Marnie took a sip of her tea. After the audition was over, Chris Hamilton, writer and producer of Black Light had invited them to lunch. For the last half hour Danny had become another person, laughing and clapping Chris on the back. Talking about the movie had turned her sponsor into a nice guy. He even included Marnie in the conversation, elbowing her a few times. The passion for his work shined through his normally jaded attitude.
“The director would be crazy not to pick you,” Chris said. “Plus the other guy is a nobody. The studio would have to sink in way too much money to promote, if they do go with him.”
Danny shook his wrist and flexed his fingers. His hands had been shaking a lot lately. He wasn't nervous. There was no need to be. Chris was an old college buddy. They'd become friends after Danny had taken a drama class taught by Chris.
“What do you think?” Chris said, turning toward Marnie.
She quickly gulped down the warm liquid.
“I think it comes down to who's more entertaining, and in that category Danny always takes the cake.”
“You've got yourself a smart lady there.” Chris grinned. “Maybe I need an assistant? You don't watch out, someone might steal her away.” He wagged his index finger in Danny's direction.
Danny smirked.
“You know, scriptwriters pay better wages than actors. What'll it cost to get you to work for an old man like me?” Chris turned to Marnie.
“Oh, I always thought a good-looking man such as yourself never paid for anything.” Marnie said, smiling coyly and leaned back in her chair.
Ha. What kind of idiot did he take her for? Of course, actors made more money, but she wasn't by Danny's side for a salary. It was a secret she'd learned to take to the grave. After Brian, she'd never tell another soul.
“Right you are,” Chris chuckled.
Danny glanced at Chris and then Marnie. His lips curled into a frown.
“I'll be back; I need to tinkle in the little boy's room.”
Marnie stood up in an attempt to help Chris, but he quickly dissuaded her.
“No, sit down I've got this.” Chris snapped his walking stick to attention, swing it back and forth, he navigated his way over to the restroom.
“What was that?” Danny asked.
“What was what?” Marnie said with a dumbfound look on her face.
She didn't like the accusatory glint in his eyes. What had she done wrong?
“Oh Chris,” Danny said in falsetto. “You're so handsome. Save me from my horrible boss and we'll fuck like bunnies forever.” Danny gave Marnie a huge fake smile.
“It's so not like that, I was just being nice.”
“You need to be careful about who you're nice to. Men are always looking for clues, and if they see a big sign that says green, they will go through the light.”
Marnie rolled her eyes and was about to reply with a nasty retort when Chris rejoined the table.
“Marnie, what are you doing tonight? If Danny's not working you to death, perhaps we can catch dinner and a movie?”
Marnie was surprised. Chris was old enough to be her father. Although he aged well, Marnie had never been into older men.
Danny flashed her an ‘I told you' so smile.
“Actually, she does have a prior engagement.”
Thank God.
“Something I'm sure you'll let her out of. I'm only in town for tonight. You can make an exception once. What do you say Marnie?”
Chris wasn't taking no for an answer. Perhaps one evening wouldn't be so bad. She cringed at the thought of telling this blind man no. He probably hears it enough already.
“I would if I wasn't going to get fired for it.”
“It's fine with me.” Danny cocked an eyebrow, raising his hands in defeat.
Back at the penthouse, Danny quickly changed and got ready to go to a cocktail party. The celebration was technically for Nia, but he was dying to see her again to try some more of her vitamins. He grimaced at the thought, but he'd been dreaming of pouring the powder into a line and tooting it. Part of him wondered if they were really vitamins. He dismissed the thought and hopped into the shower.
Maybe he wouldn't go to the party, vitamins or no vitamins he was definitely craving for them, and perhaps pretend snorting wasn't a good idea. He'd finished the bottle she'd given him in under half a week. His nose leaked and his body twitched. Sure signs he was feigning for something. He turned the hot water off and ran the cold. Cold water always helped him sober up fast. He hopped out of the shower and lay in bed, soaking the sheets with his naked body. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Marnie arrived at Chris's hotel at 8:00 p.m. sharp. She knocked on the door and was greeted by a warm smile from Chris. A black turtleneck and skinny black jeans covered his wiry frame. It complimented the light and dark tones of gray hair. He reminded her of a beatnik.
“Come on in.” He stepped aside for Marnie to enter his suite. “Make yourself comfortable.”
She stepped into his room. Steel gray curtains had been drawn back and a full moon highlighted New York's skyscrapers.
“I thought we were going out?” She sat down on a chocolate colored loveseat.
Chris had promised dinner and a movie.
“Oh, we are, I just thought it might be nice to chat before the movie. Is that all right?”
“Oh, sure.” She clenched the edge of the loveseat. Nothing to be nervous about, her conscience said in an attempt to calm herself down.
“Coffee?
Marnie shook her head, but then realized Chris couldn't see her.
He responded for her, before she had a chance to correct herself.
“No, it's tea, right?” Without waiting for an answer, Chris turned to a trolley in the middle of the room and poured Marnie a cup of tea and a cup of coffee for himself.
She took the saucer with thanks. The first sip was wonderful.
“Mhmm. This is delicious.”
“Orange blossoms with a hint of rose hips and pomegranate juice.” Chris said. “There's a slight aphrodisiac in there as well.”
Marnie bit her lip, to keep from spurting out the hot liquid. She quickly gulped it.
“So how long have you known Danny?” Marnie asked.
“Let's not talk about Danny. Let's talk about you. Give me your resume.”
“My resume? We'll, I've always been in customer service positions.” This wasn't a complete lie. She had worked one summer for an accountant, and servicing johns, especially the ugly hairy, little dick ones, was always service with a smile.
“Yeah? I get the vibe you're good at making sure people are happy.” He set the drink down on the coffee table and scooted closer to her.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Marnie felt his breath tickle the side of her neck.
“We'll that's a really personal question.” She scratched the spot where his breath had tickled her.
“I wasn't joking earlier, you really could go further than just being Danny's assistant.”
“Oh yeah?” Was Chris actually trying to poach her?
Perhaps a salaried job was the next step in her life. She'd been sober for seven months now. Maybe it was time to think beyond Danny. A change of scenery would be good. She wouldn't have to run into his dumbass brother anymore. Her feelings were still reeling from the night before.
She leaned back on the loveseat and continued to listen to Chris plan her new future.
“You could do anything you want. All you have to do is meet the right people. And you're already in the perfect place to do that.”
“Who should I connect with?
“You can start with me.”
Chris climbed on top of Marnie, placing soft, furious kisses along the nape of her neck. His bony wrinkled fingers quickly began to unbutton her blouse.
Marnie pulled her face away from Chris's. “What are you doing? Stop.”
“Marnie, don't worry. I'm already ready for you honey.” He took her hand and placed it on his bulging crotch. Marnie shuddered as she felt his raging hard on between his jeans. She wanted to throw up all over him.
“Chris, let's just go to the movies.”
There had to be a way to let him down gently, because she truly felt sorry for him. She needed to end this peacefully. Blind or not, Marnie was not going to sleep with him. She was tired of shaking her tits and spreading wide every time a man asked her to. The worst part of it all was that none of them knew how to do it right. Bad sex was just downright criminal to Marnie. She had dealt with repeat offenders for a while now and was tired of it.
She had a strong desire to say no and really mean it this time. It was a foreign word. Normally it was no, and then maybe, and then okay, sure. For some reason she never said no when someone propositioned her for sex. Chris was going to be her first.
“Marnie, Marnie, I like to have my dessert first.” He bent down to nuzzle her neck. She raised her knee up, kicking him hard. Chris groaned and clutched his stomach. His momentary pause gave Marnie the opening she needed to push him off her.
“What do you think I invited you over here for?” Chris gasped as he writhed in pain.
“Apparently some really great tea. Have fun fucking yourself, Chris.” Marnie poured the warm liquid all over his face, and slammed the cup on the trolley. She grabbed her purse from the closet and quickly exited the suite.
Walking over to the elevator, a triumphant smile spread across her lips.
“Excuse me, honey, you might want to button up, it's cold outside tonight.” An old lady whispered, pointing to her chest. Marnie looked down and realized she had forgotten about her torn shirt. Chris had taken the buttons down to reveal the pink bra she was wearing. She quickly buttoned what she could and held her shirt closed with her hand. He'd torn some of her buttons off, so she couldn't close her shirt all the way.
Embarrassment snaked its way down her face. Her cheeks grew hotter and hotter as she rode the elevator down to the lobby. Everyone must think I am a slut, she mused as she quickly exited the lobby. Well, you are, her conscience replied.
In the cab ride back to the penthouse, Marnie's triumphant feelings wavered. Perhaps Chris had a nose for skank, and that's why he had invited her to his room. She let a huge sigh escape. For once she was not going to cry. The better part of her life had been spent in tears, but she felt all cried out. She paid the cabbie and walked into the building.
Once in the penthouse, Marnie made a beeline for Danny's room. He needed to know his so‐called friend was an asshole.
She stopped outside the door when she heard his voice speaking to someone.
“I don't think she'll press charges. It sounds like a misunderstanding,” Danny said.
Marnie's heart sank. He was taking Chris's side. Maybe she really did have it all wrong. Just once she wished it wasn't all her fault.
“You know what I think? It's just wishful thinking. She's young, and you're what ancient?” Danny laughed.
Marnie opened the door to Danny's room and caught his eye.
“Okay, I've got to let you go.” He ended the call and placed the phone on the receiver.
One look at Marnie's forlorn face and the open shirt that exposed her breast, prompted Danny to say the only thing he could say in a moment like this.
“I'm sorry. I did try to warn you though.”
“You didn't tell me he was a pervert.”
“I didn't say he was a saint either.” Danny rummaged in his dresser drawer, putting his chosen rings on his fingers.
“Can we talk?” she asked, leaning against the door.
“Talking sounds good. Let's do it when I get back.” Danny grabbed his keys and wallet, stuffing them in his front pockets. He wore a white shirt underneath a gray and black checkered cardigan with a pair of black slacks.
“I really need to talk to you now. This week has really been unbelievable,” Marnie whined.
Danny squeezed her arm gently in sympathy.
“Come on, you can wait until I get back, I won't be gone for more than an hour.”
He walked into the hallway and bumped into Kevon.
“Where are we going?”
“I'm going solo on this one. It's only three blocks away.”
“A lot of things can happen in three blocks.”
“I'll be fine. I'd actually prefer it if you stayed here tonight.” Danny hated to leave, but his desire for Nia was nearly irresistible. If Kevon kept an eye on Marnie, he could leave with a clear conscience.
“Alright, boss.”
“Perfect.”