What A Woman: Book Five (The Woman I Love Series 5)

  ~What A Woman~

  Book Five

  The Woman I Love Series

  written by

  G. S. Binkley

  ©2015 Binkley

  ©2014 Binkley Cover Art and Design

  Synopsis: ‘What A Woman’. With the movie studio finished, Lacy and Gage began a TV show together and several former cast members drop in as guests on Lacy’s new series. With the children a bit older, Lacy and Gage continue to meet the challenges and joys of being parents. The first story ‘The Woman I Love’, is followed by ‘A Woman Like You’, then ‘Here Comes My Woman’ along with an epilogue to that story ‘Here Comes My Woman - Epilogue’ and the fourth story ‘A Woman in Love’.

  Sexual Content: F/F partners

  Code:

  L: Love between two people with kisses, embraces and tender moments.

  LS: Love scenes described in more detail, involving scenes of lovemaking.

  ES: Explicit love scenes.

  This story is rated: LS

  Fiction (Alternative)

  Language: Caution – some language used may be offensive, however, it is only used in the context of the situation or the character’s personality. Overall - minimal usage.

  This is copyrighted material, © 2015 Binkley … all rights reserved.

  No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher (author).

  This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters or incidents either or the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are completely incidental.

  Table of Contents

  G. S. Binkley

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  other stories

  by

  g. s. binkley

  Alternative

  A Woman Like You

  Here Comes My Woman

  A Woman in Love

  What A Woman

  Murder at Fountain Blue

  An Innocent Heart

  Short Stories: Just the Way You Like It

  Heart of Africa

  Mainstream

  Angel in Disguise

  Murder at Red Rum

  Murder at Knifepoint

  Once Again, Alexis

  Here Comes Jordan

  G. S. Binkley link below

  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009511396329

  About the Author

  G. S. BINKLEY has the privilege to write the stories that many characters have come to reveal. It is really their lives that seek an audience to share their stories.

  ** I write both mainstream and alternative stories. All my stories have a romantic element in them. I hope you enjoy them.

  Chapter One

  The guard shoved the bag hard against the chest of the just released prisoner. With a grunt, the prisoner shifted steely eyes toward the smug guard but decided to remain silent. Freedom. Within minutes, the prisoner sucked in a deep breath of clean air; glad to be rid of the stuffy cell that was home for the last three years.

  “Cut!” The white haired director yelled. “That’s a wrap.”

  The cast and crew of the television show, Calley Carew, had just wrapped up their third successful season. Now it was time to celebrate and this year one of the show’s producers, Mark Calico, was in charge of the party. “Ryan!” The tall, dark and handsome, Mark, yelled at the director. “Before you go, I need to talk with you.”

  Gage Ballant rushed to hug Lacy Levine. “Lacy, I don’t know how you do it but you can play any part you put your mind to.”

  Lacy smiled but was eager to get out of the prison costume and make-up. “Walk with me.” As Gage followed her long legged partner, the star of the show Calley Carew continued. “It’s because of your writing; you make it easy to play all the different characters.”

  For the last three years, Lacy and Gage embarked on creating a television show, Calley Carew that was based in their newly finished television studio. The premise of the show was about the main character, Calley, who was an actor. Calley took every job offered, hoping for that big break. The main character on the show also helped other aspiring actors and an up and coming director named Tim Buck. The show called for Lacy to play a variety of characters and she loved the versatility it offered. The season finale was where Lacy played a prisoner that had just been released.

  Ryan White had worked with Mark Calico on many projects before along with Lacy and Gage. The four of them had marked success and enjoyed working together. The show Calley Carew was scheduled to run another two seasons then after that, Lacy wanted to pursue other ventures.

  Today several members of the Ballant/Levine family were on hand and as usual Sammy tagged along after Mark caught up with Ryan. “Mark, want me to help?” The would be nine year old director never let an opportunity to pass him up if it involved anything to do with directing.

  “What’s up, Mark?” Ryan took a few minutes to finally catch up with friend. “Had to take care of a few things first.” A director’s job is never done.

  Mark mussed Sammy’s dark brown hair knowing the young boy wouldn’t care as along as he could be part of the conversation. “Ryan, do you need me for anything before I take off?” Mark loved being part of show business but had several businesses elsewhere that demanded his attention from time to time.

  Ryan shook his head then glanced down at Sammy. “But…I could use someone’s help. Make sure the editing gets down. You know…” The director winked at Mark. “Do all the things a director has to do.”

  “What’d ya say, Sam?” Mark asked.

  It was the first time the young boy had been called ‘Sam’. He felt so grown up in that moment. “Yes, sir. I can help.” Sammy aspired to be a director and produce movies. Not only did he admire Ryan but movie making, in his mind, was the connection to his father, David Levine. And Sammy loved his dad. Unlike his older brother, Derek, who had initial issues with his father, Sammy was the opposite. As the years passed, David Levine was able to patch his rocky relationship with Derek and they now had a healthy bond.

  “Well, Ryan. You can’t get better help than that.” Mark mussed the boy’s hair again before turning to leave. “I’ve got a party to plan.”

  As the crew broke down the set and the cast was filing out in order to remove their costumes they wore for that show, a group of restless men far from St. Troy watched the television set that was hanging from the wall in the common area.

  “Turn it up. I can’t hear.” An old man yelled. He twisted around and gave a group of men behind him a look that brooked no argument to stop talking while his favorite show was on.

  “Oh shut up, you ole buzzard.”

  A few men dared to laugh at that comment.

  But everyone in the common room knew that when an episode of Calley Carew came on, the old man expected their complete and utter attention but mostly their silence.

  Mumbling, a young man in the back could be heard. “Fuck her.”

  That caused an expected outbreak of laughter which was quickly silenced by the old man.

  But the young man sneered at the screen every time he saw Lacy Levine’s character appear. Now barely a whisper, he grumbled. “Bitch.” Not wan
ting to incur the wrath of the old man again, the young man left the common area. I got a letter to write. Visiting day is tomorrow. We will meet again one day, bitch.

  *********

  As it was in the television world, it seemed that when one season of a television show wraps, the previous season hits the television networks. Since Lacy and Gage’s third season of their show had just finished filming, the second season was scheduled to start within a few weeks on television. The network was presently televising season one as a prelude to the second season opener.

  Lacy sighed. “Guess that means I’ll have to make the rounds.”

  “Not if you don’t want to, Lacy.” Gage was serious. “I know it’s expected but we’re not part of that if we don’t want. Our show is a hit and I believe as does Mark and Ryan and the numbers show that we have a solid following. Advertisers are lined up already. Mark took care of that.” The blonde knew her partner needed some down time and they had planned a great summer vacation.

  “I know but I feel obligated.” Lacy touched Gage’s cheek. “We are not the only ones who rely on this show to do well.” Lacy thought of all the local people who worked on the show, providing a source of revenue to the economy of St. Troy.

  “You’re right.” Gage agreed.

  “Besides, we’ll make it a short trip…” Lacy hesitated. “The only interview I’m not looking forward to is with Tony.”

  Tony Kussler a one-time adversary of Lacy now had a huge hit talk show and it was a must to do that show. Years before Tony blamed Lacy for not getting an interview with her that cost him his job. Then for years he bummed around as a ‘paparazzi’ the most disrespected people in Hollywood. But Lacy and Tony mended their relationship somewhat but it was still an uneasy association.

  “You know how I feel about it, Lacy.” Gage took the dark-haired beauty’s hand. “I’d just as soon we spend the whole trip in our hotel room.” Gage waggled her eyebrows.

  “Gage, sweetheart, so would I.” Lacy slipped on her dress then shoes before walking out of their bedroom door. “We have a party to attend.”

  **********

  The third season’s wrap party was in full swing when Lacy and Gage finally arrived albeit late. Their oldest daughter, Dani, was studying for finals and going over her lines in the upcoming school play. Derek was reading about his favorite subject, the nearly extinct kind while Sammy was wondering why he couldn’t go to the party. But they were not the reason Lacy and Gage arrived late to the party. It was their youngest daughter, Hayley.

  “Wait mom!” The five year old ran up to Lacy and grabbed her dress. She looked up at her parents with bright blue eyes and smiled. “I have a poem for you.”

  Gage stooped down. The writer in her was excited every time Hayley came up with something new. “Okay, we’re listening.”

  Hayley glanced at her mom who was still standing.

  Lacy smiled and stooped down as well. “Go on. I can’t wait to hear it.” Lacy said with such excitement that the young girl giggled.

  “A, B, C and one, two, three. I can spell and count as well.” Hayley was serious as she continued. “My colors are red, white and blue, I love you and my Gage, too.”

  “Honey, that was wonderful. I loved it.” Lacy hugged her daughter.

  Gage winked at the little blonde. “Just like me.” The older blonde said referring to her daughter’s writing abilities.

  Behind the counter in the kitchen, Stella assured them “She’s been working on that all day.” Stella smiled at her granddaughter. “Hayley could hardly wait til she could tell you it.”

  “She does know all her A, B, Cs and numbers.” Lacy acknowledged, kissing her young daughter on the cheek.

  Stella just shook her head. “How could she not? She’s got Dani and the boys teaching her and she’s so curious about everything they are doing. No matter what it is.”

  Lacy stood. “True.”

  “You love your family, don’t you, Hayley?” Gage questioned.

  A huge smile rose on the little girl’s face. It was true. Hayley at times insisted that everyone be in the same room together. She was happiest when the whole clan was together. It didn’t matter what they were doing as long as they were doing it together.

  Gage kissed Hayley. “We have to get going now. Your grandma is going to put you to bed, okay?”

  Hayley crossed her arms. “I am a big girl, you know.”

  She reminded Lacy of her older daughter, Dani, when she was around that age. “Yes, you are… now do as Gage said.”

  It didn’t take Hayley long to relent and follow the directive by her parents but she had something in mind and that brought a big impish smile to her face. “Let’s go, Grandma.” She grabbed Stella’s hand.

  As Lacy walked out the door, Gage caught her attention. “Did you see that look she gave us? What’d you think she’s up to?” Gage had reason to be worried. Hayley always had something percolating in her mind.

  “She’s your daughter.” Lacy smiled, knowing full well that Hayley’s mischievous antics came straight from her blonde mother.

  **********

  Julie Grant finally found Lacy. “Quite a few here, huh?”

  “Gets bigger every year.” Lacy sipped a glass of wine. “I guess Mark is off somewhere talking with Gage or Ryan.”

  “Both I imagine.” Julie agreed, knowing full well that the three of them were always talking about some project or another. “My husband can’t seem to get enough of making movies or TV shows.”

  “Mark is a natural.” Lacy’s blue eyes surveyed the group of people gathered. She wondered what it would be like to just relax and enjoy life with her family.

  “Lacy?” Julie noticed her friend was distracted.

  “Oh, sorry. Just thinking.” Lacy addressed her friend who was in charge of Primrose Pictures. “Do you ever think of quitting? I mean just enjoy life. Relax. We’ve both worked really hard to get where we are.”

  “Yes, I do.” Julie agreed. “But I still get a thrill out of making movies and besides my kids are grown now.” Julie hesitated. “I will admit it would have been nice to spend some more time with my children as they were growing up.”

  “I know what you mean. Dani’s going to be eighteen soon and she only has one year left in high school and the rest of the kids…well, they grow up so fast.” Lacy had talked with Gage about ending their show after five years no matter how successfully. And when Gage readily agreed, Lacy started making plans.

  When a loud crashing sound was heard, it diverted both women’s attention. “Now what?” Julie asked.

  Shaking her head, Lacy chuckled. “I bet it’s either yours or mine.”

  And sure enough, Lacy was correct. Gage was demonstrating exactly how a character in one of her stories was going to ride this huge bull without falling off. She had straddled the back of a couch while Ryan and Mark stood at each end. Their job was to rock the couch back and forth while the blonde writer showed them how it was done. But unlike one of the characters in her story, Murder at Red Rum, Gage fell off, crashing on the wooden floor.

  “Gage, sweetheart?” Lacy stood tall above the fallen blonde. “Is it time to go home already?”

  The crowd laughed.

  Dusting herself off from the make believe dirt, Gage winked. “My woman just can’t get enough of me.” She said boldly.

  The stern look Lacy shot her way caused Gage to recant. “I didn’t mean anything. It was a joke.” Gage chased after her retreating partner. “Really!”

  But the writer didn’t see the mischievous smile on Lacy’s face forecasting that she was not at all upset with her partner. Guess maybe Hayley gets that from me.

  When Gage made amends with her lover, the blonde found Mark again. “She loves me.”

  “That she does.” Mark nudged his longtime friend. “And you love her even more.”

  “True.” There was no denying the love Gage had for Lacy. She saved me. “By the way, Mark. Lacy’s a bit concerned about booking her on
Tony’s talk show.”

  The executive checked his cell phone for the scheduled date. “I talked with Tony personally. He’s far too concerned with his own success than to bring up anything from the past. Lacy had nothing to do with Tony getting fired and he knows that now. As a matter of fact, he’s anxious to make amends.”

  Relieved, Gage’s shouldered dropped. She didn’t realize that she was so tense about the whole discussion of Tony and the interview. “Good. Thanks Mark.” When Gage was about to leave, Mark grabbed her shoulder.

  “You know, our movie Heart of Africa, made millions. And your idea about shooting the film both mainstream and alternative started a trend. I hear there are other film makers exploring the idea.” Mark was proud of his friend’s ingenious idea.

  It was Gage’s idea to shoot ‘Heart of Africa’ from two different perspectives. While Shanti James played Ally Breedlove in both versions, Richard Long and Taya Jennings would play the other lead part. It would be the same movie but one version would have two females opposite each other and the other with a female and male acting out the lead romantic roles. They would distribute both versions, targeting their specific audiences. Gage hoped that this novel idea would go over well and she would structure her other screenplays to use the same format.

  Mark continued. “Both versions did extraordinarily well. You thought about doing more that way?”

  Gage remembered their conversation. She had written several other stories that could easily fit that same format. But it was then the writer remembered her talk with Lacy. “Mark, after this season and the next, Lacy and I are going to back away from…”

  “What?” Mark could hardly believe his ears.

  She shrugged. “The kids…you know they are getting older. We want to do things…I don’t know exactly what.” Before Mark could protest, the writer assured him. “I will continue writing. It’s something I have to do…and Lacy wants to paint more.”