The story of Catherine Lawrence is in 15 parts and I apologise for such a long story but it got out of hand. All 15 parts are completed and for those who like to print the story so you can read it in bed, I will have all 15 parts posted soon.
Carmenica

  

Catherine Lawrence

by Carmenica Diaz

Part 6

 

I wore the business suit again so I matched Lucy's appearance. Terry Butler, Lucy's banker stared at me when Lucy introduced us and then scrambled to get things organised. He almost ran from his office to get some papers and Lucy giggled. 'I think he's infatuated with you. He never moved that fast for me.'

Finally, it was all completed and I had temporary cards and the permanent ones would arrive in the post in a few days. 'Thank you so much, Mr Butler,' I said, looking at him from under my lashes while I signed the last document.

He blushed deeply and I thought I heard Lucy giggle. 'Not at all, Miss Lawrence,' he stammered. 'It's my pleasure and, please, call me Terry.'

I smiled and uncrossed and crossed my legs, his eyes almost fell from his head and I suppressed a giggle. 'You've gone to an awfully lot of trouble for me. Thank you, Terry.'

Outside in the street, Lucy jabbed my ribs, laughing. 'You evil bitch! That poor guy never had a chance.'

'I have no idea what you're talking about,' I said snootily, nose in the air and then, giggled, spoiling the effect.

'Let's shop,' Lucy said and arm in arm we did just that.

I had no idea where the time went but it was fun. First, Lucy insisted that I get a mobile phone so I was always contactable, then we shopped for shoes, lingerie and clothes. For a moment, I wondered if Belinda would approve of my choices but I reasoned, I had to make decisions myself.

In a small jewellery store, I purchased a pair of earrings, a small thank you gift for Belinda and a wrist chain for Mark as well as a beautiful gold bracelet for myself.

Finally, we collapsed amongst our bags and parcels in Lucy's office. Jennifer brought us tea and we showed her our purchases. I gathered my bags when it was time to leave and impetuously pecked her cheek. 'Thanks, Lucy, this was great.'

'It was, wasn't it?' She looked at me for a moment and then said, 'Cate, I hope we're friends?'

I laughed. 'I hope so, you know all my secrets.'

'No, really? I really enjoyed the day and, well, I like you. I mean,' she stumbled, 'I always liked Chris but this is different.'

'I'm not Chris,' I said softly.

'I know that,' Lucy said quickly. 'You are different, you're Cate and I don't even see anything of Chris, you're the butterfly.' She laughed self-consciously. 'I like you that's all, I hope we're friends.'

I hugged her. 'We're friends, Lucy and I'm glad.'

 

I needn't have worried about Bel, she loved the clothes I bought, insisted I model them for her and she tried on some of the tops. She was touched when I gave her the earrings and hugged me before immediately putting them on.

Bel took my new mobile number and I put hers, Lucy's and Mark's into mine.

I called Mark to give him the number.

'Hello,' he said breezily.

'Hello Mark, it's Cate.'

'Cate, gorgeous darling, how are you?'

'Great, you?'

'Sitting here with my feathers on, about to prance the stage.'

'Let me give you my new mobile number.'

'Lucy told me you now had one, she gave me the number but I haven't had time to call,' he apologised, 'it's a madhouse here.'

'That's ok.' I smiled, imagining Mark performing Hey Big Spender. 'I just wanted to make sure my friends had it.'

'Cate,' Mark raised his voice over the background noise, 'Lucy told me you went shopping with her, she was excited and you were a hit at the read-through. Congratulations, sweetie.'

'Thanks, Mark, I mean, really thanks. I owe this to you.'

'No problem,' he brushed it aside. 'That's what friends are for, darling. And don't worry, Lucy sent me the history stuff on you, Belinda and I. I'll read it on the plane. Cate?' He said after a moment.

'Yes?'

'Lucy was very happy when she rang. Underneath that tough exterior, she's rather lonely. I think I was her only friend for a long time and she doesn't make friends easily.'

I often wondered why Lucy represented Mark, now, I knew, it was because they were friends. 'I like her, Mark. I count her as a friend.'

'Good. I have to go, darling, time to be a Dancing Queen.'

I laughed and put my phone away.

 

Richard didn't acknowledge Belinda's existence when we arrived at the theatre for the walk-through. There was chaos on the stage as the sets were being bumped in and stored in backstage and the confusion would exist for a few days until we were able to use the sets to rehearse. The theatre was booked for a three month run with an option to extend although my contract was for the first run only. If the play was a hit and, at this stage, that was a big if, a new cast would be hired for the second season and it was normal that none of the cast from the first season would enrol for the second.

If all went well, I would be working six nights a week for three months with only five days off at mid-season.

We had two weeks for rehearsal and that included the full dress rehearsal so we were under pressure immediately. Monica was also under pressure to find sponsors to assist Henri's theatre company with the cash flow.

I had chosen to wear my new dark blue denim trousers with a knitted top and a jacket, a little dressier than the read-through but still casual. Belinda had smiled when I showed her and she shook her head. 'You look amazing, Cate,' she said simply, 'simply amazing. I wish I could look that good in simple clothes.'

Belinda was deep in conversation with a lady she introduced me quickly to as the 'one and only Mrs May' and I guessed she was the wardrobe mistress.

'I'm sorry, Beth,' I heard Belinda say as she scanned designs, 'Cate doesn't like anything too low cut so that has to go.'

I wished I could wear it but the breasts forms would show and I couldn't have that. Deep in my mind, I think I made the decision to have breast enhancement surgery at that moment.

'Good morning, Cate my dear,' Sir Humphrey said and I smiled.

'Good morning Sir…' I began but he wrinkled his brow so I changed my words to, '…er…Humpy.' He smiled and I laughed.

The walk through went well, in fact everyone was in fine form and Richard was delighted. Sarah wasn't there, although she joined us for lunch just as Monica came up to me. 'Cate,' she said, 'I have the Managing Director of Proud Printing watching this afternoon. I'm hopeful he might help with the printing. Could you meet him?' Monica looked at me hopefully.

'Of course, Monica.'

'Thanks Cate,' Sarah said as Monica walked off. 'Monica has a terribly difficult job.'

'I know and I'm happy to help, Sarah. This play must be a success.'

She grinned and patted my arm. 'I'm going to have you in all my plays.'

'I'll keep you to that,' I grinned.

Half way through the second act, I noticed Monica seated with a portly man with a red beard, watching intently. Richard called a break and took Wade aside to speak to him so I quickly walked down the stage side steps and up the aisle.

Monica rose and smiled. 'William O'Connell, this Catherine Lawrence, the star of the play.'

'Don't be silly, Monica,' I said with a small laugh, 'I'm not the star.' I offered my hand as he scrambled to his feet, eyes wide. 'Is it William or Bill?'

'My friends call me Bill,' he stuttered, taking my hand quickly and letting it go.

'Then you must call me Cate,' I smiled. 'Thank you for supporting us, Bill, I certainly appreciate it.'

Bill glanced at Monica worriedly and Monica cleared her throat. 'Bill hasn't decided yet, Cate, he's still thinking about it.'

I glanced at Bill through lowered eyes. 'Really? Of course you must think about it, Bill. Tell me,' I smiled batting my eyes, 'what is it you're thinking about?'

'Err, well, to tell the truth, we're only a small company and cash donations are, well, hard for us.'

I placed my hand on his arm and smiled. 'I understand perfectly, Bill.' I turned to Monica. 'Is there another way Bill could help us,' I smiled at Bill and he flushed, 'if he wants to, of course.'

'I want to, Cate,' he said and blushed a deeper red when he said my name.

'Well,' Monica pretended to think, 'we do need the program books to be printed. Perhaps…'

'Yes,' Bill said quickly, 'we could print them, I'm sure we could and at no cost,' he added quickly.

'Bill,' I said, 'thank you.' I glanced at the stage. 'I must go back but thank you so much, you're very sweet to help us.' I took his hand, smiled and walked back to the stage.

At the conclusion of the walk through, Henri introduced Felix, the photographer who would take portraits for promotional use as well as stills from the dress rehearsals. He obviously knew his job as he quickly pointed at Wade and said, 'White shirt tomorrow, Wade, and we'll do the usual against a black background.' Wade nodded and moved away. 'Sir Humphrey, a black shirt please and Hugh, a white Tee shirt.' As he turned to me and his expression changed. 'Catherine Lawrence, I've looked forward to meeting you since Henri described you.'

I blushed but managed to quip. 'Do I bring a paper bag for my head?' I said in a Liverpuddlian accent and the others tittered and Felix blinked and then laughed.

'No, definitely not, let me think, what would be best?'

I smiled. 'Why don't you talk to Belinda and she'll tell me,' I said, back in my normal refined voice.

'Belinda Morrison?' Felix glanced at Richard and back to me.

'Yes,' I said evenly. 'We've been friends since school and she knows my likes and dislikes.'

'You're friends from school?' Rodney blurted out and suddenly looked around. 'Sorry, it's just that I thought…'

'Thought what, Rodney?' I asked innocently and he blushed.

'Nothing, nothing at all.'

Belinda stepped onto the stage, coolly ignoring Richard. 'Hi, Felix, fancy a coffee?' He nodded and followed her off the stage.

 

Bel and I laughed all the way home about Rodney and his comment. 'I think he wished he hadn't said that aloud,' I smiled.

'Probably. I think he's probably got a crush on you.'

There was something about the way she said it and I immediately sensed something. 'Maybe,' I shrugged. 'Or he could have a crush on you.'

Bel blushed and looked out the window. 'You think so?'

'Well, he hovers around you, not me, Bel. Now, tell me about the clothes.'

'Looking forward to dressing up, are we?' she teased and I laughed.

'As a matter of fact I am. I heard what you said,' I said suddenly sober, 'about low cut dresses.'

Bel took my hand. 'We have to be careful, Cate.'

'I know, I just wish…'

'I know,' she said softly, squeezing my hand, 'I know.'

 

Monica rushed up to me as Belinda and I walked down the aisle the next day. 'Thanks so much, Cate,' she said. 'I think that saved us a bit of money.'

'What?' Belinda asked, glancing from Monica to me.

'She convinced Bill O'Connell to print our programs for nothing so we saved at least ten thousand. Poor guy didn't stand a chance when Cate started fluttering her eyes.'

'You didn't!' Belinda laughed.

'I don't think fluttering is the correct description…'

'She's a proper tart,' Belinda said jokingly.

'I am not!'

'Ladies,' Richard called out, 'when you're ready?'

'I feel like we've been spoken to by the headmaster,' Monica whispered, kissing my cheek. 'Thanks Cate, you're a marvel.'

 

The play was taking shape and it was obvious that Humpy and I were the only ones who knew and believed their lines. Poor Wade was struggling, not sure how to change his character, to show the evolvement. Like many actors, he withdrew into himself, afraid to open up and discuss as he thought, in our competitive world, it made him appear weak.

Richard was becoming exasperated with him, Sarah was watching with pursed lips, her eyes worried and Humpy was making nasty remarks. It wasn't good.

I was sitting on the edge of the stage, kicking my feet at lunch break when Sarah sat beside me. 'I guess you've seen it?' She didn't beat around the bush and I nodded.

'He's struggling, he doesn't get it fully.'

'Richard's explained it.'

'I bet,' I said wryly.

'It would be a shame to lose him now,' Sarah said slowly. 'Wade is so good looking.'

'Really? I hadn't noticed,' I said airily and Sarah grinned.

'You don't think he's dishy?'

'He does have cute eyes,' I acknowledged and we laughed together. 'Do you think he'll talk to me?' I asked after a moment.

'I don't know. Perhaps,' she added slyly, 'you'll have to make him?'

 

Wade was talking to Richard and I saw the signs immediately. Wade's head was down and Richard was lecturing him without even looking at him, showing everyone the decision to remove Wade had been made.

'Wade,' I said, walking up and putting my arm around his waist, 'when are you taking me for a coffee? You promised,' I added with a pout.

Richard was taken aback but Wade smiled weakly. 'Now? Coffee now?'

'Lets'

He was miserable and it was obvious as we sipped the coffee. 'They're going to fire me; I can't show the change in Tom, I can't. I'm finished,' he said and for a moment, I thought he was going to cry.

'Wade,' I said softly, 'don't let them do this. You are good; you've got Tom right except for the change. I don't want to lose you, you're good, we're good together.'

He brightened and smiled crookedly. 'Thanks Cate but…'

'You haven't decided how to show the change. I understand, there are so many choices.'

'There are?' He looked at me warily and I smiled.

'Of course. You can show Tom moving from being full of pride and arrogance to a beaten shell of a man by facial expressions.'

'Yes,' he said slowly, 'I could do that.' He looked into the distance and I knew he was thinking hard.

'You could use voice and inflexions.'

'That would be hard.'

'Or, you could be physical and physically shrink him. You know, tall and upright at the start, powerful overbearing and, at the end, stooped and broken.'

And that was all it took. He kissed my cheek, squeezed me in a bear hug and strode back onto the stage to prove to everyone he still had it.

At the end, everyone applauded him and Richard and Sarah turned to look at me but I was smiling, busily applauding Wade, proud of him.

End of Catherine Lawrence Part 6 by Carmenica Diaz

  

  

  

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