The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 14

"You will?" With eyes shining he nods his agreeance and I smile in response. "Thank you, baby. I know you won't regret it."

                                                            ************

With a glass of Merlot in my shaking hand I watch Connie with the kids, my eyes flicking between them and the clock on the mantel. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. I sit nervously waiting at the kitchen table biding my time until Max returns, my wits still shattered from his earlier conversation with Scarlett.

Owing to his flat out rejection last night, Max hadn't known until now that the director who had personally asked for him to screen test was none other than Joe Spinetti, one of Hollywood's youngest but hottest upcoming talents. Having shadowed Scorsese professionally for the previous three years, Joe was breaking out on his own and with his aspiring genius supported by the best in the industry his debut creation held high hopes and was much anticipated.

Max had laughed aloud when his agent had thrown in that little detail and I could mentally see him kick his own ass at the thought of initially dismissing it. All he'd learned last night was that the role was a male lead and that he was required to screen test on Friday. But having been certain he would not be accepting it, he'd asked no further questions before ending his call with Scarlett.

Taking my first sip, I silently thank God for Max's honesty; a sure sign of his growing trust in me which in turn gave me the courage to contact Scarlett in the knowledge that he simply couldn't let this opportunity go.

Making my way to the snug I swap my glass for the dinosaur story book on the coffee table prompting Monty to crawl up beside me. Max's call to Joe began almost an hour ago and as I read to our son awaiting his father's presence, this morning's conversation pops into my head.

"Connie?" I say, momentarily drawing her attention from Holly who is lying gloriously naked and contented on her changing mat.

"Before you came to Ireland you told Max that you'd stay for however long it takes me to learn the truth about my family, but after the last few days and our chat this morning it's got me wondering."

"What about?"

"Please don't take this the wrong way because we love having you around, and Max and I really appreciate your help. But in light of the facts that my mother is still very much alive and you still have to take that DNA test, don't you think maybe you should rethink your plans?"

"I... I'm not sure. Do you want me to leave?"

"No! Not at all! But for my own selfish reasons. I just know that when I run away from my problems they tend to catch up on me eventually." She sighs heavily and I'm certain I've hit a nerve.

"Have you been talking to my mother today, Gracie?"

"No, sweetheart. Why would you ask that?"

"Because our mother has had a court order delivered this morning demanding that Connie takes the test ASAP!" All eyes turn to Max who has suddenly appeared from nowhere and having clearly overheard us talking, he's joined the conversation.

"How...?"

"She left a message at lunchtime when I had no signal and I've only just returned her call. She's out of her mind with worry, Connie. Why didn't you tell me?"

"You don't understand, Max. She's completely different with you but she's an utter control freak with me!" Connie bursts into tears alarming Holly, and quickly I slip to the floor comforting both of them.

"Sshh," I whisper calming them both. "It's okay. We'll sort it, sweetheart. Don't worry."

"I can't help it," she sniffles. "They're going to find out I'm not Marcus' daughter and not only will they take the money but they'll take my name. I'll have nothing left by the time they finish with me."