The Elephant Gate

Rose marched up the short flight of steps, determined to win this battle. She felt for the little girl in the stories who always was running after the strange boy. And, reviewing fan-sites, many people believed that there was something growing between the two. Her ideas did not include a full-fledged love relationship so much as an acknowledgment that the spark existed between them.

Once in the loft she pulled her laptop from the backpack and set it on the desk. Kevin walked past her and sat down. He could smell her clean scent, of sandalwood and some kind of flower, as she loomed over him, manipulating the wireless mouse as she opened up the appropriate file.

"Here it is. Just read it first and then we'll talk." She straightened up and moved away, and Kevin felt the loss as the scent drifted away. His eyes followed her for a moment before he determinedly stared at the screen. He gradually became absorbed in her tale.

Rose absently wandered around the loft, trying to look at anything but him. She walked along the loft balcony, occasionally touching one of the elephants. The car collection caught her eye, and she went over to admire it. Then she saw the bedraggled stuffed animal. What was this? She picked it up, and felt the weight of an object inside.

When she turned around to ask him, her heart melted a little. He sat with his chin on his hands, looking like a little boy as his eyes darted across the screen. She put the elephant back in its place without saying anything, loathed to distract him. It also gave her a chance to observe him further.

She wasn't used to long hair on a man, but she had to admit it suited him. It helped tame the natural wave a bit, although it was still rebellious. After reading his books, she was surprised at the depth and realism of the characters, especially given his young age when he wrote them. Where had he gained such experience?

He finally sat back from her computer. "I'll admit it's good. And you're right, the romance is understated. I was afraid it would be the main story-line. Good job."

Those words warmed her heart, spare as they were. "Thank you. I'm sure we will be able to work well during the production." She slid the laptop towards her and stashed in away in the backpack.

"Since you approve, I feel better about this. I have several errands I need to run, so I'll leave you now."

She slung the backpack over her shoulder, gave him an airy wave, and headed back downstairs towards the door.

"Wait" He called out. He managed to catch her just before she reached the front door. She looked at him inquiringly. "Can I get your cell number?" Inwardly he died at this cliched phrase, but outwardly he remained friendly and calm. "And your email address. That way, if anything comes up, um, regarding the production before everything is finalized, we can contact each other."

She gave him a full on smile, and he almost reeled at the brightness of it. She reached into a small pocket on the side of the backpack and handed him a small embossed card. "Here's all my contact info, if you need to contact me. Ciao!" She opened the door, and was gone like a brief gust of wind.

He stood in front of the door and watched her climb into that big vehicle, his thumb rubbing the raised lettering of her name.

* * *

"Everything is signed and official, Kevin. The production of the series will begin at the end of next month, once casting has been completed. I spoke to Rose, who said you approved her treatment?"

Kevin scowled at the phone before putting it back to his ear. "Yeah, I read it and it sounded okay. But I still want to be in on the actual filming."

Anne laughed, her speaker phone given it a tinny sound. "Relax. As soon as I receive the schedule, including script readings, I'll email it to you. In the meantime, what do you plan to do? Have you thought about your next manuscript yet?"

Kevin shrugged, even though his publisher couldn't see it. "Not really. I'm thinking about visiting my mother in Florida for a couple of weeks. It's been a while since we've seen each other. And I'd like to go someplace warm." He had another, deeper reason to go there, but he wanted to keep it a secret for now.

"Alright, stay in touch, then, and if anything comes up, I'll let you know. Have fun, okay?" The line disconnected.