“All I’m saying is, don’t let some television producer seduce you into a lousy business deal.” Andy leaped out of his chair, waving his arms to illustrate his point. “They come swooping in like a big ass bird and they wanna buy footage for a couple’ve hundred bucks a show.”
The conversation continued, skipping from topic to topic. Brandy smiled. Vincent and Andy were like mental grasshoppers. “Did you tell Andy about our new production? Tomorrow we shoot our first topless videos.”
Andy smiled. “There you go! That stuff’ll be the hottest ticket you’ve got.”
Brandy laughed. “I was sure you’d like the idea. What man wouldn’t?”
“I’ll have you know I’m capable of thinking objectively.”
Andy feigned an indignant expression.
Vincent shook his head. “Before the bullshit gets so deep we can’t get the door open, let’s go get some lunch.”
The diner was nearly empty when they arrived. The waitress hurried to their booth, obviously excited. “Hi Brandy! I told my sister I thought you’d be here. She’s been waiting to meet you.”
“Ask her to join us.”
The waitress returned with a pot of coffee and another woman following her. “This’s my sister, Denise. She wants to be a wrestler.”
Brandy smiled. “So you want to break into the wrestling business? You realize you’ve got to be at least eighteen?”
Denise grinned. “I’m nearly twice that age. I’ll be thirty-two next month. I’m in real good shape. I worked out at the boxing gym down the street for a couple’ve years, but wrestling’s what I really want to do.”
“I s’pose it couldn’t hurt for you to stop by the gym. We’ll give you a few work-outs and see how you hold up. Here’s my card, the address is at the bottom.”
“What day you want me there?” Denise could barely contain her enthusiasm.
“Tomorrow? Most of us will be working out all afternoon, so it’ll give you a chance to get in the ring and try a few moves.”
“I’ll be there! Thanks and it was nice meeting all of you.”
Vincent watched Denise walk away. “If she’s half as tough as she is motivated she just might do alright.”
Brandy grinned. “That girl’s gonna be dynamite. You wait and see.”
“It’s been a ton of fun, but I’ve gotta get this stuff to the print shop or we won’t have posters for next week’s show.” Andy swallowed the last of his coffee and threw several bills on the table. “That ought’a cover lunch and the tip. You coming back to the office? We still need to run a sound check on the new audio board.”
Brandy interrupted. “Not now you don’t. Did you forget you’ve got an interview scheduled with the writer that called last week? Lorna, I think her name was.”
“Aw shit!” Vincent frowned. “Dammit, I forgot. Anyway, stop by the office later and we’ll buy you dinner.”
Andy grinned. “Can’t do that. I’ve already got dinner plans.”
“Oh really? Cheating on me again?” Brandy gave Andy a teasing grin.
“Your man’s around every time I get ready to ask you on a date, so I’ve moved on. Heidi’s taking me on a dinner cruise tonight.”
Vincent nearly choked on his coffee. “You mean Heidi, as in Terrance’s secretary, Heidi?”
“One in the same. Why?”
“Oh, no reason, but I wouldn’t be a damn bit surprised if she drags you into the freezer to play whip and chill.”
As Andy walked away he responded just loud enough for Vincent to hear. “I’ll wear thermal underwear.”
The phone was ringing as Brandy and Vincent returned to the office. Brandy ran to her desk and answered. Vincent lit a cigarette and disappeared into the production studio. He was nearly finished with the editing log when Brandy came through the door breathless and very excited. “I just had a fascinating conversation with a guy in Las Vegas!”
“Oh really?” Obviously it was something pretty good.”
“Yes! Very good! How’d you feel about us taking our show to Las Vegas?”
Vincent’s eyes widened. “Vegas? Hell yes! When do we go?”
There was a new promotion gearing up for shows in Las Vegas and possibly a tour into Arizona. They’d seen some video footage of Brandy and several of the other women and were interested in booking them for shows in the southwest. Vincent listened as Brandy gave him details. He lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. “This sounds fantastic. The only problem is covering the shows there and here at the same time.“
“It’ll work. The Vegas show’s on a Saturday night. I’m not saying I’d do the Arizona tour. I just want us to have a chance to work in Vegas. We can take a late flight Friday night and be there in plenty of time for the show Saturday night.”
Vincent smiled. “Okay, Vegas it is!”
As they continued their discussion, the office door opened and a petite brunette appeared. She was immaculately dressed and looked as though she’d just stepped out of a hair salon. She smiled and introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Lorna from Man’s World Magazine. Are you Vince?”
“I am. Come on in and sit down. This’s my business partner, Brandy.”
Lorna barely acknowledged Brandy with a nod. Vincent noticed the snub. It wasn’t a good way to begin an interview. Lorna’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “This’s one of the more unusual projects I’ve done.”
Vincent smiled slightly as he looked squarely at Lorna. “How’s it unusual? Women’s wrestling’s been around since the late 1920’s and popular as hell in the 50’s and 60’s. We’re reviving the sport and doing it the way it was done then.”
Brandy was clearly unimpressed with Lorna. She pulled her chair close to Vincent and sat down. “What Vince is saying is that our style of wrestling is more realistic. We do more wrestling and less gymnastics.”
Lorna ignored Brandy’s comments and questioned Vincent about his background and how he’d come to be a wrestling promoter. He gave her a brief history. “The story’s really about Brandy and the other wrestlers.”
Before he could finish his thought Bridgette walked in. She stopped mid-step. “Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not!” Brandy was emphatic. “Grab a chair and stay. This’s Lorna, from Man’s World Magazine. She’s writing an article about women’s wrestling.”
Brandy looked at Lorna. “This way you’ll get a better perspective. After all, three sources should surely be better than one.”
Her pointed remark wasn’t lost on Lorna as she fidgeted in her chair.
Vincent continued to steer Lorna’s questions toward Brandy and Bridgette. Gradually Lorna questioned them more directly. Brandy grew impatient as Lorna rephrased the same question several times. “Maybe we can show you what we do. That’ll make it easier to understand. I have an extra suit if you’d like to change and give it a try?” Brandy’s smile was intimidating.
Lorna flashed a nervous smile. “No, thanks. I’ve seen some video of the matches. That was enough for me.” She stood up, straightened her dress and thanked Vincent for the interview. As an afterthought she thanked Brandy and Bridgette. She walked to the door. “I’ll send you a complimentary copy of the magazine when my article’s published. I think you’ll like it.” She closed the door, her heels clicking loudly as she walked down the hall.
Brandy growled. “That broad’s got more balls than a bearing factory! I was waiting for her to just go ahead and slither out of her dress completely.”
“At least she was smart enough not to get in the ring with you.” Bridgette smiled and shook her head.
Vincent laughed. “Oh c’mon, now. I’m sitting here with two sex goddesses and she really thought I was gonna notice her flirting?”
Brandy’s eyes widened. “Aw, baby, that’s sweet. But don’t tell me you didn’t notice her flirting.
You notice everything and that was a little hard to miss, even for a god damn blind man.”
“Okay, okay, enough about the barbie doll in the black dress. Would you gorgeous ladies like to accompany me to dinner?”
By the time dinner was finished, Brandy had regained her composure and spent the evening telling Bridgette about doing shows in Las Vegas. Bridgette was overjoyed. She’d never been there before and was excited. Vincent sipped on a cup of caffe corretto as he watched Bridgette and Brandy finish a second bottle of wine. He’d helped them drink the first bottle and they continued without him. Bridgette leaned over and whispered to Brandy. She stared at her friend and giggled. “Maybe you can get Vince to help you with your problem.”
Bridgette straightened in her chair and peered across the table at Vincent.
Vincent spoke. “Hey! What’d I do? I’m sitting here minding my own business.”
Brandy interrupted. “Bridgette wants to borrow my sex toy. She’s real horny and I suggested maybe you could help her. I mean a toy’s more fun with two playing.”
Vincent fidgeted slightly in his chair. He loved Brandy dearly and the threesome with her and Christi had been memorable. Sex with Brandy was always memorable, with or without another woman involved. But now he felt a flood of emotion as he suddenly recalled Tawny’s demise. The haunting similarity between her and Bridgette was still hard to reconcile. He was sure it was the same for Brandy. She just handled it differently. As he sat struggling to find a diplomatic response he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Perhaps I can be of some assistance?” It was Andrew.
A startled expression flashed across Vincent’s face. “Damn! You do have a way of appearing at the most opportune moment.”
Brandy smiled mischieviously. “Do all spirit guides have timing as precise as yours?”
Andrew smiled slightly. “Not necessarily. But then I have more experience than some.”
He turned and smiled at Bridgette. “And how are you m’lady? It’s been far too long since I last basked in the warmth of your smile.”
Vincent rolled his eyes and groaned. Bridgette smiled and extended her hand. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Andrew. You’ve been well?”
Brandy shook her head in amazement. “You two know each other?”
Bridgette nodded. “We met some time ago. We rode the train together.”
Andrew interjected. “Many people ride the Hitchcock Railway. More than you might imagine, my friends. But I digress. I’m simply here to enjoy Bridgette’s company for the evening if she’s agreeable?”
Bridgette beamed. “I’d like that Andrew. But it’s only fair to warn you. I’m in a dangerous mood tonight.”
Vincent grinned. “Well! Sounds like it’s your lucky night, Andrew.”
The friendly banter continued for a bit, then Andrew stood up, took Bridgette’s hand and bid Vincent and Brandy a good evening. Brandy grinned as she watched them walk to the door. “I’m pretty sure Andrew’s gonna have all he can handle tonight. “
Vincent smiled slowly and pulled Brandy close. “The hell with Andrew. You better worry about what you’ve got to handle tonight!”
Brandy chuckled. “Oh really? We’ll see who begs who for mercy.” She grabbed Vincent by the hand. “Can we just go home and have some drinks another time?”
“Oh, I’m pretty damn sure that can be arranged!”
A half hour later they arrived at their apartment. Vincent slammed the door shut with his foot as he slipped out of his jacket. Brandy turned and put her arms around his neck, kissing him pationately. Quivering with anticipation, she pulled him down onto the couch and they kissed and fondled each other with abandon. Clothing lay scattered on the floor and the sweet sound of arousal filled the air. Suddenly Brandy straightened up and peered intently at Vincent. “Do you think Lorna’s sexy?”
“Sweet Jesus, babe! Where’d that come from?” Vincent smiled slightly and pulled her close. “Lorna’s about the last god damn thing on my mind!”
Brandy wasn’t so easily deterred. “But you didn’t answer my question. Do you?”
“Not particularly. I told ya. I’m not especially attracted to petite women. And I’m damn sure not attracted to a woman who’s as into herself as Lorna is. Conceit is a real turn-off for me. And besides. I’m
crazy in love with you. Capice?” Before she could respond, Vincent kissed her passionately. “C’mon. Lets go to bed. After all, the queen of the ring needs somewhere better than a couch to make love on.”
“Mmmmm. You are a sweet-talkin’ man!” Brandy pulled him to his feet and led him to the bedroom. They fell into bed, a tangle of arms and legs as passion swept over them like a wave of warm sunshine. The sounds of lovemaking reverberated through the apartment.
The jangle of the telephone roused Brandy from a sound sleep. She sleepily answered as Vincent propped himself up in bed and lit a cigarette. The conversation ended and Brandy rolled over. “That was Denise, from the diner. She’s anxious to come down to the gym.”
“Huh! Well, I’ve gotta give her credit. She’s sure as hell eager. Nothin’ wrong with that.”
Brandy rolled off the bed. “C’mon, baby. Come shower with me.”
“Oh goody!” Vincent exclaimed.
“I said shower, silly. We don’t have time for fooling around, as much as I’d love to.”
After a quick shower and breakfast, Brandy and Vincent arrived at the gym. They were surprised to find they’d arrived before Andy. It was usually the other way around.
Brandy walked into the gym and peered into the ring. “Hey baby! Wanna help me scrub the mat down?”
Vincent smiled. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you give yourself a bit of a break and I’ll do the mat. You’ve got a heavy work-out schedule this afternoon.”
Brandy wrapped her arms around Vincent’s neck and pulled him close. “You really are spoiling me insufferably. You know that, don’t you?”
Before Vincent could answer, a voice from behind him interrupted. “Are you two at it again?” Andy grinned and shook his head. “Jesus! You two could make a fortune in amateur porn videos.”
“Ya think?” Vincent mugged an expression of surprise. “Damm it! Why in the hell didn’t I think of that?”
Brandy shook her head and smiled. “I’m gonna leave you two to plot the next great porn movie. I’ve gotta get a work-out schedule put together.”
The morning passed quickly and Vincent poked his head into the office. “You wanna go get some lunch, babe?”
“No, I’ll wait to eat until after work-outs, but you can bring me back a double expresso if you would?”
The diner was bustling with activity as Andy and Vincent arrived. They found an empty booth in the back and sat down. Andy lit a cigarette and exhaled loudly. “Vince, I’m tell’n ya. It’s a mistake to sign on for television programming. It’s gonna dilute the video market something fierce.”
Vincent peered into space, considering what his friend was saying. Andy had media savvy and there was no doubt he knew the wrestling business inside and out. Brandy had turned over much of the responsibility for the management of her career and business to him. He didn’t intend to make any mistakes if he could help it. Vincent took a swallow of coffee and looked at his friend. “You’re pretty sure about this, huh?”
“As sure as shit stinks! Just keep doin’ the shows and tape all of them. You said yourself that video sales are way up last quarter. The shows are bringing in enough net revenue to cover the production costs and pay the talent. Dammit, man. It’s as good as it gets, so don’t mess with success.”
The conversation continued through lunch as Andy and Vincent discussed the next show and the upcoming topless video shoot. Women’s wrestling was often referred to as the world’s sexiest sport. In reality it was a mixture of sport and entertainment. Brandy likened it to a magic act. A physically demanding magic act. Now she wanted to prove that it was possible to introduce an additional sensual edge to the matches by wrestling topless. A handful of cocktail lounges had tried the venue and it worked well, though the matches always featured untrained women who had no clue how to wrestle. It was mostly hairpulling and rolling around the ring. Brandy was sure she and her wrestlers could do better. But rather than deal with bar owners, she decided to do studio matches with no audience. It would be easier to insert crowd scenes after the actual taping took place.
Vincent and Andy returned to the gym. Brandy was in the ring working with Christi as several of the other women warmed up on the exercise mats layed against the wall. Denise stood outside the ring, intently watchiing every move Brandy and Christi made. She was an impressive looking woman. It was easy to see she’d been working out for quite awhile. Her muscles were well-defined, but not overly bulky. It was
what Brandy looked for in prospective talent. She preferred women who looked feminine. It was part of the personna necessary for a successful promotion. Brandy and Christi rolled to their feet and leaned against the ring ropes, struggling to catch their breath. They turned and grinned at Vincent and Andy. “Well?” Brandy asked. “What d’ya think of the new moves?”
“Dynooomite, doll!” It was Andy’s term of endearment for Brandy. No one else would have gotten away with calling her a doll. but Andy was special.
Vincent smiled. “It doesn’t get any better, babe.
Several weeks passed. The topless wrestling shoot went smoothly and the videos were an instant hit. The live shows were as popular as ever and it seemed to Vincent that life was as good as it could possibly be. Negotiations with the Las Vegas promoters had gone more smoothly than he expected and now he and Brandy were anxiously planning their journey to Sin City.
Denise was proving herself to be a superstar in the making. She had surprised everyone in the gym, including Vincent, with her natural talent for wrestling. She was at the gym every night, working out for hours and with whoever was with her at the time. Denise learned not only from Brandy, but from everyone she worked out with. She and Bridgette had worked out a routine good enough to earn her a place in the Las Vegas show. She was elated when she heard the news. “God! I can’t believe it!” She shrieked with glee as Brandy gave her the good news.
The evening work-outs concluded , Vincent and Brandy locked the gym doors and drove to the diner for a late-night dinner. Al, the diner’s owner was there when they arrived. “Hi you two! Hey! What’s this I hear you’re stealing my best waitress and taking her off to Las Vegas?”
Vincent grinned. “You heard right, Al. She’s on her way!”
“So when do you kids leave for Vegas?”
“I wish it was tomorrow!” Brandy was having trouble containing her excitement. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard getting ready for a show.”
Al nodded. “Well, if you look as you did in your last show here you’ll knock their socks off. You flying down?”
“No, I talked Vincent into driving. We’re gonna explore the California coastline on our way home.”
The conversation continued as Vincent and Brandy finished their meal. The hour was growing late and the demands of the day were settling over them both. They walked hand-in-hand up the steps and into the apartment. Moments later they lay together in bed. Vincent watched Brandy as she slept, her head resting on his chest. He quietly stubbed out his last cigarette of the day and drifted off to join his lover in her dreams.
Somewhere in the darkness he could here that strange, familiar sound. The train whistle in the distance signalled the arrival of the Hitchcock Railway. He and Brandy were standing on that familiar boarding platform where they’d been so many times before. The sleek, black locomotive pulling seven rail cars behind slowly pulled into view and came to a stop. Vincent smiled as he saw his old friend, Jensen, the train’s conductor, step down from the car and greet them. “It’s been too long a time since I last saw you two!”
“It has been far too long old friend.” Vincent and Brandy boarded and were soon transported away, disappearing into the darkness like ghosts on a silent wind. As sunrise washed over the horizon they arrived at Boiler Bay. It felt good to be home again. Truly home. Brandy and Vincent walked slowly up the hill and into the cabin. Andrew was seated at the table, a bittersweet smile on his face. He said nothing as he motioned them over. There were cups of steaming hot coffee sitting on the table awaiting them.
Brandy stared at Andrew, a quizzical expression on her face. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it Andrew?”
There was a long pause as Andrew gathered his thoughts. “There is no wrong or right in this circumstance. Only new directions. I am here to give you reassurance.”
Vincent shivered slightly. There was a cold chill slithering slowly down his spine. Andrew sensed Vincent’s apprehension. He reached out and took both his friends hands. “There is nothing to be cause for concern. You two are destined to spend many lifetimes together..... but there are significant changes, transitions, if you will, that are close at hand.”
