The Sackler Trap

Back To Reality

We did have sex in his dressing room. Up against the wall while outside extras, gaffs and sound guys wandered to and fro and the set director called out orders. Sharon's voice penetrated the walls, giving instruction to one of the extras and we heard Agnes yelling at someone. I giggled as Adam thrust up into me and he laughed breathlessly while we fucked.

"You like this?" he asked in strained voice. "You like being fucked up against the wall of my dressing room? Where anyone could hear you and know what we're doing?"

I bit my lip to keep from moaning and when we were done Adam threatened to take me against the door next time.

"Make it fucking shake on its goddamn hinges," he declared as he tucked himself away and ran a hand through his damp, raven waves.

I gave him a reproachful smile, but my cheeks were burning as I retrieved my underwear and stepped back into them.

"How do we, uh...?" I tailed off uncertainly, nodding my head towards the door.

Adam took a minute to translate my unspoken question. "Oh!" He grinned as he went to the door and kissed me quickly on the forehead.

Cautiously cracking it he looked out, then opened it wide.

"All safe," he said with a wink.

I smirked at him and made my swift way out into the studio. It wasn't that we were trying to keep our relationship a secret; that would have been impossible anyway. But hooking up in the star's dressing room might be frowned upon, namely by Sharon Greene.

I made my furtive way to my own dressing area when I was suddenly brought up short at the sight of Eve and Arthur speaking in low, furtive tones.

"Eve, my dear, it's for the best," Arthur was saying. "You'll understand in time..."

Ever looked as if she was crying but when Arthur caught sight of me, he brightened and smiled his dazzling show stopping Broadway grin. Eve spun around and did almost the exact same thing so that if the situation had not felt so fraught it would have been comical.

I smiled and lifted a hand in greeting, feeling awkward and a little idiotic. "Arthur. Eve," I greeted.

Eve's smile tightened and she attempted a cheerful "hello" but her face crumpled at the last minute and she hastily excused herself. As she hurried past me, I looked at Arthur's pained face. His usually merry blue eyes had a hint of sadness to them and I noticed, not for the first time, how his golden curls showed not a hint of grey. He was extremely handsome, despite the two decades between him and Eve. No wonder she was smitten.

"Julie," he said warmly. "I never did tell you how much we enjoyed your singing the other night."

"Oh, I..." It seemed like such a long time ago to me. "Well that's kind of you. Thanks. Is everything...?"

He interrupted me. "You know, you could be on Broadway with a voice like that. We should convince Sharon and the writers to let you do some singing in the show."

I laughed self-consciously. "Well, Arthur, that's flattering but I'm only signed for four episodes so far and..."

He pointed a finger at me. "You remind me a lot of Rebecca Caine...you know she and I performed a cabaret together once in Toronto. Good times."

I was speechless, my mouth open, unsure how to handle such undeserved praise. "Wow, I...that's fabulous. She's always been one of my idols...but, Arthur..."

Three loud claps came from behind me. "Julie! We need you in costume...pronto!" Sharon shouted. "Come on people, weekend's over...no more slacking!"