Gun Brooke - Course of Action

"I haven't been to the House of Mouse in at least five years," Jem said from the backseat. "It's really one of my favorite places, but I guess I've just been too busy lately."

Annelie smiled inwardly at her chief editor's words. Not many people knew of Jem's more playful side, and she could see by Carolyn's raised eyebrows that she was surprised.

"I went to Disneyland with my brother and sister years ago." Carolyn turned her head toward Jem. "They loved it, of course, but I mostly remember how hard it was to keep up with them. It'll be great not having to chase children around."

"I especially love Epcot," Jem said. "It's my favorite part of Disney World."

"I've never been to Disney World," Charlotta confessed. "I'm a terrible wimp when it comes to roller coasters. I hope you won't think I'm a complete bore."

"No, don't worry," Carolyn replied. "I'm not so daring myself. I prefer the slower rides."

The conversation flowed easily as they drove toward Orlando. Annelie enjoyed the facetious comments and laughter, occasionally glancing over at Carolyn, who sat half-turned toward the backseat, taking part in the friendly banter. Annelie smiled, her heart aglow, as she watched Carolyn enjoy herself and take an active interest in what her other friends had to say. The weekend promised to be wonderful.

***

The one-bedroom executive suite held everything they could possibly need. Carolyn walked over to the window and pulled the curtain aside to admire the view of the lake and the Dolphin Hotel on the other side.

"Cute." She grinned, turning to Annelie. "I have to say, the swans on the roof of our hotel are slightly more elegant than the chubby-looking dolphins on that one."

Annelie walked over and put her arm around her lover's shoulders. "I agree. It's quite a view. Look. There are the Friendship boats that'll take us to the different parks."

Annelie pulled her closer. "I enjoyed the drive up here. You seemed to connect with Jem and Charlotta."

Carolyn grinned. "I hope so. They seem to like me."

"Don't sound so surprised. Of course they like you. You're wonderful." She brushed her lips against Carolyn's.

"I don't take it for granted. I know I'm respected in the business. Actually, I think I frighten a lot of people. It comes with the territory, and I can be abrasive and a little too candid at times."

"Well, you have a kindred spirit in Jem. She calls a spade a shovel, if you understand what I mean. You don't have to pretend with her, and I don't think you did. You all seemed to have a good time chatting."

"We did." Carolyn nodded, hugging Annelie. "Now, come here and kiss me properly."

Annelie readily dipped her head, capturing Carolyn's lips in a kiss initially more loving than erotic. When it deepened, Carolyn felt her knees buckle as she slid her hands up underneath Annelie's T-shirt and moved them over the smooth skin. Instinctively she pushed the thin fabric up to reveal the white lace bra.

"Oh, Carolyn…please…" The husky whisper from Annelie made her hands tremble.

"I know, I know, we have to get out of here and go play." Carolyn nibbled at Annelie's full lower lip. "You're just too tempting, my love. You're so…" Her voice broke off when Annelie pulled back, her eyes wide. "What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Annelie swallowed. "You…you called me my love ."

Realizing how effortlessly the words had passed her lips, Carolyn blushed. "I did. I know I have a habit of using terms of endearment pretty freely, but I never call anyone love ."

Annelie's eyes sparkled. "I liked it."

"Me too."

Hearing a knock at the door, Annelie gave Carolyn another quick kiss before she answered it. The sight of the other women, both dressed in shorts and T-shirts, Charlotta boasting a bright yellow baseball cap, made Carolyn smile.

"You ready?" Jem asked, sounding impatient. "I'm starving. Kitty and Sam are checking in later this afternoon and meeting us tonight for dinner."

"Sounds great. We're ready." Annelie and Carolyn grabbed their daypacks. "Let's go play."

Jem looked closely at Annelie as she made sure the door was closed and locked. "You look a bit flushed. You okay?"

"Of course," Annelie assured her. "I've never felt better."

***

Kimonos, the Japanese restaurant at the Swan Hotel, had subdued lighting and a cozy atmosphere. Annelie sat close to Carolyn on the couch, resting her arm behind her shoulders. Across the table, Kitty and Sam had joined them and were now focusing on Jem, who sat at the short end of the table busily filling out the form that replaced a regular menu. She had commandeered the form and endured a lot of outrageous comments as she scribbled on it.

When the waitress arrived with their drinks, Jem handed her the form with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this. I hope you can read all the changes we made. These people can't make up their minds."

The other women raised their voices in protest, claiming it was Jem who had made a mess of the menu. Smiling indulgently, the waitress assured them everything was fine.

When Charlotta started lancing innocent California rolls with fervor rather than using her chopsticks correctly, Carolyn said, "Charlotta, they're already dead. Hold the chopsticks like this, and move them like so."

"I've tried," Charlotta muttered. "They work better this way." She stabbed another roll. "See?"

Laughter erupted around the table at her violent efforts.

"Excuse me, aren't you Carolyn Black?" a female voice interrupted.

Annelie glanced up at two women standing next to her, their eyes fastened on Carolyn.

"Yes, I am." Her voice was low and noncommittal.

"We just love you, Ms. Black. Please may we have your autograph?"

Carolyn squared her shoulders, her eyes a dull gray as she lowered her chopsticks. "Normally, I'd love to, but I don't sign autographs while dining out with friends and family. Please respect my rule. Catch me later in the foyer and I'll be glad to."

"We don't mean to interrupt," the other woman persisted, to Annelie's dismay. "But now that we already have, couldn't you make an exception? Just sign To Dolly here, on my receipt." She pushed a small piece of paper forward, holding out a pen.

Carolyn's voice was polite, but cold enough to make Annelie shiver. "Please, not now. Thank you."

The two women hesitated for a moment, but relented and left with sullen looks on their faces. Muttering between them, they stomped toward the door. Carolyn took a deep breath and then smiled toward Charlotta. "Now, where were we? Here, let me help you."

In awe, the others watched as Carolyn gently placed Charlotta's fingers in the correct position around the chopsticks, and the smile on the redhead's face broadened when she managed to grip a piece of salmon on her plate and bring it over to the soy sauce, dip it, and then pop it into her mouth. "I did it!"

Jem leaned closer to Annelie, lowering her voice. "Damn, did you see that? She just blows me away."

Annelie had yet to recover from Carolyn's reaction to the rude fans. Glancing around the table, she saw Kitty and Sam look at Carolyn with a new respect.

"Do you get that a lot?" Sam asked.

Carolyn shrugged. "Yes, unfortunately. It's a definite downside to fame. I try to always remember the fans and sign autographs whenever asked to. But I do have a rule. I want to eat in peace. Later, I'll sign any paper or photo they bring, but not now."

"I thought you handled it very well. You were more restrained than I could ever be," Jem said. "I'm impressed with how you slipped into the Carolyn-Black-the-diva role. You slipped out of it even faster."

Carolyn rolled her eyes. "The diva, huh? I guess it's second nature to me by now."

"I've never quite realized how fame can be," Charlotta remarked. "To be a household name and never enjoy complete anonymity like the rest of us."