The story of Catherine Lawrence is in 15 parts and I apologise for such a long story but it got out of hand. All 15 parts are completed and for those who like to print the story so you can read it in bed, I will have all 15 parts posted soon.
Carmenica

 

Catherine Lawrence

by Carmenica Diaz

Part 11

 

The hotel was beautiful and Lucy had reserved a suite with two bedrooms. One of the bedrooms had a queen sized bed and the other two smaller beds. 'Belinda and I will take the singles,' Lucy said, after the porters had left the luggage.

'Are you sure? I don't mind.'

'We know, we just want you to get plenty of sleep, that's all.'

Bel and Lucy had carefully avoided talking about Stephen at all and I could tell they were worried about me. 'God,' I said, standing at the window, 'the water in the swimming pool looks so blue.'

'Let's get some swimsuits and get down there, then,' Lucy said. 'There are shops next to the hotel.'

I hesitated. 'You go ahead, I'll…'

'Cate, you'll look great in a swimsuit; God knows you have the body for it! Let's look at least,' Lucy pleaded.

Two and a half hours later, we were back and I was the owner of a black bikini and a bronze one piece with high cut legs. The girls had assured me I looked ok but I thought in the dressing room mirror I looked frightful. I also picked up a sarong to wrap around my waist. I was worried about unsightly bumps but Helen had assured me the special underwear would erase any problem so now was the time to test it. In any case, the bikini had full pants, although I looked longingly at the pants with the tied sides.

'I'm so white,' Belinda groaned when she modelled her blue bikini.

Lucy had chosen a metallic one piece and after she had modelled it, they both looked expectantly at me. 'Oh, all right!' I said grumpily and went off to change into the one piece.

I looked down and saw the front was absolutely flat and, relieved a little, strode back in and stood with my arms folded. 'There, I look atrocious!'

They gaped at me and Bel grinned at me as she led me to the mirror. 'Yes, extremely ugly,' she joked.

It was my turn to gape a little at my reflection. 'In the change room it looked awful! But this, well, it's not too bad.'

Lucy grinned and picked up the phone. 'Who are you calling?'

'Reception, I'm going to ask them to send up a couple of cricket bats so we can keep the thousand of horny young men away.'

I threw my sarong at her and grinned.

 

For two days, we did nothing but lounge by the pool, swim, sip cocktails, nap and eat out. It was glorious.

And Lucy was right, guys besieged us but we had made a pact to have a girl's holiday and we were sticking to it. Although, that didn't mean we couldn't look.

And they stared at us, although Bel and Lucy teasingly told me, most of the guys had their tongue hanging out for me. I didn't believe it at first but when they approached us, they stared at me, even while they talked to Bel or Lucy.

On the third day, I wore the bikini and I felt eyes on me as I slowly walked to our lounges by the pool. 'How many did you count, Lucy?' Bel murmured as we put our stuff by the lounges.

'Seven. You?'

'I saw eight, you missed the bloke by the bar.'

'What on earth are you going on about?' I asked crossly as I sat on the lounge. 'Seven or eight what?'

'Erections,' Lucy said casually and then winked. I gasped in shock while they both laughed as they walked down the steps and slid into the pool.

'Saucy bitches,' I murmured to myself as I lay down on my stomach but I still wondered if they were right. Did I really cause… no, I don't want to really think about that. But I smiled to myself as I closed my eyes behind my sunglasses.

That night at the restaurant Bel said,' Cate, we've tiptoed around what happened with Stephen but it's time to spill it, what happened?'

'We've been dying to know,' Lucy agreed.

'I fell asleep,' I said, sipping my water. 'He found a blanket, covered me and left. That's all.'

'A perfect gentleman,' Lucy said dreamily, 'they don't come around often.'

'What were you so cross about, then?' Bel asked. 'I thought you two were just friends?'

'Oh, I don't know. I was embarrassed and, well, I thought…'

'You thought he'd kiss you goodnight?'

I blushed. 'I don't know…well…it was an awful way to end the night. I didn't get a chance to say goodnight…you know…''

'Awful? Sounds positively romantic to me,' Bel said. 'Cate, you were mentally and physically exhausted. I think Stephen was smart enough to see that.'

'I know, I know.' I sighed. 'But…'

'You wanted the night to end differently?'

'Maybe…yes…oh, I don't know! Is that wrong of me? I thought there'd be a goodnight kiss.' I blushed as I admitted it.

'How do you know there wasn't?' Lucy said slyly.

'Oh, that's great!' I said grumpily. 'He kisses me while I'm asleep! Perfect!'

They laughed at that and, after a minute of pretending to be cross, so did I.

 

'Is it really time to go back?' I complained.

'We're on a flight tomorrow afternoon so let's have a great night tonight.' Bel said and suddenly Lucy's telephone rang.

'She never turns it off,' I muttered.

'And that's why she's the best agent,' Bel reminded me.

'You're right, Bel. As usual.' I stuck my tongue out at her and she laughed.

'That was Frank Bertram,' Lucy said excitedly, 'Sir Humphrey Barton's agent. Sir Humphrey is directing a short season of a certain Shakespearean play, whose name we cannot mention because you actors are so superstitious.'

'Is he?' I asked with interest. 'How long a season?'

'Six days and six days only and he is not only directing but also starring as the lead.'

'How wonderful! We must go and see it, I just know he'll be brilliant.'

Lucy grinned. 'He wants you as the female lead.'

I was stunned, the role of Lady Macbeth is a prize for any actor, demanding and competitive as there are always comparisons made against great performances of the past. 'What?'

'Cate, it will be a wonderful role, we all know you'll be brilliant and it will be quite an event as people will want to see you two together again. Frank believes the entire six days will be sold out in a day. There's talk of filming it for television as well.'

'When?'

'Rehearsals start in two weeks. Cate, they want to pay you a fortune! What do you think?'

'Think?'

'Can we have sentences of more than one word, Cate?' Belinda laughed.

'I don't know, it's an honour for Humpy to ask me, I haven't…' They watched me as I thought it through. My mind was swirling with thoughts and nervousness but, finally, I laughed. 'What am I agonising over? I want to do it, tell them yes!'

We shrieked with excitement, hugged and Lucy broke free to call Humpy's agent. I was going to be Lady Macbeth.

 

As soon as we returned, Lucy called Byron Goodward to arrange the photographic session for two days time.

'It's all your own hair now, no extensions,' Beth said as she finished brushing it. 'It's beautiful and thick, Cate.'

I nodded. My dark hair was luxuriously thick and shiny and because it was so dark, made my red lips and eyes more striking. 'Will you be doing my hair and face for the photographic shoot?'

Bel shook her head. 'No, the Sascha Cosmetics handle all that; it's their products after all. Cate,' Belinda said after a moment, sitting down beside me. 'Can I talk to you about something?'

'Of course. What is it?'

'You remember when I told you of the trouble I had with Richard when I began my own company?' I nodded and she continued. 'I've been talking to Lucy and she thinks I should have another go, start my own company and employ stylists to work with clients. Lucy has told me Wade requires one.'

'That's great news!' I said, hugging her. 'You'll still be my stylist, though?'

She grinned. 'Of course but,' she looked awkwardly away, 'the bank will only lend me money if I have a client list contracted…'

I immediately saw why she was embarrassed and smiled. 'You're quite right, we don't have a contract do we? You could be an awful tart and run off to work with someone else.'

Belinda was shocked. 'Cate, I would never…' The penny dropped and she smiled. 'You bitch, you had me going! Seriously, you don't mind?'

'Why would I mind? If a contract helps you, let's do it. I think it's wonderful and I'm proud of you.'

Belinda kissed my cheek and hugged me. 'Thanks, Cate.'

'Is Rodney joining Belinda Morrison & Co?' I asked cheekily and she blushed.

'He might.'

'I hear wedding bells.'

'Don't be silly!'

 

I was nervous but I tried not to show it when I arrived at the large photographic studio in Knightsbridge where I was to complete the photographic shoot for Sascha Cosmetics. Apart from the normal butterflies before a performance and this was, in its own way, another performance, I was also nervous about the possibility of meeting Stephen.

'Miss Lawrence,' Byron Goodward greeted me, 'it is a pleasure.' He was young, balding so he had his hair cropped extremely short and his eyes could not decide to look at my breasts or my face. 'This is Julie who will do you face and hair for the session. There will be only one costume. I'll leave you with Julie and introduce you to the photographer in a moment.' The thought of a costume change made me nervous, as I had been completely unaware of such a requirement.

Julie smiled as Byron strode away. 'He thinks he's so important,' she said in a broad South London accent and a wink. I laughed, immediately liking her. 'The room's down here,' she said and I could see her examining me.

'Will I do?' I asked cheekily and she laughed.

'You'll do, love. 'You're an actress?' Julie asked as she began work on my face.

'Yes. This is my first real photographic shoot so I'm as nervous anything. All this is a bit much for me,' I added in my Liver accent.

'A Liver lass, eh?'

'A long time ago but yes, from Merseyside.'

'Don't be nervous, with your looks the shoot will be quick although I've never worked with the photographer. American,' she explained, 'flown in to photograph you.'

'Me? God, now I'm really nervous!'

Julie had just finished my hair when there was a knock on the door and Byron poked his head in. 'All finished, Mr Goodward,' Julie said with a quick wink to me.

'Thank you, Julie; Miss Lawrence, allow me to introduce you to the photographer for this session Holly Victor.'

Holly was an American with short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, eyes that examined me carefully as she spoke to Byron. 'Great looking model,' she said to Byron, ignoring me. 'Which agency did you get her through?'

Byron glanced at me and spluttered,' Holly, I don't think you understand…'

'I'm actually right here, Ms Victor,' I said coldly, 'Perhaps you could direct your questions to me?' Julie giggled and Holly was startled and then grinned.

'Ok,' she smiled, extending her hand like a man, 'guess I blew it, huh. Can I start again? Hi there, nice to meet you, I'm Holly Victor.'

'It's lovely to meet you,' I said with a smile, 'Cate Lawrence.' Byron and Julie escaped, Julie with a broad grin on her face.

Holly's face broke into a huge smile as she led the way from the dressing room. 'I've been here three days and I still love the accents. You sure are beautiful; I can see why they chose you. I think I've learned you ain't a model.' Holly asked as we walked through the corridors.

'No' I laughed. 'No, I'm an actor.' My nervousness increased at her questions and I wondered if she suspected something, suspected I wasn't exactly what I appeared. I wondered what kind of a costume was involved and I was worried my secret may be revealed.

'Movies?'

'No, theatre. You've been brought over to work on this?' I asked, changing the subject. 'What is it you do?'

Holly laughed. 'I'm a celebrity photographer; I make famous people look good, although, with you, I won't have any problem. We sure as hell don't know much about each other, do we?' She chuckled and opened a door, leading the way into a large studio. Blue photographic paper was suspended from the ceiling to the floor where it covered the floor for some yards, lights on metallic stands arrange around and above it and the camera on a tripod.

She held up a cream silk evening dress. 'They want you to wear this but I kind of like what you're wearing.' I was wearing a simple long sleeved white blouse that displayed some cleavage over tailored black trousers and boots with, of course my leather coat. My hair was loose and Julie had applied understated make up. 'But,' she sighed, 'they're footing the bill.'

A door opened, I heard male voices and suddenly Stephen was there with Byron and my heart was pounding so loud I was sure everyone in the room could hear it. 'Holly,' Stephen said, taking her hand and kissing her cheek. Suddenly, I felt jealous but I kept smiling.

'Hi there, Steve,' Holly said.

Stephen turned and smiled warmly at me, his eyes twinkling. 'Cate,' he said, taking my hand and kissing my cheek, his lips warm. 'It's wonderful to see you again.'

'It's wonderful to see you.'

'I trust you enjoyed your holiday? Was Spain attractive at this time of year?'

'Extremely so.'

'You seem admirably refreshed.'

I flushed. 'I caught up on some much need sleep. It was very relaxing.'

Holly was watching us with a grin, hands on hips. 'I have to be on a plane tonight, guys. Can we get started?'

'Of course,' Stephen said and I became aware that he had been holding my hand as he suddenly released it. 'Byron, could you explain the concept?'

'Of course; Miss Lawrence in an evening gown, standing by a vase of flowers...'

'Jeez, that's original!'

'Holly, I'm the creative…'

Holly ignored him and turned to Stephen. 'Steve, we've known each other a long time, right?'

'Of course.'

'So, I'm going to speak frankly. This,' she said gesturing at me, 'is a beautiful and sensuous woman and I have no doubt the camera is going to love her.' I flushed at her words but all eyes were on Holly as she continued. 'You put her in an evening gown and it's the same old tired shot. But,' Holly said with enthusiasm, 'use her as she is, in clothes women wear everyday and you'll have an impact. She oozes sex and intelligence, a lethal combination, Steve.'

Stephen grinned ruefully at me. 'Yes, I'm quite aware of that.'

'But…' Byron began but Stephen over rode him.

'I agree, Holly. You may not be aware but Cate is the rising star of British theatre and is, I believe,' he raised his eyebrow slightly, 'is Lady Macbeth in Sir Humphrey Barton's production?'

I cleared my throat. 'Yes, it's a short season.'

'I believe,' Stephen said with a smile, 'the press is quite excited about it.'

Lucy had rung me in the taxi to tell me she had requests for interviews but had declined them until the rehearsals were completed.

'Apparently.'

Stephen turned to Holly. 'I agree, Holly. Cate has that combination but the theatrical community also respects her and, more importantly, the audiences love her. I think we should respect her individualism.'

Holly grinned. 'I'm going to take that as a yes. Ok, you two, out of here, let me get to work.' Holly closed the door on them and dramatically tossed the evening dress into the corner.

'Where do you want me?'

Holly put a stool on the blue paper and gestured at it. 'Sit there, Cate. You don't mind if I call you Cate?' I shook my head and sat on the stool. 'Now, I'm just going to talk to you and I'm going to be shooting all the time so just relax and be yourself. I don't want any phoney looks or poses so just be yourself.'

The door opened and a young man came in with a teapot, a coffee pot and cups and saucers on a tray.

'You want coffee?' Holly asked.

'I'd prefer tea?'

The young man gave me a cup of tea and silently left. 'Just drink your tea, and forget about the camera. I'm sorry about before, I just never figured such a beautiful woman could be anything but a model.' The camera clicked continuously as she spoke and I soon forgot about it.

'It's perfectly all right.'

'I just love your accent. Are you a related to the royal family or something?'

I laughed and nearly spilt my tea. 'Me? Not likely love,' I said in the Liverpool accent and Holly laughed.

The camera clicked some more. 'What about you and Steve? I was going to suggest you guys get a room or something?'

I spluttered, shocked. 'What? We're friends, that's all.'

'Hey, come on! It was really hot between you in a very restrained Brit kind of way. Tell me the story, come on,' she wheedled.

'Nothing to tell,' I looked away.

'I don't think so.'

'No, really, nothing to tell. We went out for supper and, well…'

'Well what?'

'I fell asleep,' I admitted in a soft voice.

Holly erupted into laughter and I told her the story. 'I'm sure he's coming back for more, Cate,' she said.

'What about you and Stephen?' I asked slyly.

'We're friends, really friends,' she said changing a film. She did it so quickly and the camera was clicking again.

'Just friends? I don't think so,' I pouted. The camera clicked rapidly again.

Holly laughed. 'It's true, we really are. Cate,' Holly said with a sly smile, 'I should tell you I'm gay.'

'Oh.'

'So if Steve doesn't coming running, just pick the phone up,' she said with a wink and I laughed loudly.

'All finished,' she said and I looked at her stunned.

'What?'

'That's it.' Holly helped me from the stool. 'All done. You were great.' She pressed a button next to the door. 'That'll bring them running.'

On cue, the door opened and Byron and Stephen appeared with Julie. 'All finished, Steve,' Holly said.'

'Excellent,' Stephen said with a smile at me. 'We have light refreshments, I believe upstairs in the board room, I hope you'll join us, Cate?'

'Of course,' I murmured.

'I'll organise the proofs and they'll be brought up,' Holly said.

I cleaned my face and applied new make up and decided to leave my hair the way Julie had arranged it. 'I heard Miss Victor raving about you, love, to Mr Goodward and Mr Edwardes,' she said as I applied lipstick. 'I told you it would be easy.'

We sat on some white leather lounges around a glass coffee table. It was all terribly modern and terribly uncomfortable. Stephen sat opposite me, Byron to my left and Holly next to me.

'The proofs are being printed from the digital so it will give us an idea,' Holly said, 'the real shots will be way better though so remember that.'

The proofs were projected onto a screen and there was a row of about five different shots of me in various expressions, laughing, serious, scowling, pouting, smiling and so on.'

'They're great,' Byron said.

Holly shrugged. 'The camera loves her. I think you should use a row of individual shots like this in the one advertisement.'

'I agree,' Stephen said slowly, rubbing his chin.

'What tag line?' Byron asked.

Stephen looked at me and smiled. 'Miss Catherine Lawrence, British actor. At home on the stage and at home with Sacsha Cosmetics.'

'I love it,' Byron grinned.

'Do you, Cate?' Stephen asked.

'It sounds perfectly fine to me. Now, I actually hate looking at myself so could you switch that thing off now, please?'

They laughed and the screen went dark. I said goodbye to Byron and Holly who left Stephen and I alone with a broad wink.

'Well,' I said slowly standing, 'I should go.'

'Of course, you have a busy schedule, I'm sure.'

I stood uncertainly at the door. 'Stephen,' I began, 'I'm terribly sorry about the other night, I feel so embarrassed about it…'

'Nonsense! It was perfectly understandable after such a gruelling performance night after night. I'm actually quite pleased you felt relaxed and trusting enough to fall asleep like that.'

'Thank you for covering me,' I murmured.

'Not at all, did you drink the tea?'

'It was rather cold by the time I woke up.'

Stephen laughed. 'You were deep asleep.'

I took his hand and slowly kissed his cheek. 'Thank you Stephen.

There was a sudden noise outside the door and Stephen straightened up. 'I'll escort you to the exit,' he said formally but I heard a catch in his voice. 'Goodbye Cate,' he said at the exit, people hurrying past us in all directions. The doorman held the taxi door open for me and as I began to step in, Stephen called softly, 'You did look like an angel, Cate.'

The door was closed and the taxi sped away. I put my hand to my burning cheek and felt my heart pounding.

'Oh my,' I said to myself, 'oh my, indeed.'

What was happening to me, I wondered, what in the hell was I doing?

 

End of Catherine Lawrence Part 11 by Carmenica Diaz

  

  

  

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