A Fresh Start: While the Cat's Away

Preamble

This is the fourth instalment of my 'Fresh Start' series and in this one Chelsea is beginning to explore the boundaries of her relationship with Connor.

Chapter 1

It was Tuesday morning Chelsea Cartwright was feeling nervous. Mike Frankle, Connor's long-time friend and attorney, had flown in from New York for a meeting with Connor that morning and Chelsea was meant to be joining them for lunch. She was needed to sign some papers for the new business venture and, as Connor had suggested, it would also be a chance 'to get to know Mike'. Chelsea was pretty sure she didn't want to get to know Mike. In fact, what she really wanted was for Mike to fly back to New York and leave her and Connor alone.

In her mind Chelsea had already decided there was no way a lawyer could stand by and let a friend and client get married to a girl he'd only just met. Especially given Connor's wealth. Chelsea had to be gold-digger, that was the only logical explanation. And what if Connor listened to him? Chelsea had never been so happy before. She didn't want this to be the end. She and Connor were only just starting out.

Chelsea was the first to arrive at the restaurant and she waited at the bar for the two men to arrive. She really wanted something to steady her nerves but ordered a sparkling water, not wanting to appear as if she had a drink problem.

When the two men walked in, Connor's face lit up when he saw her. She liked that she had that effect on him. The man next to Connor was almost, but not quite, old enough to be his father. Balding, with a bit of a paunch, he didn't have much of a hard-nosed lawyer look about him, Chelsea had to admit.

Connor gave her a hug and a kiss which only made her feel more self-conscious than she already was.

"Chelsea, this is Mike Frankle," he offered, introducing the older gentleman.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Frankle," Chelsea replied as politely as she could.

"Please, call me Mike," he responded. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Chelsea. Connor's been bending my ear about you all morning."

Chelsea analysed his words for a double meaning but couldn't find any.

"I hope he's not been boring you," she replied.

"Not at all."

The three of them sat down to eat and Connor explained to Chelsea what he and Mike had been discussing regarding their companies, CC Fitness and CC Film Associates. It was the same as she and Connot had discussed privately before. Mike added some details about company structure that went straight over Chelsea's head but at least it seemed as though nothing had been cancelled.

When Connor took a call from the film studio about an outstanding contract point, he got up from the table, leaving Chelsea and Mike on their own. Chelsea felt her nerves about to bubble over and couldn't help blurting out her feelings.

"I'm not a gold-digger," she told Mike without provocation. "I know you probably think I am and I don't blame you. I'd probably think the same. But I love Connor and I think he loves me. I don't want his money and I'll sign anything you want to protect him."

Mike was a bit taken aback by the outburst and thought for a moment.

"I've been very lucky," he began. "I met my wife when I was at college. We got married, had two kids and still love each other to this day. We've had our ups and downs along the way but only a fool goes into a relationship thinking that's not going to happen at some point. I don't know what the recipe for a happy relationship is, Chelsea. Connor didn't find it with Sophie and I don't know if he'll find it with you. But I hope he does, because I want to see him happy. Right now, I can see that he's head over heels for you and nothing I could say to him is going to change that."

"Thank you."

"Of course, I'm going to insist that you both sign a prenup'," Mike told her honestly. "Connor needs to be protected from you marrying him for his money then divorcing him."

"I totally get that."

"He understands he needs a prenup'. But he's told me it needs to be a fair to both of you though and I'll make sure it is. The problem is that he doesn't know how to broach the subject with you."

"Would you like me to talk with him? Tell him I'm expecting us to have one."

"I think that would be good."

"Did he ask you about being his best-man?"

"He did and I'd be honoured."

"Thank you so much, Mike. I was really nervous about meeting you but, now that I have, I really hope we can be friends."

"I'd like that too, Chelsea."

Chapter 2

On Wednesday afternoon, Chelsea sat next to Connor in the first-class section of a 'United' flight to Los Angeles. Again, she was nervous but this time it was 'good' nervous. Excitement really. A car was waiting at the airport, which took them straight to Sophie Cruz's house in the Hollywood Hills, where Sophie and Sons of Mayhem star, Lance Penning, had been waiting for them.

It was almost two weeks since Chelsea had last seen Sophie. They'd met for the first time then and Chelsea had been a bit in awe of the film star, but now the two girls greeted each other like old friends.

"You've changed your hair. It looks really nice," Chelsea told Sophie.

Previously, Sophie's hair had been jet-black, in a kind of Wednesday Addams style. Now it was chestnut, cut shorter and more feminine.

"This is how they want me for Avenging Angel, when it starts filming," Sophie explained.

"I like it."

"Thank you."

The two girls separated and Chelsea turned to greet Lance. It had only been a week since Lance had fucked her and her friend Grace, in a San Francisco hotel room (with Sophie's blessing, of course). Chelsea had fond memories of the evening, even though Grace got most of the attention. Lance gave Chelsea a smoochy kiss while he squeezed her bottom and she couldn't help but respond enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Connor hugged Sophie and they shared a kiss.

"Congratulations on your engagement," Connor told his ex-wife.

"Congratulations on yours too," Sophie replied. "Let's both try not to fuck it up this time."

"It's a deal," Connor agreed.

"You wanna check out the bike I got you for the trip?" Lance asked Connor. "You're gonna love it. Only problem is, there isn't room for a pillion."

Chelsea couldn't believe what she was hearing. She'd so looked forward to riding pillion with Connor when she met up with him again at the weekend.

"You're kidding," she said. The disappointment evident on her face.

"Yeah, I'm kidding," Lance chuckled.

"Bastard."

The two men went off to the garage like excited teenagers, leaving Sophie and Chelsea standing in the driveway. The two girls embraced again and this time they shared a long lingering kiss that made Chelsea's knees turn to jelly.

"Do you mind if we don't swap this evening?" Sophie asked straight afterwards.

"Of course not," Chelsea reassured her. "Is everything ok?"

"It's fine. It's just that Lance and I have only got two more weeks together before he starts filming in Greece. Then he'll be gone for three months."

"I'm sure you can fly out for weekends," Chelsea reassured her. "And anyway, you'll be with us half the time and I'll be here with you in LA the rest. I mean I know it's not the same but..."

"Don't get me wrong Chelsea. I'm really grateful to you and Connor and I'm looking forward to training with you. I just didn't realise I was going to feel this way about Lance. I mean, if I'm honest, I never felt this way about Connor."

"It's called love," Chelsea reassured her. "And besides, I'm glad you didn't feel that way about Connor. Otherwise, I might not be here now."

Sophie chuckled.

"While we're talking about it, you have to say if it gets a bit weird having Connor's ex-wife around all the time," she added.

"There might be a few times when I want Connor to myself," Chelsea giggled, "but the rest of the time you're welcome to join us, and Presley of course."

"I'm looking forward to meeting Presley."

"You'll like her," Chelsea confirmed. Then she added, "Are you ok with the boys going off on their bikes tomorrow? I can speak to Connor if you aren't."

"I don't want to spoil their fun," Sophie admitted. "Lance has been like a kid these past few days getting all his gear together for the trip. Besides, it's only for a night then we'll be joining them at the cabin."

"I'm looking forward to that," Chelsea admitted. "Connor showed me some photos and it looks lovely. Plus, I really want to go on the back of his bike. It's something I know he enjoys and if it makes him happy then I want to support him. But I do need to get some gear tomorrow."

"Don't worry, I know just the place," Sophie reassured her. "After we've been dress shopping, we'll head straight over."

"Thanks, Soph'. I'm really excited."

That evening, as Connor and Chelsea lay in bed, Chelsea broached the subject of a prenup'.

"When we get married. You're going to need to protect yourself from me stealing it all, aren't you?"

"That's what Mike tells me," Connor admitted.

"I've told him I'll sign anything as long as it means I can be with you."

Connor put his arm round Chelsea and pulled her closer

"And I've told him that whatever he draws up has to be fair on you."

"Then we're good, aren't we?"

"I guess."

"I love you, Connor Patterson"

"I love you too."

Chapter 3

Everyone was up early on Thursday morning, the boys packing their motorbike panniers for the trip and the girls getting ready for a day of shopping. The four of them had breakfast together but, afterwards, Connor and Lance were keen to hit the road.

There were a few final hugs and warnings to ride safely then Chelsea and Sophie were waving their men off. Both girls were a little subdued for a while, before Sophie snapped out of it.

"Right. While the cat's away the mice can play," she declared.

As Sophie drove them to the dress shop in her Porsche hybrid, Chelsea used the opportunity to ask about the wedding plans.

"It's all been a bit of a rush, what with Lance's filming schedule," Sophie admitted. "We hired a planner to find us a location and they came up with an old wine factory on the Greek mainland that's been converted into a hotel. It had been booked out for a company seminar but the company went bust. So, there's room for guests too."

"How many people are coming."

"I don't know for sure. About a hundred and twenty at present, I think. There are still a few who haven't replied."

"Wow!"

"Then there'll be the press too. You're ok with doing interviews and the like aren't you? There'll be photos too. We're exclusive with Harper's but there'll be a few shots for the dailies and social media."

"Sure, I guess."

"Oh, and while I remember. The studio wants to make a documentary about you getting me ready for filming. A sort of fitness journey. They'll use it in the run up to the launch as a way of generating interest. They're suggesting social media coverage too, maybe a You Tube channel. Things to build up background interest in the film. It'll definitely give you some good exposure."

The suggestion did seem like a good way of keeping Sophie motivated and this had been something Chelsea worried might be a problem. It could also be a good way of getting her name out there too.

"I've asked if I could train you at the gym I worked at," Chelsea offered. "They've a hotel in L.A too and they'll let us use both if we give them some social media coverage."

"It's fine with me," Sophie responded. "Look, organising things isn't really my forte. I just turn up and do what the director tells me. If I put you in touch with the studio, can I leave all this up to you?"

"Of course," Chelsea agreed, although she had no idea how to go about it.

It turned out that Sophie had already picked the dress she was going to wear. A daring see-through Galia Lahav number that left very little to the imagination. What Chelsea hadn't expected was that Sophie had chosen something only slightly less daring for her. A young assistant helped Chelsea into her dress, while another helped Sophie into hers. Both assistants clapped frantically when the two girls appeared from their respective changing rooms to face each other.

"My dad is going to go mental when he sees photos of me in this," Chelsea laughed.

"It's not too much is it?" Sophie laughed.

"No, I absolutely love it," Chelsea reassured her friend.

"I think Connor's going to love you in it," Sophie said suggestively.

"And Lance is definitely going to love you in yours," Chelsea replied reassuringly.

"I hope so."

The dressmaker made notes of the final alterations to be made to the dresses then the two girls were back in the Porsche and heading across town.

"The Japanese bike scene has the coolest bikes and the sharpest clothes," Sophie told Chelsea reassuringly as she parked in the lot of an uber-cool Japanese custom bike builder.

Sophie wasn't wrong, the leather used for the jackets and pants was to die for. Chelsea chose a Brando style jacket for her and Sophie picked out the tightest pair of leather pants to go with it. A pair of engineer boots, an open face helmet, sunglasses, goggles, gloves, waterproofs, a few tee shirts and various other accessories were also required. It came to a small fortune and Chelsea worried she might have gone over the limit of the Amex card Connor had given her but she handed it to the assistant who smiled sweetly when the payment was accepted. With all the gear she needed, Chelsea was a biker now, well almost.

Chapter 4

It was four in the afternoon before the girls got back to Sophie's house. It had been a good day's shopping. They were sitting on the deck drinking tea and chatting when Sophie's phone pinged. Almost immediately afterwards, Chelsea's did too. Chelsea picked up her phone and saw she had a text from Connor.

"Lance has planned a party for Sophie for this evening. You don't need my permission but don't worry about enjoying yourself. Love you. Connor xxx,"

the text read.

"Lance has arranged a party for me," Sophie explained having read her text. "That's so thoughtful of him."

"Connor just texted to tell me that too," Chelsea acknowledged. "Where is it?"

"It's at Chase Morton's."

"The Chase Morton?" Chelsea clarified.

"The one and only."

"You know, he was my idol growing up."

"Well now you're going to meet him," Sophie confirmed.

Chase Morton had started out in the nineties as a heart-throb in a couple of 'coming of age' type movies. His big break came when he was cast as one half of the crime fighting duo in the Deadly Weapon film series. He was still a big box office success although more of a character actor nowadays.

"Have you fucked him?" Chelsea asked.

"Oh yes. Many times," Sophie chuckled, then added furtively, "Who knows, if you play your cards right..."

Chelsea looked down at her phone and typed out a response to Connor.

"Thank you, sweetheart. You know you don't need my permission to enjoy yourself either. I love you and can't wait to show you the biker gear I bought today,"

she replied.

"I don't know if I've brought anything for that kind of party," she admitted afterwards.

"Don't worry you can wear something of mine, believe me, there's plenty to choose from," Sophie offered. "Let's go choose something."

The two girls were about the same height but, while Chelsea considered herself to be 'petite', Sophie was even thinner. Some of her tailored dresses clearly weren't going to fit but there were several 'bodycon' ones that were very flattering indeed. Chelsea chose a short, backless red dress that hugged her breasts and just about covered her bottom. Sophie chose a little black number with mesh panels that left little to the imagination. Neither girl could afford to wear underwear, in case it spoiled the look.

Chapter 5

At eight, a limousine arrived to take them to Chase Morton's house, which was situated in a gated community in the Crestwood Hills. The house was something else. A modern angular, concrete and glass building that hugged the hillside, with manicured lawns surrounded by dense foliage that gave the house the air of being set in a clearing in the jungle.

There were already more than a few cars outside when they arrived and Chase and his wife came out to greet them. Close up, Chase had aged a bit since his heart-throb days. He was somewhere in his mid to late forties now, but he still looked good, or at least he did to Chelsea. His wife must have been fifteen years younger than him though and was wearing even less than Sophie or Chelsea.

"Sophie, welcome," Chase began, giving her a very tight embrace.

"Chase, Monica. Thank you for organising this. I didn't know a thing about it until this afternoon."

"It's our pleasure. We wanted to make sure that you left single life with a bang," Monica chuckled, taking her turn to embrace Sophie equally tightly.

"Can I introduce Chelsea Cartwright. Soon to be Chelsea Patterson."

"Oh, your Connor's fiancé," Monica squealed excitedly rushing forward to embrace Chelsea.

"You're very welcome, Chelsea," Chase added afterwards in his deep mellifluous voice. "Come on inside, let's get you both a drink."

There must have been at least thirty people congregating in the open plan lounge which led out onto the pool and gardens beyond. They were all good-looking types, a variety of ages. Most of the men though, were probably in their thirties or early forties with the women slightly younger.

When Sophie and Chelsea each had a drink in their hand, Chase chinked his champagne glass and called for silence.

"Folks. We're gathered here to mourn one of own being snapped up and domesticated," he began which got a chuckle from the audience. Then turning to Sophie he added, "But, your future husband, being the considerate fellow he is, thought you might like one last fling as a single woman. So, we're here to celebrate with you."

The group cheered and Sophie looked around the room smiling.

"Well, my dance card's officially open," she declared. "So, form an orderly queue."

"Oh," Chase added. "We have to finish by midnight, otherwise I'm in trouble with the residents' association."

Almost immediately, Sophie was swallowed up by a throng of well-wishers which left Chelsea on her own. She sipped on her champagne, watching Sophie flit from person to person, until Monica interrupted her thoughts.

"How is Connor?" she asked coyly.

"He's fine. He and Lance are off riding their bikes at the moment."

"I don't suppose he mentioned me?" Monica asked, adding almost as an afterthought, "and Chase."

"We haven't really talked about our past lives too much," Chelsea admitted. "I know Connor and Sophie used to be swingers. Did you know them from then?"

"We did, although I'd like to think Connor and I had a special connection," Monica said, sounding like they were sweethearts. "He really knew how to control a woman and he could be so very demanding. Although I guess you've already found that out."

Passionate, considerate, loving, were all words Chelsea would have associated with Connor, but controlling and demanding? Monica had definitely aroused Chelsea's curiosity.

"Well, if you're going to the wedding next week then perhaps I could try and arrange something if you'd like."

"We are and I'd be ever so grateful."

"Ok. I'll see what I can do."

"Just tell him this little slut is ready to be used any way he wants." Monica thought for a moment then added, "Perhaps you could send a picture to remind him. He always was one for visual stimulation."

"Sure," Chelsea said getting her phone out.