CHAPTER TWENTY
MEL
Drew was gone to L.A. Mel didn't get the opportunity to see her off because she had to rush out and Mel was working at the time. She wanted to call her now but she dared not disturb her. She didn't want to distract her from her big audition.
Then Mel thought of Jason. She immediately pushed that thought out of her mind. She'd stalked him enough already, she didn't want him to think she was crazy psycho. Besides, it wasn't necessary for him to know every waking aspect of her life.
Mel sat on the sofa in the dark in her Brownstone, the only light coming from a small lamp in the corner across the room. She sat with an open bottle of scotch in her hand and she stared at Taylor's number on her cell phone. Shockingly enough, he was honestly the only person she really wanted to talk to at that moment. The thought made her a bit nervous and she wasn't sure why.
"Screw it," she said to herself as she hit the 'talk' button on her cell.
"Mel, hey!" Taylor said, a bit too cheerfully when he picked up. "What's going on?"
"So, I'm sitting on my couch with a bottle of scotch," Mel began, without so much as a greeting. "My brain is a jumbled up mess and I can't sleep. So I called you."
"Well, uh, I'm glad you called. I mean, I'm glad you decided to call me."
"John's mother died."
Tay sighed. "Oh, Mel. I am so sorry."
Mel let out a listless laugh. "Really? 'Cause I'm not."
"Uh, okay..."
"I barely knew the woman. She hated me. She was so against our marriage that she had absolutely nothing to do with either one of us ever again. That selfish old bat never even told her son she loved him before he was fucking murdered!" She took a long swig of her scotch.
"Wow..."
"Yeah," Mel said, hearing herself rambling and not letting Tay get a word in edgewise. "So she hated me and now she's dead. And John had no siblings and Bernice had no siblings--Bernice is her name by the way--and now guess what they want from me? Guess!"
"Um..."
She didn't let him finish. "They want to meet with me about her will! Her will! ME! About her will...isn't that the most fucked up thing you've ever heard?"
"I dunno if I'd really consider that fucked up..."
"She's a millionaire, Tay. A millionaire. The woman owns several properties all over the world. She's a millionaire and they want to talk to ME about her will..."
"When?"
"Tomorrow. Tay...I could become a millionaire tomorrow. I could walk out of that attorney's office and be a millionaire..."
"I'm on my way," he said, all of a sudden.
Mel was completely taken by surprise. "Excuse me?"
"I'm getting a plane ticket right now. I'll be there when you wake up."
She laughed in the phone. "Tay, that is completely unnecessary. A meeting with an attorney doesn't exactly garner the need for a superhero. You don't need to come here."
"Mel, you need support. Clearly. Hell, you're slurring your words NOW. I'm coming whether you like it or not. What's your address?"
"I'm not giving you my address."
"Mel," he said matter-of-factly. "I CAN get it on my own if I have to. It'd be easier if you just gave it to me now. So what is it?"
Mel was too buzzed and too exhausted to argue, so she rattled it off to him.
"Now put the bottle away and go get some sleep," he continued. "I promise you I'll be the first person you see when you wake up in the morning.." Then he terminated the call.
Mel rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you'll be the ONLY person I see," she said into her empty living room. She looked down at her bottle and, defeated, she put the top back on, set it on the end table, and lay down right there on the couch.
She was asleep within seconds.
________________________________________________
DREW
Drew sat alone in her hotel room in L.A. Her nerves were shot. With all the craziness that had happened over the week, she felt totally unprepared for this audition. Well, she WAS prepared, technically. She had picked her audition piece some time ago when she'd gotten ahold of the script. She'd had it memorized for weeks now. She knew it word for word and all the actions she was going to include. She could have done it in her sleep.
She never felt so underprepared in her life.
Truthfully, she didn't even know the name of the hotel she was in. She could have looked at the hotel directory by the phone or something but she honestly didn't even care. She had a place to rehearse and she had the address to where the audition was going to be and that was all she needed. She had hit the ground running as soon as she had gotten into her room. She had rehearsed in front of the bathroom mirror, the
closet mirror, and to her reflection in the window. She was going to nail this audition tomorrow, she could feel it.
Drew was so thrilled for the opportunity for this audition because she felt like she could relate to the lead role she was auditioning for. It was a coming-of-age story of a young dancer, trying to find her place in life in a
small town setting and meeting the man of her dreams. It was the epitome of beauty and romance.
Drew had just taken a breather and was standing up to go over her monologue again when her cell phone went off. She didn't want to answer it, but she decided to anyway when she saw it was Zac.
"Hey, Blondie," he said. "Told you I'd call."
"Uh, hi, Zac," Drew answered. "Uh, now's not really a good time..."
"At this time of night? What are you doing that's better than talking to me?"
"Um, I'm actually in L.A. right now."
"L.A.? Random..."
"Not really. I got a call back for my video audition and I was practically rushed out here. I audition for the movie tomorrow!"
"Oh man, that's awesome!" Zac said, excitedly.
"Thanks. Also I'm extremely nervous and I gotta--"
"I'll come to L.A. To support you. Won't take but a few hours."
"Uh, Zac, I--come to L.A.?" It had just registered with Drew what he had just said. "You just got home from New York. What would Kate think about you just up and jetting off to California on a whim?"
"She's not even here. She's in Georgia with the kids and Natalie."
"Georgia?"
"Visiting family."
"And you didn't go?"
"Nah. They make this trip a couple times per year. This just happens to be their week. What hotel are you in, I'll meet you. How long are you in town for?"
"Uh, just till Wednesday. Zac--I don't think it's such a good idea for you to come out here."
"Why not?" Zac asked. He sounded broken-hearted. Drew's heart almost broke for him. But only almost.
"I'm not trying to be mean, but I don't really have time for all that right now. I really need to focus on this audition with no distractions. Surely you can appreciate that."
"You're right," he agreed. "You're absolutely right. I didn't think. Listen, break a leg with your audition. I hope you get the part."
"Thanks, me, too." They ended their call.
Drew felt bad. She felt like she had hurt Zac's feelings, however, she had no time to care about that right now. She traded her cell phone for the mirror and started her monologue all over again, without missing a
beat.
_________________________________________
Try and you don't have to be afraid to just rely
On someone to hold the weight part of the time
It's all right
It can get too much to handle by yourself
But if you can do it alone I know you will say
I don't know what's at stake
Or what it takes
I don't care what you say
I don't have use for your words anyway
You don't need a Cadillac
Cause I'll be waiting with my bare back
To Carry You There
Turn around
And you might just see the good you've left behind
But you're all caught up in what's still left to find
And it's never enough
So slow down
And the root of what you're feeling might appear
When all the pushin' up the hill has brought you here
And you're used up to the line
If you tell me you are fine
I don't care what you say
I don't have use for your words anyway
You don't need a Cadillac
Cause I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting
To Carry You There
Say, don't be too proud
I'm holding my hand out
You've been my friend on darker days
See I'll be there
Despite your despair
And I don't really care what you say
MEL
Mel awoke to the sound of her doorbell. Had it always been that loud? The sun streaming into the room seemed to blind her and she felt as if she'd been hit by a Mack truck. She couldn't tell if she felt like crap
due to the alcohol the previous night or from sleeping all night on the couch.
The doorbell rang again and she stood up and trudged to the door, still wearing the clothes she had on the night before. She didn't feel like dealing with anyone this morning. All she wanted to do was crawl into her
nice, comfy bed and sleep. Mmm, that sounded so good...
She flung the front door open and there stood Taylor, an overnight bag slung across his shoulder. She had no idea what it was, whether it was her emotions, her current physical state, or that she'd barely remembered talking to him last night, but without greeting she found herself bursting into tears and reaching her arms out for him.
In an instant, he was closing the door behind him, dropping his bag on the floor, and wrapping her tightly in his arms, stroking her hair, and letting her cry.
Mel didn't know why she was crying. Honestly, she had no idea. She knew it had a little to do with the fact that she had just begun letting John and that part of her life go when she was sucked back in again. She
also knew it had to do with that fact that Tay had, in fact, kept his word to her and had shown up on her doorstep exactly when he said he would.
Something about opening that door and seeing him and knowing everything was going to be okay simply pushed her over the edge.
She pulled away and started wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I'm sorry. I, uh, I don't know what's gotten into me."
"It's okay," he said to her, quietly. "Mel, it's just me. You don't have to apologize for anything. You had a lot happen this past week. Sometimes it's good to just let it out."
Mel smiled up at him appreciatively. "You always did know all the right things to say. Well, most of the time, anyway."
"Are you okay?" he asked her.
Drying herself up and taking a deep breath, she answered. "Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Uh, what did Natalie think about you taking off here?"
"Um, she's in Georgia," he answered. "With Kate. Visiting family."
Mel was slightly confused but she wasn't in the mood to press the issue so she kept her mouth shut. She glanced at the time on the wall. "Shit. I need to start getting ready. My appointment is in three hours."
"Have you eaten anything?" Taylor asked her.
"No, I just woke up when you came to the door. I'm not really hungry, though."
"You need to eat anyway," he said, making his way toward the kitchen.
Mel found it in herself to let out a laugh. "I don't know what you think you're going to do in there. There's nothing in there except coffee and alcohol."
"Seriously?"
"This is New York City. Who cooks here?"
Tay shook his head. "You and Drew are crazy, I swear it. Listen, you go do your thing and we'll stop and grab something on the way to your appointment. You shouldn't be operating on an empty stomach."
"We?" Mel asked.
"Well, yeah," he responded, matter-of-factly. "I'm not gonna let you go to this thing alone."
Mel didn't have the energy to argue, nor did she really want to. She was tired of fighting and resisting Tay. She was trying to start over, difficult as it was becoming. And she didn't want to admit it, but it kind of felt good to have someone else take charge for a change.
____________________________________
She wakes and takes her place in line
And never bothers asking why
The mirror sheds no light at all
The days turn into lesser days
Until there's only night
The light, it wouldn't help
She's too far gone
Her time is up, it's five o'clock
It never stops
And she says please
And she says please
And she says please
Watch Over Me
I watch her slowly make her way
Down on a road she shouldn't take
She always ends where she begins
The years go by, they're adding up
She clicks her heels but she's still stuck
She's giving in, but won't give up
She'll never stop
And she says please
And she says please
And she says please
Watch Over Me
And she says please
And she is on her knees and she begs and she pleads
She counts the time till her heart breaks
Just waiting for her next mistake
Don't give up, I know you've stopped believing
And you're down and you're begging, you're pleading
Don't give up cause you're not too far gone
DREW
When Drew walked in the door for her audition she was slightly taken aback. She was thrilled and a bit flattered that she had gotten a call-back. What she hadn't expected was to walk into a room full of around
50 young hopefuls, and a couple of well-knowns, who had apparently gotten the same call-back that she did.
The wait was stressful and grueling. She must have studied her monologue and stressed over her portfolio a million times. At least half the room had been auditioned when they called Drew in. She took a deep
breath, held her head in confidence, and walked in.
She walked into a small room that housed a card table, a large, blue, portable wall, and a video camera. Behind the card table sat the casting director, the producer, and a couple of older women that Drew didn't
recognize.
As confidently as she could muster, Drew walked in, handed the casting director her portfolio, stood in front of the blue wall, smiled, and said, "Hello. My name is Andrew Brooks and today I'll be auditioning for the
part of Sophie."
"Please stand on the taped spot on the floor," the casting director said, not looking up from his paperwork.
Drew obeyed and prepared to start her monologue when the casting director said, "I want you to read from Act Two, page 63. Start at 'How dare you speak to me this way.' Marion will lead you in," he said, referring to one
of the women on the panel.
Drew froze. She wasn't expecting this curveball. She should have expected it, but she hadn't.
"Ms. Brooks, is there a problem?"
She snapped out of it immediately and frantically began flipping the pages in her script. "Uh, no. Not at all. I'm ready."
"And, go," the casting director demanded.
The lady named Marion began reading the lines in a typical, horrible, monotone voice and Drew read back, trying desperately to put herself inside a scene that she was unfamiliar with.
Finally, the casting director interrupted her. "Ms. Brooks, Sophie is angry. She's pissed off because Miles is being a complete dick. I need more anger. Start over."
And so Marion led her in again and this time Drew made sure to put more force and anger in her delivery. The casting director cut her off again. "Not enough. We need more. He betrayed her. Lied to her. Let him have it. And, go."
Marion led her in once more and Drew hadn't even finished the second line when, all of a sudden, the casting director pounded his fist on the card table and roared at her, "I SAID I WANTED RAGE!"
And then Drew blacked out. She saw red. Without thinking, she threw her script forcefully to the floor, stepped aggressively toward the table and screamed, "You didn't say rage, you said anger! Now I WAS showing anger, goddammit, what the fuck else do you want from me?!"
That's when she knew she fucked up.
Returning to his normal voice as if nothing had happened, he simply said, "We'll be in touch. Send in the next actress." He never looked at her. He kept his eyes on his pen as he scribbled on his paper.
And it was over. Just like that. In less than five minutes. She left the casting office full of self-loathing and
defeat.
____________________________________________
MEL
Taylor stopped at a random hot dog vendor on the street they were walking on. Mel had hardly paid attention to the fact that they'd stopped. Her mind was racing, occupied by her upcoming appointment with the
attorney.
"Mel, what do you want?" Tay asked, snapping her back to the present.
She shook her head. "Uh, nothing, thanks. I'm fine."
"You have to eat," he argued.
"No. I'm fine. Honestly."
Tay took her hand and brought himself close to her. "Please. Just let me take care of you," he said to her quietly.
The statement stunned Mel for a moment and she looked up into Taylor's beautiful blue eyes. Against her better judgment, she almost melted into the pavement.
Glancing over at the hot dog vendor as he prepared an order for another customer, she suddenly realized that she was ravenous. Finally, she gave in. "Okay."
Tay turned around and placed his order. "One with everything and one with chili and mustard."
Mel smiled. He remembered. This was twice in three days that he had ordered correctly for her without even asking. Not that she wanted to make a habit of letting him take charge. This would need to be addressed. But for the time being she was content letting him take the reins.
She scrunched her nose up at the pile in Taylor's hand after they got their hot dogs. "I don't see how you can even find the meat under all that mess."
He grinned a gooney grin. "It's a perfect blend of all these flavors."
Mel could only shake her head.
After they had finished their food and walked for several more minutes, Mel's phone went off. She thought maybe it was Drew texting about her audition, of which Mel was dying to hear about, but was pleasantly surprised when it was a picture message from Jason. He had sent her a picture of a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean with palm trees silhouetted to the left. "Beautiful Oahu sunrise! So great to be home. Wish you could see this!"
Mel didn't realize she'd been smiling till Taylor peeked over at her phone. "Who's that?"
"Oh," she said, listlessly showing him the picture. "It's Jason. He must have recently landed home. Sent me a picture."
"Where is that?"
"Hawaii."
"Hm," Tay responded, coolly. "How nice."
"Tay, he's my friend. You're just gonna have to deal with it."
"I know."
"He's not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I know," Tay said, looking over at her. "Am I that bad?"
"You could watch your tone a little."
It was at this moment that the pair found themselves in front of the Law Offices of Kirkland and Neese. Mel and Tay looked at each other and Mel took a deep breath before they walked in.
They ended up in the office of Richard Kirkland. When they walked in, he stood behind his desk and introduced himself. Mel shook his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Melody Bradshaw."
"Ms. Bradshaw. Nice to meet you. Hate that it had to be under these circumstances. Then he turned to Taylor. "And is this your husband?"
The words nearly knocked the breath out of Mel. Mel and Tay both glanced at each other, neither one mistaking the look in the other's eyes. "Uh, no, I'm Taylor. I'm, uh, just here for moral support." He
shook Mr. Kirkland's hand and the three of them took their seats.
"Um, Mr. Kirkland, if I may ask, when did Bernice die?" Mel asked.
"Well, uh, it's been about a month now, I think," he answered. "Ms. Bradshaw, I must say, I'm surprised that you had no idea."
"Um, well I didn't. It's a long story, really. She didn't really like me. What I don't understand is why it wasn't all over the papers and all over the news?"
"Mrs. Bradshaw had little to no family. She requested a very small and quiet service. Unfortunately, I can't answer the question of why you were not informed as soon as it happened. Which, based on her will, I find
very surprising myself."
Mel took a deep breath and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. "I have to say," she said. "I thought after dealing with John's passing I was through with all this. I never anticipated being right back here doing this again."
Mr. Kirkland smiled softly. "Well this time we were glad to soften the blow. I understand that when your husband passed that it was so sudden that there was virtually no will and that you had to deal with all the legal mess yourself. With this in mind, Mrs. Bradshaw named me the executor of her will so that all her business could be taken care of and that all we had to do was sign everything over into your name when the time came."
Mel just stared at him, speechless. This was happening. This was actually happening. For reasons she could not explain, she was mortified that Tay was there witnessing all of this. She wanted to sink through the floor. She always dreamed of being a millionaire, but she always dreamed of earning it on her own, either by writing music or starting her own business--never like this. Never having it just handed to her. She instantly felt like some trust fund snob. She didn't know what to do with herself.
"Everything?" she finally managed to creak out.
Going through the paperwork, Mr. Kirkland began to speak but, to Mel's harried mind, it all sounded foreign. "Mrs. Bradshaw owned an estate in the Hamptons, a penthouse in Manhattan, property in Cabo and Tuscany, four vehicles, and two yachts. All cash assets equaled in value of over twenty-three million dollars. After legal fees, and the money she left to her home staff and various charities, the sum left over equals to $12,894,357.68 made payable to you, a one Ms. Melody Banks Bradshaw."
"And all the properties, vehicles, and yachts?" Taylor asked.
"All left to Melody."
Mel stared off into space. What was she supposed to do? Was she supposed to laugh or cry? Was she supposed to throw a party because she was rich now? Who wants to be rich under these circumstances? Part
of her wanted to tear the check up and throw it away as soon as she got her hands on it and wash her hands of this entire ordeal. The other half of her, wheels were already turning as to what to do with the money.
She was so ashamed of herself.
When she found her voice again, she managed to ask, "Why me? I mean, she hated me. Why leave all of this to me?"
Mr. Kirkland cleared his throat and passed an envelope to her across his desk. "Mrs. Bradshaw was very clear that this be hand-delivered to you."
Mel stared at the envelope, her name scrawled across the front in handwriting she could only remember seeing twice in her life. One of those times was on the guest book at John's memorial. She looked up at Mr.
Kirkland. "Uh, do I have to read this now?"
"I don't suppose so," he said. "She left no specifications or stipulations."
Wasting no time, Mel shoved the envelope into her purse.
Mr. Kirkland wrapped up their meeting by setting up another appointment in two weeks to make it all official. She would get her check and deeds to the properties, titles to the vehicles, etcetera.
When Mel and Tay walked out of the office, Mel was in a daze. Her head spun and she was speechless. Part of her wanted to throw a party. The other part of her wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hibernate for the rest of her life.
She stood there. She stood there, taking in her surroundings. She looked at the people walking down the busy New York City streets, gazed at all the skyscrapers and the taxi cabs. She knew exactly where she was but she felt as if she had a hard time trying to figure it all out. She had no idea how she was going to make it home. Her knees were weak.
She found Tay beside her as he wrapped an arm around her waist as if trying to hold her up. Was she falling? "Mel, are you going to be okay?"
"I think so," she found herself answering. "I need to go home."
Quickly, Tay had hailed them a cab and he helped her get in. She suddenly found herself glad that he was with her. She stared out the window as they headed back to the Brownstone.
________________________________________
DREW
Drew sat in her hotel room alone. It was eleven in the morning. She couldn't believe she had rushed off to L.A. in that amount of time, waited for two hours in a waiting room, and less than five minutes in an audition where she got pissed, threw a fit at the casting director and was sent out.
It was absolutely the worst audition of her life and she was sure that whatever reputation she had to gain was now out the window. She could forget getting hired anywhere after this.
So now she was in L.A. for the rest of the day with nothing to do. She felt like the entire trip had been a waste. She had to tried to call Mel but got no answer from her. She was probably working. So she decided to call the next best person.
"Blondie!" Zac answered, cheerfully.
Drew sighed.
"What's wrong?" Zac asked. "How was your audition?"
"Horrible," she answered. "Horrible. I lost my temper. I don't know what got into me."
Zac tried to hide a laugh. "Um, how do you lose your temper at an audition? Cat fight in the waiting room or something? Did you win?"
Drew sighed again, exasperated. "No!" she said, annoyed. "The casting director pissed me off and before I could stop myself, I was yelling. I bombed the whole damn thing."
"Aw, Drew, I'm so sorry. If it's any consolation, I would have hired you."
"I don't want to star in any movie that you're directing."
"How do you know you haven't already?"
"Zac!" Drew said, astonished. "I would surely hope you wouldn't be that stupid!"
"I would surely hope you're not that gullible," he responded, laughing.
That finally garnered a laugh out of Drew. "There she is," Zac said. She could hear the smile in his voice.
"I wish you could come out here," she said.
"I could," he said. "I could hop a plane right now, be there in a few hours."
"No," Drew said. "That would be stupid. By the time you got here it would be time to turn around and fly out again. There's no point in all that."
"It would be worth it."
Drew smiled. "That's sweet. You know you always did know how to say all the right things when you weren't being a complete douche."
Zac laughed. "It's what I do. Except for the douche part..." There was a pause and then he continued. "Well why don't you come out to Tulsa on your way back home?"
"That would be even more stupid than you coming here. Besides, I don't think I'm ready to come back to Tulsa yet. I never did feel like I fit in there. It was always just so awkward for me."
"Nah," Zac said. "It's only because you're one of a kind. That can do that to a person."
"Stop making me blush," Drew said, giggling.
"So when can I see you again?" Zac asked.
"Damn, Zac," Drew said. "We just saw each other Saturday."
"Drew, I think I'm becoming addicted. Like I can't get enough."
"You're skating on thin ice with all this."
"I know."
Drew sighed. "The time isn't right, right now. This moring was a pretty heavy blow to my ego and my self-esteem, to be honest. I need to go back home and chill for a little bit. Pick up the pieces so I can start back over. I have a lot on my plate right now."
"I know," Zac said. "I can respect that, really. I know I can be a little pushy sometimes, but it's only because I want to spend time with you. You have to know that."
"I know," she responded, quietly.
Soon, they ended their phone call. Drew took a deep breath and threw herself backward on her bed. Staring at the ceiling she decided, 'Screw it.' She was in L.A. Hollywood. Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive. She desperately needed some retail therapy.
She called for a cab as she grabbed her purse and headed out her hotel room door.
____________________________________________
MEL
That night, Mel and Tay sat side by side on her sofa, feet propped up on the coffee table. They sat in the dark, as Mel liked to sit in times of stress, with only the light of the lamp on the table beside Mel. She sat, twirling her envelope from Bernice in her hands.
"So," Taylor said into the darkness. "What are you gonna do?"
"I'm gonna sell it all," she answered, without skipping a beat.
"All of it?" he asked, sounding surprised. "You just inherited properties in some of the most desired locations in the world. You want to be rid of them?"
"I was just getting over John. Literally, JUST getting over him. Why would I want to trek all over the globe, sleeping in homes that would just remind me of him and his family and all of this mess? Why would I want to do that to myself?"
"Well, when you put it that way," he said.
"And I think I'm gonna sell this place, too," she continued, looking around. "I think it's time."
Taylor looked around, as well. "It's a gorgeous house. It has you written all over it."
"Yeah, because John let me have free reign. This was mine and John's home, that we built together. I love this house, but do I really need to stay here? I need something fresh. Something for ME." She looked over at him. "I'm thinking about moving back to Tulsa."
Tay couldn't stop the smile that crept across his face. "Seriously?" he asked.
"I'm thinking about it. I'm really not sure yet. I love the city, but I do miss home. I really don't know yet. It's just a thought."
Tay reached and put his arm around her and gently pulled her closer. "It would be great to have you back."
Mel and Tay locked eyes, obviously aware of the possible double meanings the phrase possessed. Changing the subject, his arm still around her, he pointed to the envelope in her hand. "So you gonna read that thing?"
She looked at him and looked down at the envelope. Scooting over and making herself comfortable, laying her head against him, she slowly opened the envelope. The paper she opened contained a short letter. She held it so that Tay could read along with her.
"Dear Melody,
I am aware that you may be confused and perhaps slightly dismayed at
the choices I've made concerning my will. I want you to know that I never
disliked you and that I never wanted to bring any discomfort to you or your
marriage to my son. I loved John with all my heart, as I know you did, and
wanted nothing more than to see him happy. And you, my dear, was all that
made him happy in this world. I regret dearly the pain that I caused you
and my John and for that I truly apologize. I also regret nothing more
than not having the opportunity to tell my son that I loved him before his
tragic death due to my own selfish ignorance. You see, when I got sick and
began to look back on my life, I realized that it wasn't his marriage to you
that I had a problem with. The problem was within myself. John
was all I had and I had a hard time letting my baby boy go. I only wish I
hadn't realized it until it was too late. Please take the stipulations of
my will as a token of my deepest apology for the trouble that I caused in the
past. I only hope that it may bring you even a little peace and that you
may find it in your heart to forgive my actions.
Sincerely,
Bernice Maxwell Bradshaw"
Mel must have read the letter over three more times before returning it to its envelope. She wanted to cry. She had so many emotions building up in her at one time she was having a hard time deciding which ones to let out and which ones to keep in. Without a word, Mel reached for the candle lighter on the end table and, in one swift movement, torched the corner of the envelope containing the letter. Silently Tay and Mel, together, watched it burn.
When the letter was reduced to cinders and the flame extinguished itself, Tay and Mel sat in silence for a moment, his arm still wrapped around her shoulder and her curled up close to him. She felt a light tug on her hair and looked over at Tay's hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, startled. "You're twirling my hair around your finger." She was referring to an action he had mindlessly done their entire lives. It had started when they were three when they used to take naps together. Her mother and Diana said that no matter what position they found them sleeping in, Taylor always had a strand of Mel's hair wrapped between his fingers. It almost seemed as if he had favored this over thumb-sucking. Amazingly enough, it had continued into their teenage years once they had reunited. It had become an automatic reflex for Tay. Most of the time, neither one of them realized he was doing it.
Tay furrowed his brow at her and lifted his hand, bringing her hair with it. He smiled down at her, amazed. "I am, aren't I?"
"I've missed this," Mel found herself saying, lacking any little bit of self-control she may have had left and not really caring.
Tay smiled down at her. "Me, too. It feels like ten years never passed."
Mel smiled and Tay spoke again. "So," he said. "You just burned it up. Just like that."
"Was it necessary to keep it?"
Tay shrugged. "I guess not."
"Think about it," Mel said, quietly. "This is almost like the ultimate freedom. Like finding myself. This is like someone's way of closing off one chapter in my life and starting a brand new one. Something I've needed to do for awhile. I can sell it all, the properties and the vehicles and the yachts--"
"I might buy one of those yachts from you," Tay interrupted.
Mel looked up at him and smiled, skeptically. "What? What sort of nautical knowledge do you possess? What the hell do you need with a yacht?"
"Well," Tay said in mock conceit. "It's a little-known fact that I happen to be a sailor."
Mel burst out laughing. "What? You? Sailing? You can barely handle the coastal wildlife."
He scoffed. "I'll have you know, I just recently learned to sail, thank you very much."
"Yeah, because learning to sail makes you totally ready for a yacht."
"I could be."
They were silent for a moment. "How do you transport a yacht? I mean, if you bought one from me?" she asked.
"Uh, you sail it, silly. Duh."
Mel looked up at him and scowled. "Tay, you live INLAND. In the middle of Oklahoma."
Taylor's face read a blank expression. "Oh yeah. Uh, well then, I don't know..."
Mel shook her head.
____________________________________________
DREW
Drew approached the steps to the Brownstone Wednesday morning, never having been more glad to be home in her life. Since yesterday she had been kicking herself for staying in L.A. and not just catching the next flight home.
She walked in the door and left her suitcase by the foyer table. She would deal with it later, she didn't care. All she wanted to do was sit and take a breather.
Drew was stunned. Absolutely shocked by the sight that she walked upon. So stunned, in fact, that she had no idea what to do. Should she leave them or wake them? There was Tay, asleep on his back across the couch. He had one arm laying across his stomach and the other arm wrapped around Mel as she slept just as soundly, using his chest as a pillow.
It was the damnest thing she ever saw. Well, since ten years ago, anyway. What the hell had gone on in two days?
Mel began to stir and she opened her eyes. She sleepily looked at Drew. "Drew?" she said.
Drew just gaped. "Mel? What the hell is this? I think I'm having deja vu..."
"What?" Mel looked around and then at Tay underneath her. He began to stir when she started to sit up. "Oh," Mel continued. "This isn't what it looks like."
"I'll say," Drew said. "You're both fully-clothed."
"John's mother died," Mel blurted out, without warning.
At this point, Drew didn't know what shocked her more. The Tay sleepover, or this news. Drew found herself lowering into an armchair.
When Mel was sitting up on the end of the couch, Tay awoke as well. He smiled, sleepily. "Oh, hey, Drew," he said. "Hey, this isn't what it looks like."
"So I heard."
"Yeah, so. John's mother died and in two weeks I'm going to be a millionaire. I'm going to be a millionaire with four properties, four cars, and two yachts."
"You know what, I've had about enough of this shit. I've had a shitty 24 hours and I'm really not in the mood for you two to sit here and bullshit me," Drew said, annoyed. "Seriously."
"Seriously," Tay said, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "It's completely true."
"They called me Monday as you left out for L.A. I didn't want to disturb your audition so I didn't call you. Tay, here, invited himself to come along to the meeting with the attorney. Turns out it's a good thing he showed up. I couldn't have done this alone."
"Why did she leave it all to you? She hated you," Drew said.
Mel shrugged. "Same thing I said. She had no other family, though. She wrote me a letter of apology for how she was when John was alive. Tay and I read it. And then I torched it."
Drew followed Mel's gaze to the small pile of ashes on the coffee table.
"Well, I'm glad you didn't burn the place down," Drew said.
"It's okay, I didn't let Tay near the flames," Mel responded.
The three of them laughed at the joke. "Well, I bombed my audition," Drew said. "Completely fucked it up. Probably fucked up my career, or any real chance at one," she said.
"It's okay," Mel said, patting Drew on the leg. "You can live off of me and my death money."
Drew laughed. "Gee, thanks."
"Don't worry about it," Tay said. "You're not going to nail every audition you go on. Trust me, just keep at it. The one you get will be worth the loads of horrible auditions you have to go through to get it."
Drew smiled. "Thanks."
By the time Taylor left to go back to Tulsa, the three of them had already spent up $12 million in dreams. Drew was thankful to be laughing. It seemed as though she would live through this audition, after all. She
vowed to make a call to her agent later that day to see what else was out there for her.
__________________________________
MEL
Drew was gone to L.A. Mel didn't get the opportunity to see her off because she had to rush out and Mel was working at the time. She wanted to call her now but she dared not disturb her. She didn't want to distract her from her big audition.
Then Mel thought of Jason. She immediately pushed that thought out of her mind. She'd stalked him enough already, she didn't want him to think she was crazy psycho. Besides, it wasn't necessary for him to know every waking aspect of her life.
Mel sat on the sofa in the dark in her Brownstone, the only light coming from a small lamp in the corner across the room. She sat with an open bottle of scotch in her hand and she stared at Taylor's number on her cell phone. Shockingly enough, he was honestly the only person she really wanted to talk to at that moment. The thought made her a bit nervous and she wasn't sure why.
"Screw it," she said to herself as she hit the 'talk' button on her cell.
"Mel, hey!" Taylor said, a bit too cheerfully when he picked up. "What's going on?"
"So, I'm sitting on my couch with a bottle of scotch," Mel began, without so much as a greeting. "My brain is a jumbled up mess and I can't sleep. So I called you."
"Well, uh, I'm glad you called. I mean, I'm glad you decided to call me."
"John's mother died."
Tay sighed. "Oh, Mel. I am so sorry."
Mel let out a listless laugh. "Really? 'Cause I'm not."
"Uh, okay..."
"I barely knew the woman. She hated me. She was so against our marriage that she had absolutely nothing to do with either one of us ever again. That selfish old bat never even told her son she loved him before he was fucking murdered!" She took a long swig of her scotch.
"Wow..."
"Yeah," Mel said, hearing herself rambling and not letting Tay get a word in edgewise. "So she hated me and now she's dead. And John had no siblings and Bernice had no siblings--Bernice is her name by the way--and now guess what they want from me? Guess!"
"Um..."
She didn't let him finish. "They want to meet with me about her will! Her will! ME! About her will...isn't that the most fucked up thing you've ever heard?"
"I dunno if I'd really consider that fucked up..."
"She's a millionaire, Tay. A millionaire. The woman owns several properties all over the world. She's a millionaire and they want to talk to ME about her will..."
"When?"
"Tomorrow. Tay...I could become a millionaire tomorrow. I could walk out of that attorney's office and be a millionaire..."
"I'm on my way," he said, all of a sudden.
Mel was completely taken by surprise. "Excuse me?"
"I'm getting a plane ticket right now. I'll be there when you wake up."
She laughed in the phone. "Tay, that is completely unnecessary. A meeting with an attorney doesn't exactly garner the need for a superhero. You don't need to come here."
"Mel, you need support. Clearly. Hell, you're slurring your words NOW. I'm coming whether you like it or not. What's your address?"
"I'm not giving you my address."
"Mel," he said matter-of-factly. "I CAN get it on my own if I have to. It'd be easier if you just gave it to me now. So what is it?"
Mel was too buzzed and too exhausted to argue, so she rattled it off to him.
"Now put the bottle away and go get some sleep," he continued. "I promise you I'll be the first person you see when you wake up in the morning.." Then he terminated the call.
Mel rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you'll be the ONLY person I see," she said into her empty living room. She looked down at her bottle and, defeated, she put the top back on, set it on the end table, and lay down right there on the couch.
She was asleep within seconds.
________________________________________________
DREW
Drew sat alone in her hotel room in L.A. Her nerves were shot. With all the craziness that had happened over the week, she felt totally unprepared for this audition. Well, she WAS prepared, technically. She had picked her audition piece some time ago when she'd gotten ahold of the script. She'd had it memorized for weeks now. She knew it word for word and all the actions she was going to include. She could have done it in her sleep.
She never felt so underprepared in her life.
Truthfully, she didn't even know the name of the hotel she was in. She could have looked at the hotel directory by the phone or something but she honestly didn't even care. She had a place to rehearse and she had the address to where the audition was going to be and that was all she needed. She had hit the ground running as soon as she had gotten into her room. She had rehearsed in front of the bathroom mirror, the
closet mirror, and to her reflection in the window. She was going to nail this audition tomorrow, she could feel it.
Drew was so thrilled for the opportunity for this audition because she felt like she could relate to the lead role she was auditioning for. It was a coming-of-age story of a young dancer, trying to find her place in life in a
small town setting and meeting the man of her dreams. It was the epitome of beauty and romance.
Drew had just taken a breather and was standing up to go over her monologue again when her cell phone went off. She didn't want to answer it, but she decided to anyway when she saw it was Zac.
"Hey, Blondie," he said. "Told you I'd call."
"Uh, hi, Zac," Drew answered. "Uh, now's not really a good time..."
"At this time of night? What are you doing that's better than talking to me?"
"Um, I'm actually in L.A. right now."
"L.A.? Random..."
"Not really. I got a call back for my video audition and I was practically rushed out here. I audition for the movie tomorrow!"
"Oh man, that's awesome!" Zac said, excitedly.
"Thanks. Also I'm extremely nervous and I gotta--"
"I'll come to L.A. To support you. Won't take but a few hours."
"Uh, Zac, I--come to L.A.?" It had just registered with Drew what he had just said. "You just got home from New York. What would Kate think about you just up and jetting off to California on a whim?"
"She's not even here. She's in Georgia with the kids and Natalie."
"Georgia?"
"Visiting family."
"And you didn't go?"
"Nah. They make this trip a couple times per year. This just happens to be their week. What hotel are you in, I'll meet you. How long are you in town for?"
"Uh, just till Wednesday. Zac--I don't think it's such a good idea for you to come out here."
"Why not?" Zac asked. He sounded broken-hearted. Drew's heart almost broke for him. But only almost.
"I'm not trying to be mean, but I don't really have time for all that right now. I really need to focus on this audition with no distractions. Surely you can appreciate that."
"You're right," he agreed. "You're absolutely right. I didn't think. Listen, break a leg with your audition. I hope you get the part."
"Thanks, me, too." They ended their call.
Drew felt bad. She felt like she had hurt Zac's feelings, however, she had no time to care about that right now. She traded her cell phone for the mirror and started her monologue all over again, without missing a
beat.
_________________________________________
Try and you don't have to be afraid to just rely
On someone to hold the weight part of the time
It's all right
It can get too much to handle by yourself
But if you can do it alone I know you will say
I don't know what's at stake
Or what it takes
I don't care what you say
I don't have use for your words anyway
You don't need a Cadillac
Cause I'll be waiting with my bare back
To Carry You There
Turn around
And you might just see the good you've left behind
But you're all caught up in what's still left to find
And it's never enough
So slow down
And the root of what you're feeling might appear
When all the pushin' up the hill has brought you here
And you're used up to the line
If you tell me you are fine
I don't care what you say
I don't have use for your words anyway
You don't need a Cadillac
Cause I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting
To Carry You There
Say, don't be too proud
I'm holding my hand out
You've been my friend on darker days
See I'll be there
Despite your despair
And I don't really care what you say
MEL
Mel awoke to the sound of her doorbell. Had it always been that loud? The sun streaming into the room seemed to blind her and she felt as if she'd been hit by a Mack truck. She couldn't tell if she felt like crap
due to the alcohol the previous night or from sleeping all night on the couch.
The doorbell rang again and she stood up and trudged to the door, still wearing the clothes she had on the night before. She didn't feel like dealing with anyone this morning. All she wanted to do was crawl into her
nice, comfy bed and sleep. Mmm, that sounded so good...
She flung the front door open and there stood Taylor, an overnight bag slung across his shoulder. She had no idea what it was, whether it was her emotions, her current physical state, or that she'd barely remembered talking to him last night, but without greeting she found herself bursting into tears and reaching her arms out for him.
In an instant, he was closing the door behind him, dropping his bag on the floor, and wrapping her tightly in his arms, stroking her hair, and letting her cry.
Mel didn't know why she was crying. Honestly, she had no idea. She knew it had a little to do with the fact that she had just begun letting John and that part of her life go when she was sucked back in again. She
also knew it had to do with that fact that Tay had, in fact, kept his word to her and had shown up on her doorstep exactly when he said he would.
Something about opening that door and seeing him and knowing everything was going to be okay simply pushed her over the edge.
She pulled away and started wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I'm sorry. I, uh, I don't know what's gotten into me."
"It's okay," he said to her, quietly. "Mel, it's just me. You don't have to apologize for anything. You had a lot happen this past week. Sometimes it's good to just let it out."
Mel smiled up at him appreciatively. "You always did know all the right things to say. Well, most of the time, anyway."
"Are you okay?" he asked her.
Drying herself up and taking a deep breath, she answered. "Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Uh, what did Natalie think about you taking off here?"
"Um, she's in Georgia," he answered. "With Kate. Visiting family."
Mel was slightly confused but she wasn't in the mood to press the issue so she kept her mouth shut. She glanced at the time on the wall. "Shit. I need to start getting ready. My appointment is in three hours."
"Have you eaten anything?" Taylor asked her.
"No, I just woke up when you came to the door. I'm not really hungry, though."
"You need to eat anyway," he said, making his way toward the kitchen.
Mel found it in herself to let out a laugh. "I don't know what you think you're going to do in there. There's nothing in there except coffee and alcohol."
"Seriously?"
"This is New York City. Who cooks here?"
Tay shook his head. "You and Drew are crazy, I swear it. Listen, you go do your thing and we'll stop and grab something on the way to your appointment. You shouldn't be operating on an empty stomach."
"We?" Mel asked.
"Well, yeah," he responded, matter-of-factly. "I'm not gonna let you go to this thing alone."
Mel didn't have the energy to argue, nor did she really want to. She was tired of fighting and resisting Tay. She was trying to start over, difficult as it was becoming. And she didn't want to admit it, but it kind of felt good to have someone else take charge for a change.
____________________________________
She wakes and takes her place in line
And never bothers asking why
The mirror sheds no light at all
The days turn into lesser days
Until there's only night
The light, it wouldn't help
She's too far gone
Her time is up, it's five o'clock
It never stops
And she says please
And she says please
And she says please
Watch Over Me
I watch her slowly make her way
Down on a road she shouldn't take
She always ends where she begins
The years go by, they're adding up
She clicks her heels but she's still stuck
She's giving in, but won't give up
She'll never stop
And she says please
And she says please
And she says please
Watch Over Me
And she says please
And she is on her knees and she begs and she pleads
She counts the time till her heart breaks
Just waiting for her next mistake
Don't give up, I know you've stopped believing
And you're down and you're begging, you're pleading
Don't give up cause you're not too far gone
DREW
When Drew walked in the door for her audition she was slightly taken aback. She was thrilled and a bit flattered that she had gotten a call-back. What she hadn't expected was to walk into a room full of around
50 young hopefuls, and a couple of well-knowns, who had apparently gotten the same call-back that she did.
The wait was stressful and grueling. She must have studied her monologue and stressed over her portfolio a million times. At least half the room had been auditioned when they called Drew in. She took a deep
breath, held her head in confidence, and walked in.
She walked into a small room that housed a card table, a large, blue, portable wall, and a video camera. Behind the card table sat the casting director, the producer, and a couple of older women that Drew didn't
recognize.
As confidently as she could muster, Drew walked in, handed the casting director her portfolio, stood in front of the blue wall, smiled, and said, "Hello. My name is Andrew Brooks and today I'll be auditioning for the
part of Sophie."
"Please stand on the taped spot on the floor," the casting director said, not looking up from his paperwork.
Drew obeyed and prepared to start her monologue when the casting director said, "I want you to read from Act Two, page 63. Start at 'How dare you speak to me this way.' Marion will lead you in," he said, referring to one
of the women on the panel.
Drew froze. She wasn't expecting this curveball. She should have expected it, but she hadn't.
"Ms. Brooks, is there a problem?"
She snapped out of it immediately and frantically began flipping the pages in her script. "Uh, no. Not at all. I'm ready."
"And, go," the casting director demanded.
The lady named Marion began reading the lines in a typical, horrible, monotone voice and Drew read back, trying desperately to put herself inside a scene that she was unfamiliar with.
Finally, the casting director interrupted her. "Ms. Brooks, Sophie is angry. She's pissed off because Miles is being a complete dick. I need more anger. Start over."
And so Marion led her in again and this time Drew made sure to put more force and anger in her delivery. The casting director cut her off again. "Not enough. We need more. He betrayed her. Lied to her. Let him have it. And, go."
Marion led her in once more and Drew hadn't even finished the second line when, all of a sudden, the casting director pounded his fist on the card table and roared at her, "I SAID I WANTED RAGE!"
And then Drew blacked out. She saw red. Without thinking, she threw her script forcefully to the floor, stepped aggressively toward the table and screamed, "You didn't say rage, you said anger! Now I WAS showing anger, goddammit, what the fuck else do you want from me?!"
That's when she knew she fucked up.
Returning to his normal voice as if nothing had happened, he simply said, "We'll be in touch. Send in the next actress." He never looked at her. He kept his eyes on his pen as he scribbled on his paper.
And it was over. Just like that. In less than five minutes. She left the casting office full of self-loathing and
defeat.
____________________________________________
MEL
Taylor stopped at a random hot dog vendor on the street they were walking on. Mel had hardly paid attention to the fact that they'd stopped. Her mind was racing, occupied by her upcoming appointment with the
attorney.
"Mel, what do you want?" Tay asked, snapping her back to the present.
She shook her head. "Uh, nothing, thanks. I'm fine."
"You have to eat," he argued.
"No. I'm fine. Honestly."
Tay took her hand and brought himself close to her. "Please. Just let me take care of you," he said to her quietly.
The statement stunned Mel for a moment and she looked up into Taylor's beautiful blue eyes. Against her better judgment, she almost melted into the pavement.
Glancing over at the hot dog vendor as he prepared an order for another customer, she suddenly realized that she was ravenous. Finally, she gave in. "Okay."
Tay turned around and placed his order. "One with everything and one with chili and mustard."
Mel smiled. He remembered. This was twice in three days that he had ordered correctly for her without even asking. Not that she wanted to make a habit of letting him take charge. This would need to be addressed. But for the time being she was content letting him take the reins.
She scrunched her nose up at the pile in Taylor's hand after they got their hot dogs. "I don't see how you can even find the meat under all that mess."
He grinned a gooney grin. "It's a perfect blend of all these flavors."
Mel could only shake her head.
After they had finished their food and walked for several more minutes, Mel's phone went off. She thought maybe it was Drew texting about her audition, of which Mel was dying to hear about, but was pleasantly surprised when it was a picture message from Jason. He had sent her a picture of a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean with palm trees silhouetted to the left. "Beautiful Oahu sunrise! So great to be home. Wish you could see this!"
Mel didn't realize she'd been smiling till Taylor peeked over at her phone. "Who's that?"
"Oh," she said, listlessly showing him the picture. "It's Jason. He must have recently landed home. Sent me a picture."
"Where is that?"
"Hawaii."
"Hm," Tay responded, coolly. "How nice."
"Tay, he's my friend. You're just gonna have to deal with it."
"I know."
"He's not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I know," Tay said, looking over at her. "Am I that bad?"
"You could watch your tone a little."
It was at this moment that the pair found themselves in front of the Law Offices of Kirkland and Neese. Mel and Tay looked at each other and Mel took a deep breath before they walked in.
They ended up in the office of Richard Kirkland. When they walked in, he stood behind his desk and introduced himself. Mel shook his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Melody Bradshaw."
"Ms. Bradshaw. Nice to meet you. Hate that it had to be under these circumstances. Then he turned to Taylor. "And is this your husband?"
The words nearly knocked the breath out of Mel. Mel and Tay both glanced at each other, neither one mistaking the look in the other's eyes. "Uh, no, I'm Taylor. I'm, uh, just here for moral support." He
shook Mr. Kirkland's hand and the three of them took their seats.
"Um, Mr. Kirkland, if I may ask, when did Bernice die?" Mel asked.
"Well, uh, it's been about a month now, I think," he answered. "Ms. Bradshaw, I must say, I'm surprised that you had no idea."
"Um, well I didn't. It's a long story, really. She didn't really like me. What I don't understand is why it wasn't all over the papers and all over the news?"
"Mrs. Bradshaw had little to no family. She requested a very small and quiet service. Unfortunately, I can't answer the question of why you were not informed as soon as it happened. Which, based on her will, I find
very surprising myself."
Mel took a deep breath and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. "I have to say," she said. "I thought after dealing with John's passing I was through with all this. I never anticipated being right back here doing this again."
Mr. Kirkland smiled softly. "Well this time we were glad to soften the blow. I understand that when your husband passed that it was so sudden that there was virtually no will and that you had to deal with all the legal mess yourself. With this in mind, Mrs. Bradshaw named me the executor of her will so that all her business could be taken care of and that all we had to do was sign everything over into your name when the time came."
Mel just stared at him, speechless. This was happening. This was actually happening. For reasons she could not explain, she was mortified that Tay was there witnessing all of this. She wanted to sink through the floor. She always dreamed of being a millionaire, but she always dreamed of earning it on her own, either by writing music or starting her own business--never like this. Never having it just handed to her. She instantly felt like some trust fund snob. She didn't know what to do with herself.
"Everything?" she finally managed to creak out.
Going through the paperwork, Mr. Kirkland began to speak but, to Mel's harried mind, it all sounded foreign. "Mrs. Bradshaw owned an estate in the Hamptons, a penthouse in Manhattan, property in Cabo and Tuscany, four vehicles, and two yachts. All cash assets equaled in value of over twenty-three million dollars. After legal fees, and the money she left to her home staff and various charities, the sum left over equals to $12,894,357.68 made payable to you, a one Ms. Melody Banks Bradshaw."
"And all the properties, vehicles, and yachts?" Taylor asked.
"All left to Melody."
Mel stared off into space. What was she supposed to do? Was she supposed to laugh or cry? Was she supposed to throw a party because she was rich now? Who wants to be rich under these circumstances? Part
of her wanted to tear the check up and throw it away as soon as she got her hands on it and wash her hands of this entire ordeal. The other half of her, wheels were already turning as to what to do with the money.
She was so ashamed of herself.
When she found her voice again, she managed to ask, "Why me? I mean, she hated me. Why leave all of this to me?"
Mr. Kirkland cleared his throat and passed an envelope to her across his desk. "Mrs. Bradshaw was very clear that this be hand-delivered to you."
Mel stared at the envelope, her name scrawled across the front in handwriting she could only remember seeing twice in her life. One of those times was on the guest book at John's memorial. She looked up at Mr.
Kirkland. "Uh, do I have to read this now?"
"I don't suppose so," he said. "She left no specifications or stipulations."
Wasting no time, Mel shoved the envelope into her purse.
Mr. Kirkland wrapped up their meeting by setting up another appointment in two weeks to make it all official. She would get her check and deeds to the properties, titles to the vehicles, etcetera.
When Mel and Tay walked out of the office, Mel was in a daze. Her head spun and she was speechless. Part of her wanted to throw a party. The other part of her wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hibernate for the rest of her life.
She stood there. She stood there, taking in her surroundings. She looked at the people walking down the busy New York City streets, gazed at all the skyscrapers and the taxi cabs. She knew exactly where she was but she felt as if she had a hard time trying to figure it all out. She had no idea how she was going to make it home. Her knees were weak.
She found Tay beside her as he wrapped an arm around her waist as if trying to hold her up. Was she falling? "Mel, are you going to be okay?"
"I think so," she found herself answering. "I need to go home."
Quickly, Tay had hailed them a cab and he helped her get in. She suddenly found herself glad that he was with her. She stared out the window as they headed back to the Brownstone.
________________________________________
DREW
Drew sat in her hotel room alone. It was eleven in the morning. She couldn't believe she had rushed off to L.A. in that amount of time, waited for two hours in a waiting room, and less than five minutes in an audition where she got pissed, threw a fit at the casting director and was sent out.
It was absolutely the worst audition of her life and she was sure that whatever reputation she had to gain was now out the window. She could forget getting hired anywhere after this.
So now she was in L.A. for the rest of the day with nothing to do. She felt like the entire trip had been a waste. She had to tried to call Mel but got no answer from her. She was probably working. So she decided to call the next best person.
"Blondie!" Zac answered, cheerfully.
Drew sighed.
"What's wrong?" Zac asked. "How was your audition?"
"Horrible," she answered. "Horrible. I lost my temper. I don't know what got into me."
Zac tried to hide a laugh. "Um, how do you lose your temper at an audition? Cat fight in the waiting room or something? Did you win?"
Drew sighed again, exasperated. "No!" she said, annoyed. "The casting director pissed me off and before I could stop myself, I was yelling. I bombed the whole damn thing."
"Aw, Drew, I'm so sorry. If it's any consolation, I would have hired you."
"I don't want to star in any movie that you're directing."
"How do you know you haven't already?"
"Zac!" Drew said, astonished. "I would surely hope you wouldn't be that stupid!"
"I would surely hope you're not that gullible," he responded, laughing.
That finally garnered a laugh out of Drew. "There she is," Zac said. She could hear the smile in his voice.
"I wish you could come out here," she said.
"I could," he said. "I could hop a plane right now, be there in a few hours."
"No," Drew said. "That would be stupid. By the time you got here it would be time to turn around and fly out again. There's no point in all that."
"It would be worth it."
Drew smiled. "That's sweet. You know you always did know how to say all the right things when you weren't being a complete douche."
Zac laughed. "It's what I do. Except for the douche part..." There was a pause and then he continued. "Well why don't you come out to Tulsa on your way back home?"
"That would be even more stupid than you coming here. Besides, I don't think I'm ready to come back to Tulsa yet. I never did feel like I fit in there. It was always just so awkward for me."
"Nah," Zac said. "It's only because you're one of a kind. That can do that to a person."
"Stop making me blush," Drew said, giggling.
"So when can I see you again?" Zac asked.
"Damn, Zac," Drew said. "We just saw each other Saturday."
"Drew, I think I'm becoming addicted. Like I can't get enough."
"You're skating on thin ice with all this."
"I know."
Drew sighed. "The time isn't right, right now. This moring was a pretty heavy blow to my ego and my self-esteem, to be honest. I need to go back home and chill for a little bit. Pick up the pieces so I can start back over. I have a lot on my plate right now."
"I know," Zac said. "I can respect that, really. I know I can be a little pushy sometimes, but it's only because I want to spend time with you. You have to know that."
"I know," she responded, quietly.
Soon, they ended their phone call. Drew took a deep breath and threw herself backward on her bed. Staring at the ceiling she decided, 'Screw it.' She was in L.A. Hollywood. Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive. She desperately needed some retail therapy.
She called for a cab as she grabbed her purse and headed out her hotel room door.
____________________________________________
MEL
That night, Mel and Tay sat side by side on her sofa, feet propped up on the coffee table. They sat in the dark, as Mel liked to sit in times of stress, with only the light of the lamp on the table beside Mel. She sat, twirling her envelope from Bernice in her hands.
"So," Taylor said into the darkness. "What are you gonna do?"
"I'm gonna sell it all," she answered, without skipping a beat.
"All of it?" he asked, sounding surprised. "You just inherited properties in some of the most desired locations in the world. You want to be rid of them?"
"I was just getting over John. Literally, JUST getting over him. Why would I want to trek all over the globe, sleeping in homes that would just remind me of him and his family and all of this mess? Why would I want to do that to myself?"
"Well, when you put it that way," he said.
"And I think I'm gonna sell this place, too," she continued, looking around. "I think it's time."
Taylor looked around, as well. "It's a gorgeous house. It has you written all over it."
"Yeah, because John let me have free reign. This was mine and John's home, that we built together. I love this house, but do I really need to stay here? I need something fresh. Something for ME." She looked over at him. "I'm thinking about moving back to Tulsa."
Tay couldn't stop the smile that crept across his face. "Seriously?" he asked.
"I'm thinking about it. I'm really not sure yet. I love the city, but I do miss home. I really don't know yet. It's just a thought."
Tay reached and put his arm around her and gently pulled her closer. "It would be great to have you back."
Mel and Tay locked eyes, obviously aware of the possible double meanings the phrase possessed. Changing the subject, his arm still around her, he pointed to the envelope in her hand. "So you gonna read that thing?"
She looked at him and looked down at the envelope. Scooting over and making herself comfortable, laying her head against him, she slowly opened the envelope. The paper she opened contained a short letter. She held it so that Tay could read along with her.
"Dear Melody,
I am aware that you may be confused and perhaps slightly dismayed at
the choices I've made concerning my will. I want you to know that I never
disliked you and that I never wanted to bring any discomfort to you or your
marriage to my son. I loved John with all my heart, as I know you did, and
wanted nothing more than to see him happy. And you, my dear, was all that
made him happy in this world. I regret dearly the pain that I caused you
and my John and for that I truly apologize. I also regret nothing more
than not having the opportunity to tell my son that I loved him before his
tragic death due to my own selfish ignorance. You see, when I got sick and
began to look back on my life, I realized that it wasn't his marriage to you
that I had a problem with. The problem was within myself. John
was all I had and I had a hard time letting my baby boy go. I only wish I
hadn't realized it until it was too late. Please take the stipulations of
my will as a token of my deepest apology for the trouble that I caused in the
past. I only hope that it may bring you even a little peace and that you
may find it in your heart to forgive my actions.
Sincerely,
Bernice Maxwell Bradshaw"
Mel must have read the letter over three more times before returning it to its envelope. She wanted to cry. She had so many emotions building up in her at one time she was having a hard time deciding which ones to let out and which ones to keep in. Without a word, Mel reached for the candle lighter on the end table and, in one swift movement, torched the corner of the envelope containing the letter. Silently Tay and Mel, together, watched it burn.
When the letter was reduced to cinders and the flame extinguished itself, Tay and Mel sat in silence for a moment, his arm still wrapped around her shoulder and her curled up close to him. She felt a light tug on her hair and looked over at Tay's hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, startled. "You're twirling my hair around your finger." She was referring to an action he had mindlessly done their entire lives. It had started when they were three when they used to take naps together. Her mother and Diana said that no matter what position they found them sleeping in, Taylor always had a strand of Mel's hair wrapped between his fingers. It almost seemed as if he had favored this over thumb-sucking. Amazingly enough, it had continued into their teenage years once they had reunited. It had become an automatic reflex for Tay. Most of the time, neither one of them realized he was doing it.
Tay furrowed his brow at her and lifted his hand, bringing her hair with it. He smiled down at her, amazed. "I am, aren't I?"
"I've missed this," Mel found herself saying, lacking any little bit of self-control she may have had left and not really caring.
Tay smiled down at her. "Me, too. It feels like ten years never passed."
Mel smiled and Tay spoke again. "So," he said. "You just burned it up. Just like that."
"Was it necessary to keep it?"
Tay shrugged. "I guess not."
"Think about it," Mel said, quietly. "This is almost like the ultimate freedom. Like finding myself. This is like someone's way of closing off one chapter in my life and starting a brand new one. Something I've needed to do for awhile. I can sell it all, the properties and the vehicles and the yachts--"
"I might buy one of those yachts from you," Tay interrupted.
Mel looked up at him and smiled, skeptically. "What? What sort of nautical knowledge do you possess? What the hell do you need with a yacht?"
"Well," Tay said in mock conceit. "It's a little-known fact that I happen to be a sailor."
Mel burst out laughing. "What? You? Sailing? You can barely handle the coastal wildlife."
He scoffed. "I'll have you know, I just recently learned to sail, thank you very much."
"Yeah, because learning to sail makes you totally ready for a yacht."
"I could be."
They were silent for a moment. "How do you transport a yacht? I mean, if you bought one from me?" she asked.
"Uh, you sail it, silly. Duh."
Mel looked up at him and scowled. "Tay, you live INLAND. In the middle of Oklahoma."
Taylor's face read a blank expression. "Oh yeah. Uh, well then, I don't know..."
Mel shook her head.
____________________________________________
DREW
Drew approached the steps to the Brownstone Wednesday morning, never having been more glad to be home in her life. Since yesterday she had been kicking herself for staying in L.A. and not just catching the next flight home.
She walked in the door and left her suitcase by the foyer table. She would deal with it later, she didn't care. All she wanted to do was sit and take a breather.
Drew was stunned. Absolutely shocked by the sight that she walked upon. So stunned, in fact, that she had no idea what to do. Should she leave them or wake them? There was Tay, asleep on his back across the couch. He had one arm laying across his stomach and the other arm wrapped around Mel as she slept just as soundly, using his chest as a pillow.
It was the damnest thing she ever saw. Well, since ten years ago, anyway. What the hell had gone on in two days?
Mel began to stir and she opened her eyes. She sleepily looked at Drew. "Drew?" she said.
Drew just gaped. "Mel? What the hell is this? I think I'm having deja vu..."
"What?" Mel looked around and then at Tay underneath her. He began to stir when she started to sit up. "Oh," Mel continued. "This isn't what it looks like."
"I'll say," Drew said. "You're both fully-clothed."
"John's mother died," Mel blurted out, without warning.
At this point, Drew didn't know what shocked her more. The Tay sleepover, or this news. Drew found herself lowering into an armchair.
When Mel was sitting up on the end of the couch, Tay awoke as well. He smiled, sleepily. "Oh, hey, Drew," he said. "Hey, this isn't what it looks like."
"So I heard."
"Yeah, so. John's mother died and in two weeks I'm going to be a millionaire. I'm going to be a millionaire with four properties, four cars, and two yachts."
"You know what, I've had about enough of this shit. I've had a shitty 24 hours and I'm really not in the mood for you two to sit here and bullshit me," Drew said, annoyed. "Seriously."
"Seriously," Tay said, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "It's completely true."
"They called me Monday as you left out for L.A. I didn't want to disturb your audition so I didn't call you. Tay, here, invited himself to come along to the meeting with the attorney. Turns out it's a good thing he showed up. I couldn't have done this alone."
"Why did she leave it all to you? She hated you," Drew said.
Mel shrugged. "Same thing I said. She had no other family, though. She wrote me a letter of apology for how she was when John was alive. Tay and I read it. And then I torched it."
Drew followed Mel's gaze to the small pile of ashes on the coffee table.
"Well, I'm glad you didn't burn the place down," Drew said.
"It's okay, I didn't let Tay near the flames," Mel responded.
The three of them laughed at the joke. "Well, I bombed my audition," Drew said. "Completely fucked it up. Probably fucked up my career, or any real chance at one," she said.
"It's okay," Mel said, patting Drew on the leg. "You can live off of me and my death money."
Drew laughed. "Gee, thanks."
"Don't worry about it," Tay said. "You're not going to nail every audition you go on. Trust me, just keep at it. The one you get will be worth the loads of horrible auditions you have to go through to get it."
Drew smiled. "Thanks."
By the time Taylor left to go back to Tulsa, the three of them had already spent up $12 million in dreams. Drew was thankful to be laughing. It seemed as though she would live through this audition, after all. She
vowed to make a call to her agent later that day to see what else was out there for her.
__________________________________