“Hello, it’s good to see you again.” Chef shook his hand and patted Jimmy on the back.
“I heard there was a lovely young lady out here and wanted to come and see for myself. How are you Madam?” Chef asked and leaned down to kissed Abby on both cheeks and stuck out his hand to shake hers.
Abby stared at him, mouth open, trying to speak but nothing came out. She did manage to raise her hand to shake his, but still wasn’t able to say anything legible. He and Jimmy smiled at Abby. Holly came to her rescue and pulled her out of her trance, she stood up and reached for Chef’s hand.
“Abby is a huge fan of your show Sir. She never misses a season, isn’t that right Abby?” She gave Abby a gentle nudge and Abby responded,
“Oh yes that’s right,” Abby stammered. “I watch it every time it’s on. I never miss it.”
“Excellent, that’s good to hear, can never have too many fans isn’t that right Jimmy?”
“Too true.” Jimmy agreed and they both laughed.
“Well have a wonderful time while you are in LA and make sure you come back to see us. Good to see you again Jimmy, take care all” Chef waived and went back into the kitchen.
Abby looked at Jimmy, still having a shocked and disbelieving look on her face. “How….He….You…What?” was about all Abby could muster.
“I’m just full of surprises.” He said to her.
“I hope there aren’t too many surprises Jimmy, I’m not sure how many she can take.” Holly laughed. ”Abby looks like she is about to pass out.
Jimmy paid the tab and they all left the restaurant. The paparazzi were there taking pictures of the people coming and going. Abby laughed to herself when she thought of their reactions when they realized they had just wasted their film on her. They got into the limo and headed back to the house.
The next morning, Jimmy finished giving them the tour of the house. The dark wood flooring covered the entire downstairs. They walked from room to room. Abby noticed there wasn’t much furniture. They went into the kitchen where Margret was preparing breakfast. It was an old style kitchen with a wood-burning hearth, it created a warm aura with its massive brick arch above the range's recess and an antique island evoked the look of a log worktable. Jimmy kissed Margret on the cheek while she was standing at the stove.
“Morning Maggie, what have you made for us this morning?” He took a seat at the island. Abby and Holly joined him.
“I have made scrambled eggs, bacon and homemade toast. There is freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee and tea. Which do you care for Dear?”
Jimmy offered Abby to go first.
“I’ll have juice please. Everything smells wonderful, thank you Margret.” Abby replied.
“Juice too please.” Holly said was asked what she wanted. “It really does smell good in here.”
“Maggie keeps us all well fed, Even Charlie can’t stop raving about Maggie’s cooking” and he winked at Maggie who just rolled her eyes.
“Don’t you mind about what Charles Dugan says about my cooking James Douglas Riley.” Margret scolded him.
Jimmy laughed and Abby’s eyes got big as Margret used the “Mom Tone” with Jimmy.
Jimmy threw up his hands as if to surrender.
“Ok, I won’t say another word about it, but I’m just saying.” He snickered.
“It’s what you’re not saying that is going to get you in to trouble Mister.” She scolded again but not as harshly this time and with a hint of a smile on her chubby face.
They finished breakfast and went to change so they could all go spend the day out by the pool. Even though she and Holly only had 1 more day in LA, Abby didn’t want to spend it riding around and looking at the sights. She wanted to spend it quietly with Jimmy. Holly didn’t mind having a low key day either, she was excited that she could spend the day in the warm sun and hopefully go back to Maine with a hint of a tan. Holly was wearing her tiny red bikini under a sheer white cover up and her hair was up in a loose twist. Abby was envious of Holly’s confidence, in her mind, she could never pull that look off. Instead she had on a black one piece, the kind that resembled what the professional swimmers wore and a long pink t-shirt that covered that up. Abby felt the less that was showing the better, plus, she tended to burn pretty quickly in the sun, even with the SFP 30. Jimmy met them down by the pool. He had on a pair of navy blue swimming trunks and a white tank top. He walked over to Abby who was getting ready to sink down into a lounge chair. Holly was already in the pool floating on an inner tube, leaning back with her eyes closed.
“You don’t want to go for a swim?” Jimmy asked noticing Abby twisting her t-shirt with her fingers.
“No, I think I will just sit here and take it all in.” she smiled sheepishly.
“Ok then I will sit here with you.” He took off his tank top and sat down on the lounge chair next to Abby.
He was built as she thought he would be the first time she saw him. She could tell originally that his biceps were fairly large and guessed he had a body to match. His hairless chest glistened in the sun as tiny beads of sweat formed from the hot sun. He had a six pack most boys in Abby’s high school would kill for. “My God.” She said to herself, “he is gorgeous. How he ever became interested in me is a mystery.” She became a bit more self conscious. She pulled her legs to her chest and stretched her t-shirt over her knees. Jimmy took note of how Abby had reacted. He swung his legs over to the side of the chair and pulled Abby so she was facing him. They were in a sitting position facing each other. Their bare knees touching and Jimmy had his hands on her thighs looking her square in the eyes. She felt a tingly feeling rolling down her spine.
“Abby,” he started. “You are so beautiful, you would put half of these California girls to shame.” Abby looked away.
“I’m serious” he told her. “Why you don’t know that baffles me.”
He put his hand on her cheek and turned her face so she could look at him.
“Honestly.” He confirmed
Jimmy pulled her closer so he could kiss her. Without stopping Abby positioned herself so she could straddle his waist. She could feel that he was getting excited. She didn’t care and she didn’t stop kissing him. He was holding her very tight now. How far could this go right now? She knew he made a promise to her parents. She didn’t want to be the reason he betrayed them but the way she was feeling right now she wasn’t sure she could stop, if he didn’t want too. Holly was off in her own little world in the pool oblivious of what was going on between them. Would she notice if they went inside.
“Jimmy.” Someone shouted in an unfamiliar voice. They both looked up, “We have an 11 o’clock. Karma, Jimmy’s assistant was standing just outside the door.
“Oh that’s right” Jimmy muttered, “shoot, I’m sorry, we have a conference call with the studio to negotiate for recording time and costs. I had totally forgotten. It should only be about an hour or so. Are you ok out here will Holly? When I get back I’ll have Margret fix us up something good for lunch, ok?
He picked her up and set her back down in the lounge chair and leaned in to kiss her.
“You know,” he said quietly, “You almost made me break my word to your parents. You are going to get me into trouble.” He smiled and kissed her quickly again and walked away towards Karma.
Karma Brinkley was attractive. She stood about 5’5," athletic build, blonde hair and blue eyes. She looked about five years older than Jimmy, late 20’s early 30’s Abby figured. She and Jimmy looked briefly at her daily planner and he walked inside. Abby stood up to introduce herself to Karma. She approached her as Karma was writing something down. Karma looked up and had an annoyed look on her face. Abby timidly offered her hand for Karma to shake.
“Hello, I’m Abby Moore and this is my friend Holly.” Abby pointed to the girl floating in the pool that had by now, looked up to see what was going on.
Karma didn’t reach for Abby’s hand or even look up to acknowledge she was there.
“I know
who you are.” She said crassly and continued to write in her planner.
“Oh, ok then.” Abby retracted her hand, she turned to look at Holly. Abby shrugged her shoulders. Holly looked like she was going to come unglued that someone was so rude to her best friend.
Karma walked back towards the house totally ignoring them.
“Wow,” Holly exclaimed. “It’s true what they say, Karma’s a Bitch.” They both broke out in laughter at the irony.
“What did you say?” They both turned to see Karma coming back out of the house looking quite angry. “Would you like to get out of the pool and say that to my face?” Karma challenged.
Holly immediately slipped off the inner tube and swam towards the pool ladder. Holly was the kindest person Abby knew, but Abby also knew she was not one to cower when confronted. Holly walked straight over to where Karma was now standing right beside Abby, she didn’t even get a towel to dry herself off first. Holly was pissed. She quickly approached Karma and crossed her arms across her chest.
“I said,” Holly started slowly, emphasizing each word, “That you were a Bitch. How could you act so rudely to someone who was just being nice? You don’t know her.” She pointed to Abby.
Karma looked as though she were going to punch Holly. When Karma went to move, Abby moved to step in between them.
“Look.’ Abby started but wasn’t able to finish. Before she could get completely between the two of them Karma pushed Holly back into the pool. Holly was able to grab a hold of Karma with one hand but the other hand swung back as she lost her balance and caught Abby right in the face below her right eye. All three of them screamed as the all fell into the pool.
Jimmy came running out as he caught the tail end of what was happening.
“What is going on?” he asked in shock and disbelief which turned to concern when he saw Abby holding the side of her face which was now bleeding. “Oh My God” and he jumped in the pool.
He swam over to her and helped her to the stairs in the shallow end of the pool. Holly and Karma were still splashing at each other as they were each trying to swim to the ladder in the deep end. Holly was out first as it is easier to swim in a bikini than in the jeans and a blouse that Karma was wearing.
“What happened?” Jimmy asked while inspecting Abby’s face. When Holly smacked her it had split open the skin that covered her cheekbone.
“Holly and Karma were talking when we all fell into the pool.” Abby lied pretty unconvincingly.
“They were talking and you all just fell?” He questioned waiting for the rest of the story.
“I think I started to slip and grabbed Holly and it was just a domino effect.” She lied again hoping it was more convincing. It wasn’t.
“Karma,” He yelled, “can you come over here please?”
Karma was drying herself as best she could with a towel she grabbed off the back of one of the chairs.
“My blouse is ruined.” She said screaming at Holly as she approached Jimmy.
Holly was already at Abby’s side checking out her face.
“Oh Abbs I am so sorry, I totally didn’t mean to do that, but this crazy….”Abby stopped her
“It’s ok, I’m fine, no worries. I was just telling Jimmy how I slipped and took you two into the pool with me.” She looked at Holly with a pleading expression.
Holly was having none of it.
“You didn’t slip, this crazy…….person,” Holly refrained from any additional name calling and pointed to Karma, “pushed me and I took you both down with me, smacking you in the face in the meantime. Are you ok?”
Karma was standing there dripping wet trying to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why she pushed Holly in the pool and causing Abby to bleed.
“I had been insulted and I was defending myself.” Karma said in her defense.
“You were rude to Abby that’s why I called you a ….” Abby interrupted her.
“Ok,” she yelled “everything’s fine, let’s just forget it. Jimmy don’t you have a meeting?” trying to defer the attention away from her.
“Yes Karma and I also have a few things to discuss.” He shot her a look of extreme disappointment. “But first let’s get some ice on that eye.
He led them into the kitchen where Margret prepared an ice pack for Abby. She and Holly stayed in the kitchen while Jimmy took Karma into his office. Several minutes later when they reappeared, the bleeding had stopped but bruising and swelling had replaced it. Karma looked visually upset when she cleared her throat to speak.
“I am very sorry for the way I treated you and your friend Abby. I was rude. It was unacceptable and it will not happen again. Please accept my apologies”
Abby looked at Holly who gave the “whatever” look and folded her arms across her chest again.
Jimmy interjected. “We were able to postpone the meeting, how about we have some lunch and you ladies can get to know each other.”
“I really can’t.” Karma declined “I do have some things I need to attend to, like mainly getting in to some dry clothes. Jimmy I will talk to you later, I need you to sign some papers before you head out tomorrow. Good-bye Abby, have a safe trip home.” She shot Holly a look as she walked out of the kitchen and out the front door.
“Later Psycho.” Holly retorted waiving her hand in the air.
“Holly.” Abby said disapproving. “Let it go.”
“Ok I’ll let it go, but you tell me how well you are going to let it go when you see yourself in the mirror. Have a peek.” She taunted.
Abby went to look at her reflecting in the bathroom mirror.
“I’m sorry for Karma’s behavior,” Jimmy started quietly, “she is very protective of me. She was one of the first friends I made when I came out here. She’s like an older sister and takes that role very seriously. There have been a few girls that only wanted to get to know me because of my bank account. “
Abby looked shocked. “Does she think that’s why I am here?!”
“She understands why you are here, that it has nothing to do with material things or social status. It’s because I want you here. She will be more cordial next time you meet I promise.” Jimmy looked at her reflection in the mirror. Abby winced when she smiled.
“Does it hurt?” Jimmy asked reaching out gingerly to caress her cheek.
“Not bad.” She answered “I can barely feel it.” Lying badly again. She wanted to remove the sad look on his face. “Really, I’m fine” she lifted up on her toes to kiss him. “I am hungry though.”
They walked back into the kitchen and ate the lunch Margret had prepared for them. They spent the rest of the day getting ready to leave the following morning.
* * * * *
Chapter 10
As she was putting the last few things in her carryon, Abby couldn’t help feeling dismayed. She had spent a wonderful few days with Jimmy, back in Maine and here in LA. She didn’t want to leave today, not so soon, but she promised to be back before the Thanksgiving holiday. Jimmy was also expected in Mississippi for dinner with his family. Abby was glad he was able to meet her parents, however, she was not ready to meet his. The ride to the airport was quiet they sat in silence holding hands. Last night they had discussed the possibility of Jimmy coming to Maine for Christmas but had made no definite plans. This worried Abby. She wondered if he didn’t want to solidify plans because he no longer wanted to see her. He hadn’t said so but she still worried. The plan was for Jimmy to ride with them to Maine and then he would turn and head to Mississippi.
“It’s going to be a very long day for you.” Abby expressed with concern.
“It’s worth it.” He replied. “I’ll get more time with you. I can spend some time writing then visit with my family.
Abby spent most of the plane ride fighting back tears. She was going to miss him. Holly spent the time readi
ng a book she had picked up while in LA. Jimmy sat next to Abby again in silence holding her hand. When they landed in Owls Head, Abby couldn’t hold back the tears. She could barely see as she descended the stairs. They had left her Jeep in the parking area so they wouldn’t need to be picked up. Holly said good-bye to Jimmy with a hug and peck on the cheek, thanking him again for a great trip, took Abby’s keys and headed for the Jeep, not hiding her distain for the cold weather. Jimmy turned to Abby, who by now, was all but bawling.
“I’m sorry,” she blubbered, “I don’t mean to cry like a baby, I’m just going to miss you and I don’t know when I am going to see you again.” she was full blown sobbing now, she felt like an idiot but couldn’t stop.
He pulled her to him and she buried her face into his chest.
“We’ll see each other again before you know it. You’ll be busy with school activities and your friends, the time will fly by. I will call you every day. We’ll e-mail and text. Don’t forget Skype, we can video chat too. Don’t be sad, Baby.” He tried to comfort her.
They heard the jet engines start back up. He had a schedule to keep. He had to go. They kissed good-bye. He got back on to the plane and waved as the pilot closed and locked the door. Abby felt like her heart had stopped beating. She turned and walked to the Jeep, she didn’t want him to see her still crying. Holly had turned on the car and had the heat on high. She knew it was going to be a night of tears, she had called her parents to let them know they had landed and to let them know she would be with Abby tonight.