Prologue

The bright glare of the thousands of cameras blinded her as she walked down the red carpet. Most people would be fazed by the daunting task of making it from the beginning to the end of the stroll without tripping over the train of their dress as they focused on sounds rather than sight. But not Whitney Johnson. No, she was use to this. In fact, she always wanted to live like this. She had dreamed of being a movie star since she could remember. Maybe before. This was the life she was meant to lead. She could be brash, blunt and waited on hand and foot. She had publicist to do her dirty work and clean up any messes, if she ever made any. She had the world in the palm of her hands. Sometimes, during interviews, she’d stretch out her words when responding just because she loved to see people hang on her every breath. Some called her a bitch, or abrasive, but she didn’t care. She was who she wanted to be. Well, for the most part. There was a part of her that did this because despite conventional wisdom, in front of the cameras was the easiest place to hide. Even when she was being herself, she was acting. Escaping allowed her to put it off until she was ready to deal with it

Chapter One

As these millions of thoughts traveled through her head, she suddenly became aware that she had reached the end of her stroll, managing the casual conversations with a few reporters along the way. They had no idea that she hadn’t heard a word they said. She quickly snapped her head around looking for her assistant Kim. When she found her, she pulled her to her side ready to go over the schedule.

“Kim, what time does this end?”, she asked impatiently as she made her way inside.

It’s over by 7 Ms. Johnson,” Kim responded promptly. After all, her only job was to know Whitney’s ever movement for the day. “After this, we are gonna put you on a plane and you’ll land in Boston by 12 am.”

“TWELVE AM,” Whitney said a bit louder than she had wanted to. She quickly caught her bearings and proceeded to finish the conversation. “Why the hell am I landing so late. Does someone have something against me that I don’t know about? Surely that is the only reason I’m being deprived of my precious sleep,” she said still upset at the situation.

”Not exactly Ms. Johnson. It’s just the time difference. We’re in California. You have to get to Harmony for a 9 am call time.”

“Okay, so then WHY am I landing in Boston. Harmony doesn’t have an airport,” she said trying to get to the bottom of this. The thought of hardly any sleep was getting to her. She needed her sleep. She needed her dreams.

“No, it’s a small town. They have an airport, but not one for commercial planes. You have to fly from Boston to Harmony ma’am,” Kim finished the statement in a small voice. She knew Ms. Johnson only wanted her sleep, but sometimes she could be a bit harsh.

Whitney was now being seated by one of the ushers. Before she took her seat, she turned back to Kim. “Look Kim, I’m sorry for snapping at you. I’m just, I’m just not a fan of waking up at ungodly hours. I know it was the best you could do. After all, I couldn’t very well miss this premiere. It’s a prime photo op,” she said as she was seated in the front row. As if on cue, Avery Marcum, the biggest box office draw of the year took his seat next to her. Avery was tall, with sandy brown hair and hazel eyes. He had the perfect Hollywood smile, including his perfectly capped teeth. His dimples gave him a slightly boyish glow, but the facial he was growing, for what Whitney could only assume was for his next roll, showed that he retained his masculine air. To most of the women in America, he was the perfect catch. But to Whitney Johnson, he was arrogant, talentless and a damper to her spirits. Anytime he was around her, she cringed just a little. Avery was beginning to move in closer to Whitney. She was just about to scream bloody murder when Avery cut her off.

“Now smile for the cameras darlin’,” he said in a slight southern accent, “you know they want to see us together.” While the thought of Avery sickened Whitney, she knew that the press loved the idea of them together. She couldn’t for the life of her figure out why the press thought so little of her they’d want him to date her, but she knew opportunity when it came knocking. She managed to scoot in enough for the photo, but left enough room to avoid touching him.

“So, the accent, you trying that on for your next role too,” she spat at him sarcastically.

“Yes ma’am,” he replied in character. “You know I’m a method actor. Gotta be the part til the movie’s over,” he finished with a smile.

“You should really stop referring to yourself as an actor Avery. You may be sued by a real one for character defamation one day,” she said to with a deadpan expression and she smiled for her last picture. As the photographer walked away, the room darkened as the film was about to begin. “I swear woman, you love to use those big words. You could even be the smart one in our relationship,” he said optimistically. He just knew it would be a matter of time before Whitney gave into his charms. Every other actress had after all.

Whitney’s eyes pierced Avery through the veil of darkness in the theater. She really didn’t like him, or the smugness with which he spoke. She decided it would give her piece of mind to put him in his place. And now was the perfect time. She darted her hand out toward Avery’s pants and grabbed his manhood, twisting it like she was trying to squeeze the life out of him. “Listen to me, you only get one warning. Keep your sleazy, nasty, talentless ass AWAY from me. I have a long night ahead of me. I have half a mind to take out all of my anger on you and your ‘friend’ right here, right now. And no, that’s not a proposition,” she finished, shooting down the thought before he had a chance to make a lewd comment.

“You are such a bitch Whitney,” Avery said through gritted teeth. The pain she had caused him was evident. “No wonder you can’t keep a man,” he spat hatefully as the movie began.

“Well, you Avery are no man. So I’m sure I’ll get over it,” she responded, careful not to interrupt. Although the comment came from a low life like Avery, it did sting a bit. The truth was, Whitney had a pretty bad track record when it came to men. Most of her boyfriends had been actors as well. In general, they never managed to be nice people, at least not nice to her. One had even hit her. That was when she decided to grow a backbone. She didn’t’ want to be like her mom after all. But she couldn’t help but wonder if her cold nature would lead her to be unhappy and alone for the rest of her life. “Oh well, I need to wind down now. Tomorrow starts 4 months of shooting in Harmony. Ugh, such a small town. Probably with small minds,” she thought to herself with disdain. “Well, at least I’ll be able to be by myself there. No one to bother me, “ she thought as she leaned her head back and began to watch the movie.

Chapter 2

“Come on Francine, I need to stop by the shop and pick up some paperwork,” Fox yelled down the hallway to his sister.

They had just gotten out of mass and were finishing up with the Youth Group afterwards. They were setting up for a fundraiser during the upcoming week. As usual, Francine was dragging her feet, enthralled in a deep conversation with her latest crush. She was 5’7, blonde with deep blue eyes like their mother. She was the chatty type, not to mention a champion flirter. It was innocent enough most of the time, but it annoyed Fox because right now it was throwing him off of his schedule. “Francine, NOW,” he repeated himself in a fatherly tone, knowing it would get her attention.

“I HATE it when he uses my full name, and in front of Greg too,” she thought to herself as she started to end the conversation. “Well, I guess that’s my que to leave. But um, I’ll talk to you later this week at the fundraiser,” she said giving him a wink before turning and leaving to go to Fox’s car. Once they got out into the parking lot, Fancy, as she liked to be called, opened her mouth to yell at her big brother.

“You’re such an ass,” she said as she hit him square in the shoulder. “You had to use my whole name,” she finished angrily while glaring at her brother.

Fox grabbed his shoulder feigning pain while looking back at Fancy. “What, we leave the building and not two seconds later filth flies out of your mouth. Such language for a girl of your age and good standing,” Fox mimicked in his New England socialite voice. “I wonder what our dearest Greg, youth group leader would think,” he finished sarcastically.

“Oh shut up you jerk,” she said flustered. She knew he had a point. What would Greg think?

“Look, normally I wouldn’t care, but I gotta get to the shop before two. I promised D that we’d head out by three. You know how he whines when we are late for stuff.

“Then why is he your friend,” Fancy asked Fox deadpan. “You’re never on time for anything brother dear. And besides, where does he need to be that’s so important.

“The country club apparently,” Fox replied honestly. “And his car is in the shop, and his dad won’t let him touch the Aston Martin.

“The country club you say,” Fancy said with a quizzical look on her face. Then it dawned on her. “Ah, and what part of the world is he focused on this week,” asked knowingly.

Fox looked at her with a slight smirk. “Oh no, it’s all about a month of exploring Eastern Europe,” Fox said, now with a full on grin spreading on his face. He’s spending the next three days in Katiya…I mean Romania,” he said laughing at his “unintentional” slip.

“Ah, nice to know Dylan is still into world travel,” Fancy laughed as they got in the car and the engine started.

“Yeah, it’s nice to know things will never change,” Fox said mundanely as he drove off and onto the shop.


Fox smiled at they pulled quickly into the shop. “Wait here, I just have to go grab the inventory records. Gotta discuss some things with dad,” he opened his door and darted out. He unlocked the door and quickly went in. He went to his office, and fumbled through a few things on his desk before he found what he was looking for. He made his way back to the car and got in. It was only 1:13. He had enough time to drop Fancy off, go home, shower and change and pick up Dylan. He snapped out of his daily planner mode to look over at his sister. “You changed the station. You always insist on messing with my radio,” Fox said to her sternly. It irked him when she touched his radio.

“Well, I can only listen to,” she paused to pick up the CD to see who it was, “Johnny Lang for so long.

“Oh yeah, because this fluff you’re playing won’t ruin a man’s rep,” he shot back defending his musical choice.

“It’s not fluff, it’s Gwen Stefani,” she informed him. Obviously, he was out of the loop.

“Eh, whatever. She was better in No Doubt. I can’t support this transformation…even if she is hot,” he said half-heartedly.
“Typical male,” she said as she reached to turn the radio up.

“Oh no you don’t. Hands off girl,” Fox said reaching overhead for his CD collection. “I could always put in System of a Down. I’m sure you’d love that,” he said shooting her a look, knowing he had warded her off.

“I knew I should’ve gone home with mom and dad,” she mumbled under her breath.

“Yeah, you could’ve, but then you wouldn’t have been able to flirt openly. Dad would’ve shot you down.

“Yeah yeah. Drive Mr. Possessive,” she mocked.

“Yep, System it is,” he chuckled as he put the CD in. He looked over at his sister with a slightly quirky expression. “Come on Fanc, you know the words,” he goaded her. He knew she hated him, but he didn’t care, He liked it, and it was his car. So, she’d have to deal.

“You suck, you know that,” she yelled over the music. He had turned up the volume. Fancy simply rolled her eyes and faced forward.

He dropped her off at the house by 1:30. “Okay, here ya go. I’ll see you again for Sunday dinner,” he smiled as she got out and headed for the door, keys in hand. Fox waited while she went in the house. But before she got in, her called out to her. “Hey Fanc,” he yelled getting her attention.

“Yeah,” she turned around to face him.

“You know they are growing on you. Embrace the music,” he laughed out loud as her face fell.

“Uh huh, I love you too you nut,” she smiled as she turned the key to go into the house.

Okay, the next two chapters are probably a little slow, but I wanted to establish Fox a little more. There will be tons of Foxney interaction, and they will meet by chapter 5, 6 at the lastest. I'll make up for all of lack of Foxney now, I promise.

Chapter 3

“Damn, I can always see you and your eye sore coming from a mile away,” Dylan proclaimed as he jumped in the passenger seat of Fox’s 79 Camero.

“It’s not an eye sore, it’s a classic,” Fox shot back. “And besides, I can always kick you out if you’re that ashamed to be seen in this ‘eye sore’,” Fox continued waiting for some type of response.

“Yeah yeah, just drive man. I’ve got limited time in Romania. Wanna make the most of it,” Dylan grinned as Fox drove off and headed toward the country club. “Hey, you decide to start law school and didn’t tell me or something,” Dylan asked after looking around the car.
“No. Why would you ask that,” Fox questioned curiously.

“Because your backseat has a few folders sitting in it, and a briefcase,” he said sarcastically. “You’ve gone cooperate haven’t you?” Dylan continued to goad Fox.

“No, I figured while you were in Romania I’d head down the street to the Book Café and get the rest of those numbers settled. We have a big order tomorrow. Some movie is coming to town and they want our food. Could be a big break ya know. Help put us on the map,” Fox finished explaining to Dylan, who seemed to have his mind elsewhere. “Hey, why ask if you’re not gonna listen anyway?”

“Sorry man, I was,” he defended himself. “It must be for the ‘Murder in Maine’ movie they are shooting huh?” Dylan asked curiously.

“I guess so,” Fox said unsure and unconcerned.

“Damn, that movie stars Whitney Johnson,” Dylan began to grin. “She’s hot. Really hot,” Dylan replied. “I’d do her,” he stated matter of factly.

“But would she do you dude?” Fox responded at Dylan’s juvenile statement.

“Oh, I get it. This is part of that new leaf thing. Turning one over and such,” he spoke with a slight chuckle in his voice. “Boy, you get dumped by one girl and become a new man,” he continued. “You mean to tell me if you had the chance, you wouldn’t bone Whitney Johnson,” Dylan asked honestly.

“Honestly, I’m not all that sure who she is. I guess I’ve seen her,” Fox stated nonchalantly, “but I probably didn’t care. Considering she does movies like this one,” he paused. “Murder in Maine you say,” as he continued, “explains why I could care less about her. Talentless and pretty. They come a dime a dozen in that town. Give me a woman who is serious about being a good actress instead of one who wants a two hour vanity session disguised as a movie. Give me the girl from Ray, ya know the wife, with the lips,” he said tapping his finger against the wheel searching for the name. Kerri Washington. Outspoken and talented with a set of lips to die for,” Fox finished smiling at himself. He had proved his point.

“Whatever man. You want art. Try Maxim, April issue. Whitney Johnson on the cover. THAT my friend is art at it’s finest. I could feel her beckoning me,” he said slyly as he continued, bending his index finger mimicking the way mothers call their children over to reprimand them. “She surely did an acting job for that picture,” he finished smiling at the thought of her in a bathing suit. “Besides, I bet she’s better than you give her credit for.”

“If you say so man,” Fox replied emotionless. “Look, you’re here. Go explore Katiya.”

“You mean Romania,” he corrected him boyishly as he got out of the car.

“If you say so D,” Fox let out a small sigh. “I’ll be down the road. You have three hours. Sunday dinner is promptly at seven,” he said mimicking a parent

“No prob. Can’t pass up the chance to sit near my favorite MILF,” Dylan smirked as he answered Fox. He knew that would do the trick.

“You’re full of s*** Banning,” Fox replied with disdain in his voice. This was his mother after all.

“Yeah, well you owe me a dollar,” Dylan said unapologetically. “You should give up the no cursing on Sundays thing man. I get you every time.”

“Yeah, whatever. Just be in front by 6,” Fox stated impatiently. Dylan gave him the thumps up as he walked toward the entrance where a lanky brunette, presumably Katiya stood waiting for him. Fox took off toward the café to start on the paperwork. Tomorrow was a big day after all.


At 5:57, a slightly fatigued Fox pulled up in front of the country club. He was tired from staring at the same numbers on the same screen and drinking coffee that no longer did its job. He was listening to Janis Joplin, trying to stay awake and focused while he waited for Dylan to come out. As always, Dylan walked toward the car at 6 pm. Right on time. He quickly kissed Katiya on the cheek and got in the car.

“So, I assume you had fun,” Fox said sarcastically.

“Yeah traveling has always been something I enjoyed,” Dylan said with a victorious smirk on his face.

“So you’re into conquering former Communist countries now?” Fox asked, wanting to know if this girl was becoming a habit.

“Well, I did come across a reason to explore Russia sometime this week on the tennis courts while Katiya went to the restroom,” Dylan stated, still smirking.

“Oh, you let her up for air. How noble,” Fox said continuing the sarcasm. “And what was tennis court’s name,” he asked curiously.

“Nadia,” he said, quickly flashing his trademark playboy smile. “Hell, I can just send her your way. You need to get laid. Maybe it’ll ease whatever tension you’ve got going on right now,” Dylan said half serious, half jokingly. “Something is eating at you, might as well have a sexy girl in your bed while you try to fix it,” he said earnestly.

“You should record yourself D. I think you’d die of laughter,” Fox slightly laughed.

“Whatever you say man,” he said not feeling he had to defend himself. “You use to be a playboy too. Remember St. Mark’s. Sly Fox?” Dylan reminded his best friend.

“Well, that ended a while ago,” Fox replied somberly.

“Did Kay zap your sex drive too,” Dylan questioned. “You’re a eunuch now or something. She must’ve sucked in bed for you to be this way,” Dylan continued.

“No, my sex drive is fine. I’m simply concerned with other things at the moment,” Fox replied honestly, and then a small smile crept across his face. “But no, she wasn’t the best I ever had,” he said as they continued along the highway, laughing at that comment. They continued to play music and make small talk until they pulled into the driveway of Fox’s childhood home. It was time for Sunday dinner. Fox took a deep breath as he and Dylan got

Chapter 4

“We’re here,” Fox shouted from the living room as he and Dylan entered the house. They could smell dinner waiting the kitchen. Free food always smelled just a little bit better anyway.

Dylan. Fox,” Ivy came out of the kitchen eager to see the two young men. She went over to Dylan and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Dylan, it’s so good to see you. It’s been a while,” she smiled as she let him out of her hug.

“You gave me life, but you hug him first,” Fox replied as if he was wounded.

“Oh hush,” Ivy quickly reprimanded him. “I’ve seen you already this week. Dylan is just another son to me. Let me indulge,” she finished as she went to hug Fox.

“Yeah, let her indulge,” Dylan co signed in a playful voice.

“Shut up Banning,” Fox snapped back. Ivy hit him lightly on the arm.

“Now Fox, that’s not how we treat guest. You know that, she said as she turned slightly sideways. “I’m gonna go into the kitchen to check. Dinner is almost ready. She went through the door, and was out of view before Fox looked at Dylan with sharp ass.

“Funny man huh. I got funny,” Fox said as he raised his hand as they began to box. They were starting to get into it when they were interrupted by the door opening. It was Fox’s older brother, Ethan.

“Eth? What are you doing here?” Fox asked surprised to see him.

“I’m here to eat Sunday dinner,” he answered as if it was normal. “What, you don’t get to eat once you move out of town,” he asked.
“No, that’s not it. You just don’t come that often. If you do, I usually know,” he said. “You get time off from pushing stocks in Boston, and decide to spend your time with us,” Fox continued in a more relaxed tone. “I’m touched,” he put his hand over his heart to over exaggerate his joy.

“Can it okay. You know I try to make it up here as much as possible,” Ethan began, clearly ready to go into lecture mode.

“I’m joking man. Breathe. The vessels in your next are starting to get big. It’s scaring me,” Fox said as he lifted his hands quickly in surrender. “And where is your lovely wife,” Fox asked, knowing she couldn’t be far behind.

“I’m right here,” Theresa said walking through the door carrying a medium sized brown paper bag, with what seemed like bottles in them. “Was just bringing in the wine,” she said as she quickly walked over to Fox, giving him a casual kiss on the cheek, and did the same for Dylan.

“Wait, why did you bring wine when you can’t drink it,” Dylan asked curiously.

“Well, the other bottle is sparkling grape juice, or something like that,” Theresa said with a playful pout. “I swear, the only 9 months of my life I’ll need to drink, and I can’t,” she sighed as she put the bag down as Ethan took her coat. “Oh well, I’m gonna go in the kitchen and hand this to your mom. See if she needs any help,” she said as she kissed her husband and left.

Dylan excused himself to the bathroom quickly. Ethan and Fox decided to have a seat on the couch and wait until dinner was ready. Ethan looked at Fox and decided to speak. “So, how’s the business going man,” Ethan asked with genuine concern.

“A little slow, considering this is Harmony middle of nowhere Maine,” he started, but we have a huge order for this movie coming to town. So hopefully, starting tomorrow, we’ll be on our way to making money hand over fist,” Fox said with more enthusiasm than he actually had.

“Yeah, that sounds good man,” Ethan said. He then thought and began to chuckle. “Hell, I may come up to help you out one day. I wouldn’t mind going to that set, Maybe I can catch a glimpse of that Whitney Johnson. She’s lovely,” he said not too much above a whisper.

“Geez, you and Dylan,” Fox shook his head. “Just don’t let Theresa hear you say that.

“Say what,” Theresa asked as she came out of the kitchen.

“Nothing honey,” Ethan quickly stated, like he had just been caught near the cookie jar.

“Um hmm,” she said reluctantly. “Well, your mother wants you in the kitchen, so I came to get you,” she said reaching out her hand. “Is it okay to steal him away for a moment Fox,” Theresa asked.

“It’s fine. I can never tell you no anyway,” Fox half smiled at her as Ethan got up.

“Yeah yeah, we know. You were in love with her, Ethan laughed.

It was common knowledge, and somewhat of a running joke, that Fox met Theresa first. She had come to Harmony to study at the university. He was home for the weekend, and saw her at the café. He liked to call it “love” at first sight. Trying to be kind, he offered to introduce her to some of his friends. They got along well enough, and Fox started talking about her to his family. He then made “the biggest mistake of his life,” as he jokingly called it, and bought her home for Sunday dinner. To his surprise, he big brother had come to visit. Next thing he knew, he was a groomsmen at their wedding. He thought he should be bitter about it, but in actuality, he wasn’t. It soon became the running joke of the house. He slightly chuckled to himself about it, when someone spoke, breaking his train of thought.

“Hello son,” David Hastings uttered in his rogue British accent. Fox looked up at him.

“Hey dad,” Fox started as David sat down. “Mom kicked you out of the kitchen I see,” he said with a slight laugh.

“Yeah, I know when I’m not wanted. She wouldn’t let Theresa help her either. Now that’s she’s pregnant and all,” David said.

Fox laughed a bit along with his father. It didn’t feel weird for Fox to say those words when referring to David. You see, David was not his real dad. Nor was he Ethan’s. His mother married David when he was three years old. Ethan was five. She had gone through a rough divorce with his biological father, Julian Crane. He too was a man of modest means, but he didn’t possess the same ability to love, or show compassion as David did. He had gotten remarried also, to Allison Arrington, of the Hyannisport Arrington’s. She was the headmistress at St. Margaret’s Preparatory School for Girls. Julian, as he called him, had gotten him and Ethan into the brother school St. Mark, where he met Dylan. He assumed he should be grateful for that. Most parents killed to get their kids in there. And Fox and Ethan being of modest means didn’t sit to well with most of the socialites. But somehow, the gesture hadn’t endeared him to Julian. In fact, Julian remained distant from his two sons with Ivy.

It was no matter to Fox anyway. David was the dad he needed and had. He was a hard working man, who after years of slaving away in some of the most famous kitchens in Maine, decided to open his own restaurant. Because it was Harmony, it wasn’t set to do big business. But it did well enough. The family always had everything they needed, even with the arrival of a third member, Francine. Ethan and Fox were never happier than when they got a little sister. They, along with their father, vowed to protect her. That meant she’d have no social life. So far, they had succeeded.

These thoughts seemed to take up hours as they traveled through Fox’s mind, when in fact they had only taken seconds. Like snippets from a movie. This happened even more frequently, ever since last year, when they found out his dad had a tumor. They caught it early enough. Thank God. He quickly bought his mind to earlier today, and looked at his dad as he began to speak.

“So, I was going over the orders for this movie. I have the paperwork in the car, if you want to take a look,” he said half asking, somewhat uncomfortably.

“Sure,” he dad said simply. “We’ll do it after dinner if that’s okay,” he said with a weak but reassuring smile.

“Man kiddo, your brother the saint is getting…,” Dylan stopped as he saw Fox was sitting pretty much where he had left him, as he and Fancy came down the stairs. She had been on the phone, and emerged from her room the same time Dylan finished upstairs. They were chatting on the way down, obviously about Fox.

“What exactly am I getting,” Fox asked questioningly as his eye made contact with Dylan.

“Sunday dinner man. Here comes your mom,” he quickly sighed to himself. He was too pretty to take on Fox right now.

The family sat down to a somewhat quite Sunday dinner. Small talk and friendly banter were exchanged at the dinner table and afterwards. Fox and his father went over all of the orders, schedules and operations for the upcoming months. Tomorrow was the start of something special for this family, and for Fox who prided himself on keeping the shop going while his dad was healing. It was now 11, and Fox was down to a pair of boxers, as he pulled the covers up to his waist, and turned off the light. He wanted to be well rested. Tomorrow, life would change. How much it would change, no one knew.

1:30 am, Harmony Airport

“Kim, get me to a bed. I need a bed,” Whitney said half whinning as she got off the plane, only half conscience as she walked to the limo.

“We’re on our way now Ms. Johnson,” Kim reassured her as the got in and the car pulled off.

Now nodding in and out as she made her way to her suite, Whitney was babbling incoherently. All Kim could make out was Avery is wrong. Suddenly, she jerked Kim to a stop, turning her toward her and asking “Kim, am I really so hard to love,” she stated with the innocence of a child no more than 5. There was more pain in the question than Kim would’ve thought. “I mean, there’s suppose to be someone for everyone one right,” she continued slightly spacey, but still a bit pained. “I’m an everyone,” she sulked as she turned back around as they proceeded to her suite.

Kim unlocked the door for her, and stayed while she simply fell onto the bed. She wasn’t fully asleep yet. She was still mumbling faintly. Then, just like that, she was out. Free to escape to her dreams. She loved it there.

Okay, so you get chapter 5 too. I felt inspired for a quick moment. It's short, but hopefully good. And I promise, they are about to meet.

Oh yeah: This chapter contains adult content. May not be subtible for younger audiences. Honestly, you don't have to read it. You can skip to 6 and you won't miss much.

Chapter 5

She laid there, depleted. Her body was still somewhat limp as she garnered the strength to roll over. When she did, she became aware that the other side of the bed was empty. Although it shouldn’t have bothered her, she always felt a little off when he wasn’t there for her to throw her arms around. After all, she did love to cuddle. Most wouldn’t take her as the type, but luckily for her, she didn’t share her bed with most, just him. She found even more strength and managed to kick her legs over the side of the bed as she let the sheets drop. She only basked in her nakedness for a second before she threw on her plush robe and got up to walk to the door. She went down the hallway, sure that she would find him there. And she wasn’t disappointed. There he stood. Tall and lean and holding their child. She never took herself for the maternal type, but it had actually come quite naturally to her. She even felt a tinge of guilt for not being the one to wake up. How could she not have heard her crying? Well, it was no matter, he was there, holding her, speaking to her in some secret language that only father’s and daughters knew about. She had never spoken that language, so she wouldn’t know. She slowly walked over to him, wanting to coo over the life she had helped make. But instead, she felt more inclined to wrap her hands around him from behind. He sighed contentedly as he placed her back in the crib, his hands smoothing over her jumper to make sure she was completely comfortable. Whitney watched his hands. The same hands that never ceased to amaze her. That ravished her all through the night last night. The same hands that held life this morning. She let out a contended sigh as she placed a kiss on his back, and he began to turn around to greet her with a proper hello. He was turning to look her deep in her eyes and to speak sweet words to her…

“Whitney, wake up. You have to be on set for roll call in an hour,” Kim said firmly as she continued to shake Whitney until she got up.

Whitney groaned in disappointment as she realized Kim was the voice of the man in her dreams. She never got to see his face because his back was always to her. It was becoming a little frustrating.

“What time is it,” Whitney asked sleepily as she wiped her eyes and sat up, trying to get focused again so she could start her day.

“8 am Ms. Johnson,” Kim stated in a professional tone. She was treading cautiously. First thing in the morning was prime time to be on the receiving end of one of Whitney’s outburst. It came with the territory. She had her theories, but for now, she just wanted to get Whitney to set.

“I’m not gonna get five more minutes am I,” Whitney stated more than asked, as she saw Kim nod her head no. “Fine, I’m going. Oh, and can you make sure...” she started before Kim cut her off.

”The coffee is being taken care of,” Kim finished, knowing that Whitney needed coffee to function early in the morning. It was gonna be a long first day.


“ OH MY GOD FOX. DON’T EVER STOP,” she screamed in staccato underneath him as he continued to stroke her to the point of madness. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” she kept repeating, tossing her head side to side like a three year old experiencing a sugar rush. She started moaning, as her thoughts became too jumbled to allow her to continue forming words.

“That’s right, I love you too. You can feel how much I love you, can’t you,” he said winded, but with a certain force. He even managed to put a small smirk on his face. He knew that he was in control for this round. He continued his assault on her, meanwhile starting to become overwhelmed by his own emotions. He knew this was love, but it was also war. It was always this way. One of them had to get the upper hand at some point. One of them had to win. Sure, they had plenty of times when they both agreed to surrender, and just enjoy the act. Those were the tender moments, when bliss was truly amongst them. But this wasn’t one of those times. He was enjoying his victory for many reasons. The biggest of which was the look on her face as she tried to hold out for a few more seconds, praying that she could fly just a little higher before she let go. Finally, a few seconds from explosion, she began to convulse around him, as he continued to stroke within her still trying to find his pleasure. Knowing he was victorious helped him along as he began to grab hold of her shoulders. He had refused to look up at her throughout the assault. After all, he didn’t want her to think she was winning their war at any point. Slowly, with pleasure pains, he began to reach his finish line. He slowed down purposefully, the agony driving him crazy. He swallowed hard, grasping for air as he made his final pushes. His mouth started to become dry, but he was determined to scream out her name, to say it with all the love that he knew he felt for her and always would. He closed his eyes knowing that this was the moment. He pushed one more time before the fall, desperately trying to get her name out. He finally found the syllables to form her name when he screamed.

Beep, beep, beep. The alarm sounded, waking Fox right before he was to say the name of the woman that had haunted his dreams. He hadn’t seen her face. Half the time her face had been in the pillow. Once he had flipped her over for the final round, he could only see the mass of curls falling in her face and onto the pillow. Dammit, he wanted to see her face. “Oh well, he thought, maybe next time.” Maybe Dylan was right. Maybe he was a eunuch. Maybe he needed to get laid and laid well. He definitely needed something to release the tension he was feeling about the next few months. He slowly got out of bed, still a little pained from his dream. It was only 7 am. He needed to get to work early, to make sure everything was in order and all the employees were ready to get to work. Most of them were young, and had never done this before. Hell, he had never done this before. But he wasn’t about to act like he hadn’t. He was the boss. He would make a name for this restaurant if it killed him. He quickly showered and dressed, put some business casual clothes in a suit bag just in case, and hopped in the car and headed to downtown Harmony to start his long

Yeah, so it's definitely been a while since the last update. Forgive me. Writer's block is my nemsis. But alas, I have won a battle, and will now post chapter 6. Please not that this battle was won rather late at night, so I cannot be held responsible for any spelling and/or gramatical errors. I'll do better next chapter, I promise.


Chapter 6

“And cut,” John Ashley yelled to his cast and crew as they wrapped the first scenes of his movie. “Everyone can take a break. Be back here by 1:30. I’ll be in my trailer. Do NOT disturb me,” he finished his statement as any prima donna director would. John was a director of big budget movies. He made a lot of money, but didn’t’ necessarily receive a lot of critical praise. Nor was he really seeking it. He did the job for the perks. The fame, the women, the free stuff that they lavished upon him. Most forty something men didn’t have it this great. He even had a bit of a reputation for bedding, or attempting to bed his leading actresses. And he definitely had his eye on Whitney. He saw her sitting, catching her breath. The morning had been fairly long. He decided to walk over to her.

“Hello there Whitney,” John said as he arrived, standing above her. She looked up at him as he towered there, and proceeded to roll her eyes.

“And what can I do for you Jonathan,” she said less than enthusiastically.

“Well, I was thinking, since I told no one to disturb me in my trailer for the next few hours, I figured you’d like to come in there and join me, for a…private script reading,” he said coyly, never breaking eye contact.

Whitney felt a bit sick at that moment. Waking up early was hard enough without the creep making sexual propositions toward her. “I really don’t see that happening Jonathan,” Whitney stated matter of factly.

“Really? Because I don’t recall that being your answer before,” he smiled, knowing he had hit a nerve.

“God Jonathan,” she said raising her voice slightly and snapping, becoming very agitated. “If I had known you’d rub in my dumb mistakes, I would have never agreed to do this God awful movie,” she continued. She was on a roll now. “Isn’t it enough that I’m here? Further ruining my reputation and any chance I have of being taken seriously,” she finished in disgust. “All because I slept with you. A fucking con artist,” she bowed her head a bit. She still hated to think about it most of the time. She was ashamed.

“Yeah, well, most women wouldn’t complain sweetheart,” he said in an ever so condescending tone. “They’d kill to make this movie. And millions of dollars.”

“Well then, why didn’t you ask them, instead of blackmailing me,” she raised her voice, spitting her contempt for him in the air.

“Quiet down sweetheart,” he said in changing his tone to a more gentle one. “I got you because you are the money shoot,” he said holding his hands up in the form of a TV. “You bring the fans, who bring the money. That’s all I want,” he said with a victorious smirk. “And besides, you wouldn’t want our little tryst to come out, now would you,” he said, cooing as he bent down to her ear. “Besides, we wouldn’t want other secrets to come out, now would we,” he finished in a firm but unsettling tone. He turned around and headed to his trailer, content with where things stood.

Whitney was shaken, but she’d never let him know that. She had, to her shame, given into John’s blackmail. And now she was stuck. Stuck in a movie that she wouldn’t even watch. Forced to smile and pretend she was happy to do it. All this phoniness was too much for her. She had to clear her mind. She went to her trailer to find Kim.

“Kim, did you get me that car,” she asked as she opened the door. Kim sat up after having dozed off for a few moments. She hardly ever slept.

“Uh, um, yes,” she said groggily. “Yes,” she said a bit louder this time. “The keys are by the door. Why? You need me to get you something,” she asked.

“No, I just want to take a drive. I’ll be back by 1:30,” she told her . She turned to head toward the car, but turned around to say something. “Kim,” she said clearly, as Kim sat up ready for the question. “Go back to sleep,” Whitney smiled slightly before she turned to leave. She got in and drove off the set like a bat out of hell. She had no idea where she was going.


“Mr. Crane, I’m so sorry,” the young worker stated emphatically, for what seemed like the hundredth time. “It was an honest mix up. I thought the order was too small, but that’s what they gave us,” she said, going over what had happened with the lunch for the crew.

“Lauren, it’s fine okay. I promise,” Fox looked at her and smiled reassuringly. “It’s a setback, but it’s not the end of the world. I won’t let it be,” he continued as he placed a kind hand on her shoulders. “Why don’t you just go sit down for a while, eat something, and then go work in the back for a while. They could use some help,” he suggested. “And I’ll fill the rest of the order, and drive it to the set myself. I’ll personally apologize.”

Lauren left to go eat, and Fox quickly filled the order. He was going to fix this mix-up. Yeah, it was a bad start to the partnership. A mix-up on the first day. But he was more upset about how it had shaken up one of his young employees. They were like his family. And Fox didn’t take kindly to people messing with his family. He also wasn’t to happy about the diva of the movie changing her mind about what she wanted to eat three times. “She should be happy someone is feeding her a damn burger,” he mumbled under his breath as he headed to the car with the orders. “She’s probably skin and bones,” he continued as he pulled off toward the set. He was going to fix this, and quickly.

Fox was in a zone. He was driving pretty fast, and was a tad bit angry at the situation. He was focused on the open road leading toward the movie set. Whatever song he had playing on the radio stopped. That snapped him out of his zone for a quick second. And that is when he the car, stranded on the side of the road. The car seemed to have a flat tire. And there was a woman, pacing back and forth, yammering away on her cell phone. He could only assume she was trying to get help. He was rather in a rush to get to the set, but his conscience always won out, and he decided to stop. Besides, there was something eerily familiar about this woman, whose face he couldn’t quite see.

Fox proceeded to get out of the car and walk across the semi busy street toward her. She was now leaning over her open trunk, digging through it with seemingly no idea what she was looking for. He laughed at the site as he came up behind her.

“Would you like any help,” he asked her with mild sincerity. He really did want to help her.

“Not if your paparazzi that’s just going to laugh at my dis…,” she stopped suddenly as she had turned completely around to face him. She was, for the first time in her life, speechless.