Chapter Thirty-Four

By six p.m. Jesse was on the Delta shuttle to Boston. In just a few hours, her life had taken an amazing turn. She sat beaming as the stewardess took her ticket. “Well, it looks like you had a pleasant time today, miss.” The flight was only a third full, and Jesse had a row to herself.

“You can’t imagine,” she said, shaking her head. “You really can’t.”

“That’s nice to hear. Can I get you something to help celebrate? There’s not much time, but there’s enough for one drink. Soda, coffee or—”

“Do you have any champagne?” Jesse interrupted.

The flight attendant studied her skeptically, then nodded. “Sure. I’ll see what I’ve got back there.” She returned with a half bottle of sparkling wine. It wasn’t champagne, but it tasted fine to Jesse.

“Would you like some?” Jesse asked. “I’m not much of a drinker.”

“Thanks. I’d love some. It’s been a long day. Six turnarounds.” The woman rolled her eyes. “But I can’t.” She looked at Jesse. “You look really happy. If it’s not a secret, what’s the big news?”

“Well,” Jesse looked around and lowered her voice. “I’ve been offered the lead in a Broadway musical.”

“Really?” The flight attendant stared in amazement. “That really is big news.” She turned and walked away. “Wow,” she repeated, her voice trailing off as she left.

Yes, Jesse thought, that’s really big news.

When they deplaned at Logan Airport, Jesse thanked the flight attendant again.

“Good luck,” the woman offered. “I’ll expect to be reading about you. What’s the name of your show?”

“Gates of Paradise,” Jesse answered.

Scanning the half-empty terminal, the enormity of what lay ahead suddenly descended on her. Lawrence and Ian wanted her available by the following Friday. They’d given her the name of several agents at the William Morris Agency. They also said they’d arrange for an apartment, a trainer, dance coach…and a dozen other things. Her head swam.

Before the weekend was over, she’d have to tell her mother and Ali they were going to be alone again—until she got settled. The upside was that they’d have more than enough money. She’d have to tell the Conservatory she needed a leave of absence, break the news to John, but the most painful and difficult task would be telling Matt. She wanted a future with him, but she had doubts that her good fortune would help that. She’d avoided thinking about it for most of the day. But once back in Boston, she couldn’t. Riding home in the taxi, Jesse couldn’t get his face out of her mind. She got out at the corner and walked the short distance to her house.

As she headed up the stairs, Mario came out the door.

“Hello, Jessica. That was an incredible performance the other evening,” he offered. “I felt privileged to be there.”

She nodded.

“Thanks. I’m glad you could come. You’ve been so kind.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “It’s wonderful seeing your success. But be careful, Jessica, it’s easy to get lost in the big city.” He looked at her. She smiled and nodded politely, accepting his advice when it struck her.

Success, be careful, Jessica, it’s easy to get lost in the big city?

How did Mario know about her success or that she was in the big city? No one did. She turned, but he’d vanished. How many times had he asked her about something he had no business knowing? And for that matter who were the men who always seemed to be lurking in the next doorway or around the corner. Jesse had wondered about this before, but her life had been so full she’d always put it aside. She felt the hairs on her neck stand up as she speculated on who Mario might really be and how he knew about everything in her life.

Before Jesse could give it another thought, Ali opened the door to the building and greeted her with a big hug, “Hi, Mommy. I missed you.” Jesse picked her up, whirling her around and grinning as she kissed her forehead.

Alice was at the stove making something for their supper. Suddenly, Jesse realized she hadn’t eaten all day.

Her mother asked her if she was hungry, adding, “How was the trip?”

“The trip was great. I can’t wait to tell you. And yes, Mom, I’m starved.” Alice looked at the floor. She explained that there wasn’t anything in the cupboard to go with the main course except a can of cat food. “I’m sorry. I don’t do a very good job of managing the money you give us. I need some…”

“Screw it, Mom.” Her mother stopped. Jesse never talked that way in front of her or Ali, but tonight she didn’t care. “What’s the name of that fancy place on Mass Ave? Call ’em and order three steaks, all the fixings and I’ll go down and get us some champagne.” Jesse grinned.

Her mother stared at her.

“Ladies, today I hit the jackpot.” She pranced around the apartment as Ali looked on, giggling. Jesse took out a roll of bills Lawrence had given her for expenses and put it in her mother’s hands. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

“But, Jessica,” Alice began.

“Please, Mom, just do it.”

Alice headed for the phone.

“I am gonna tell you a story that will make you believe in miracles.” Jesse picked Ali up and squeezed her until her daughter squealed.

“All right, honey. Oh, there are some messages for you. There’s one from John. I guess there was a problem with what you did on Tuesday. You changed the program? His words were serious fallout.” Jesse shook her head, knowing it didn’t matter any more. “There’s another from Roger about playing tomorrow night. Then of course, Matt called three times, maybe four. He asked me where you were and what you were doing, but I told him I didn’t know and I still don’t.” She looked at Jesse curiously. “He was going out with friends tonight but said he’d call later.”

With the mention of Matt’s name, Jesse deflated like a balloon hitting a sharp stick. She kept up a positive front for Ali and her mother. “Well, go call and order something delicious for dinner, and I’ll answer all your questions,” she added.

Alice headed to phone as Jesse went to her bedroom.

“But first, if you don’t mind, I’m going to lie down for a minute. It’s been a very long day,” she said, thinking about Matt. “I love you, Ali,” Jesse said as she blew her daughter a kiss.

“I love you, too, Mommy.” Ali smiled and headed toward the TV.

“Thanks, honey.”

As soon as her head found the pillow, Jesse was asleep.

He was in her room. She smelled the cinnamon incense. The room was bathed in the flicker of a dozen candles. He lay on the bed next to her, looking through her, searching her soul.

Gently, he pulled her to him and kissed her. He pressed his lips to hers as his tongue found hers. Passion consumed her, bringing excitement and fear. She felt his chest hair as it tickled her. Jesse’s excitement grew as Matt pushed against her.

Drawn to him, she reached down as she felt the moisture between her legs. With a knowledge born of desire, she directed him toward her. She cried with surprise and joy as his rhythmic movements gave her pleasure.

His mouth teased her nipples. As he moved to her ear he whispered, “I love you so much, Jesse. If I ever lost you, I couldn’t go on.”

“I love you too,” she whispered. “Don’t worry. I’ll never leave you.”

He caressed her back and for a moment she froze. But the scars were gone. He groaned with pleasure. Gently withdrawing, he lay next to her, smiling contentedly.

“You promise?” he asked, kissing her.

She gave him a curious look.

“I mean about leaving me,” he explained, laying back and closing his eyes.

Her joy was gone. She turned away, filled by sadness at what she was about to do, unable to repeat her lie.