanderson. "He's a hunk," said Megan as she led Mrs. Sanderson to a styling booth.

26

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"If you don't mind my nosiness, how well did you know him?" asked Megan. "You wouldn't believe me." She picked up the phone and called the electric company. As the phone rang, she covered the mouthpiece with a flat hand and mouthed, "I went to the Junior-Senior Prom with him." She refused to tell them the whole truth; gossip would abound for a year, if not a decade. Mrs. Sanderson's lips formed an "O". "Good heavens, girl." Megan laughed delightedly. Her laugh reminded Jade of machine gun fire. "May wonders never cease. You and he – Johnny baby, were an item at one time? Oh-my-god!" Megan patted her heart. Frowning, Jade said nothing. "You're kidding, right?" asked Megan. "Honey, there ain't no man who looks as good as him. Not in the lower third of this fair state or the whole country. Throw the United Kingdom in that mix, too." Megan paused as she ran a comb through her patron's hair. "He has a nice tight set of buns." Jade studied the current photograph of Johnny on page five of Star Weekly. She scanned his luscious, clothed body. She looked up and said, "His hair used to be totally dark. It looks like they've lightened it a little on top and spiked it a little. Mm-hm." "They change his looks all the time," said Megan. "Come on. Tell us everything. Did you like him?" asked Megan. "Of course, I liked him." "What kind of answer is that?" "I don't – I can't say." She sighed deeply. "What I tell you, don't repeat." "Okay.' "Long ago, I promised myself I wouldn't say a word."

27

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Yeah, go on." She found the subject difficult at best. "Well he and I...we were an 'item'. It hurt real bad when he left right after Graduation." "You fell for him back then?" "I guess so. But that was eight years ago." Megan picked a strand of cut hair off her dark rose uniform and dropped it in a waste can. She stopped chewing her gum, leaned, and whispered to Mrs. Sanderson, "Man oh man. Can you imagine? Johnny Kershaw and our very own Jade. Mm-hmm. The fire department would have to come and put out the blaze it they should ever happen to reunite." Megan undid the neckline of Mrs. Sanderson's vinyl hot pink cape and put a clean towel on her shoulders in case the tint leaked. "Oh, imagine the sweltering, sleepless nights just thinking about what could happen." "You read too many scandal sheets," said Jade. "Remind me to cut back on them. They're expensive." "But everyone reads them." Mrs. Sanderson's lip curved. "I'm going to take a nap now." She closed her eyes and enjoyed the head massage Megan gave. Her voice soft she told Jade, "You don't have to tell us another thing. It's not that important." "Oh, no. Not if you don't want to tell us," said Megan. "I'll survive, I guess." She shot Jade a wry look. "But I tell you everything." Guiltily, Jade considered the comment as she began washing and cleaning brushes at the second shampoo bowl. She envisioned his dark brown hair, now lightly colored on the ends. She remembered his icy blue-gray eyes that could penetrate and do unspeakable

28

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

things to a female's system. His buff six foot tall build was exquisite, too. She sighed in memory of their once-doomed relationship. When the washer finished with a clunk and jerk, she stuffed wet towels into the dryer and turned the dial. The towels noisily tumbled, then she continued the daydream she'd started about Johnny. Had Johnny retained the easy-going style that drew her in high school? She had to be realistic, though. Now, since he'd found fame and fortune, perhaps she wasn't pretty enough for him; or he wouldn't look at her in the same light anymore. After all, Hollywood provided him with an environment filled with America's sexiest women. Of course, he was married, but soon hadn't he planned to divorce Tracie? Being realistic as possible, she considered her own build to be big and beautiful. Her breasts were ample...actually nice. Jade's features were fine. If only she didn't have long, dark brown hair and was plus-sized. She had intended to tint her hair, but had never gotten around to it. If only she could look like...sexy, slender-built Tracie. What was her last name? Collier? She, too, probably had a long list of handsome male admirers who dropped before her and drooled at her feet. After heaving a large sigh, Jade told Megan, "Johnny was so awesome." "You say 'was.' Honey, he probably still is," said Mrs. Sanderson who chuckled until her eyes watered. "I've never heard you use that term." Megan eyed her with suspicion. "Awesome?" asked Mrs. Sanderson. "I'll just bet he is," said Megan. "Mm-mm-mm." "And his star status – does that make you like him more?" asked Mrs. Sanderson.

29

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Jade sighed. "I'd like him the same even if he wasn't a star. Say for example, say he worked in a garage, mm-hm, I'd still like him." What was she saying? Of course, she didn't still have a thing for him. Several moments of silence passed. Occasionally, Mrs. Sanderson and Megan exchanged curious glances as though they wondered what was going on in Jade's head. A question would be asked and Jade would answer it ten minutes later. Regarding Johnny Kershaw, it was one of those conversations that dragged on all morning and into the afternoon. "I'll bet he remembers you," said Megan later. "You're one of those types that no one could ever forget." "Thanks." He probably thought she was still...slender like Tracie. "Maybe you'll get to see him. You think? This is a small town, you know," said Mrs. Sanderson. "Has he been back other times?" asked Jade. "Because I haven't seen him. Maybe he hid from me." "He's been home many times before – hiding his identity, you know. He stayed at the house like a recluse, not coming out. He broods a lot about the paparazzi. Beth Phillips told me. She's his mother's housekeeper." "I'd say he heard you were married and didn't try contacting you," said Megan. "He's married, too. Well, no. I read that he's getting a divorce. Don't forget that. So I'd say he's a stand up guy." "I'll bet he has a long list of leading ladies chasing or waiting for him all over Hollywood," said Jade.

30

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I wouldn't doubt that," said Mrs. Sanderson. "I'd say you're right, when you're talkin' about a fella who looks like him, honey, with all his money and fame, women's doin' some pretty serious chasin', don't think they're not." "I don't know. Maybe – just maybe he doesn't like the gold-digger type," said Megan escorting Mrs. Sanderson back to the manicure stand. "Read the Weekly Star. You'll see," Megan said and pointed toward a pile of papers. And also, to put it mildly, his marriage is on the rocks. Vee-ery much so." "If you can believe it. I don't know," said Jade. "Tracie's family is from Carbondale," said Megan. "Maybe that's why they hooked up," said Mrs. Sanderson. "Because they lived so close while growing up." "I don't know. I guess inwardly I wish him luck," said Jade. A long exhalation left her lips. "You're not interested?" Jade laughed; she was a realist. "Absolutely not! Besides, he probably doesn't even remember me. I don't want a man. Least not for awhile. I'll abstain from men and sex. I have a business to think about. My life's planned out now. I've read that Woman's Life magazine and I've compartmentalized." "Those are some pretty big ideas you're throwing around there," said Megan eyeing her curiously. "He seems to be a higher-caliber person than Randy could ever hope to be." Jade nodded. "He is. Believe me."

31

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

FOUR

Even though her ex-husband stole her money, Jade brought in enough money to pay the electric bill. The lights remained on and she even deposited a scrimpy sum of money in her savings account. Business had improved since the divorce. Leaving the bank, she strolled back toward Jade's Styling Salon's. Life brightened with the initial shock of divorce behind her. Birds tweeted in the trees and a clock tower chimed. The man who ran the floral shop two blocks down spoke as he hurried by in the opposite direction. "How're you doin'?" Bill Johnson asked her. "Just fine, Mr. Johnson," Jade said. Her small beauty salon paid the bills, fed her and she owned it to boot. Her business meant a lot to her. She reached for the door handle and came face to face with her stylist. She wore a stunned expression. "Megan, what?" "Look," Megan said. "Over there." "What?" asked Jade, gazing down the street. "That way. Look." "I don't see – where?" asked Jade her shoulders hunched. "Over there, dammit," she said, her eyes arcing to the area in question. "Look." Jade didn't see anything unusual. They stepped onto the sidewalk and gawked. A

32

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

black limo? Was it broken down? Citizens gathered, a male and female's voice rose and fell – snatches of an argument filtered into the mid-summer day's air. A man and woman aired their difference of opinion in the middle of town. On Main Street? The back door of the limousine opened and for several seconds the argument continued. No one got out. Jade froze, knowing it was rude to listen in; everyone had marital conundrums at times and she was no exception. Regrettably, the couple aired their problems hoi polloi. She needed to turn around and go inside. "What's going on?" asked Megan. "I don't know." Frozen, Jade gasped. "Listen. They got even louder." A hundred feet down the street, inside the car, she thought she saw him – Johnny Kershaw – climbing out onto the brick road. Ohmygod! Her heart about leapt into her throat. Obviously, he was peeved with Tracie, his one time leading lady and now his wife of two or three years or more. Perhaps his ex-wife. At least she looked like Tracie. He appeared fine looking, wearing a black summer suit and tie. "Did she kick him out of the car or did he just leave?" asked Jade. "I dunno," said Megan. "It doesn't look at all good." So much, she wanted to tear her eyes off the scene and resume her self-designated job of unpacking a case of hair spray. A fly sipping the honey of curiosity, she observed the unfolding lover's spat. The limo drove away. Anyone with eyes to see could tell Tracie angered him. Johnny fled. His stride smooth, he reminded her of a sleek panther. He reached into his jacket pocket, took out a comb, and ran it through his hair as he

33

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

walked. Raising an arm in a dismissive gesture, he yelled over his shoulder, "Go then, Tracie! Who gives a damn? I sure as hell don't. Not anymore. Get out of here. My Mom's dying. She needs me." "I'm glad it's over," Tracie yelled. "Goodbye forever!" He kicked dirt and put the comb away. With jerky movements, he slipped on a pair of sunglasses and strode toward Jade's Styling Salon. The scandal sheets had been correct in their statements regarding Johnny Kershaw and Tracie Collier getting a divorce. Jade braced for his possible arrival by scrunching her hair, checking her teeth for whiteness, and checking her cheeks for splotchiness. Good heavens, where did she put the mascara? "He's not coming here. He just can't be." She turned and looked his way again. He approached. "He is." Photographers jogged toward him, toting cameras, passing Jade's Styling Salon's window. Upon seeing them, he turned an about face and ran. "Oh noooo," Jade said, "Paparazzi." "I believe you're right," said Megan. "That's what they are." "Poor, poor Johnny." One of the photographers yelled, "Johnny! Are you and your wife divorced yet?" They chased him as if he was the fox and they were the hunters. In a strategic move, Johnny disappeared down an alley and across a field. Jade knew he would make it home, safely ditching those who chased him. He was a lot faster afoot than they were. For the ladies, the show ended. Megan resumed her work by locating a box of

34

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

pink curlers. Jade stayed on at the window, however. Mindlessly, she gazed down the road a little longer, speculating and hoping she would get another view of him. The thought held her captive, like a prisoner for a quarter of an hour. Megan noticed and stopped chewing her gum. She winked at her patron in the mirror. "Do you realize that this is the most excitement our town's had for years?" asked Megan "It'll probably make headlines," said Jade. *** Four and a half days passed. Jade tried to keep her mind off Johnny being back in town. With her legs spread before her, she sat in a dryer chair and read about the incident in Marion's Daily Chronicle. On an even sadder note, she also read that Johnny's mother had passed away. A pang of grief washed over her as she folded the paper. She hurt for Johnny. Most assuredly it had been difficult for him. Within a week, he'd lost a mother and divorced a wife. How was he taking it? Purposefully, before the Kershaw funeral, she drove to her mother's mobile home park, taking the long route past the city cemetery. The undertaker's men erected dark, open-air tents. Later, Jade and Megan watched the large procession of limos leave the funeral home; past Jade's Styling Salon in route to the cemetery. The motel had filled with Hollywood types, paparazzi and curiosity seekers treating the death as though it was a side show. She wouldn't be a bit surprised if T-shirt airbrush artists, popcorn and cotton candy vendors didn't erect tents and sell their wares, too.

35

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Call it women's intuition, but she felt she'd see him. She didn't know how or when it'd happen. Or maybe her imagination worked overly hard. Although she had pretty good success with women's intuition.

FIVE

The sun shined on the oppressively hot morning the day after Johnny buried his mother. She shopped to pick up some laundry detergent and a few other items since the local grocery store had large boxes of it on sale. She'd finished shopping and wheeled the cart toward the Express Lane. A man caught her eye. He seemed to be in disguise, if she wasn't mistaken. She squinted at the strangely dressed man who stood in aisle two. Not wanting to be rude, she wondered if he was Johnny. Jade couldn't be a hundred percent sure. No one else seemed suspicious. Jade inched closer to secure a better look.

36

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

He pushed a cart and wore trendy sunglasses that clung to the end of his nose. The black duck bill cap evidently hid his spiky, blonde-tipped hair. He peered over the lenses while reading the side of a box of Krunchy Toastem O's. She'd recognize his icy blue-gray eyes anywhere. Immediately, old uncertainties arose. Jade stopped twenty feet away dropped two boxes of detergent into her cart and pretended to read a greeting card. The circular stand creaked when it turned. He was tall, rawboned and needed a shave. He wore voguish jeans that he filled out nicely and a white polo shirt. Over the years, he had maintained a nice butt, she determined. Devilishly handsome, his profile was taut and buff and gave her chills. She could see why Stellular Gazette dubbed him Hollywood's latest heartthrob. He'd secretly been her personal heartthrob since Junior High. He turned the box and read the backside. Nonchalantly, he tossed it into his cart, not noticing that he shortened the distance between them. He stopped and shoved the sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. Nervously she cleared her throat, taking his appearance in; his sexy good looks totally caught her attention. An alpha male, he exuded masculinity. His stance emphasized the force of his thighs and the slenderness of his waist. The rippling muscles under his shirt quickened her pulse. His skin pulled taut over the elegant ridge of his cheekbones. He grasped a box of oatmeal, read the label and put it down. He picked up can of chili at the aisle's end and read the label. Taking great pains, she observed his actions. Jade placed a birthday card on the rack and picked up a sympathy card.

37

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Johnny saw her. Sharply, she took in a breath. A scant smile curved his lips and her heart about beat out of her chest. In a clumsy move, Johnny pushed his cart into two chili can towers. Cans, many cans, dropped and rolled in all directions on the shiny floor. "Holy shit," he said. The checker frowned and peered at the mess. The woman reached for the mike. "Oh no," said Jade. Cans rolled under shelving and carts. Ten or eleven cans rolled in each direction and down the aisle. Without looking Jade's way, "Oh damn," he said. "I'll get the ones this way." He chased and picked up three cans. "They went that-a-way," she said, laughing. Heads in the line turned. A woman picked up a can and placed it on the shelf. Johnny muttered an obscenity as the intercom system announced, "Clean up in aisle two." Jade had retrieved four more cans. The rest had rolled under peoples' feet that stood nearby. "Here you go." She handed them to the arriving, troubled stocker. "Thanks." "Sorry," said Johnny to the man. "It was an accident." Johnny gazed Jade's way. She turned and pushed the cart toward the checkout lane, hoping he hadn't recognized her. "Wait a minute." Caught, she stopped and looked back. "Yes?" "You're Jade."

38

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Slowly she turned, thinking she should react as if she hadn't realized that it was him. However, she wasn't dishonest and lying didn't come easy. She wouldn't tell him that she had drooled over his latest movie less than a week earlier. "Johnny? Oh, hi!" she exclaimed almost casually, hoping he'd buy her lie. He chuckled. "For a second there, I thought you recognized me. I recognized you. I've been meaning to get in touch with you." She swallowed hard, cracked a smile and changed it to a frown. The moment was awkward, at best. He shoved his hands onto his hips and nodded. He removed his sunglasses. "Oh, I forgot I'm disguised. Oh, and I'm not always this klutzy, Jade." "Don't feel bad." She shrugged and shakily sighed. "I have my days, too." "I don't feel alone, then. Thanks for helping." "Anytime." She removed her sunglasses, also. "Johnny, I'm sorry to hear about your mother." Nodding, he peered down for a moment then met her gaze with a crooked, sad smile. "I appreciate it." By his eyes and how his shoulders drooped, she could tell that he mourned greatly. Wondering if she should continue ogling him puppy dog-style or leave, she opted to leave. Turning, she began pushing the cart. "Wait," he said. "Jade." He called her "Jade" in high school; it sounded ominous on his lips. She stopped, turned, and peered into his huge, icy intense and questioning eyes. It had been years since she'd seen him – eight years, to be exact. "Well, I'd better head out." She didn't want to take up his valuable time. And, after all, he was deep in mourning and didn't feel like chitchatting, probably.

39

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"You're looking good," he said as his eyes quickly scanned her plus figure, then returned to where they should be. He grinned and shook his head. "I mean...it's good to see you." Remembering the night they fucked, heat rose in her cheeks so she started to leave. "Jade, I want...I need to talk to you." A tightness formed in her throat. Need? Emotion for her was sometimes a fickle thing, but darn it, right then she wondered what it would be like if Johnny took her in his strong arms and...oh, what was she thinking about? Had she lost her mind? "It's just that – Her voice trailed off. His mere presence caused her to clam up. For years, she hadn't experienced such blatant embarrassment. To make matters worse, the silence lengthened. Was he struggling for words, too? Surely he didn't want to see her. She should go. He raised a finger. "Wait." A smile curved his lips and he rubbed the flat of his palm over his forehead. "Listen. It's great to see you, first off. You're looking so voluptuous." Almost imperceptibly, his eyes traveled rakishly up and down her body. Jade murmured politely, "It's good to see you, too..." If Jade had known she was going to see Johnny of all people that very day, she wouldn't have worn her uniform. Every frigging rebellious strand of her disgusting hair shot up as if she had stuck her finger in a socket, too. She had been out in the sun and freckles dotted her nose and cheeks. Why hadn't she put on make-up earlier? She was in the beauty and cosmetic business and she made everyone else beautiful using the latest techniques. But as for herself, she went many days without touching make-up to her face. After looking around, he seemed to be collecting his thoughts. He detected her

40

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

curiosity in him, just as he had in school. To avoid his scrutiny, she looked outside. She crossed her arms tightly at her waist wondering if there was a closet, she could hide inside it. "I can't seem to shake the blood-thirsty paparazzi." He leaned forward, his arms on the cart's push bar and sighed heavily. "I can't believe they came all the way to Marion," said Jade. He was the "poor little rich boy," it seemed, except he wasn't a boy. He was very much a man, in every sense of the word. The sight of him stirred old, hidden emotions and took the lid off tamped down feelings that she'd so carefully kept hidden. "Sharks swim anywhere in the ocean – especially where they find blood." His voice contained a sharp edge of irony and anger. "They're crazy as hell, most of them." "I'll bet they are." She nodded. He frowned. "Drives me crazy. If they'd knock it off, I could live a semi-normal life. "Imagine this –” He made a simple gesture with his hands. ”They climbed in trees at mother's graveside services and snapped pictures. Picture that if you will. I chased one after the service ended. He climbed into a car and sped off. I was going to bust his camera." "That's so very rude. No, it's worse than rude. It's plain sick." "Everywhere I go – they’re there. I think up ways to outsmart and escape them. That's why I go around looking like this." He handed a can of chili to the disgruntled employee who had arrived to clean up the mess. "I'll help you, sir," said Johnny. "No. My boss won't let us accept help." Johnny reached in his pocket and pulled

41

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

out a Twenty. "Here. Don't tell the boss I gave you this, then." "Oh. Thank you." The man put the money in his pocket and walked away. "So how long are you in town for?" she asked him. "Six months, I hope. They're not too happy." "Who's they?" "Hollywood types, agents, et cetera and so forth. It's a long story. I won't bore you." "Well, you probably need the rest. Besides, some things are more important than – well, you know, work." "That's an understatement. I need to heal." He hung his head for a second. The conversation quieted. Awkwardly, she thought it would be best she continued toward the express lane, but he re-started the chat. "I'm on a diet." She scanned his lean body. "You don't look overweight. You look just right." A lady approached; she recognized him and her eyes lingered. "Oh, excuse me," Jade said. They moved their carts to the side, letting the woman proceed. From under half-hooded eyes, he gazed at Jade. His mouth tightened in a grim line and his eyes flickered away. "I'm playing a death camp survivor in the next movie. They want me to lose twenty pounds in six months for the role." He took a thoughtful paused. "You look good." Jade's brow furrowed. "That doesn't seem healthy, Johnny. Especially when you're not fat to begin with." She stammered, "I mean – not for the character, but for you."

42

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"It's for the pay. Otherwise I'd tell them to take a hike." "I see." Jade tried to casually inject into the conversation, "I've probably gained since you saw me last." A devilish smile curved his lips. "I think you look gorgeous." "You do?" "Absolutely. You're the type of woman if I'd hold I wouldn't feel as if I'd hurt you." Jade blinked. "Oh." Any intelligent woman with eyes to see could determine that he probably had women in hot pursuit of him. Many women. "It gets old. I'd like to have normal life, at times." "I thought you led an interesting life in Hollywood." She paused thoughtfully. "But I understand how you feel." He removed the black duckbill cap, nodded and ran a spread hand through his spiked black, blonde-tipped hair. He motioned with his head. "Join me in a cup of coffee." After taking a steadying breath, she asked, "Where?" "Back there." He motioned with his head toward the small coffee counter. The idea of sitting with him sipping coffee enthralled her, but she had prior commitments. She could tell already that memories of the current meeting would haunt her long after he left. It was a small, nagging throb in the back of her mind that evening she'd find herself twisting in bed sheets unable to sleep in total need.

43

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

She drew upon her willpower of steel. "Oh darn, I can't." He looked at her quizzically. Did she see hurt welling in his icy blue-gray fathomless eyes? "I appreciate your asking." In a fraction of a second, he gave her hair an appreciative glance. His lip curved as he reached for her hand. "It's that same special shade of brown as I remembered it." "What is?" "Your hair." He chuckled richly and brought her hand to his lips. Inwardly, she shuddered. And as he let down her hand the tingles from his touch shot throughout her body. "Actually, I'm having an extremely bad hair day." He remembered her hair color? Was that a good or a bad sign? However, his revelation rendered her surprisingly breathless. Certainly, she didn't want him to notice her discomfiture. Enough was enough – she had to leave. Her tummy was queasy and she didn't want to make a fool out of herself; he of course was now a big Hollywood star and she was...well, she didn't want to twist in the wind about it anymore. He paused, thoughtful. A question came. "You married...or have a boyfriend?" Waiting for her answer, he regarded her with his trademark – a half-lidded gaze. "Divorced, actually." She regarded his question, hiding her suspicion. "Just recently we signed the final papers." She gripped the hand bar of the cart for strength to carry on the conversation and ignore any and all elongated stares shot her way by a rare and amazed passerby who recognized him. Two teenaged girls walked by looking at him speaking out the sides of their mouths. "So you're free?" he asked after the staring girls passed.

44

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Timidly almost, she looked at him again. "Yes." A shiver ran through her. "We-hell, what do you know?" Silence prevailed. He'd better not get any ideas like he had in high school. "What do you know? We're both single. Good." "We are?" she asked. "Oh, yes, I guess you're right. We are." Together they laughed. "I just divorced, too. Tracie Collier. Know her?" "Yes. I do know her...well, I know of her. You two did divorce then?" she asked as though she'd not heard or read a word about it in any of the star scandal sheets. Talking to stars wasn't her forte; she also refused to vie for a man. Although, he came off as being loving, caring and unselfish and was easy to talk to, Johnny bothered her in so many x-rated ways, she had to admit. Her pulse rate increased, her pussy dampened and she yearned for his intimate touch. Not only was she hot for him, she also ached for him because of the current set of agonizing circumstances he had come back home to: the death of his mother. It had to be such a difficult time for him. It was all she could do to not take him to her and kiss away his hurting. Jade suddenly envisioned his knockout starlet wife, Tracie, who caught all the men's eyes. In addition, she daydreamed about Johnny, who was such a knockout himself in his movies – so powerful and exciting. They should have shared a happy, successful marriage. What happened, Jade wondered? Tracie seemed so talented and possessed unparalleled classic beauty. They seemed to be a perfectly matched couple, or so the whole world thought. "She's a beautiful lady. I loved her performance in Code 843," said Jade.

45

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Yeah." He cleared his throat and said almost under his breath, "Looks aren't everything. Perpetually she dieted. They're superficial sometimes. And, fame's so unreal." "Hm." Without even realizing it, Johnny had the power to make strong women weak-kneed. She shouldn't have anything to do with him, because within six months he'd leave and her heart would break again from losing him. He'd climb in his limousine or his Land Rover or his expensive yellow Humvee or whatever the hell stars drove and he'd head back to Tinseltown, California, USA, the land of the rich. Soon he'd forget her. She'd be silly to invite more heartbreak into her life; especially right then after she was newly divorced. Johnny left her once for Hollywood, he'd do it again. History repeated itself. She refused to give Johnny or any other man the power to break her heart. And she didn't intend to let down her defenses – not for one frigging minute. The last love scene he starred in played in her mind. He had made love to the gorgeous Melanie Carter. In reality, it had been an illusion. They probably hadn't touched during the sex scene. The camera people probably used trick photography. But Jade had imagined herself in Melanie's place right after the movie came out. She visualized his strong face peering down under her as he pressed his hard cock into her tight, wet pussy. "Are you doing all right?" he asked, his gaze penetrating. His hand went to her arm and rubbed. She jerked. "Oh, yes." "You look absolutely gorgeous." Again, Jade felt her cheeks heat. "I don't mean to scare you. I'm just me...deep inside, the same old one."

46

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"You didn't. And I – I’m fine. I know you're the same." She winced. She didn't want to find anything appealing about him, but dammit, there was not anything unappealing about him. "No." She murmured with distress. "I'm just not with it, I guess." He pointed toward the back of the store. "Sure you don't want to have a cup of coffee?" Her eyes transferred to the coffee counter. "We could catch up." If she sat down with him, she'd embarrass herself silly; her life was so bland compared to the life that Johnny led. He had many exciting things to discuss. Floundering and wanting to stay, not wanting to be the recipient of another broken heart, she said weakly, "I would, but Mom's expecting me. She's throwing a baby shower." She raised a hand and dropped it in despair. "It's for a woman where she works. I'm supposed to help her decorate. She'd have an absolute cow if I didn't show up or was late." "A cow, huh?" Johnny nodded, disappointment showing in his expression he added, "I hope I'm not keeping you." "No, you're not." He nodded and looked down. She glimpsed him and quickly redirected her gaze elsewhere. "You've got a business, I've heard." He slipped on a pair of designer sunglasses. "Hair Benders? Am I pronouncing it right?" "That's its name. I have one employee. Her name's Megan. Actually, she's a best friend more than an employee." Her heart beat foolishly. "I really enjoy my life and business." A forced smile came to his lips. "That's good that you're doing what you like."

47

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I like making women beautiful. Oh, on occasion a man comes in." "Listen, Jade. I'd like to see you," he said, his gaze falling to the smooth expanse of her throat and downward to her heavy breasts. He pulled down his sunglasses an inch and peered at her over the top of the rims. "In earnest, this time around." A long, thoughtful, uneasy pause followed. If he kept it up the store manager would have to call the fire department. The meaning of his words reverberated through her soul. She pictured herself being drawn into his strong arms, a willing victim of his charm. "I hope I see you, too, again before you leave," she said, turning away. She bit her lip. Surely, he'd forget about her and surely vice versa. They parted. Feeling his icy blue-gray eyes scanning her backside, she entered the checkout lane. When she looked back, his eyes had stayed on her. Was her presence turning him on? Surely not! "Mm-mm-mm," she muttered as she put her groceries on the moving belt. Turning from Johnny, she diddled with her car keys. Jade remembered the vows she'd promised herself. For a long while, she'd remain celibate. That meant no men and above all else, no sex. But, she'd never once thought that her life's biggest weakness, Johnny Kershaw, would enter the equation. She knew his goal – it would be to get her in the old sack-erroo. Her size didn't faze him; in fact, he reacted positively to her size. Mm-hm. Johnny had an aura that sent female imaginations running amuck. Perhaps, too, her fantasies vigorously created a situation that just was not real. With all her might, she hardened her stance and heart. She should act using her brains and common sense, not her heart and leap like a dummy into an intimacy with him.

48

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Think realistically. Johnny Kershaw was an old boyfriend who returned from fame and fortune and movie making – a lush life and a lavish lifestyle and she was a pauper practically barely able to pay her light bill. Where was her common sense? In the parking lot, amidst the smells of car exhaust and a small child screeching no at his aggravated mother, Jade pushed the cart full of sacked groceries past him without speaking further. A soft smile curved his lips and he lowered his sunglasses and winked. Shaken considerably, she started to put her groceries into the trunk, but he took over the job. After she came around the to the passenger door, unlocked it and climbed inside, she pressed the window down button. Through the open window she peered at him, knowing an invitation was in the works. "Think maybe sometime I could call?" he said leaning with his forearms wedged onto the window of her car. His lips hovered mere inches from hers. Was he "pursuing" her? Her tummy turned a flip-flop. Blinking, she refused to answer in haste unable to afford allowing romantic notions to distract her goals. She cleared her throat. "You want to call me? Me, Jade Crain?" "That's right." "I don't know." A car passed and perhaps drowned out part of her statement. All he heard was "No." "I see. Not ready yet? It's okay. I'll wait until you are." Should she clarify herself? She shrugged to hide her confusion.

49

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"It was nice talking to you again." She unlocked the trunk and put the sack inside. In high school, if Johnny wanted something and he was told no, he wouldn't cease going after his goal: he'd continue until he got his way. Perhaps he had changed over the years. His sunglasses now atop his hat, he flashed her a perfect smile – a smile that when on-screen set many a woman´s heart aflutter. Perhaps he didn't mean to do it, but for a fraction of a second, his eyes dipped to the third undone button of her white knit shirt. As crazy as it seemed, her first inclination was to look down to see if any part of her bosom hung out, exposed. But of course, that was not the case. "See you, Johnny. It was nice talking to you again." She wriggled her fingers, feeling idiotic, feeling like she was melting onto the seat. Did he remember Graduation night? How utterly embarrassing! He probably realized the effect he had on her. Jade hoped she could drive home safely, without running over a pedestrian. Reaching into a sack, she brought out a flyer and fanned. Jade had to put the skids on the idea of inviting him over for dinner. No, she had to do a reality check. She needed to put her mind back where it belonged – to Jade's Styling Salon, her apartment and Megan, who helped run her business. "I dunno, Johnny." "I'm serious, Jade." Tsk-tsking, Jade slipped on her sunglasses, inserted the key into the ignition and fastened her seat belt. Not looking his way, she backed from the space after he stepped back. Out the corner of her eye, she saw him walking south, trekking toward the highway. Suddenly he looked like an average citizen with the sunglasses and the black hat at a

50

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

distance. Where was his car? Perhaps he exercised. She didn't need complications; especially like the ones Johnny could give her. Nonetheless, her skin crawled with erotic tension. It was all she could do to not drive to him and call out the car window, "Get in, Johnny," then drive to the nearest motel. She neared him as he walked along the sidewalk. Their gaze caught and held for a fraction of a second, causing her heart to thump erratically. Why oh why did she have to see him again? If he were anyone else, she would have offered him a ride. He waved and gave her a fast warm smile. Wriggling her fingers she said a throaty, "Mm-mm-mm, oh man."

Jade

accidentally hit the windshield wiper lever. "Oh." Jade must not dwell on him; she must move on. He evidently wasn't afraid of being out in the open, she thought. Did the paparazzi leave town? Should she re-think her stance on having a relationship with Johnny? He seemed to be the same person who left her years ago; perhaps more grown up, though.

*** Click – click ! She heard a noise. Click! Was someone down below tossing sticks or rocks at the windows of her apartment? A shiver of fear ran through her system. Should she call the Sheriff's Department? Surely Randy wouldn't do such a thing. "Jade!" a familiar male voice called.

51

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Who in the world –? Jade crossed to the window, shoved it up and regarded a man's silhouette below. What was he up to? Better yet, who was he? She tried to focus on his face. Then she recognized his voice. The street light provided little illumination. She raised the window and called into the soggy night air, "Who is it down there?" "Me." "Me who?" she asked playing dumb. "Johnny, dammit." "Johnny?" "Yeah." "What're you doing down there?" "I came by to see you. Just to talk, maybe." "About what?" "Just talk. Nothing in particular." "Oh." What would she do now? For Godsakes. She rolled her eyes skyward, thinking she should tell him no. "Want to take a moonlight stroll? Me and you. Like old times? We can take the same route we used to take when we snuck out." Inwardly, she groaned. Experiencing a moment of déjà vu, she believed she should make up an excuse. He said he just wanted to talk. Talking never hurt anyone, she didn't think. "I was just getting ready for bed."

52

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Thirty minutes tops I'll keep you up. Maybe an hour." "Thirty minutes." "Fine." His invitation certainly seemed inviting. Strolling around the park or town could be interesting. How long had it been since she had taken a moonlight stroll? She remembered. It had occurred when she was with Johnny. Evidently, he remembered too. Perhaps he grieved. Guilt would consume her if she turned him down when he mourned his mother's death. Townspeople who knew them said he loved his mother dearly. The previous day she had spotted him at the graveyard when she drove to her mother's house. She needed to empathize; it would be cruel to turn away from any fellow human being during such painful circumstances. "Well," he asked. "Are you coming? Or are you going to turn me down and hurt my feelings?" "Just for thirty minutes." She'd go on the stroll and tell him exactly how she felt and then he'd never come over again. "I have to work tomorrow." "You'll come down, then, for sure?" "All right." She closed the window. "Just a sec." Making a face, she got dressed.

53

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

SIX

Marion High School occupied a large piece of ground on the north side of town. Two hundred and sixty-two kids attended, she'd heard. Sixty-two students had graduated in their Senior class, so it hadn't grown much. Randy, her ex, graduated with them, too. Randy and Johnny's conversations had remained limited and contentious the entire four years. Thinking back, Randy seemed jealous all the time of Johnny. Randy played football and basketball – a jock. Johnny starred in the class play, ran in track, and was very popular and outgoing. Girls considered him a good-looking hunk and the class awarded him the coveted title, "Most Likely to Succeed." Their Senior year Randy and Johnny befriended her but not each other. When she met him in the alley, they walked for a mile past the clock on the square. Lightning in the distance flashed. "Still rain here a lot?" "All the time." "I miss the thunder storms." "They don't have those in California. They're rare." They jaunted past the park fountain and through a car lot. Once a hamburger joint stood on the corner. It had been a hang out for kids, but it had long since been taken down. Their Alma Mater soon appeared on the horizon. Swishing through the grass, they crossed to the track. A squad car pulled up and stopped. "How're you doing there, officer?" asked

54

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Johnny. "We were just taking a moonlight stroll." When the lawman realized the intruder was Johnny Kershaw, he apologized. "Could you not say anything on the scanner? You might tip of the damn paparazzi." "No problem." The cop tipped his cap. "You mind if I have an autograph for my wife?" he asked. "Sure," said Johnny. The policeman handed him a pen and paper. "Could you write, "Josephine," he asked. "Sure." Within five minutes the cop drove away, happy. Crickets chirped and a distant dog barked. A low flying airplane rumbled. Again, the sky flashed. Perhaps a storm neared, but she didn't care. She smelled burning trash. Being with him seemed so right. Sitting beside him on the bottom seat of the bleachers, she sighed contentedly. Perhaps they sat in the same place in their last moonlight stroll; she couldn't remember. To make conversation she asked, "Are you going to sell your mother's house? Or are you wanting to keep it up?" "A lot of ideas are running through my mind." He shrugged. "Hell. I don't know what to do. Relatives are all dying off. But it's where I was raised. I'm kind of partial to that place. I don't like the idea of renting it out, either. Maybe if I had a special woman here to watch it, I'd come back more often and call it home again." Considering his words she leaned back, propped her elbows and back on the seat behind them. She peered up at the stars. He too gazed upward. "Awesome, isn't it?" he asked.

55

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"It makes me feel so insignificant. All that space up there – planets and all, perhaps there's even life somewhere else. Where did all that come from?" "It sure makes a body think," said Johnny. He took off his black duckbill cap and rubbed his unshaven face. "Mosquito?" she asked. "It's this beard." "Oh." "I'm not shaving." "Why?" "My disguise. Part of it, anyway." "I see." "To hide me." "Being a star has some drawbacks, I guess." "Yeah." He seemed to be brooding. "Enough about me. How about you?" "I've divorced." "Who'd you marry?" "Randy." Pausing, he gave her a speculative glance and let out a lone humorless laugh. "You married him? Oh, hell." "I know. Don't say it." "Damn." "Pretty pitiful move, wasn't it?" Jade asked. He clucked his tongue and studied the twinkling lights of a nearby street of

56

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

houses. "You could've done better. I mean a lot better." The bitter edge of cynicism tainted his tone. "You're a fine one to talk," she said. "Oh, yeah – Tracie," he said and paused. "And I suppose you heard about our little spat?" "On Main?" "Yeah." "Heard? I saw it. Me and everyone else did too, just about." "I know. At first I thought our marriage would work. What can I say? The woman attracted me." For a thoughtful few seconds, he clucked his tongue, leaned and pulled a weed. "What a damned mistake. Once I got past the physical attraction part, I found the real love was A.W.O.L." "Randy didn't go to college. He didn't have any goals. He continually made wrong decisions. And..." Her voice trailed off. "I'm listening." "He kept cheating, and he's supposedly hanging around with bad company in bars." "Fine man." "There's a lot of other things that went wrong. But those were the main things." His tone saddened considerably. "Oh the pain of it all – life. Sometimes it really sucks." "I know." He glanced at her for a moment, then reached for her hand. She didn't want to be a snob and pull away, so she let him hold it. Somberly, he ran a thumb over her nails and

57

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

along the delicate bones of her hand. His eyes glistened from the moontide. She supposed he wasn't hurting anything. Inside, she felt a bit shaky and didn't want it to show. He continued. She thought about what it would be like if they kissed again. It was a silly thought, but would the moment be as magical as it had been her Senior year? Each into their own thoughts, they watched headlights move down the nearby road and turn into a new addition of houses. A dog barked and a horn honked. "She is pretty though, Tracie is," said Jade in a gentle tone. "Oh yeah. That she is." "I wish I was as pretty as her." His eyes rounded and he blinked. "To me, Jade, you're absolutely spectacular. Ten times more pretty." "I am?" she asked in disbelief. He used such flattery. He read her mind, too. She knew he flattered her. "It's how I feel." He clarified. "Not only are you beautiful on the outside, you have this inner beauty that I've not come across in all my travels." He brought her palm to his lips and pressed a kiss there. Long after his lips left, the spot tingled. She didn't expect it, but dark, inner needs swirled and she shoved them back and withdrew her hand. Words would sound mangled if she spoke, so she stayed quiet. She shuddered to think that she ran the risk of falling victim to his lethal, seductive ways; she knew of them first hand. Things heated and she decided to leave. Although, she wanted to stay with him. A glance at the luminous dial on her wrist told her it was nine o'clock. "It looks like the half hour is now up."

58

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

She hated to be such an ass, but the kisses he planted on her palm caused her cheeks to color and her heart to race. Thank goodness, it was dark. "All right," he said, rose and pulled her to an upright position. "I don't want you mad at me right away. Or any other time, for that matter." *** Halfway home the heavens opened, flashed, rumbled, and rain poured. They arrived at the beauty shop's back entrance, their clothing, and hair drenched to the bone. She unlocked the door and they stepped inside. A dim nightlight cut into the blackness. He pulled the door closed behind him. "I'll get my keys. You need a lift." "I don't want to put you out." "I insist. You can't walk to your house in this." "I won't melt." Why couldn't she rewrite her personal history? If she could she'd never have let him take her virginity graduation night. Upstairs she retrieved the car keys. Soon she met him at the back door in the dark back room of her business. He stood looking out the back window. She peered down the dimly lit stairs. She pulled the apartment door closed and descended the stairs. She remembered their relationship. At first, they had thrived on laughter, sinlessness and a sense of the future, but toward the end it changed to lust. She could understand how she fell prey to his wiles. "My car's not very fancy. Probably nothing like what you'd drive." He laughed heartily. "As long as it has wheels and runs, I'll be happy, babe."

59

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

They ran out to the car and climbed inside. "It's not locked," she told him. "What if someone wanted to steal it?" "They'd bring it back." "How many miles does it have?" he asked, after they climbed inside and closed the car doors. "I don't know. Maybe 230-250,000 miles. I quit looking." Chuckling, he turned a knob. "Let's get some mood music." "Oh darn. The radio doesn't work." She inserted the key, pumped the accelerator and the jalopy rumbled to a start. "It's a beast." "Of the worst sort. It stalls at bad times. The judge awarded Randy the good one, the Explorer." "He did?" After a pause he said, "Bummer." "There's a problem. I have to go to Gas Mart. It's on empty." "I'll buy." "Oh, no you won't." She didn't want him thinking she liked him only for his money. "I insist," he said. "I can't – I won't accept. This is called lending a helping hand to a very good old friend." "All right then." And he silenced about giving her money. A half a mile from his house, in the midst of a thunderstorm, the engine stalled. "Oh shoot!" The car refused to budge another inch. "Darn this bucket of bolts,"

60

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

she said and pounded the steering wheel. After a while, Johnny offered help. "Want me to try?" "I don't care. If you want." Without leaving the car, she scooted over the top of him and he scooted under her. She whiffed his masculine cologne and felt his hard body pressing hers as he moved the opposite direction under hers. It reminded her of the time they had parked while in high school and she sat astraddle his legs minus her panties turning him on and vice versa. Their lips almost met. Blood coursed through her veins at the prospect. Inwardly, like Superwoman, she girded her resolve to not let him arouse her. She shoved the possibility that Johnny possessed the ability to talk her again out of her panties. To be quite honest, any woman with eyes to see would become aroused instantly when a hunk of a man such as Johnny Kershaw showed her attention. She hugged the passenger door while he pressed the accelerator and turned on the ignition. A horrible noise resulted. "Oh, no." "The battery," he said. "It won't turn the engine over." Finally, he quit. "I'll be right back." "Johnny, where're you going?" she asked and peered into the blackness of the woods. A shiver ran down her spine. "Lock the doors and stay right here." "Please, come right back." "Trust me," he said leaning. His mouth swooped over and captured hers. He engaged her in a series of slow, shivery kisses. Gently. Sweetly. "Fifteen minutes tops," he said. His lips touched hers softly like a whisper,

61

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

causing her senses to reel and feel as though they had short-circuited. "Someday soon I want to make love to you." With that, he climbed outside into the weather and the door closed. Jade fretted because there was no room for romance, especially in her near future. His sudden re-appearance disconcerted her and stirred hidden away passion that served her better staying buried.

SEVEN

In the downpour, he disappeared. Who roamed the lonely roads around Marion after dark, she wondered. Much to her relief, within fifteen minutes, he returned as promised, driving what looked like his deceased mother's car. At least she thought it was him; she couldn't tell at first. Her heart banged in fear. She rolled down the window.

62

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Is that you?" "Hop in," he smiled over the din of the storm with his perfect pearl teeth shining. He motioned with his head. She breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God." "I told you I'd be right back." Jade joined him. After abandoning the car along the dark road, he drove her back to town. "The flivver probably was an excellent car in it's time." She let out a lone aggravated laugh. "I'm sure it was." It wasn't this time, though. Parked in the alleyway he shut off the engine and turned her way, obviously wanting to spend more time with her. She had planned to go inside, telling him goodbye. He turned the radio on to a station that played love music and turned down the volume. His clothing was soaked and stuck to him; he said, "It's still pouring." "I'm afraid I got your seat wet," she said. She was determined not to stay in his car a long time. "Mom's not here to chew us out." His tone held a chill. She drew in a long breath, not laughing because it seemed improper. As if they had a mind of their own, her eyes wandered to his buff profile. He toyed with the gearshift handle. "I appreciate you getting out in this and going after a car. You've gone above and beyond the call of duty." She put her hand on the door handle and pressed. "But, well, I'd better go." "Just a second," he said leaning her way.

63

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"What?" "I've got to do this – I can't go on without it." There was a canyon of silence as she hesitated to respond. "I don't understand." She knew exactly what he was getting at. "I can't stand it." He pulled her to him. "Come here." "Oh, Johnny." "Don't be afraid. I don't hurt women." "Why do you want me over there?" She knew why he wanted her beside him. His voice insistent, he said, "Don't argue. Just come here." She let herself be sucked in, knowing the possible implications. And, dammit, he knew of his power over her. That was one of the things that drew her – his boldness. He didn't know how dangerously close he was to making her forget all the self-promises. "I'm going. Therefore, you can go to bed. But first – I just have to –” "I don't think –" Her body tensed. Her body said yes and her head said no. Why did he make her feel powerless in such matters? With a touch soft as cotton, he kissed her cheekbone. "I must do this, too." Shaking with fear of his actions, she didn't want to, but she enjoyed his kisses – too much. A noise hummed in his throat as he kissed her nose and her throat, maybe four or five times. She didn't resist. In fact, she closed her eyes, trembled, and let it happen. Repeatedly, he kissed her, but she held her ground and did not kiss him in return. Suddenly she felt his hands on her. A hand ran over her clothed lap and up her side until his hand rested on her hip. Johnny touched her in body, mind and spirit. He raised her chin and smothered the start of her fierce protest with his hungry mouth. She tasted his

64

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

minty mouth-washed tongue, smelled his bracing, expensive cologne. And she yearned to slip her arm around his neck. Piercingly sweet desire welled and shot through her as his rough hands rubbed her clothed breasts. It continued until she found herself entangled in his embrace and wanting more. Inwardly, she cursed her weakness of him. By his kisses, she could tell he wanted her mentally and physically. The thought of him taking her entered her mind on occasion. With all her strength she wanted to cling to him and surrender, even after their lips had separated. He laughed softly and murmured, "I'm hot for you, Jade. I don't want to scare you off. That's fine. I'm a patient man. But sometimes...I do, I want you in a big way. And I want it to be good and right." Separating from him, she cleared her throat and nodded. Her heart hammered in her chest and a voice warned her in the back of her mind. After all that time his touch still left her breathless. Amazing. He whispered, "A day hasn't gone by that I've not thought about you." "Oh Johnny, I just don't know," she said taking in a ragged breath. "I've made different plans for myself." "Don't shut me out. I couldn't bear it." How dare he come from Hollywood or Beverly Hills or God-knows-where-else and throw her life off course? He was sure to leave her behind again – a famous man like him. When she tensed, he pulled away. The sides of their thighs touched, so she moved away from there too.

65

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Rain beat on the windshield during a long pause. A part of her begged to allow him access to her heart, but she shoved the thought away. "I want us to take up where we left off." "No!" Her doe brown eyes clouded. How could she let him do that? Didn't he realize it would tear her aims asunder? As soon as he had touched her, her defenses had crumbled like Athens architecture. Mustering strength, she vowed to stand strong, thus thwarting another emotional disaster. The pain – she did not want to think about it. She kept him at arm's length by saying, "Too much water's gone over the dam." Her hand moved to the door handle and she scooted toward the passenger door. "You left me behind. It hurt for months." Tears stung her eyes. "I just don't know. Darn it, Johnny. I don't want to relive the pain. You've got starlets up to your ear lobes, probably wanting you. I don't – I can't see you anymore. Besides, I will not compete." With that said, she climbed from the car and unlocked the salon's back door. The car window whirred down. "Jade. Please. Don't turn me away." She didn't look back. Johnny softly called her name. Forcing his handsome face from her mind, she went inside and flattened her spine against the closed door until her breathing normalized. The Lincoln drove away. Heavy, dreadful silence enveloped her apartment. She tiptoed around the room, undressing, hanging her wet clothing up to dry while remembering all that was said, and reliving the awesome kisses. After her shower, sitting at the dressing table, she picked up a comb and ran it through her wet hair. But oh, he tempted her as though he were the devil himself. She

66

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

remembered the times she dreamt of him arousing her and she'd wake up, only to find that it had been merely a conjuration. Then again, by denying herself, would she pay too high a price for her independence? She didn't want to be cruel or cold-hearted. Would she see him again, she wondered? Perhaps she should apologize if the opportunity presented itself. *** Thunder vibrated the building. In the back room of the salon, Jade gazed outside at the broken down '89 primer beast as Johnny called it. A driver unhooked it and left it in the lot. Now she traveled by foot, because she didn't have enough saved to buy a battery, thanks to Randy. "What in the world happened?" asked Megan. Jade returned to the business at hand. She had to give Mrs. Carlson a permanent. "My car quit." "You look like you lost your best friend. It's just a car." Megan peered into cabinets. She too had a permanent wave to give. That week, in fact, Jade ran a five dollar off special and advertised it in the newspaper. Megan located permanent wave solution and a few pink curlers. Jade nabbed a brush and two towels. They strode to the styling room. Vigorously, Jade brushed a cut hair strand that clung to her deep pink uniform. "He came over," said Jade, frowning. "Who did?" Megan raised an arched brow. "Johnny." Megan blinked. A baffled expression came over her face. "Johnny?" She thought a minute and her expression changed to one of astonishment. "Johnny as in Kershaw?"

67

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"That's him." She stopped winding a rod and asked breathily, "What are you going to do?" Jade's voice weakened, "I told him I didn't want to see him." "Mm-mm-mm," said Megan as she draped the hot pink cape around her lady's neck. She clucked her tongue. "Man alive." The patron asked, "Who's he? Leaning, Megan whispered, "The star from town – Johnny Kershaw." "Oh my goodness, honey," the woman said. "Don't let him get away." Forty-five minutes later when the patron fell asleep and another lady read under the dryer, Mrs. Sanderson arrived on time for her two o'clock appointment. "Hey there, Mrs. Sanderson," said Jade. "I like your outfit. Cool." "Oh, this old thing," she said of the burgundy pants outfit. She opened her raincoat wider, modeling. "Mr. Sanderson will love it." "I hope so." She hung her umbrella on the coat tree. "Where did all this rain come from?" "I don't know," said Jade. "I wish it'd go away." "If we get anymore, the roads'll wash out. Least that's what the weatherman said." "My, my." Jade parted off her next lady's head and wound yellow curlers into the lower sections. Megan's forehead rumpled. "A florist truck's double parked out there." "Oh, no. They do that all the time."

68

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"He's coming in here." A lady leaned out of the dryer and smiled. "They're pretty. That's the loveliest shade of pink I've ever seen. Is that baby's breath with them?" Mrs. Sanderson said, "I'll bet that's four dozen roses, at least." "Can't be that they go here," said Jade. The man entered carrying the gigantic flower arrangement. "Jade Crain?" "That's me. You can't figure out where to go?" "They're for you, I guess." She gasped, astonished. "Where do you want me to set them?" the driver asked. "Ahhh, well I'll bring a card table in. Oh," she said pointing toward the counter. "Put them there for now." "Who sent flowers?" asked Mrs. Sanderson as she took a seat at Jade's station. Megan rolled her green eyes and said, "You wouldn't believe it if she told you." "She's not," said Mrs. Sanderson. "Not what?" "Not back with Randy." "No, God no," said Megan. "Well, who sent them?" asked Mrs. Sanderson. "She'll tell us in a minute. Won't you, Jade?" Jade brought in a card table and set it up near the door. She plucked the card from the plastic holder and opened the small envelope. It read: Jade –

69

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

I apologize for last night. I was way too forward too soon. With that said, I want to make it up. Tonight I'd like to take you to dinner. I'll behave. My cell number's below. Call if you can't make it. It'll hurt if you decline, but I'll understand. Otherwise, I'll be by at 7:00 P.M. sharp. xoxo Love always and Forever Twice she read the card and decided to hide it. The words were personal and so touching and made her heart shudder. Five sets of eyes followed her when she began giving Mrs. Sanderson her do. "Well?" asked Megan. "Are you going to give us some sort of an explanation? We're standing here with our mouths gaping and you won't say a word." She paused. "Hello?" "About –” Jade played coy. "What is it with you? What do you want to know?" "Argh!" said Megan. "Oh!" she exclaimed as though the secretiveness drove her insane. She finally told them. "It's from Johnny. He apologized." "For what?" asked Megan as she dropped her comb. "What could he possibly have done?" "It's personal." "What's he want to do to make it up?" asked Mrs. Sanderson. "Least that's how my husband does it." "Dinner. With me." "Tonight?" Mega asked as a dazzled look came over her face.

70

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Yeah, I guess so," said Jade. "Guess I'd better break out that one dress I've never worn. I'd been saving for a special occasion. "The black one?" asked Megan. "Mm hm." "That's a sexy little number." Megan retrieved a disinfected comb and said, "But...you don't seem happy about it. What's going on in that brain of yours about him?" Jade located her scissors and shoved the drawer closed with her hip. She sniffed and shrugged. "He's just going to take me out to dinner is all. It's nothing major," she said, lying.

EIGHT

Johnny held her hand as they entered the portico of Zimmerman's Eatery. A valet parked his mother's Lincoln as they stood in line, chatting while they waited to be seated. He didn't bother going incognito. Early on, a portent loomed in the back of her mind and she could think of nothing that actually caused it. Was it women's intuition? However implausible, a dark cloud of

71

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

questions hung over her like the sun over a shade tree. She pushed it out of her mind and remained lighthearted, nonetheless. Johnny expected an elegant evening filled with easy conversation and relaxation. Besides, he wanted forgiveness. Having a wonderful time, she had made up her mind, for the evening was her goal, too. "Follow me please," the lofty maître d' appeared and said stiffly. He raised an arm and snapped for the wine steward to attend to their every need. Two jacketed men followed closely. A cacophony of voices, subdued and mirthful, rose from the dinner crowd. Piano notes effused the ambiance. The room was nothing less than understated grandeur, dappled with mirrors, plants and dimmed lights. As they passed through the crowded room toward the table, heads turned their way, their eyes aloft. They were strangers to her. It didn't surprise her that Johnny seemed well-acquainted with them even though he probably didn't know a soul. After all, most had seen his movies. Jade was impressed with Johnny's deft handling of himself in social situations. All the while, she was aware of the movements of his five fingers that touched the small of her back as he escorted her into the dark recesses of the nightclub. "I didn't know there were such elegant eating places over here." She noticed several of the women's finery. "Southern Illinois is coming up in the world," he said after they stopped. Their table was small and among the most secluded; adorned with a vase of perennials. "Oh lovely. White peonies," she pointed out.

72

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Mm hm," said Johnny. "There you go," said the headwaiter. He stepped back and Johnny seated her, making her feel like a princess in a delightful fairy tale land. Johnny stepped forward and pulled a chair from under the table. "They have good food I was told, too." "Have you eaten here before? The smells are...heavenly." He nodded. "A few times. For special occasions when I've come home. I haven't come for a long time, though." "Oh." She bet it cost a fortune. She would at least leave the tip. Jade dressed in her best dress – an evening gown that was expensive – at least it was for her – two hundred and fifty dollars nice that she had hidden in the back of her closet for three years. Her dress was a silky black strapless and low-backed jazzy number. It showed a bit of her cleavage. It was not extremely low cut, just a tad plunging. When she bought it in Chicago, the sales clerk described it using the word 'sexy'. She carried a matching black beaded handbag and wore dark hosiery. She didn't own expensive jewelry like so many of the women she saw wore. Her necklace gem set and tiny earrings were made of zirconium. The necklace, a delicate silver chain, sparkled at her throat. Her satin black heels sunk into the plush carpeting. Holding the arm of the chair, she sank into its comfortable soft leather. Her eyes rose to meet his. "Thank you." "My pleasure." In public, his manners were impeccable, she noticed. He scooted her chair forward and rounded the table.

73

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Before he sat, nearby, an acquaintance waved from the next table to him. "Johnny. How are you?" Of course, he spoke. Johnny ambled to the table and exchanged pleasantries. Turning, he introduced Jade. Mindful of her manners, Jade greeted them cordially and chatted for a moment. Johnny seemed to be such a local luminary – an enchanting man. No wonder Hollywood producers sought him for their movies. When he turned and rejoined her, he said, "Hungry?" and took his seat across from her. She nodded. "This place is nice," she whispered. She did not remember it being in business when she was growing up a few miles away. "It's the nicest around, it seems." Just as he had promised, their seating arrangements were secluded. The table was clothed in dark red and was one of the few that were topped with a reserved sign. A waiter whisked by the table and snatched the red card with white calligraphy. Another young man lit their candle. Johnny flashed a charming half smile, plucked and snapped a cloth napkin and draped it across his lap. Once settled, he sipped water and smiled her way, eyes flashing with presumptuous charm of Rudolph Valentino. "The seafood's good, I've heard. Ohhh." "The prime rib's out of this world," said a passing waiter. "That sound's good." Shadows shimmered around them as the steward appeared and took their order. The experience resembled a scene out of Notting Hill and she couldn't wait to tell Megan. Carefully, copying Johnny's actions, she grasped the folded napkin before her,

74

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

shook it loose, and draped it daintily across her lap. As the waiter filled their water glasses, she thought she glimpsed a familiar face a few feet away. To see more clearly, she turned in that direction. Two dozen feet or so away, under the light of an exit sign in a long hall, the woman stood near a tropical plant chatting. She noticed Jade, too. As though her thoughts stuck in quicksand, Jade stared. Was the woman Tracie, Johnny's ex-wife? Riveted, she hoped her suspicions were not correct. Surely she was mistaken. Perhaps her eyes played tricks. Jade blinked and the lady disappeared. Where did she go? Jade scanned the dining room for another sighting, especially the area near the exit, but she didn't see her again. "Is anything wrong?" asked Johnny. He turned, looking toward the exit. "Did you see someone you know?" "Everything's fine." She couldn't hide her concern. For a moment longer, she searched and once again, her effort failed. Should she tell Johnny? She didn't want to ruin the evening. Johnny raised a brow. "You sure everything's all right?" Rattled, she felt a bit silly. "Sorry. My imagination's running wild, I guess." "You look pale. Like you saw a ghost." Unsettled she said, "I thought I saw someone I knew is all. I guess not." "That happens to me all the time." His eyes stayed with her and she shoved the incident out of her mind. She would not let the woman taint the lovely dinner. Determined, she gave Johnny her full attention. Besides, the woman probably left if it was her.

75

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

A sea of candles flickered on the tables of Zimmerman's Supper Club. Water splashed in a nearby fountain. Piano music tinkled and waiters rushed down the aisles with large trays of food or small trays of cocktails. At nearby tables, men and women diners peacefully talked. Through an archway, a group of four entered and the headwaiter led them to their table. "Madame," the waiter said adroitly and handed her a menu first, rounded the table and placed a second red leather bound menu into Johnny's hands. She turned her attention to the sprawling gold calligraphy and read the listing of entrees. "Look at all this, will you?" "Thank you," he told the waiter, slipped on his glasses and began reading. For several minutes, they poured over the dishes, discussing possible choices. She didn't want to order anything too expensive. However, there wasn't an entree on the menu that was inexpensive. He removed his glasses and slipped them into his pocket. "I've decided." "What did you decide on?" "Prime Rib. Queen cut." "That's what I'll take, I guess. Only the King cut, please," he said. Watching the sights, hearing the sounds, and smelling the delicious scents, they ordered and chatted lightly about the tempting food choices offered. A half hour after delivering their salad, a red-jacketed waiter placed the meal of prime rib and baked potato, food fit for a president, a king or a queen, before her. As they looked on, with a corkscrew, the wine steward uncorked a bottle of Blush

76

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

wine and slipped it into an ice bucket at Johnny's side. Before she picked up her fork, she said, "It looks delicious." She made eye contact with Johnny across the table. Nodding, his gaze dropped for a fraction of a second to the bodice of her dress, then artfully darted to the dark green iced-down bottle. "Care for wine?" he asked grasping the neck. "Sure," she said. "If the meat's not cooked right I'll have them take it back." He filled her glass three-quarters full and placed it at the proper spot above her plate. Barely, she heard the servers singing happy birthday to an unsuspecting diner. "It's fine," she said, casually chewing. After she swallowed a small bite of it she said, "Actually, it's delicious. Excellent choice." She could become addicted to such attentiveness. However, he was quickly becoming a clear threat to her single existence. Surely, she was going through a female phase of some sort. In addition, the feelings she recognized as wanting him again would fade. She couldn't let herself see him in her future, could she? Or, forgive him for leaving her? The thought evoked much conflicting emotion. While chewing, she glanced across the table and smiled as she sipped from her water glass. She saw a glean in Johnny's eyes when he looked at her and it intensified each time they were together, making her feel as though she dissolved inside. Throughout the evening, he talked about achievements and awards. As the meal came to a close, he spoke of his plans for the next movie, fearing he would not be able to

77

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

take off the twenty pounds. "You're awfully quiet," he said. "I'm afraid I'm doing all the talking." "I was listening. Your career sounds so interesting." "Nah." He looked toward their waiter. "Care for some dessert?" he asked, his eyes shifting to hers. "No, thank you." Enchanted, she murmured, "Just a small bit more of wine, but no to dessert." The waiter left and he reached for the slender bottle. Eyes downcast, she daubed her lips with the cloth napkin and lifted a last fork full of potato to her lips. He took the stemmed glass, brushing her fingers lightly. Her nectarine smooth skin tingled where he touched and reproduced throughout the nerve endings in her body. Jade spotted a familiar face approaching their table. Jade squinted a bit. Who were they? It was a tad dark in the room, but finally she could tell that the figures who approached were a well-dressed woman and a man. The man was fair-haired, perhaps blonde, or light brown, he had a kindly face. He was built strong. It appeared as though they had eaten and were leaving. Jade stopped chewing, swallowed, and put her fork down. "I think I know her." Johnny's head turned toward the couple, he swallowed and reached for his wineglass. "Who is she?" He daubed his lips with his napkin and finished chewing. The woman turned her head Jade's way. Seeing her familiar face, Jade felt a strange look seeping over her expression. "What is it?" asked Johnny. "I-I think it's Darla," she aid incredulously.

78

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Darla – who –“ Johnny's head rotated toward the approaching couple. The woman arrived within hearing distance and told the fellow she accompanied, "Here are two people I haven't seen for years. It's Jade oh – and my favorite actor and school mate in the world; darling, darling Johnny Kershaw." She let out a high-pitched laugh that could probably be heard throughout the restaurant. They stopped at their table and stood in the aisle. "Darla McDaniels?" asked Jade, her mouth opened with joy. "Well, if it isn't Jade and Johnny, and they're still together? Amazing." she said reaching for Jade's hand and leaned to kiss Johnny's cheek. Darla looked glamorous with her blonde hair brought to the top of her head and wearing a dark purple evening gown that plunged between her breasts. Her date wore a tux similar to the one Johnny wore. Jade rose and gave her a hug, leaving her meal. "It's been many years, hasn't it?" Darla turned to introduce her date. "This is my wonderful husband, Tom." He leaned forward, extending his hand. "It's very nice to meet you." Jade reached for Johnny's arm. Johnny rose and extended his hand. He took her hand first then shook with Tom. "My pleasure. Nice to meet you again, Darla and Tom." "I know you, Johnny. Well, quite honestly, your name appears often on the movie channels." Tom said, "I loved your movie Splendor." Darla turned to Jade and gushed, "Good Lord, Jade, you look absolutely gorgeous. Even more so than in school." She didn't know how to handle the complement, other than thank her.

79

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"What are you doing now?" "I run the Jade's Styling Salon," she nodded. Darla's mouth dropped open. "Where?" "In Marion on Main. You'll have to come by." "The Lord knows I need a new do." "We'll fix it." "I'd love to. Yes. I'll be in...next week. We'll catch up on old times." She slyly gave Johnny a strange look. "And the new times, too." Her shrewd words were laden with innuendo. After a minute's banter, Darla broke away. "Talk to you another time, then. We'll let you get back to your dinner." Check in her husband's hand, Darla and Tom made their way toward the front of the restaurant and down the long hallway that led to the exit. Johnny and Jade settled back into the soft leather. She lapsed into semi-quiet mode again and concentrated on her meal. Even when the room emptied and the waiter took away their plates, she heard voices. The waiter returned with the check. "Where's the noise coming from?" "They're in the barroom – the nightclub part of this place." He dropped the check and stooped to pick it up. He moved to her side of the table. "Oh," she said. "A night club, too." He leaned, moving his arm onto the back of her chair and brushed a kiss fleetingly onto her lips. For a while, they sat back and watched the candle's flame flicker, leap, and dodge.

80

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"There's a threesome playing in there. Lounge type music. Want to go for a little while?" Johnny asked when he returned later from the rest room. "We can get an after dinner drink." "I'd like that." She was full and couldn't remember eating so much food in one meal. She hoped she could drink a whole after dinner drink, though. Soon, he rose to his feet, took her hand and led her to the lounge. She eyed him suspiciously out the corner of her eye. He made her feel like a caterpillar which was about to transform into a monarch. They entered the noisy, large room. The drinks and the loud talk and laughter flowed. The tables were full. As a couple, they received critical stares and occasional surprised glances. She had to ask. "You know these people?" "Some are fans, I hope." Smiling, he waved to a couple sitting at a few cocktail tables to their right. The long, rectangular room was dark except for the long bar and the band, which played across the portable dance floor. Johnny led her to a newly emptied table and soon they gave the cocktail waitress their order for two grasshoppers. "Want to dance?" They couldn't talk. It was too loud. "Sure." So, without further talk, between songs they ambled hand-in-hand to the dance floor, her temple to his cheek, their arms extended, they slow-danced as perhaps more than a few of his fans watched and stopped to say hello.

81

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

They returned to the table, but Jade decided she would find the restroom before she sat down. "Excuse me. I won't be too long." Johnny leaned forward and looked quizzically up at her. "Everything okay?" "Everything's fine." Carrying her handbag she dragged her hand along Johnny's strong shoulder until her hand dropped at her side. "I shall return." He started to rise, but she insisted, "No, sit down. It's okay...I'll be right back." "All right," he said. Jade crossed the dance floor and passed the bar. She exited into the lobby, the noise's volume diminished. It seemed there was an exodus outside the restroom's doorway. She followed the crowd. The woman stood in the distance, Tracie Collier. She gasped and her line of vision froze on her momentarily. Was she meddling? Or, was it a coincidence she was there? Heartsore, Jade squinted. But, was the distant female really Tracie? Perhaps her eyes played tricks and the woman was actually a Tracie look alike. Such worry was utter uselessness. She would and could not let the woman's sudden appearance upset her. If it was her, let her ponder the evolution of Johnny's new, flowering love life. Then a sinful thought came to Jade. Let Tracie ruminate with envy while Jade spent the rest of the evening smiling and bright-eyed...with her ex. The more Jade thought about her curiosity, she found it rather comical, it the woman was Tracie. She didn't like her movies, anyway. She chuckled quietly to herself. She didn't want to think about Tracie anymore. Johnny made it plain he didn't care for her and their relationship had ended. Why was she hanging on like a fool, though? Jade located the women's restroom. Blinking, she realized she faced a long line,

82

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

comprised mostly of slightly inebriated women who waited. The line moved slowly. To herself, she grumbled. Turning, she cast a look around the area, not wanting to wait. Dammit, she needed to go right away. Surely, the discerning owners would have built another restroom elsewhere on the premises. It was a big restaurant. An employee approached. Jade stopped the older female. "Excuse me, Ma'am. The line is huge. Is there another rest room?" The dark-haired woman peered past her, considered the line, and grimaced. "I see what you mean. Honey, I don't blame you." The woman's brow furrowed. "Want to use the helps' bathroom? I don't think anyone would mind. I sure won't tell. The help would all be on the floor right now and you'd have it alone." She nodded. "Oh, bless you. Where is it?" she asked with relief. The woman pointed. "Go down that dark hallway and it's the third door to the right. It should be empty." Jade gazed in the general direction the employee pointed. "Thank you so much." With a slight smile on her lips, she strode forward. The hallway was dark. With a sense of vague foreboding, she passed a coat rack and a door that led to the dishwashing area. The hallway was all but abandoned. She pooh-poohed her feelings. Inside connecting rooms, kitchen employees worked, oblivious to her presence. After looking in each direction, she pushed open the rest room door. It was a small rest room which had four stalls--brightly lit inside and devoid of people. A few moments later, standing in front of a small mirror, she repaired her makeup and hair. Klunnnnk!

83

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

She gasped and put her make-up back into her handbag. The door caused the noise, she believed. She picked up her handbag and pulled the door handle. It wouldn't budge. Did someone lock the door? Why? With all her might, she pulled again. She broke a nail in the process. "Dammit!" The evening suddenly went awry. Who would lock the door? Could the Jezebel Tracie pull such a trick? Obviously, Jade had been flimflammed! With the flat of her hand, she pounded vigorously, creating a din. "Help me!" Several minutes passed. No one came to the door. Was there another way out? She looked for a window, but there was none. Jade stopped a moment, pressed her ear to the door's surface, and listened. She didn't hear a thing. "Hello?" Visions of being locked all night inside the small room gripped her in a panic. She beat on the heavy metal door. Moaning softly, she read the time. Johnny would think she left. She would not knuckle under and cry like a bawling baby. Within fifteen minutes the door opened, Johnny appeared, a concerned look crossing his face. She couldn't remember ever being so glad to see one human being in her life. He looked so huggable. Arms outspread, he took her in his arms, and she willingly let him take her. Johnny demanded from the male manager, "How did this happen?" The nervous man said, "This was a closet. We used to lock stuff inside it. Recently we made into an employees' restroom." "Someone locked her in on purpose?" asked the manager. "You think?" Johnny commanded, "Get this lock off here tomorrow." Johnny wrapped his arm

84

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

around her waist and drew her into the corridor. "I thought you'd left me. I couldn't figure out why." "I thought you might think that." She was a bit muddle-headed still. "I saw your ex –" "Tracie?" he asked incredulously. "I think –" She paused and nodded. "Yeah. Maybe she locked me in. I can't prove it." "That lowly bitch. I'll see if she's here." He left Jade in the portico. For several minutes, he looked around the premises. He found out that she had been there and left. "I'll say something to her when I get back," said Johnny. Momentarily, her anger and hurt left. "Please don't. Nothing can be proven." "I've found that if it looks like a duck and quacks like one too, it is one." "I know." Although she was angry, it would be more than embarrassing if it wasn't her evil act. "I'd better get going, Johnny. I have a lot to do tomorrow," she said, managing a smile. "Okay." His arm dropped from her waist and he squeezed her hand. They ambled into the lounge area where he soon accepted the tab from the cocktail waitress. Jade drew money from her wallet and placed it in a plastic tray. "I've got the tip." "It's a deal," said Johnny. Within the half hour, they arrived at her apartment and sat in the Lincoln. "I had a really lovely time, Johnny," she said, desperately trying to keep a look of nonchalance on her tone. Stiffly, she held her hand out to shake, a hundred percent aware of his tall, strong body. He escorted her to the back door.

85

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Glancing at her with look of puzzlement, he dropped her hand and firmly pulled her to him – front side to front side. She gasped. Johnny's eyes gleamed in the moonlight as she felt her cheeks heating. Without giving her time to contemplate anything, his hands grasped her waist. Her insides quivered. His lips stopped a mere fraction of an inch from hers. She felt his breath on her cheek. Her mind fuzzed. "I don't want to scare you off, but I do want a goodnight kiss," he whispered smiling slightly. "I've been back offish as I can stand it around you." Her lip slightly curved into a smile, her eyes rolled skyward. He knew she wanted it to happen. After thinking over the turn of events, she leaned toward him, tilted her head up and closed her eyes. He bent and his mouth descended onto hers. Did he feel her tremble? His cologne smelled heavenly. And, his mouth tasted minty as his tongue languidly probed for hers. Firmly but unhurriedly, he ended it, his arms still surrounding her shoulders. He murmured, "I need to see you even again." "Johnny... "she started, her eyes downcast. "It was an incredible evening." "Even the part you were locked in the restroom?" "Well, maybe not that part," she said and chuckled. It was late and she had to go inside. "Bye." She left Johnny and went inside. "Will you see me again?" he demanded. "Okay," Jade said. "When?" A deafening silence; she couldn't tell him her rehearsed lines of farewell. "Call me then," he said. "Here," he located a card with all his numbers and handed

86

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

it to her. Of course, she couldn't read because it was too dark, but she stared down at it. "I will." "I'm sorry about getting locked inside the restroom." "Thanks. It's not your fault." *** The summer neared an end and a warm fall glow bathed the landscape. It had become more and more obvious that Johnny and she were involved in a full-fledged relationship even though they hadn't consummated it. On her off time, they shared dinners, went to movies, and went to the coffee shop in town when the paparazzi weren't staying at the Park Way. When they weren't in town, he lived a near-normal existence. The neon sign blinked above their booth – Delora’s Diner. They were the only customers and it was eleven-thirty on a Thursday night. One waitress and one cook worked. Johnny wore a trendy tan suit and his car was parked outside the window. He looked and smelled yummy, as usual. Jade wore navy knee-length shorts, a white polo shirt and natural sandals. Scooting toward the window, they overturned their empty cups. Following Johnny's lead, she shoved her mug to the edge of the table with one slender, manicured hand. The waitress poured coffee. "I'm glad you came out to meet me." "I wasn't in bed yet. I finished watching a movie. Liftoff." She looked around the room.

87

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Bored, the cook sat at the counter reading stale news and the waitress put the coffee pot on a burner and took a seat behind the cash register. Stopping at the phone, the waitress lifted the handset, dialed and soon gabbed and laughed with someone. Jade gazed about the diner and stirred her coffee. She peered across the table and said, "That was a great movie night before last. Tom Duncan's a great actor." "It was good, wasn't it?" "A movie like that makes you wonder if there is extra-terrestrial life." "I think I'd wet my pants if I was driving along the road and I found one of those like the guy in the movie. Christ," Johnny said, and laughed. Her head dropped back and she laughed too. She raised the mug to her full lips and sipped. "Well, wouldn't you?" He reached for a creamer, pulled the paper lid off it and dumped it into the coffee. "I would run like crazy," she said and put her mug down lightly. "I'd like to see that." "You meanie." He moved to her side of the booth. "You look so friggin' nice," he said, fingering the sleeve of her polo shirt that barely showed the swollen outline of her ample breasts. Her Bermuda shorts weren't too tight, but somewhat showed the lines of her curvy body. Their backs were to the only other people in the place – the cook and the waitress. Their thighs touched, side to side. "You're complement's are so nice," She looked down and touched her shirt. "This

88

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

old thing? Well, thank you." The sound of her name on his lips sounded good. Nevertheless, heat crept into her cheeks. Johnny faced forward and sipped his coffee. He looked handsome, too. His taut body filled his shirt nicely. It was the first time she noticed a scar at the bottom of the V on the neckline of his shirt. Several sprigs of dark curling hair partially hid the silver patch on his chest. "What is it?" "Oh. It's nothing, really." She had an urge to reach out and touch his scar. "Nothing? It is too. It looks like it was bad." Hesitantly, she raised her hand and ran a fingertip over the scarred skin. He turned more fully toward her so she could examine it. "It must have been a nasty wound." "Mm-hm." He held still and when she put her fingers on his chest, his skin seemed to twitch under her touch. "But it must have put you in the hospital. Did it?" "A short time. Three days." "What happened?" her eyes searched his questioningly. "Scenery collapsed on me." His eyes wandered over her curiosity and he told her the short story. "It struck close to your heart." "Three inches, I guess. That's what the surgeon said," he said. "It was a pointed bar." "Oh. You're so lucky." He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.

89

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I'm so sorry." She blinked in astonishment. "Don't be sorry." "Close calls makes a body realize how short life really is," he explained. Motion caught her attention out the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she gazed outside. An Explorer had stopped alongside her car. It couldn't be! It was – Randy. She gasped. "Oh, no." Visibly, she tensed. She raised the flat of her hand to her mouth. His brow furrowed. "What're you looking –" he started. Johnny turned and looked toward her. "God." Leaning against the door of his car, Randy glowered with hate through the window toward them, then climbed in his car and left. Johnny shook his head. "Looks like he officially knows you and I are an item. I don't think he's too happy, do you?"

90

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

NINE

The morning light was soft and hazy at the start of a new workday. Puffy cotton ball clouds floated on the horizon. Outside the window, Jade witnessed Johnny jogging down Main Street. Goodness, he looked good. Buff and lean, he wore track shorts, sunglasses and a tattered Marion High School T-shirt that had been cut off inches above his sinewy waist. He waved and blew a kiss. Her heart fluttered. He'd called her only an hour earlier. Megan sighed, pressing her hand to her heart and her patron gasped. "Is that him?" the lady asked. Megan said, "It sure is. In all his hunky glory. The paparazzi must have checked out." "My, my," said the woman. "Crimany sakes, Jade. He has it bad, honey," Megan said as she wound her patron's straight long hair with the curling iron. "I know googly eyes when I see them." Smiling sheepishly, Jade went back to the utility room and loaded wet towels into the washer. Megan unwrapped a piece of bubble gum and popped into her mouth. "I wonder how long it'll take?" Megan laughed. "How long what will take?" asked the patron. "For her to realize that Johnny's really in love big time with her." "Oh. He loves our very own Jade?"

91

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"That he does." Jade tried to ignore their gossip, but Johnny made her insides quiver the moment she laid eyes on him. Resulting fantasies and dreams left her hot and needy in the middle of the night. Damp in her crotch, she twisted in the sheets. He had taken her to erotic heights she'd never climbed. She dreamt that she begged and arched for his powerful body, and he obliged her. Her own body betrayed her. She didn't want his love, she kept telling herself – not right then. The timing was off. His sudden reappearance in her life caused much trouble during the wee hours. Jade had to sit at the table until the vexation of longing passed and drowsiness returned. The man wreaked mayhem on her emotions and female needs. How many hours sleep did she get? Three? Or was it four? After turning the washer's knob the water gushed into a new load. Humming Stormy Weather, she poured in laundry detergent and closed the lid. Her hair clamped and parted off for a cut, Jade removed dried towels from the washer when she noticed movement out the back window. A man crossed the parking lot. She squinted so she could see clearly. Was he Randy? He crept up on her car. Jade gasped. "What in the wor–" "What?" asked Megan from the styling room. "Are you back there talking to yourself? I have time to finish your cut now. My lady's under the dryer." "No!" Screeching, Jade dropped her armload and rushed out the back door. "Oh no you don't, buster!" She tripped over the pile in the floor and recovered by grasping onto a folding table. A stack of towels tumbled as she tore through the utility room and

92

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

out the back door. She strode toward him wagging her finger. "Oh, no you don't. You leave that car right there." "Jade, listen." He stopped in his tracks. "I need to borrow it," he said sliding his key into the lock. "Til I get my first pay check. Christ, I've put a battery in it for you this morning." She stabbed her hands onto her waist and asked angrily, "Where's the Explorer? You've got it, remember? You had it at Delora's Diner." "I crashed it. Wasn't my fault, either." It was never his fault. "You just can't take mine. It's nice you put a battery in it and all, but you cannot take it. It'd be grand theft auto now, Randy." He grinned. "You'd never turn me in. I know you." Her face reddened with agitation. "I might this time." "Listen. Remember that woman I got pregnant?" She rolled her eyes skyward and crossed her arms at her waist. "How could I forget?" "Well, I'm going to stand up and do my duty as a man. I'm going to take care of the baby. I -- I just need a car to get me to work's all for a week. I plan to pay her child support." Why did he get himself in such predicaments? "I just don't know, Randy. I can't believe a word that comes out of your mouth." "I got a job at Anderson's Lumber Company. Call 'em and check. They hired me yesterday. No more traveling sales work for me. It pays good. But if I don't have a car, I can't get there. I live in Carterville now. Don't call the cops."

93

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"What about me? It has always been you and your needs and your predicaments over mine. Now, even after I'm divorced, you still are affecting me." "I know. I'm a dirty, lowdown bastard's what I am." He turned toward the car and grasped the door handle. "I'm takin' it." "Don't let 'em do it," said Megan from the back door. "Somehow, in some way, he's lyin'." "Mouthy broad, you stay out of it," said Randy. A tall dark figure who'd been run-walking down the alley emerged from the shadows and stopped nearby. He raised his sunglasses and trotted in place. He was such a sight for sore eyes. He stood still. "Oh, it's you," said Randy. "You're the one who's been sniffin' around my wife. The whole town's been talkin' about it." "Ex-wife," said Jade. "And no. It's not that way." Randy slammed the door shut and strutted toward Johnny, pulling up the waistband of his jeans. The fist flew and hit Johnny in the eye. Johnny didn't back down and, utilizing his black belt Karate training, he flipped Randy onto his back. "Give it up, man," said Johnny. "Ah!" Randy cried out in pain. Slowly he rose to a standing position. "I'm going to sue you, you son of a bitch!" Megan laughed. "They've got a witness, Randy. Me-me-me." She pointed at her chest. "You sucker-punched him first. He could have a lawsuit against you." "Can't get blood out of a turnip." He glowered into Johnny's face and said, "This shit between you and her's been goin' on since high school. I had to live with it all through

94

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

our marriage, Mr. Bigshot Superstar." Randy continued assaulting Johnny with his words. "Strip away the money and the fame and phony-assed glitter and you ain't nothin' – no better than us here. You thought you were really something back then and still do, by the looks of it. I remember, don't think I don't. Three times married to her, she's called out your name in the middle of the night." He sniffed and started again. "Comin' back gettin' the home girlies all hot and bothered. Guess who she'll turn to when you run off to your Hollywood friends and their cocktail parties, leavin her behind?" An evil smile crossed Randy's lips. "It was me who pulled Jade from the ashes the last time you left." "Don't build yourself up too much there," said Megan at the back door between chews of her gum. He turned toward Jade. "Guess who it's gonna be, Jade?" "Your ideas are screwy, Randy. It's not that way," said Jade. She silenced and let him rant, willing the tears to not start. In a way, Randy was right, though. She feared falling for Johnny and then he'd leave again. History was history. It'd hurt like fire this time around. The thought worried her and that's why she didn't want to totally give him her heart. Perhaps she should forget him; tell him no and turn him loose. "You make me sick, Johnny." He spit on the ground beside Johnny's tennis shoe and turned to walk away. Johnny winced. "Randy–" Jade called after him. He was still jealous of Johnny after eight years had passed. Johnny took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "It's not going to happen that way. Not this time."

95

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Oh, really?" Randy slowed on his trek to her junk heap car. "We've got some figuring to do, and I refuse to discuss it." Ugly little truths surfaced, Jade thought. "Don't count on her wantin' to leave this crappy little burg, either. I don't know what she sees in it. I tried to get her to leave and she won't." Jade caught Johnny's puzzled glance. "Randy, don't count on me going back with you, ever," said Jade. "And what Johnny does is none of your business." He pointed his finger at Megan and Johnny both. "Damn you." He pointed toward Jade "and you, you're – a cheatin' woman." She gasped. "Take the car. Just go," said Jade. "But have it back, Randy. One week. I mean it." Sheriff Miller arrived in a squad car and asked them, "Is everything okay? We had a call." "Everything's fine," said Johnny. "But he's taking her car." His eyes narrowed on Jade's disgruntled expression. "You want him drivin' it, Jade?" the Sheriff asked. Cursing, Randy climbed inside, started it, backed from the lot and pulled away. "Let him go. I've had enough for the day," she raised a hand and the tears welled. "I swear. It never ends with him." *** After the Sheriff left and Megan returned to her patron, Jade gave Johnny a peculiar, crooked smile. "Come upstairs. Let me fix your eye. It's going to be a shiner,

96

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

looks like." Minutes later, as they stood touching in front of the bathroom mirror, he stared at her for a few seconds as she gently applied a cold compress to the red, swollen area surrounding his eye. "Ow." She tch-tched. "My goodness." "That bastard. Randy's a real nutcase." "I'm sorry you got dragged into our problems." "No problem." "What Randy said was partly true." She daubed medicine on Johnny's sore face. "In part, at least." "What do you mean?" Jade let out a sigh of exasperation. "I – wow. How do I say this?" Johnny blinked, lifted his shirt to daub his sweaty brow, exposing his powerful chest. "I'll get that." She wet a cloth and wiped the perspiration off his forehead. Her hand trembled and he visibly noticed. "How do you say what?" he asked softly and looked her over seductively. "Oh, you know it, probably. I can't handle getting hurt. I've planned a simple life. Fixing hair, living upstairs, eating pizza, having my friend over and watching videos on Friday nights. Nothing elaborate, you know. Simple. Then you came along, making me question things." Johnny tried to take her hand in a casual way, but she stepped back. "Don't be this

97

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

way, Jade." He then tried to reach out and give her a hug and again she stepped back. She kept her voice quiet and firm and said, "You have it within your power of hurting me so bad. I can't let you." There was a long pause when Jade bit her lip. She gazed into his big, intense icy blue-gray eyes. Why did he have to be so appealing? "I don't plan on hurting you." "You're a threat, I guess. I need to get back on track." "I don't want to hold you back. It's good you have your own business. But, haven't you ever wondered, since we made love, what it'd be like if we'd stayed together? I know. It was my fault. " She experienced the phenomenon. In silence, she located a Band-Aid and unwrapped it, pretending she didn't hear. "I'm a hundred percent man, too. Nothing'd pleasure me more than to have you in my bed – a lot." Jade pulled the wrapping paper off the Band-Aid and said, "Hold still." He froze while she pressed it to his cheek. "I'd make sweet love to you," he said whispering. "I see you from a distance, mm; you just don't know what you do to me. It'd be so sexy to feel your naked body against mine. I love your size. I want you, Jade –" Not responding, she took in a shuddering, deep breath and let it out. There had been nights when she dreamt of him, too. She dreamt of him kissing her. For Godsakes, was she losing it over Johnny? She chastised herself and crimson stained her cheeks. "Maybe we should quit seeing each other."

98

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

He started to protest. "Jade –" He grasped her arms tightly and shook her a little. "Hear me out. Don't say that yet. I need to think. I'll figure something out. But I'm not going to give up," said Johnny. "You've blindsided me all of a sudden." Jade paused and gathered her thoughts. "We've not been together for eight years. Things've changed. Maybe I've changed." Johnny's eyes caught and held hers. He told her in a quiet tone, "Remember how I once said I felt about you? Well, it's more so now. I want you to give me another chance. I couldn't shake my love for you over all those years." Jade remembered the chances she had given her ex-husband. Would Johnny act the same way? Then again, perhaps Johnny was not a bit like Randy, and in fact was a better man. Damn it! She hated to admit Johnny's ideas appealed to her. Very aware of his lovelorn look, she said, "And I care about you. But, I can't overlook what happened." His tone sounded a bit angry. "To hell with what happened in high school. Christ! If that's what's on your mind –" She jerked and silenced. She'd never heard him raise his voice to her. Johnny's voice softened. "This is now. I do not plan to ditch you. But, if you won't leave Marion, I've got to figure some type of arrangements for us to be together, at least on occasion and as often as possible. I want to make sure you're in perfect agreement." "I don't understand." He ran his thumb over her lip causing her to flinch. "I love you. I can't see myself letting you slip through my fingers this time." His flat hands slid around her shoulders. "I

99

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

need to think. Give me a little time before you give me the final kiss-off. I'll give some thought to our problem," said Johnny. He wasn't about to let their relationship go. She sighed. His words were heart rending. He didn't know it, but he stoked an expanding blaze within her. "Okay." In words quiet and tender he said, "This time around, I want to marry you." His eyes sparkled like mirrors when he said it. "Two people can't have more permanence than that, can they?" She didn't respond even though her heart fluttered. She put a hand on his chin and swiveled his head, checking for other wounds. Jade shrugged. "I wouldn't fit in your California jet set lifestyle of the rich and famous, because I'm a plain-Jane from Illinois." He reached up and pulled a clamp from her hair and played with it. Her dark brown tresses tumbled to her shoulders. He toyed with her hair. "I don't fit into it either. Don't feel bad." "Oh?" Her cheeks heated. "I forgot my hair's such a mess." "You could wear a feed sack and I'd find you ravishing." He took all the clamps out and carefully placed them on the sink. With splayed fingers, he combed her hair, touching it as though it were spun gold. "You're not thinking of coloring it a different color, are you?" "I did, but maybe I won't. It's getting a cut soon." He paused thoughtfully. "You look absolutely ravishing in your natural color." "Oh." His compliment took her off guard. "My poor baby. You've been through so much."

100

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Her mind began to spin. Johnny was doing it again to her, causing her love to deepen. God, her emotions ran deep regarding him. "Come here." He looked down. A smile of promise curled his lips. "Oh, Johnny." His talk was so smooth, enticing and she wanted so much to call him her man. Hoarsely, she sighed. Johnny shook his head. He roughly pulled her to him. His mouth covered hers; his tongue searched and explored; his hands found and massaged her clothed breasts, pressing her to the wall. "I just want to do this –" he drowned out his own voice with a kiss. Admittedly, he turned her on too, but her heart sank contemplating the problems that would arise from their reunion as a couple. She must stop him now, before things spiraled out of control. He was getting hot, she could tell. "Please, Johnny," she said. Jade turned away, but his lips stayed, tickling her ear. His voice lowered and was darkly sexy. A hand cupping her breast, he said, "Come by after work." "Johnny, I can't." She took his hand away. "I'll be alone at the house." "Johnny –" "Let's have dinner and I'll build a fire. I'll give you my ideas on how we can stay together." His invitation tore at her and she'd be lying if she said the idea of building a relationship with him didn't sound appealing. "I don't know." Her eyes flicked away. "What's wrong?" he asked.

101

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"What you did once. That's what's wrong. It works on me. Please, Johnny, don't do this to me!" He threw his hands up and turned away. Her turn down seemed to hurt him. Soon, "My God, Jade. Listen carefully..." His jaw tensed and he frowned. "I cannot re-do mistakes of the past – the distant past. I was a kid. An immature, very young, very stupid young man. I was worried about college and a career. A kid, Jade. I messed up royally. My intentions regarding you now are honorable. Let me think about how we can pull this off. We can talk tonight. But, I'll level with you. I want to make love to you. Will you let me?" "Go, please." She turned away. "I have to work. Let me think." She hurried through the living room, opened the door and zipped downstairs. When he came downstairs, she didn't bid him goodbye but instead pretended to be busy. He merely looked her way and left through the back door. What did she want to do? She felt like a kite twisting in the wind. As Megan looked on for the rest of the afternoon, Jade suffered in silence. Megan knew better than to ask questions. A heart sinking hush weighted her thoughts and words. She lifted a hand mirror and noticed that her cheeks even looked splotchy. "Want me to get you a sandwich," asked Megan at noon. "I'm not hungry." She must shove all thoughts of him completely out of her mind. "It's going to be bad tonight," said Megan. "Don't go out unless you have to. There's thunderstorm warnings tonight. High winds. You know the routine. Adios! I shall return." Megan waved before she left through the back door. "Come here," she called to

102

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Jade and dramatically gasped. "What?" asked Jade as she put a customer's change into her hand. She joined Megan in the back room and peered outside. "Look out in the lot." Megan's laugh reminded her of rapid machine gun fire. "What?" Then she saw it. A small red sports car which brandished a three-foot red bow on the hood. A man climbed from under the steering wheel wagging a set of keys. "Jade Crain?" he asked when he arrived at the door. "Yes?" The man wore a dark green uniform with a patch over his shirt pocket that read "George." He said, "Here." Her eyes narrowed onto his. "What's these for?" She stared at them, her eyes rounded. "These keys are yours. That car out there, it's yours, too. Johnny said to say that he loves you. He just bought it at Mel White's Chrysler." "No! Absolutely not. I refuse. Take the keys back. And the car. Take it back, too." "Ma'am I'm a lowly employee. It has been bought and paid for. Cash. It's not ours to take. You take it up with the man who paid for it. The papers are in the seat. Have a nice day." The man turned and soon left in a truck. Was he trying to buy her love? She wouldn't allow it. No way. As Megan ran out to the car, open-mouthed she stayed in the doorway, refusing to go out and look at it. "I'm not going to keep it, Megan." "Why not?"

103

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I'm just not." "It's so nice of him." "I can't. Maybe he's trying to buy my love. No way can I keep it." "What are you going to do then?" "Later I'll drive it to his house and walk home." She was neither a gold digger nor a quick one-night-stand. Besides, if she accepted the little red sports car, that's what everyone in town would think. She had a reputation to maintain and had to live in Marion. He didn't, and would probably leave.

TEN

Jade licked her fingers and counted bills from the previous day's receipts to make the daily deposit a little before four-thirty, before the drive-up window closed. Thinking prudently ahead, she hid the next day's bank inside an empty laundry soap box. Surely if Randy raided the salon, he wouldn't look there. The next time he took something from her, she would call Sheriff Miller. She'd made up her mind; no longer would he coerce her to meet his selfish ends.

104

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Standing in front of the washer, she counted Ones, Fives and Tens, leaving the coinage to count later. Megan knew of the makeshift bank also, for the sake of emergencies. The washer lid made an excellent desktop. The weatherman announced the evening's forecast, telling folks, "Don't plan outdoors activities tonight, because a front approaches from the northwest." "It's supposed to rain again tonight. Can you believe it?" asked a customer. "The ground's so soggy it can't hold much more," said another patron. "Bridges will wash out for sure. Just like they did last year. Remember that?" The little bell above the front door tinkled. Megan didn't stop counting, but she wondered if the person who entered was the U.P.S. driver bringing a case of hairspray, because the shelf had emptied. Megan would soon use the last can. Megan entered the utility room and said under her breath, "Tracie's here." "Tracie?" asked Jade under her breath. She stopped counting and noticed Megan's concerned expression. Jade didn't have an inkling of who Megan spoke of at first. But realization washed over her as she took in Megan's expression of horror. "Oh my God. Tracie? As in Johnny's ex-wife Tracie, is out there?" she asked as she put the bills in a zip bag and dropped them in the laundry soap box. Megan stopped chewing her bubble gum. "That is the one," said Megan in a floral tone. Jade groaned. "Oh," she said under her breath. "This is unbelievable." "You just ain't whistling Dixie," Megan said with a forced smile. She spun and was gone. Megan said, "Just a minute, she'll be right with you."

105

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"This whole day has been a wash up," muttered Jade. "I'm not ready for a third crisis." She followed Megan to the front and stopped behind the register. The blonde petite woman rolled her eyes and sneered as Jade entered the styling room. She wore a tight, short dress. The neckline plunged low. A wide-brimmed straw hat adorned her head. When Jade approached, Tracie requested of Megan and the two patrons "Will you please leave? This is a private conversation." Of all the nerve. Who was she to order them around in the Jade's Styling Salon? Through clenched teeth, Jade sternly stated, "I'm afraid they stay." "Well, well, well," she said sizing Jade up. "So you're the woman of his dreams. I'd never guess he'd make a fool of himself over a brunette, a small town brunette at that." She laughed shrilly. "May wonders never cease. Every day I live I learn new crap about him." The smell of liquor wafted off her breath as her eyes slinked down the room. Was she slumming? Or was she there to cause trouble? Jade wondered how many cocktails she had drunk before she came to Jade's Styling Salon. A black limousine was parked ten or twenty feet away and a driver leaned on the door. Jade's parents taught her to act like a lady, and not to engage anyone in a brawl, but it seemed if the woman kept insulting Megan, the patrons and herself, she'd make an exception and escort the mouthy woman to the door and order her to leave and never come back. Such behavior was not allowed in Jade's Styling Salon. Jade sighed as a photographer stood across the street, positioning a camera that held a long lens on a tripod.

106

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Okay, Tracie. How can I help you?" Tracie's speech slurred as she spoke. "For one thing, you'll never keep him. You don't have what it takes – and that, my dear, is class. You see, he went to the west coast and got some class. The Johnny that I know could never live around backwater hicks again." No class? Backwater hicks? Jade seethed in silence. She touched a glass figurine, a unicorn, and dusted her hands when she turned loose of it. "How quaint," she said. It crashed to the floor. Tracie toyed with a sun catcher next. "Quaint?" asked Jade. Megan gasped and froze. She walked up and down the styling room as though it was a tasteless and dirty place and it was beneath her to come inside. Megan shook her head and continued teasing a patron's hair. Occasionally, she shook her head in disapproval. "Regarding that statement, 'you don't have what it takes', Tracie? Neither do you, evidently. Regarding your comment calling us 'backwater hicks', I'd rather be one of those than a snob like you." She grunted – "Lowlifes, every one of you," she said snippily. "From the looks of things, I'd say I'm slumming." She dusted her hands together. "And what's more, Megan is the best stylist and personal friend I've ever had, and I take exception to you asking her and the ladies to leave. And for that comment, I'm kicking you out. You must leave now."

107

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"It's a pure pleasure leaving this shitty little hole that you call a salon. It isn't nearly as nice as salons in Beverly Hills. If you ran this out west, they'd laugh you off Rodeo Drive." "Oh," said Jade. "One more thing." She strode to the door and opened it wide. Wobbly, Tracie hung onto the counter and glowered her way. "What could that possibly be?" "There is no doubt in my mind that you were the culprit who locked me in the restroom. Remember? At Zimmerman's? Anyway, Tracie, if it ever happens again, I'm calling the law on your butt." With a flourish of the hand, "Now," Jade said, "Out, out, out." "Don't worry, dear. I'm out. I just wanted to see and now I saw." Megan said from her styling station, "And don't come back." The women watched her stagger toward the limousine. She fell. A heel had broken. And she screamed obscenities, accusing Jade of pushing her. Jade had not left the door, let alone push her. Nevertheless, the photographer captured the fall and the five minutes of struggle the chauffeur had getting the starlet into the limo. It was hilarious; she fought him and he fell on top of her. She screamed bloody murder. Megan stopped chewing and said, "I hope that'll be on all five news channels." She ambled back to her station. "Crimany sakes. What a disgusting display." Wagging her head, Jade said, "Mm-mm-mm." The paparazzi rushed to their cars and followed the limo. "There was plenty of material there for the paparazzi fellows," said a patron. Through the window for Tracie's benefit, Megan made a go-on, get-out-of-here

108

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

hand gesture. "Tah-tah, Tracie." "Don't let the door hit you in the butt," said a patron. Later, Jade shook her head and confided to Megan, "What an unbelievable, nightmarish twenty-four hours this has been. What could possibly happen next? Thank goodness there were only seven more hours left in the day.

ELEVEN

Determined, she set about returning the sports car, regardless of the inclement weather. Rain rendered the roads hazardous. Did the weatherman warn of flash flooding? She clucked her tongue. Wearing her usual uniform and uniform shoes, Jade located her purse and hurried toward the sports car ten minutes after she closed the salon. The streetlights blinked and lit. She yanked the bow off the hood and toted it to a nearby waste receptacle, muttering

109

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

curse words the entire way. Her love could not be bought. The intensity of the rain picked up. Perhaps she should call her little road trip to the Kershaw Estate off for the evening and take care of the matter the next day; but she would think about it all night. She wanted to get the deed finished and behind her. She climbed behind the wheel and figured out how to adjust the seat and turn on the windshield wipers. The radio's volume blared and broadcast Heavy Metal music. Jade turned it down. Funny, she thought, the man who brought the car didn't seem the type to enjoy heavy metal. She shrugged and turned over the engine. It ran smooth. As she drove past the city limits she considered turning back to fix her hair and put on a little make-up; she probably looked like a ghost. From Main Street, across a field the Kershaw Estate stood approximately a half to three-quarters of a mile away. However, if she drove the shortest drivable route, via a country road, she faced a two and a half mile trip one way. She drove down a narrow road. A rickety one-lane bridge lie ahead that had been built in the 1920s. Crossing it had made her squeamish other times she had driven out that way. Johnny Kershaw's intentions were probably above board, but she just could not accept such a luxurious gift. The car perhaps had been given to her out of his guilt. If he had given her a fifty-dollar necklace or a similar trinket, nothing extravagant, it would have been more than sufficient to seal their friendship. Jade envisioned herself telling friends, "And he gave me this before he left as a token of our going together during our senior year." Secretly more than a friend, it would not take much for them to become lovers, if he pushed the point. It was a difficult admission to make and added to her long list of

110

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

current problems. Driving in the blinding rain, she checked the road ahead. The wipers slap-slapslapped as water sloshed off the windshields, buckets of water it seemed, mesmerizing her. She turned on the radio. "Cool. It works," she muttered. Her favorite easy listening station crackled and popped, so she turned it off. Past the city limits, visibility dropped and the road ahead blurred, so she dimmed the lights. Her view cleared a bit. The countryside seemed darker than usual and the wet pavement reflected blinding lights, causing hazardous driving conditions. Her mind clouded with uneasiness as she passed a lonely stretch of road. No farms or houses occupied the nearby land. She considered going back. Without success, Jade searched for a turning place. She drove through a deep puddle, without the car stalling. Her heart hammered with anxiety. After hearing the weather warnings earlier, she had pooh-poohed them. She tested the brakes and the car didn't come to a complete stop right away. Johnny's house lay a half a mile ahead, so Jade was almost at her destination. Her mind wandered back to telling Johnny that she needed time to think. What would Jade say and how would she say that she didn't want the car? She wanted to say it with tact and in a way that befitted a friend. After all, she did not want to act like a bitch, like Tracie had evidently been. No, she did not want to be like her. A daring driver passed. His wheels sprayed dirty water over the windshield. Her dark brown hair fell in her face and she shouted "Thanks, buddy!" to no one. She shoved her hair out of her face. When she ran through a second puddle, the car died. She let out a little squeal of

111

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

alarm. Once, twice and three times she tried starting it, but the engine made strange noises. "Where am I?" Jade muttered. Was she in trouble? In good weather, she would have known her location. However, that evening it seemed that she drove in a foreign land. On the fourth try, the car started. "Thank you!" After pulling ahead and using caution, she approached the old bridge. The Kershaw Estate occupied a wooded piece of land just beyond the river. Keeping her speed down, she drove forward, keeping the speed below fifteen miles per hour. Jade gasped at the sight. The bridge appeared ahead, but water rushed across the road. The river rose in its banks. Would it hold if she drove across it? She pressed the gas pedal and slowly crossed. The wheels thumped on the planks and her heart pounded. On the opposite side, the car stalled. Five times she tried and failed. Evidently, water had wet the engine or the battery died. As though possessed by a demon, the lazy river she once knew had swelled and raged through and around the bridge. A chance existed that Jade could be swept downstream if she dawdled. She honked. The condition of the situation progressed from mild to serious within minutes. Of course. She remembered the cell phone in her purse. She kept it for emergencies. If the current problem did not constitute an emergency, she did not know what would. She rummaged for Johnny's business card. He lived nearby. She shuddered at the thought of being reduced to solicitation his help. After all, she traveled to his property to

112

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

return his gift. Let him be there, please. The quick and disturbing thought that the water posed danger for her crossed her mind. The phone rang and she waited for him to answer. "Johnny, please answer. Please!" No one answered. Did she dial correctly? The water level rose beneath the car at an alarming rate. Keeping her fingers on the door handle, she keyed in his number again and pressed the send button. Panic rose in her throat. Holding her breath, she waited. He answered; it was Johnny. After telling him her problem, she abandoned the car because no other choice existed. A zigzagging bolt of lightning, blindingly bright, snapped into the nearby woods and made an ear-splitting crack. She hesitated for a moment. Water swirled around her ankles already. Her heart about stopped beating. She couldn't see where she was walking. My God, she wondered. Where was Johnny?

TWELVE

A light flashed. A flashlight? "Johnny? Oh, please help," Jade said, as she made her way toward the Kershaw property. Her sopping clothing and hair stuck to her. Darkness prevailed except for the light that flashed during lightning bolts. Losing her footing, she slid down an embankment. Jade yelled, but the din of the rushing water covered up her cries. Please let him find her. She looked up, seeing nothing. But, then again, the weather caused her inability to see. She slid into a sharp rock.

113

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Ouch!" Fear knotting within, in desperation Jade shouted out, "Johnny? Could you help me, please?" Inches below, the river rose even more. "Eee!" Would it sweep her downriver soon? A terrible end awaited her if Jade was not saved. Her heartbeat throbbed in her ears. But her fears were premature, because within a couple of minutes she heard his voice. Jade cheered inwardly. "Down here." In her life she'd never been so happy to see a man. "Johnny?" His voice soothing he asked, "Jade? Don't worry." A flashlight illuminated her. "I'll get you up here." Anticipation of her survival mounted. "I'm so glad. Johnny, I'm really frightened. Please hurry." Not one bit of stress sounded in his tone. "You'll be all right. I'm going to pull you up." Lightning rumbled in the distance. The storm slowed in intensity for the moment, but more rain threatened. Even if the storm ended, right that minute the water would stay high throughout the night. "I saw you sliding down." He threw a lasso down to her. "The water is rising! This rock's slick!" He shouted down, "Put this around you. Hold on to something else. Grab those

114

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

tree roots." "Where?" He shined a light on the tree's base. "Over there. See?" "Yes, I see." Holding on to the root, with one free hand she awkwardly managed to get the loop over her head. "Under your arms, Jade. Put it under – that's right," he said over the din. "Hold on for dear life." In short order, he pulled her up the slick bank to safety. She breathed a sigh of relief. Her leg had been cut, but she didn't know how badly. It stung. "Thank you." "Come on," he said leading her toward his property. "Let's get you inside." She tripped, so he slid his arm around her waist and guided her to the Kershaw Estate. "I didn't think that lasso-making would come in handy. Guess I was wrong." "Why did you learn it?" "For a cowboy movie." "Oh." Thankfulness for survival and Johnny saving her replaced the fear. Johnny carried her through a security gate, then kicked it closed it behind them. They went down a lane into a garage and into a side door. He put her just inside the door. *** Jade trembled so badly she could barely clean her shoes on a rock outside the garage. She took a deep breath, thankful to be alive. "You here alone?" Shivering, she stared at him, her body cold as ice.

115

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I am tonight. Except with you." Critically, he looked her over and walked away. She imagined she was a sight. The indoor lights blinked twice. He closed out the stormy night behind her. He bent down to kiss her cheek but couldn't find a clean patch of skin. "You need a shower. So do I." "I'll say." On safer ground now, she paused to reflect. "Thank goodness I could get you. You're my hero." He shrugged. "It's nothing." In an apologetic tone she said, "No, really. I'm so glad you were there for me." Once inside, he picked up a handset and checked for a dial tone on the regular and his cell phone. "All the phones are out. I guess I'd forgotten how bad storms got here." His gallantry beguiled and impressed her. "The bridge has washed out. It must've happened right after you crossed." He paused thoughtfully. "You're staying for the night. I am not going out and you're not going anywhere, either. Maybe tomorrow we'll drive down the road and see if the next bridge is safe." Her teeth chattered and her clothing stuck to her. She stood in what appeared to be a utility room. Cans occupied shelves and a washer and dryer lined a wall. "Don't move off that rug." He shed a parka, hung it on a hook, and put away the flashlight. "Just hold on." In front of her, he removed his muddy clothing, stripping down to his boxers. She noticed his state of undress and stood still, putting a stop to emotions and thoughts. His body was

116

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

the wrong thing to be thinking about after she had almost been washed downriver. However, he did, he possessed a perfect build; not too muscular and not too thin. Faintly in the background, she heard classical piano music. The situation markedly became more dicey with each passing minute; because she was becoming aroused, because of the suggestive situation that was developing. "A half hour ago they warned everyone to stay home, except those who live in low-lying areas." He tossed his jeans and wet shirt into a clothes hamper. Jade didn't want to stare. He appeared better in the flesh than in the movies. Any woman with eyes to see could tell that Johnny Kershaw did not need a body double. She tore her eyes off his chest. "Are we in one now – a low-lying area?" "You're safe," he said. "This is high ground. But –" "But what?" asked Jade. "You may not be safe around me." Her lip curved. "Oh." "Oh, Johnny? The car. I'll bet it washed away." "Don't worry. It's only metal and tires. There was insurance." "It's my entire fault." "No, it wasn't. Did you cause he rain?" "No." "Then it's not your fault." She stayed near the back door, shivering. He flipped on the light. Kneeling, he studied her leg. "It's bleeding."

117

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"I cut it on a rock. When I went down the muddy bank." "You've come to the right place." "I have?" "You must be freezing." Rising before her, his eyes ran over Jade's body. "There's even mud in your hair." "I'm dripping all over the place, too. I'm sorry." "Don't worry a thing about it. I'll bring you a towel. First, I'll take a quick shower, and then it'll be your turn." "Thank you." Her trust in Johnny's care of her was so great that despite the rift between them, she knew she had not one thing to fear. When he returned with a large towel he said, "Stay right there. We'll get you cleaned up in a jiffy." "Good." "You sure you'll be okay?" "I'm fine." He padded out of sight. She took her eyes off the now empty doorway, looked around, and sighed. Thunder boomed outside, causing her to jerk. With a murmur of disgust at herself, she slipped out of her ruined uniform shoes and kicked them into the garage. "You're officially stranded!" he shouted from the other room. "Better relax and enjoy it." "Great!" The lights flickered. The three or four minutes he stayed in the bathroom

118

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

showering seemed long and lonely. What next? Driving rain pelted the roof. Finally, he appeared, wearing freshly laundered boxers. He spread his arms and held a beach towel. "I'm back." Johnny wrapped her and said dried her best he could with a soft towel and gentle caresses all over her body. He led her to the bathroom. He turned on the water in the shower. "How do you like it? Hot? Medium? How?" "Medium hot is fine." She paused, her face heating. "Ah. You don't have to – I'm putting you out." "No problem. I'm enjoying this." Steam clouded the room. She didn't want to say, but she enjoyed the idea of being marooned with Johnny. He brought in and held up for her inspection a large, white, combed cotton nightshirt. "It was my sister's." He tossed it onto the counter. She took a calming breath. "Oh, okay." At that point, she'd wear anything. "When you're finished, I'll doctor your leg." Jesting with her, he wriggled his fingers. "I'm good." "Oh, really now?" she asked with an upturned frown. She caught the underlying sexiness of his idea, unless her imagination once again ran away. "At doctoring. Well, the other, too, I'm good at." She smiled broadly. The electricity flickered one last time and went out. He lit candles around the tub and left, saying, "I'll be in there. Oh, just a second. Damn it if I didn't forget. Wait a –" he disappeared around the corner. "What?"

119

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

He brought in towels and washcloths. "You need these." Still dressed in her soggy uniform, she gazed into the mirror. She looked a fright. With a finger, she inspected the scratches on her face. He came from behind and peered into the mirror. There was softness in his eyes, she'd not seen before. "What were you doing out there?" he asked. She whispered brokenly, "I was bringing the car back." "Hungry?" he asked. "Starving." The corners of his lips curved. "For...what? Be careful how you answer." She smiled a little. "I guess I should say exactly what I mean." "I've got supper in the slow cooker." The question had more undercurrents than the river from which he just rescued her. If she dug deep enough, the truth was, she wanted him; that was the bottom line. "I'll get out of your way now." He left and closed the door. The glowing candlelight filled the bathroom with soft scents. Jade pulled a twig from her hair and dropped in a waste can of the ivory and gold toned bathroom. Jade undressed without making too big of a mess. While under the pummeling showerhead she soaped herself. Dirt washed down the drain, refreshing her. Soon, squeaky clean, she swabbed her body dry and slipped on the white T-shirt; it lined her knees. She washed out and hung up her uniform, slip, bra, and panties on a towel rack. *** She joined him in the den. Dressed in dry, clean clothing he sat on the floor near a roaring fire. Quilts and pillows had been stacked on the couch along the wall. A clock

120

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

ticked. She smelled lemon oil furniture polish and cedar wood. His eyes raked over her in obvious approval. Jade had nothing on underneath the shirt and she could not tuck the thought away. Need of him resurfaced; confronting danger a few minutes earlier awakened them, she guessed. "You like stew?" His voice sounded like the sharp edge of a knife being dragged across a piece of coarse sandpaper. "Stew's fine." "Have a seat," he said and patted the palette beside him. What had he planned? "First things first." Johnny opened a first aid kit. "Sit here." Johnny ripped a packet of gauze open with his teeth. "This won't hurt." He chuckled. "Much." Softly, he gave a dramatic maniacal laugh. "I'll amputate to right here." He touched her knee. Johnny grasped her leg and pulled her close. "My doctoring comes at a price to the patient," he stated suggestively. He daubed antiseptic on the cuts. "What if my wounds get so infected that I croak?" asked Jade. "I've not lost too many patients. One or two here and there. Oh, I take that back. I lost a leading lady in Blameless that I doctored." She giggled. "I liked that movie." "Hold still. I'm going to put some medicine on this." It stung like crazy. "Ouch." "Nasty." He tch-tched. Soon he cleaned, applied medicine, and taped gauze to her wound. Using a light

121

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

touch, he applied antiseptic to the scratches on her face. "Nothing's permanent here." She giggled. "What?" he asked. "Oh, nothing." "Are you going to tell me?" "Okay. You have a black eye and I have scratches on my face." Lightly she ran a finger over his bruised handsome face. "We must look like a beat up pair." While watching the play of muscles under his shirt, she didn't let on to him that she noticed. Not a little – a lot. She'd have to say she wanted him about as much as any woman ever wanted a man. After they ate and he took the dishes away, they took in the crackling flames that leapt high from the grate full of logs. The storm once again raged outside. "You want to sleep with me in front of the fire?" he asked, with the seeming rough thread of need in his tone. The idea made her shiver in delight. "I don't know." "Tell me now, because I have to fix our bedding." She sighed with exasperation. "Okay." "Good." Johnny rearranged the palette with pillows and thick quilts in the floor. He said very softly, very gently, "No kidding, are you going to be okay?" "I think so. I'm just a bit shaky." The brush with death had frightened her. His gaze fastened on her in the dim light. "I have something I want to say. It's important."

122

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"What's it about?" she asked lounging on the quilt scrunching the pillow under her neck and head. Along with everything else, the unspoken tension vibrated between them. "I've gone over this night and day in my mind. You and me. How can we continue with a relationship? You want to stay here with your job, right?" "Yes." "And I want to go back and continue with my career. How can we make this happen, I've asked myself?"

THIRTEEN

Jade had wearied of repelling Johnny. He all but destroyed her defenses. As far as she was concerned, the struggle ended. Perhaps she ruled with her emotions and not her head. Jade needed to deal in facts. For eight years, Jade stuffed her need of Johnny into her mind's darkest recesses. He'd hurt her, and it was her defense mechanism. When his image entered her mind, she practiced mind control and cast her mind elsewhere. Although, she could not control the dreams.

123

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Since Johnny came home, she had exposed that need to fresh air, and due to his insistence, Jade examined it closely. The idea of them uniting as a couple and sharing an intimate relationship sent her spirits soaring. The idea of intimacy with him rendered her so hot and bothered that sometimes-cool showers did not relieve the yenning. His eyes seductively cut a swath over the white combed cotton night. She knew that he knew her breasts rose underneath. The semi-translucent fabric clung to her expectant nipples. Fully aware, she pretended that she thought they were covered from his view. Days earlier, she envisioned Johnny's hands cupping them and clasping the nipples with his taut lips. At the thought, her reddish orbs throbbed, as did her pussy. Johnny appeared at her side and caught her unawares. "I thought you'd like one of these," he said. He carried in two glasses of red wine. They settled comfortably back onto cushions in the soft, thick carpeting. She took the stemware and gratefully, she sipped the sour liquid. "Delicious." His face close to hers, she caught a whiff of his mouthwash and the clean scent of soap. He snapped his fingers before her eyes. "You here with me, sweetie?" Jade smiled his way. "Oh. Sorry. I am." They toasted and sipped. "My mind's wandering." "The cuts should heal without a problem." He rubbed her silky leg. "Sorry I'm a pain." "As a matter of fact, I'm glad you're here. It would have been a boring night without you." The fire emitted warmth as they engaged in idle conversation. They talked about mundane matters and family. She described her encounter with his inebriated ex-wife. He

124

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

merely shook his head. They finished their wine and he brought out two new glasses. Feeling the effects, she relaxed and sunk on the pillows more. He frowned and put his glass down. "I may have to fly back sooner than expected." Unconsciously her brow furrowed. "Oh, no." The idea of not seeing him disturbed her. "I know. But I'm not going to abandon you, so don't get that in your head." "Okay." Her body battered, with every breath she focused on calming her jangled nerves. His attention seemed to be the cure-all snake oil elixir she craved. She knew what had come over her – love. Or, was it lust? Maybe a bit of both? Johnny was more than just a male face – much, much more. "I'm not going to lie. I am seducing you. Before the night's end, I want you." Her mind and body frazzled, she froze. His intense, masculine gaze raked over her, causing dark visions to dance. They sipped for a while in silence, face-to-face, they half-reclined on pillows and quilts. Letting him bed her down entered her thoughts. Johnny taking her into his arms and whispering suggestive innuendoes into her ears electrified her. That was exactly what she wanted. Her breasts fascinated him. Heat rose in her cheeks. Openly, he gawked, in fact. Thin fabric hid them from his seductive gaze. However, did she want to hide them from him?

125

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

Firm and sensual, were his lips. Their sensuality dissolved her internally. The fire glistened in his eyes and dark hair. "I have a plan," he said. "Ready for it?" "Oh yeah? What's that?" Masterfully persuasive, his partially hooded eyes displayed sheen of purpose. He wound a hand in her wet hair and said, "About our relationship, I'd say we can pull it off." Pondering his statement, she looked at him somewhat surprised. Words stalled in her throat. Jade hoped he was right. Previous misguided notions receded into personal history. For the first time in eight years, she told him, "I want a relationship with you. I want you. A lot maybe, I do." His eyes brightened. "You do?" All he had to offer was what she wanted. Their relationship needed to be resolved that very night. Ideas of celibacy fell by the wayside. "There'll be a way. You'll see," he said softly. "I'll make it happen. I have the resources." "All right." She'd have a little faith and would trust him. She let him take her glass and lay beside him, drowsy. Deciphering her feelings had been a painful process, evidently. She likened coming to terms with her love of Johnny to crossing the floodravaged road she blindly walked down earlier. The problem cried out for her attention. "How can we see each other?" "Through the week we'd be apart. Do not fret, sweetie. I'm going to buy a jet. I'll leave it at the airport." "That's a lot of –"

126

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Regarding this, it's a necessary expense." The suggestion intrigued her. "I'll come and go weekends and whenever. You could fly out to wherever when I can't get away. Now." He paused to let his idea sink in. "How's that sound? Now doesn't that solve our problem?" "Yes. It's good, Johnny." "Okay, with that finally out of the way –" Fondly, he pulled her to him. "Come here, dammit," he said flashing one of his smiles that movie makers paid extravagant amounts for to put in their movies. Only he was not acting; it was authentic and expressed for her. With the distant problem over, they officially were boyfriend-girlfriend. "Which brings me to the next item of business." "What can that be?" she asked as if she didn't know.

FOURTEEN

Quietly he spoke mushy words in her ear, his breath tickled her cheek. After eight years, her body never quit craving his touch, even if they had sex once. She peered at the flashing window at the far end of the great room. The floor and walls rumbled. The long hand of an old-fashioned clock raised and it chimed. She didn't care about the time. Thunder rumbled in the distance, vibrating the house. But she had

127

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

forgotten about the storm. Her stance toward Johnny softened tenfold. Doubt had all but vanished because he had convinced her he would not abandon her. Openly, using potent tactics such as devil-may-care charm and panache, which came naturally to him, Johnny pursued and won her. She reconciled herself to respond to his passes. Jade arrived at a new realization, perhaps due to her brush with death that without him, the future seemed bleak. "Kiss me, Jade," he said, his voice husky. Her heart swelled with love; blood raced through her veins at the thought of relations with him. Jade turned her head, closed her eyes, and parted her lips. His mouth seized the opportunity; their tongues investigated and mingled, raising dead and buried sexual needs. The kisses turned hot, deep, slow, and drugging. Johnny's hands roamed, molding to her ass. His lips departed her mouth, skimmed her throat, and outlined her ear. His warm breath tickled her cheek and throat. His fingers skimmed down the shirtfront and over her heavy breasts. Vexing her, an expert at it, he traveled down to the smooth skin below her belly button. A sharp tug curled low as she, heavy-lidded, looked up into his eyes. Would he raise her shirt? She wanted him to pull the damned thing off. As she squirmed, the shirt's hemline worked up. He pressed himself to her front side; a shudder escaped her lips. Johnny's hand ran up and under the shirt, massaging her breasts. Her breath caught because of his heavy-handed rubbing that occurred between her smooth, firm thighs. His touches set her afire. The shirt she wore inched up more and more with each new territory of which his mouth re-took possession. She wanted more of Johnny –

128

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

much more. He nibbled her right ear. She murmured her distress, but he didn't stop; she didn't want him to stop. Her body had fully prepared for the inevitable. A warm and heady feeling pulsed through her veins. Maybe she was moving to quickly, just coming out of a divorce and now...plunging into an involvement with Johnny, a Hollywood heartthrob. She felt the shirt's hem rising above her navel. Did he pull it up? What good was the shirt, anyway? Her pussy had been exposed and she was not about to pull it down. As she writhed, his aggressive hands plundered. She welcomed the feather-light licks he administered to her clitoris, causing her great discomfiture and her inability to lie still. "Mm," she said. "You're still my black beauty." "I bet you tell all the girls that, don't you?" "Only you." Alien sounds escaped her lips. How unmerciful could one man be? She'd die if he stopped. In a matter of minutes, he'd reduced her to an imploring, destitute woman. Tears stung her eyes and a shudder erupted from deep within. He sucked and gently nipped her clit, and she responded by parting her legs as far as she could, panting and murmuring, "Oh my God." He withdrew when she couldn't handle a second more without climaxing, keeping her going, then delaying. Teasing her, quitting, then restarting his effort until she reached the apex finally. Wave after wonderful wave of pleasure came and was abbreviated with moans and exhalations nearly overcoming her. Soon, "Oh, dear, sweet Jesus," she breathed. How utterly heavenly! She'd never be

129

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

the same woman once he finished with her. She disliked being uneasy with need. "It was...so wonderful. Now I need your cock in me." Johnny completely stripped. He knew his body was ablaze with excitement and that he had a taut bod that would make most women take a second or third look. Johnny tossed his clothing onto a nearby easy chair. Hooking his thumbs under the waistband of his jockey shorts, he pushed them to the floor. Literally, he reminded her of Greek god. Bracingly male, he stood there ready for her. His cock stood hard and up to just under his navel. Her breath caught and blood hummed in her veins at the sight of it. Their union, one also of heart and soul, started. She wanted him – plain and simple. She lay back on the soft cushions, parting her legs. He stopped to kiss her thoroughly, their tongues indulging in a slippery foxtrot of sorts. The hair on his chest felt like scratchy lace against her sensitive nipples. It was as though the wind had been taken from her when he entered. Words could not describe how pleasant it felt to be filled with his cock. A gentleman, Johnny waited until she accustomed herself to his more-thanadequate size. "You okay?" he asked. Jade remembered he'd asked the same question at the same time Graduation night. But he'd gotten much better. "Mm hm." Did he have to ask? Didn't he know what he was doing to her? Using both hands, almost fiercely, she reached for and dragged his mouth to hers.

130

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

She tasted a mixture of wine and minty mouthwash. "You're a keeper," he said. "And such a tight pussy." Lids half-hooded, he kissed her shoulder. "Say my name." "Johnny." "I like you saying it. I could fuck you all night and all the next day." Reaching, her hands went over his shoulder and she held on for dear life. Seemingly, he measured her furious need. Her want had evolved to a frantic intensity; her needs now fever-pitched. Any semblance of well-mannered shyness vanished. "So, have you forgiven me? I mean...completely for leaving you after high school?" he asked. "Yes." "Good." "You're driving me certifiably insane," she told him. "Johnny?" "Mm-hm?" "I want you as my man." "Oh yeah?" Jade gazed into his eyes through a fog of arousal. "I'll not turn you away--ever again. I know now that, like you said, you were only a kid. Your mind was elsewhere and you hurt me. Is that what you want to hear?" "You want me...for life?" "Yes." Tears stung her eyes. "And I need you." He gave her a kiss, long and slow to confirm their mutual commitment.

131

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

A gentleman, as their loins fit flush, he had paused so she could acclimate herself. He restarted. He pushed her hair back roughly and set about accommodating her needs. When it happened it shocked her how quickly he lost control. She braced herself. It was as though he had been set afire. "Yes, Johnny. Mmm." Lost in lust, he'd unlocked also her heart and her love. The play of his moving shoulder and arm muscles strained and flexed with each push, her back rubbing on the quilts. Closing her eyes, she lay back, burning with arrant ecstasy. In an erotic lovemaking sonata of sorts, Johnny decelerated; the effort became methodical and searching. Soon the effort energized and he gave her a frantic pounding, driving her to their end. With her arcing body she met his grinding thrusts. Amazing, truly amazing. And when it happened, their simultaneous orgasm, she couldn't think of an equally good experience. Johnny exhaled heavily and pressed a kiss to her forehead. The height of their quest quickly ebbed. She knew she'd never forget what'd just transpired. *** Where was she? She blinked. Normalcy returned; her lover lay flaccid and spent. The immediate environment reappeared, but they nevertheless stayed locked in an intimate embrace. Peering about the great room, she heard the tick of the clock and crackle of the fire. The rain rat-a-tat-tatted on the windows. Breathing normalized, too. Their lust had been momentarily quelled. During one last large exhalation he asked, "Like that?" "I hated it," she jested.

132

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

He laughed. "You could've fooled me." God, how she loved the feel of his taut, warm, hair-matted chest that pressed to her. He whispered in her ear, "There's more where that came from. You know that, don't you?" "Only with me?" Touched, she blinked comprehending his sweet words. He mocked her. "Of course. "Good." "Mmmm." Jade giggled, blinking back tears of satiation and joy. As her body adjusted, she smiled while watching the undulating shadows on the ceiling. Closing his eyes, he seemed to delve into his thoughts. A few moments later he said, "It's strange." "What is?" "Stardom and women." "What do you mean?" she asked. "All those beautiful women. Don't get me wrong, I like women, especially beautiful ones. They're wonderful. But none of them measured up...after you." She stared at the slatted shutters. "Not even Tracie?" she asked knowing the answer already. She just wanted to hear it coming from his lips. "Especially her." He paused plainly gathering his thoughts. "Jesus, what a blunder that was." Johnny smiled as she gazed at him. Her heart fluttered in response. "I was always looking for a little bit of you in them, I guess. But you know what?"

133

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

"Hm? What?" "I failed to find you." "You're an angel," she said. "When I came home before I thought about getting in touch. I wanted to, but didn't." He shrugged. "I was married. To be honest, I'd heard you were too. I didn't realize it was to Randy, though. Jee-zus. I wanted to stop by and say hi. But secretly, I wanted more. I wanted you exactly the way I have you right now." Jade toyed with his thick dark, blonde-tipped hair. Oh, how she adored him and suddenly realized how silly she'd been. Of course, he'd been young and just out of high school when he left. But, she needed to look forward; the future looked bright now. She'd have fun jetting back and forth between California and Illinois. She'd never treat him coldly again, for without a doubt he was the man of her dreams, and always had been. With a finger under her chin, he lifted it to administer a kiss. Behind her, he draped his arm over her waist and rested his head alongside hers in the softness of a pillow. After drifting into comfortable silence, a sense of peace and complacency she had never known before came over her. Intense joy seemingly quirked at the corners of his lips. He held her firmly to him as though she were a precious commodity. He fingercombed her hair, intoxicating her with his first class seductive hoodoo. His voice lowered to a whisper and as he spoke. "How do I love thee? Remember that?" "Oh, yes, it was lovely." No wonder he had become actor; he could remember scads of lines. But, this wasn't false. She could spot lines a mile away – this was from Johnny's heart.

134

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie

She underestimated him. His tenor voice said it melodically. "Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. That's how I love you, Jade." He pressed a kiss to her forehead; hearing him recite it caused chills to run through her. She closed her eyes and smiled to herself. "To the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach." Jade, touched by the meaning, felt her eyes stinging under her lids. No one had ever recited poetry to her. "You have made me whole. It's as lovely as our being together." Later, after a short doze, tension between them re-mounted. Their bodies pressed together, side-by-side and nose-to-nose, embracing, against his mouth she murmured, "I need you." Her laughter hushed after his statement. "You are a truly amazing man, Johnny Kershaw." Desire seized them as violently as the storms ravaged the skies earlier. Without further conversation, Johnny made fervent love to her all over again. They didn't kiss or converse too much afterward. Exhausted and sexually drained, she turned onto her back, fluffed her pillow, and uttered, "Totally incredible." Her eyes burned with weariness. With a long exhausted sigh, she relaxed. Silence returned. They showered together, returned to the great room, and settled in each other's arms. He stroked her wet hair. As he dozed, she stared blankly toward a distant wall, satisfied. There was no escaping it; as long as she lived, he would hold her under his spell. He sighed long, shifted, faced her back and draped his arm on her waist. Their relationship most assuredly

135 would succeed the second time around.

Jade’s Star

Carol McKenzie