The club where the party was being held was filling up with all sort of celebrities in fancy dress costume all intent on having a good time. A smoke machine created a hazy, foggy atmosphere in keeping with the theme of the party. Cobwebs, and pumpkin lanterns were strung about, as well as other sundry decorations giving the party a real Halloween feel. The DJ's were pumping the music, and everyone was in party mode. The A list party was by invite only and Sue, Brian, Kerry and Aj sat around the table waiting for the others to arrive. Jac and Kevin were running late because James wasn't happy with the car sent to pick them up, must to Jac's disgust.
'So how is Jac really holding up?' Sue asked Kerry as she took a sip of her wine. 'You know Jac Kez, I couldn't get any more than, oh I'm ok out of her the other night.'
Kerry pursed her lips as she thought about Sue's question. 'So far so good, she's had a few moments when the dam walls have cracked and things have looked wobbly. But she's doing a good job of holding things together. So far her nerves have held, and that's got a lot to do with Kevin. If he wasn't on the scene I think she'd have cracked by now. He seems to be able to, I dunno, keep her on track.' Kerry paused took a sip of her drink and continued in her quick rapid fire way waving her hands about expressively. 'The pressure on her is immense as well. I mean here she is, working on this movie with Ken, trying to keep her mind on that and putting in the performance of her life, the rushes are wonderful Ken says by the way. Then she has this lunatic running around wanting goodness knows what from her, and the police have found nothing on him. They've struggled to build a profile on the stalker, and Steve the detective in charge of the case is pulling his hair out in frustration and worry, because it's his gut feeling that this guy is a whole bunch trouble.'
'You mean they've found nothing? No evidence at all?' Sue seemed truly amazed. 'This has to be driving her nuts. How's she coping with all the special attention. We know she hates special treatment.'
Aj laughed 'Well you should have seen her reaction to the fact that Kevin told her father what was going on, and the fact that Kev organised two bodyguards for her….Phew.. volcanic eruption. She let him have it both barrels.' He wiped his forehead in exaggerated over reaction.
Kerry glared at him leaping hotly to Jac's defence. 'Yeah I know she has a temper, but it all got too much for her that day. After weeks of these weird phone calls, a stalker in her house terrifying her while she was alone. Then having next to no sleep and then being the stubborn person she is, turning up to the set to film the next day only, to have the maniac in her trailer and on the set. It's no wonder she lost it. Kevin just happened to be in the firing line, it could have been anyone of us.
'Hey baby, I know that. I'm not criticising Jac.' He hastily reassured her grabbing hold of her hand as he talked. 'It was just funny seeing Kevin being so patient and calm with her. Well I've never seen him behave like that with an unreasonable woman before.'
Kerry pulled a face at him now she realised what he meant. 'Well I've never seen Jac give way to any man like she does with Kevin either.'
Brian shook his head in amazement. 'Those two have got me really confused. I mean when they first set eyes on one another, that was it wham, no one else existed.' Brian slapped his head to indicate his point 'They only had eyes for each other that night. Then the pair of them wake up married after a wild night on the town, cop all this horrendous publicity for what they did. Then they tell us all it's only for a year to avoid undue bad press for group, admittedly under pressure from management, but then they still make goo goo eyes at each other.' He sighed as he fiddled with the strap of his gladiator breastplate 'I don't know what to make of the pair of them.'
'Look honey, they'll sort themselves out. I think they are good for each other.' Sue said as she squeezed his arm.
'I'm not saying they aren't. I like Jac, I like her a lot, and she's livened Kevin up no end. He's far more relaxed now than ever before. I just don't want to see either of them hurt. This stalker is putting them under a lot of pressure, let alone finding your feet in a marriage that was so sudden. There are all these forces at work against them. Do you really think they'll go through with this divorce idea of managements or are they really serious about each other?'
Aj sighed and took a swig of his beer. 'Look Rok, there's a lot more going on between those two than Kez and I both realised. There's a lot of emotional undercurrents and it's all swirling beneath the surface. I wouldn't bet on any divorce happening, it's just a feeling I have about them, and if management are counting on it, they're gonna be less than impressed, cause I can't see it happening.'
'I agree.' Kerry added leaning forward to emphasise her point. 'There's enough electricity between them to power the eastern seaboard. You can feel it when they are together, it crackles around them like an aura. I'm just waiting for it to take hold and bite them both, then we can sit back and watch the fireworks' she added with a delighted grin. If it wasn't for this trouble, she would have enjoyed watching Jac and Kevin skirt around each other's feelings more. She added thoughtfully. 'Plus Jac really seems to respect Kevin. I think he's the one guy she knows she can't push around. And her father likes him. A lot.'
Aj considered Kerry's words, and pulling a thoughtful face said.' And you look at him when he thinks no one is watching him, his eyes say it all if you ask me. I think he's in love with her, but he's just too scared to admit it. We all know how deliberate he is with things, and with Jac I think he he's been knocked off balance and Kev isn't used to feeling this out of control.
'Yeah, I'd say Jac was the same as well, scared of being burnt up if she gives in and admits her feelings.' Kerry mused out loud before taking another sip of her wine.
'And look how he calls her Jax, it's an affectionate endearment, a name he alone uses.' Aj pointed out.
'Yes.' Said Sue excitedly. 'When she talks about him to me on the phone, her voice unknowingly softens, and she's carefully guarded in her e-mails to me about him when normally she is so open about everything.'
Howie and Michelle appeared suddenly beside the table suitably attired in fancy dress. Howie and Michelle were dressed as Gomez and Morticia from the Adams family.
'Who's unguarded?' Howie asked with a smile causing the others to jump, so intent on their conversation were they.
'Jesus Howie, don't creep up on us like that.' Aj yelped with a startled with a grin and the others shifted around to let the new pair sit down at the table.
'We are discussing Jac and Kevin's relationship and all it's complexities.' Brian explained as he pulled Sue closer wrapping an affectionate arm about her.
'And we reckon they both love one another, but are too scared, too pigheaded, too whatever to admit it.' Aj informed them as the waiter hovered taking everyone's drink order. They all ordered and resumed their conversation.
'Arh I see. Well Kev and Jac will always generate a lot of speculation I think. Charismatic high profile couples like they are will always inspire a lot of talk, and with the situation they find themselves in at the moment it might only get worse. Still they've managed to keep this stalker out of the press though and that's probably a good thing not giving him any publicity.'
'True, poor Jac though, I can't imagine always having to look over my shoulder, the sooner they catch him the better.' Michelle shuddered as she sighed.
'Well the pair of them still have me baffled.' said Brian before he took a swig of his beer. 'And speak of the devil. Isn't that Kevin and Jac over there now? Look.' He pointed. The other's eyes followed the direction of his finger. There amongst a crowd of people stood Kevin and Jac chatting and laughing with an actor friend of hers.
'Oh my god.' Michelle laughed. 'Look at those costumes.'
'That is so Jac.' Sue laughed. 'The bride of Frankenstein.'
'And Kevin as Frankenstein.' Laughed Kerry. 'That has Jac's sense of humour stamped all over it.'
'Who's she talking to?' asked Michelle asked as she adjusted her long dark wig that Howie had knocked askew as he moved in around the table.
'My god that's Brad Pitt.' Sue realised.
'Oh yeah he want's to do a movie with Jac.' Kerry said between mouthfuls of her drink. 'He's been asking for a while as well. But their schedules have never coincided, they've been friends for ages. Oh lord, look at Kevin, if he got any closer to Jac he'd be in her arms.'
Howie laughed. 'Protecting his territory maybe.' He pointed over towards them 'Oh yeah, there goes his arm around her shoulders, yep that says hey dude she's with me back off.'
'Do you think Jac would introduce me to him?" Michelle asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
'Why? What is it with that guy anyway?' Howie asked a slightly miffed look appearing in his deep brown eyes.
Michelle squeezed his hand and laughed at him. 'I just want to see you protect your territory like Kevin is his.'
Howie grinned realising she was teasing him. 'Oh.'
'Yeah oh.' She kissed him quickly on his lips.
************
'So Jac will you think about doing this movie? I can wait till your schedule is free. I really want us to work together.' Brad charmed, a smile pleading in his bright blue eyes. He laid his hand on my arm, and I could feel Kevin edge a bit closer to me. I could feel his intense green eyes burning into me as he waited beside me while I chatted with Brad.
'Well, can you send Kerry the script? I'll give it a read through and if I like it, I can see no problem. I have a few more weeks shooting with Ken, then if the timing is good then sure, I'd love to work with you Brad.'
'Great.' He smiled and leaned in closer to talk above the music. 'You'll love this script, it's a romantic comedy and it's very funny.' Kevin casually put his arm around my shoulder, which enabled him to get closer still. Brad smiled at Kevin as an unspoken message flashed between them, which I didn't miss. I smiled inwardly, surely Kevin wasn't jealous of Brad. He was just a friend I had met when I first moved to LA and I'd never fancied him, we just got on well with each other but as yet there had not been an opportunity for us to work together. And besides Brad was in a high profile relationship, Kevin should know that.
'Hey and Jac, what's all these rumours about a stalker I've been hearing, are they true?' His face was the picture of concern but he finally took in the fact the Gideon and James were standing close and were watching me intently. 'God it is true isn't it. Are you ok?'
I sighed. 'Yeah it's true unfortunately and I'm ok, but don't say anything will you please. We are trying to keep it quite, but I supposed we've done well to just keep it to rumours so far.'
'Hey you know you can count on me, so if you're free next week can I take you out to lunch, It might cheer you up, and it's been ages since we had lunch. Or dinner, whatever you'd prefer.'
'Sure Brad, I'd love to, I'll give you a call.' I caught a glance of Nick and Lee making their way through the crowd towards us as they entered the club, and seeing them dressed as Batman and catwoman made me grin. 'Hey Brad have you met Nick Carter and this is his girlfriend Lee.' I introduced them and they all shook hands. 'Well we better find the others, see you later Brad, and I'll call you ok.'
He leaned in and kissed my cheek. 'Great Jac, I'll get my agent to forward that script on, see you next week sometime. Bye hon.' And with a sideways grin at Kevin as he held out his hand and a nod towards me said 'Nice to meet you finally Kev, look after her won't you.' Before he disappeared into the crowd.
'Wow you know Brad Pitt?' Lee smiled.
'Yeah, he's a real sweet guy, and was a good friend to me when I first moved here from England. Wow look at you both!' I said admiringly ' You both look brilliant, I love the costumes. You make a handsome Batman Nicky.' I teased. 'That costume shows the bits in all the right places.' Lee giggled, and I swore Nick was blushing, but it was too dark to see, but he gathered his cape closer about him. Kevin emitted a strangled choke as he smothered a laugh, but as his arm dropped from my shoulder to wrap around my waist, I could feel him chuckling as he guided me through the building crowd. 'You're an incorrigible tease Jax.' He whispered lightly in my ear as he manoeuvred me carefully towards where he saw the others sitting earlier. Gideon and James my ever present shadows followed at a discreet distance. Then I felt his lips touch the top of my head in a soft light kiss. 'I should give you some of your own medicine.' He breathed against my cheek. I turned wide eyed in surprise, catching a look of mischievous amusement in his eyes and he pulled me closer so as we walked I could feel every bit of his lanky frame rub against me.
I swallowed repeatedly as I could feel the familiar weakening warmth flood my limbs that his being so close always induced in me, as his chest and legs burned into my back. Taking a deep breath I said with a hint of laughter. 'If you play with fire you'll get burnt.'
'So I guess we both go down in flames together then?' his arms tightened about my waist and his lips teasingly touched my bare shoulder as we pushed our way to our table. I gasped at his brazen teasing but the spot where his lips had been seconds before felt like it had been scalded.
'Mmm nice perfume.' He murmured holding me tighter still.
'Where are the others sitting?' Nick asked interrupting our flirting.
'Um what Nick? Oh the others, there they are.' Kevin pointed out distractedly. Lee flashed us an amused glance as Nick pulled her towards the table. But Kevin held me back turning me to face him holding my chin captive in his hands. 'Promise me you'll relax and have a good time tonight ok?'
'I promise Kev, will you help me?' I asked with a smile in my eyes.
He laughed softly 'Anything for you Jax.' Then with a quick kiss on my lips he said
'Well let's start now, come on babe the others are waiting, they probably want to eat and we are late.'
*************************
He leaned in against the wall, shielded in the shadows. He watched with an impassive face under his mask that belied the inner rage he was feeling at the display of the couple not ten feet away from him. Each teasing look and sensuous gesture cut him to the quick. And even from here he could feel the magnetism and the tug of attraction between the couple. Like a beacon it burnt brightly for all to see, and he bit his lip against the wave of pain that washed through him. She mustn't love that fawning creature beside her, she mustn't. It was him she was supposed to love. An ever present voice in his head gave him no rest. All the time it spoke to him, whispered to him, he got no peace, and would know no peace till she was his. And then when he possessed his heart's desire, maybe the voices would stop, and then he would know some tranquillity and quietude.
Now he just needed to make his move, patience was a virtue to thought to himself. Yes I must have patience. Watch, wait and make my move. With an unseen feral grin he pushed off the wall to get a better vantage point with which to watch the couple and formulate his plans.
************************
'Aren't you drinking Jac?' Aj asked with a puzzled look as he poked me teasingly with his whip. Aj and Kerry had cracked everyone up in their matching bondage outfits, they both had a sense of the outrageous that gave them the confidence to carry wearing them in public off.
'I'll have a couple of wines with dinner Aj, but other that, I try to behave myself in public now. If I marry someone else after a night out on the town I'd be done for bigamy.' I joked.
Kevin grinned at me, he squeezed my hand affectionately and said in his soft drawl. 'Well as long as it's me you marry again, it'll be ok won't it.' Causing the others at the table to look knowingly at each other, which we missed as we only had eyes for each other. Thank god I had thick white makeup on, or I swear I would have been the colour of a tomato as I felt my face flame scarlet.
The waitress appeared beside our table and we ordered our meals, I tore my gaze away from Kevin's.
'Brian, you aren't having that again are you?' Howie teased 'You could try something different you know.'
'I like this.' He protested 'And there is no way I'm touching what you're eating, eww I wouldn't feed that to my dogs.'
'You don't have a dog.' Nick offered as he reached across and took the menu out of Brian's hands.
'Well if I had one, I still wouldn't feed that to them.' Brian pulled an exaggerated face making everyone laugh.
'I'll have what Brian's having.' said Sue with a smile as she snuggled in closer to Brian, causing her peasant dress to slip off exposing her shoulder. Brian gently repositioned it and kept his hand there. Sue like Brian was a plain eater.
'Oh not you as well.' Howie laughed. 'I give up on this lot Kev. Boring eaters the lot of them.'
After a few minutes everyone had decided what they wanted to eat and the conversation took a turn to the guys new album. Aj suddenly looked up and shivered. 'Jesus will you take a look at that dude, he's freaky man.' All eyes turned and followed the direction of Aj's gaze. There was this horrible clown with a disfigured face. An elongated chin gave the mask a deformed profile and black eyes under dark hooded brows gave the clown a sinister visage that sent shivers down my back. Sharp pointed jagged teeth around the mouth added to the malevolent effect of the gaily coloured costume he wore.
'I hate clowns, and that's the most disgusting one I've ever seen, remind me to stay away from him baby.' He told Kerry with a shiver.
'He's not a pleasant looking fella, that's for sure.' Lee added.
'Creepy dude.' Nick chimed in. 'I'm starving how long till the food gets here?'
We laughed at Nick, forgetting all about the clown.