Previously...

Alex located a man named Philip Whitacre whom she discovered was still married to Brooke.  Jordan and Will came to blows over Alex. Will arranged for James's film Angel Assassin to receive an X-rating, forcing him to pull it from release. Frustrated, James blew up at Brooke and caused her to pack her things and move out.  Miranda found a duffel bag of money belonging to Brett and questioned him about it.  Brett claimed it was his life savings, then remembered the struggle with Bailey in their Las Vegas hotel room.

 Episode 8

"Love My Way"

The Fern Bar was a tacky retro cocktail lounge in Van Nuys patroned mostly by college kids from UCLA and the occasional businessman or bored suburban housewife longing for a night on the town.

Miranda and Brett took their seats at a table with Ethan and Winter, ordered a round of drinks and snacked on a bowl of pretzels.  After Miranda introduced Brett, and Ethan introduced Winter, the group settled down for an enjoyable evening out.  It was long overdue, as the past few weeks had been a strain in every way.

“Winter’s new roommate is singing tonight,” Ethan announced.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to hear her,” Winter agreed, sipping her tequila sunrise through a straw.  “You know, I like having someone around that I can talk to.  A girl, I mean.  I’ve never had a roommate before.  I never even had that many girlfriends when I was in school.”

“How are you adjusting to life at Shay Blackthorne?” Ethan asked Brett with a smirk.

He hesitated for a minute and shrugged.  “So far so good,” he replied, kissing Miranda on her glossy pink lips.  “It wouldn’t matter where I was as long as Miranda was there.”

“You guys make me sick,” Winter joked, popping a pretzel in her mouth.

They all laughed just as the lights dimmed and a man got up on the stage and spoke into the microphone.  “Ladies and gentlemen, making her second appearance at the Fern Bar, please welcome Lauren Spencer.”

The crowed applauded as Lauren stepped out onto the stage and the band behind her started to play a jazzy rock tune. 

“This is your roommate?” Miranda asked, tapping her foot in time with the music.

“Uh huh,” Winter replied.

“Very pretty,” Brett remarked, then made a sour face when Miranda punched him in the arm.

“Watch it,” she said.

“Hey, she is,” he said with a laugh.  “But not as pretty as you, Sweetie pie.”

“Oh God, knock it off,” Winter complained sarcastically.

The table grew quiet as Lauren started to sing her number.  When the song ended, the crowd went wild with applause.   Lauren took a bashful bow and stepped down off the stage.  She spotted Winter at her table and waved, running over to join them.

“Hey you guys,” she said, trying to catch her breath.  “Thanks a lot for coming.  So whaddya think?”

“You were amazing!” Winter exclaimed, patting her roommate on the back.

“Really nice,” Ethan agreed.

“Yeah, you should be doing this for real,” Brett remarked.  “I mean, get out of this smoky dive and get your name out there.  I can see it up in lights.”

Lauren laughed and flung her blond hair over her shoulder.   “Yeah right,” she said modestly.

“Lauren, this is Miranda and Brett,” Winter said.

“Nice to meet you,” she replied.

“Listen, I’m serious,” Brett continued.  “You should really look into getting some representation.  I’d be happy to set something up for you.  I’ve done some similar work in the past.”

“Wow, thanks,” Lauren said with a bright smile.  “It’s just a hobby though.  I’m just destined to be a waitress.”

Brett laughed.  Suddenly he got an idea.  Maybe Lauren was the act Stormy was searching for.

It was past midnight when Brooke started to drift off to sleep in front of the TV.  She’d gone to her friend Bianca's apartment in Studio City after leaving the mansion earlier that day.  Of course being the friend she was, Bianca offered her small apartment to her for as long as she needed.  Then after a long cry and heart to heart, Bianca went to her bedroom and Brooke sat up to watch some old movies.

A knock at the door sent her to an upright position, looking around as she almost forgot where she was.   Bianca came out of her room in an oversized L.A. Lakers T-shirt and opened the door to James standing out in the hall.

“Hello Bianca,” he said.  “I know it’s late, but I was wondering if you’ve heard from Brooke.”

Bianca did just what Brooke asked her to do.   “I’m sorry, Mr. Blackthorne, I haven’t seen her,” she said, standing in the doorway so he couldn’t see into the living room.

James appeared stricken with disappointment.  “Oh, I see,” he said glumly.  “Well if you do see her, please tell her I’m looking for her and I’d very much like to talk to her.”

“I will,” she replied before shutting the door.  She gave Brooke a sympathetic smile and a kiss on the cheek before returning to her bedroom.

Sitting on the couch in despair, Brooke pondered her decision to leave the mansion that day.   She wondered if she’d done the right thing.   Should she at least give him the chance to explain?  To apologize?

She jumped up and ran to the door, pulling it open in an instant.  To her surprise, James was still standing out in the hall, his hands dug deep into the pockets of his beige trench coat. 

“I knew you were inside,” he said.  “I was hoping you’d reconsider seeing me.  Although I must admit, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.  I know I’ve been a real ass and I’m sorry.”

Taking in all of his words, Brooke wrapped her arms around herself and looked around the deserted hallway.   She felt vulnerable standing out there in her nightshirt.  But inviting James inside so they could talk was out of the question.  If she did, she would cave in a matter of seconds.

“When I signed on to be your wife, I didn’t expect there to be limits,” she finally said.

“There are no limits.”

“I’m your wife when it’s convenient for you,” Brooke continued.  “You include me in your life when it suits you.  You tell me things on a need to know basis.  I can’t live like that, James.  I just can’t.”

“I just don’t want to burden you with my problems,” he said.  “Whether it’s Miranda or my long list of enemies, or problems with the studio.  I don’t want you to be caught in the middle of all of that.  I don’t want you involved in that part of my life.”

“I have news for you,” Brooke replied plainly.  “That’s marriage.  If you can’t understand that then maybe you shouldn’t have gotten married again.” 

She went back inside and shut the door, a tear crawling down her cheek as she sunk to the floor in despair.  She hated what was happening to them.  It was too soon in their marriage for this.

Miranda and Brett walked hand in hand along the beach, carrying their shoes and letting the tide wash up around their bare feet.  The glow of the moonlight above illuminated their every step.  Several yards behind, Ethan and Winter were strolling along in the same fashion, enjoying a quiet evening after leaving the Fern Bar.

“Did you have a good time tonight?” Ethan asked with a smile.

“Yeah, did you?”

He nodded.  “I’m really glad we ran into each other again.  You’re a totally different person than I remember.   We both are.  I think we’ve matured a lot.”

“Yeah?  I think so too,” she replied, tightening her grip on his hand.  “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”

“I haven’t done that much,” he said.  “You’ve done it all on your own.”

“You know what I mean.  Just having you in my life again has done wonders.  I actually feel like a worthwhile person again.  I can’t tell you what it’s like feeling like you don’t matter to anyone.  Like you’re alone in the world.”

They stopped walking and Ethan kissed her warmly.  “You’re not alone,” he said.

Winter threw her arms around him and they swayed back and forth.  Suddenly she lost her balance and fell, pulling Ethan down with her.  Seconds later they were laying ion the ground, the tide washing over them.

“You did that on purpose!” he yelled through fits of laughter.

“I did not!” she screamed as he tickled her relentlessly, soaked from the cool ocean water.

They kissed passionately, ignoring the sand that covered their skin and the water that rushed over their bodies.

Minutes later, they were in her bedroom at her apartment down the beach.  Ethan pulled her soaked blouse over her head and then removed her skirt.   His eyes filled with lust, he peeled off his shirt and pants and pushed her down onto the bed.  The moonlight emanated through the windows and cast a warm glow over their naked bodies as they succumbed to the passion.

Alex spent most of the next morning shopping on Rodeo Drive.  She left her favorite boutique with an armful of bags and started toward her limousine waiting for her by the curb.

Passing another limousine on the way, she paused when the window rolled down and Jordan Rydell appeared in the back seat.  She looked at him skeptically and took the single red rose that he held out the window.

“Are you following me?” she asked, smelling the fragrant scent of the flower.

“Me?  No.  I shop here all the time,” he replied, pushing open the door and motioning for her to join him inside.

Alex hesitated, wondering what he was up to.  He must have gotten over the scene the other day at her beach house with Will Thomerson.  At least she hadn’t alienated him forever.

She handed her bags to her driver and climbed into Jordan’s limousine, gracefully crossing her legs and accepting a glass of champagne from him.

“So you’re done being angry with me?” she asked with a playful pout.

“I wasn’t angry,” Jordan replied.  “Just disappointed.  Then I got to thinking, why would I expect the beautiful, alluring, exquisite Alex Reynolds to limit herself to one man when she could have all of Hollywood if she wanted?”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” Alex replied, sipping from her glass.

“Then I got to thinking, she’s probably just waiting for someone to make her an offer she can’t refuse,” he said with a grin on his handsome face.

“Is this your Godfather impersonation?” she asked jokingly.

“No, this is me making you an offer you can’t refuse,” Jordan replied, reaching into his suit jacket and removing a small box from Tiffany.  Alex’s face turned stark white as she watched him open the lid to reveal a sparking seven-karat princess cut diamond ring.

“Oh Jordan,” she said, biting her lip.  The ring was extraordinary.  She knew what was coming next.

“Marry me,” he said with his usual boyish charm.  “Make me the happiest man in Hollywood.”

Alex was awestruck.  She didn’t know what to say or what to do.  All she could do was stare at the magnificent ring that hovered in close proximity to her face.   “Jordan, I….” she began, stammering over her words.  “I need some time.”

“Time for what?” he asked, removing the ring and placing it delicately on her slender finger.  “Look, a perfect fit.  Just like us.”

Alex smiled radiantly, staring at the ring and then back at Jordan.  She had to be level headed about this.  She was very attracted to Jordan Rydell and found him to be a very exciting man, but this was too soon.   Besides, she had an interest in Will Thomerson as well and she wasn’t ready to choose between the two men.  Not yet.

“I’m going to have to think about this,” she finally said.  “I’m sorry Jordan.  It’s not a no, but…”

“But it’s not a yes, either.”

She shook her head. 

“Well, that’s better than a no,” Jordan admitted.  “So keep the ring and I’ll ask you again sometime.  Sometime very soon.”

She sighed with relief, leaning forward and kissing him happily.  She had certainly not been expecting something like this.  What could the day bring next?

Brett Armstrong drove to Good Times Records and found Stormy in the control booth playing with some new tracks he’d recorded earlier.  He stood outside the glass soundproof door and listened, waiting for Stormy to get finished.   A minute later Stormy looked up and motioned for him to come inside.

“What’s up, bro?” Stormy asked, taking off his headphones and pulling a chair out for Brett.

“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you,” Brett began.  “Have I got the perfect act for you or what?”

Stormy frowned.  “What act?”

“This girl.  This singer I saw last night at the Fern Bar.  Man, she’s outta sight.  You gotta hear it to believe it, Stormy.”

Laughing him off, Stormy went back to his control table.  “Yeah right,” he said dismissively.  “I have a pretty keen ear, Brett.  I’m very particular about the sound I like.  I doubt very much you found someone that fits the bill just like that.”

“I’m telling you, man, you will dig this girl.”

“It’s doubtful,” Stormy maintained.  “Come on, Brett.  What do you know about good music, anyway?”

“I know a hit when I hear it.  Come on, just say you’ll come with me to hear her.  I promise, if you’re not impressed, I’ll go streaking through downtown Hollywood.”

Laughing, Stormy got up and gave him a high five.  “You’re on,” he said, grabbing his jacket and heading for the door.  “Let’s roll.”

James met Jack Fallmont for drinks at the Polo Lounge and ordered two straight bourbons before they even started talking business.  His nerves were a wreck.  The fact that his marriage was in trouble, on top of his financial problems was enough to send him over the edge.

“Word around town is that Angel Assassin is not going to be released,” Jack said, rubbing his chin in concentration. 

“It just need some edits,” James replied.  “When that’s done I’ll resubmit it and it’ll get an R rating.   I’ll be a little behind schedule but I’ll get it released, Jack.  I will.  And all the publicity over this X rating will only help our box office business.”

Jack shook his head doubtfully.  “I’m not so sure about that, James,” he said matter-of-factly.  “History shows that movies that get this kind of start fail at the box office.  Some theaters still won’t show it.  You’ll be dealing with a limited release.  You can’t make back the money you spent under those circumstances.”

“Come on, Jack.  We’ve been friends a long time.  You can give me the benefit of the doubt, can’t you?  There’s a good chance the movie will still succeed.”

“And there’s an even better chance it won’t,” Jack insisted before taking a swig of his whiskey.  “I’m sorry, James.  I can’t afford to lose that much money.  Adrienne will have my hide if she doesn’t get to go on her annual cruise this summer.”

“Jack, we’re not talking about that much money,” James claimed.  “Fallmont Industries is one of the top importers in the States.”

“It’s all tied up in investments that I can’t get out of,” Jack confided.  “James, I have my family to think about.  My hands are tied, I’m sorry.  I have to call in that loan now.  If I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll never see that money again.”

James shook his head in desperation.  He was at a loss.  He didn’t know what to do.

“It’s nothing personal, James,” Jack continued.  “It’s just business.”

“Sure, just business,” James said, staring across the room in a daze.  He had to think of something fast. 

Ethan opened his front door and found Brooke standing there about to knock.  “Hey,” he said with a smile.  “What’s going on?”

Before she could reply, Winter stepped up to the door and wrapped her arms around Ethan from behind.  “Lunch is ready,” she said, then turned her sights to Brooke outside on the porch.

“I’m sorry, I can see you’re busy,” Brooke began.  She turned and started down the driveway, knowing she shouldn’t have gone to see Ethan.

“Brooke, wait!” Ethan called after her.  He broke away from Winter and ran down the driveway.  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Winter watched them from the doorway.  She wondered what Brooke Taylor was doing there.  Whatever the reason, Ethan was certainly eager to jump to her aid. 

“Nothing, I just thought-“ Brooke started, shaking her head in frustration.  “It’s nothing.  Just forget it.”

“Wait, please talk to me,” Ethan demanded, his hand clasping around her arm.  He pulled her back and looked deeply into her brilliant blue eyes.  “I can tell something is wrong.”

“I left James,” she finally said, staring at the ground uncomfortably.

Ethan was shocked.  He’d just seen James yesterday and he acted like everything between them was fine.  “Why?  What happened?”

“I just couldn’t take all of the secrets and the way he constantly pushed me away,” she explained.  “You saw the way he treated me the other day in his office.  He thinks he can have two separate lives.  But I won’t be disregarded.  I don’t want to live like that.”

He could tell how upset she was.  He pulled her close tried to soothe her distraught state of mind.  Damn James for treating her this way.  Didn't he know what a good thing he had?  But he went ahead and ruined it anyway with his bullheaded attitude.

"I’m so sorry," he said, smoothing his hand down her silky hair.

Brooke looked past him and saw Winter glaring at her from the house.  She realized she was overstepping her bounds.  They'd promised each other that they weren't going to run to each other anymore.  They had to stand on their own.  Ethan had obviously gotten over whatever feelings he had for her.  She had to respect that.  It was only right.