I laughed. Yeah, I liked this fierier woman in front me better than the Pat I’d known in her twenties. Or well, she’d been beautiful, kind, fun, but she’d always seemed somewhat insecure no matter how much she tried to cover it up with her fun ways.
***
An hour or so later we were happily tucked away in Chateau Marmont’s bar. With a distinctly French bohemian feel — warm, inviting and luxurious — the bar was timeless.
“Still one for wine and cheese?” I asked with a smile. I remembered Pat’s love for good food.
Pat smiled.
“You remember.”
“How could I forget? You used to cook three-course meals when everyone else was living off noodles, or trying weird healthy diets.”
“Yes, I always loved my food. Just found this brilliant café here on Sunset. Very cozy. Lots of home cooked goodies that are both healthy and comforting to eat.”
“You mean Raspberry?” I asked. I knew the place well because Shaun loved their muffins…and so did I.
“Yes, that’s the one! I found it one day when I first moved here and needed Wi-Fi. Hadn’t installed it at home yet. And ever since, I keep going back. I love the atmosphere.”
“Yeah, it’s a nice place. I usually get take-aways though. Shaun wants to go play. Not one for sitting still.”
Pat raised an eyebrow.
“I wonder where he gets that from.”
I laughed.
“Yes, the kid loves adventure, just like his old man.”
“Not that old,” Pat replied with a wink. Damn, was she flirting with me? No, I remembered she’d always been fun loving. But now…she was so different and I wanted to reach out and touch those curves. She was wearing a black outfit — black jeans, a black turtleneck sweater with big sleeves and high heeled black shoes. Sexy as hell. She’d be perfect as the fiery redhead detective riding a bike. I couldn’t wait to see her on that bike, clad in leather…
I shook my head. I’d just the other day concluded I wasn’t fit for relationships and I didn’t want to lose Pat as my friend. She’d already been through so much with Bill. What a jerk. Not that I didn’t understand his need to sleep around, but if you have that need, you should have an open relationship. You don’t cheat someone. Relationships are sacred ground. And the thought of him hiring a hooker? Who would do that and bring her into their wife’s home? The Bill I knew all those years ago certainly wouldn’t. I felt my blood boil. I’d happily punch the man. But looking at the woman in front of me, I got the impression that she could do that all by herself — her new life was a testament to the fact that she’d learnt to stand up for herself. Even if she was still putting up with fame-crazed mothers. But soon she’d be the lead in what I hoped would be an incredibly successful TV show. We were just shooting the pilot for now, but we were already in talks with Netflix. They wanted a new action series with a strong female lead. I planned on giving it to them — with the help of Pat.
“So, let’s get some wine to celebrate. And a big cheese platter. The Manchego cheese here is out of this world. Well, probably not out of this world — more likely from Whole Foods, but man, have you seen their cheese selection?”
Pat shook her head.
“No, I’ve stuck to Trader Joe’s on Sunset. Haven’t had much of a chance to explore yet. Had so much to do. Luckily, I found that chalet straight away and it was perfect, but then it was all about getting settled, buying some extra furniture, the Wi-Fi, getting clients in the door for coaching and looking for roles so I could build a showreel. It’s been non-stop.”
“Well, let’s celebrate. Never mind the wine, let’s have some champagne. Because you and I are going to make history with a new TV show.”
***
Two hours later and quite tipsy from champagne, the two of us made our way to the valet place just next to the bar, then waited for them to fetch our cars.
“Thanks for the celebratory drinks,” Pat said. “I’m happy to be working with you.”
She looked at me with bright green eyes and pulled a hand through her wild red hair, which had gotten caught by the wind — the Santa Ana was blowing tonight. Hot desert winds.
I took a step closer and inhaled her vanilla based perfume. Soft. Sweet. But with undertones of something fresh and spicy. Just like her.
“I haven’t had so much fun with someone in ages. I’m happy you’re back.” And it was true — I hadn’t. Pat made me relax and laugh in a way I hadn’t done for years.
“Me, too,” she said with a smile, then leaned in for a goodbye hug. But I didn’t want it to be goodbye. As she hugged me, my hands traveled down her back, caressing her. For some reason she had me so turned on I didn’t know what to do with myself. No one made me feel that way. I knew girls whom I could have fun with. This was different. I wanted this woman. And I wanted her bad.
“Pat,” I mumbled in her ear. “How about you come home with me instead?”
I felt her body stiffen.
