Chapter Fifty-one, California Nights
Posted by DiF on Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Fifty-one, California Nights
Rating: PG-13 [language, drugs, sadness]
Summary: Jimmy tries to figure out what to do now that he's in California. Summer and Cameron spend time being normal teenagers. But will it last?
Rating: PG-13 [language, drugs, sadness]
Summary: Jimmy tries to figure out what to do now that he's in California. Summer and Cameron spend time being normal teenagers. But will it last?
Years. It felt like it had been years since he saw a Californian sunset. There was something magical about watching the golden orb kiss the dark waters. He could sit there for hours, sipping Jack and watching the waves lap at the sandy beach not far from the Malibu beach house. Once the sun set, the moon would cast her silver light upon the waves, giving the night an even more ethereal glow. And then he would truly feel alive again, imbued with the light and magic of the moon.
Tipping back the last of the whiskey in his glass, Jimmy stood and stepped into the beach house. Robert lay half-asleep on the couch, the television proselytizing about something or other. A change of scenery had not seemed to help the singer as much as Jimmy had hoped. Neither had the sun – not that Robert spent much time anywhere but on the couch. Pouring himself another drink, Jimmy shook his head. This was not how things were supposed to be, not at all.
With a full glass of Jack, he returned to his seat on the back patio, sitting as the sun slipped beyond the horizon. Letting the ice cubes caress the amber liquor as he swirled the glass, Jimmy turned his options over in his mind once more. He could continue focusing on other business matters, like the new stack of papers underneath a seashell on the side table next to him. Or perhaps it was time to be proactive. Perhaps... perhaps it was time to do what he brought Robert back to California for: Summer.
While they had been in California for five days, they had yet to seek out the girl with flowers in her hair. Had anyone asked the dark guitarist, he would instantly deny he was stalling in order to keep the reunion from happening. He merely wanted to re-connect with her once they were both in better condition, better spirits. It would do no good to show up on Joni's front step with jet lag in their eyes.
At least that was what he was telling himself.
Besides, Robert knew Summer was in California and he had yet to ask when they were going to see her. It was not all entirely Jimmy's responsibility to initiate reconnecting with Summer. Robert could try too.
Taking a sip of his now chilled Jack Daniels, Jimmy shook his head. He knew better. Robert was practically catatonic. Summer was the only one who was going to get through to him. Jimmy would have to let go of his reservations and do what needed to be done. Sighing again, Jimmy slammed back the rest of his drink and got to his feet. It was now or never.
Jimmy returned to the house, picked up the phone, and pulled it back out to the patio. Deciding he needed a drink in order to do this, he refilled his whiskey glass before settling back into his chair, the patio door closed. He did not really think Robert would listen in, but if Summer did not agree to meet with them, it would be easier to break it to the singer – or keep it from him – if he had not heard the phone call.
Lighting a cigarette, Jimmy smirked at himself. He was still stalling. What was he really afraid of? Summer surely would not choose Robert over him, at least not in the long run. Taking another drag on his cigarette, Jimmy dialed Joni's number, not even considering the time.
It rang thrice before a familiar soft voice answered, “Good evening, Joni. May I speak to Summer?”
“Jimmy? Summer isn't here.”
“Where is she?”
“This is the first time you have called in weeks. I don't really think it's really any of your business where she is.”
“I understand how my lack of ringing could be construed as –”
“Devastating? Because that is how it left her feeling. I am not of the mind to let you speak to her at all.”
He sighed, “I understand how protective you are of her, Joni. That is precisely why I thought staying with you was what she needed. Dealing with Robert's injuries as well as other band affairs have taken me longer than I anticipated. But I am in California now. I would like to come and get Summer.”
“She is not just a toy you can pick up and play with any time you wish, Page.”
Jimmy flinched at the tone of her voice, “When will she return? I will call back then.”
“I don't know. She is out with Cameron, doing whatever kids their age do.”
His heart stopped, “Cameron? Cameron Crowe?”
“Yes. He's here whenever he has the chance. He adores Summer. I think she is quite fond of him too.”
“I see. Well I will call again in a few hours as the sun has set so surely she will return home soon.”
Joni laughed, “Sure, Jimmy. You can believe that.”
Shaking his head, he finally dropped the phone on the receptacle. Had he waited too long? Had he really lost her to a tall, goofy teenage boy. Downing the rest of his drink, Jimmy practically snarled. No one was taking Summer from him, especially not that teenager.
Fueled with Jack Daniels and determination, Jimmy stood and returned the phone to the house. Had Robert been more... himself, Jimmy may have asked his opinion. As it were, he would have to win her back completely on his own. No teenager was going to best him. Ever.
Soft brown eyes watched as she trailed through the garden, her fingertips dragging over the plants. Every few feet, the young woman paused and glanced over her shoulder, making sure he was following. Seeing the sparkle return to her eyes and happiness curve her lips, Cameron instantly knew declining another job was the correct decision. Since burying her doll on that early rainy October evening, she had rebounded remarkably. By his count, it had been eight days since she broke down crying. That was worth everything.
“Cameron?” she stopped, turning to face him.
Taking a few more steps, he also stopped, “Yes?”
“Today was fun,” Summer declared. “I really like going to the zoo.”
“Eventually we'll go down to San Diego. That one is even better,” he stated.
“Really?” her eyes brightened.
“Really,” Cameron nodded, motioning to the swing.
With a grin, she quickly sat down. Stepping up behind her, he gently started to push her. Her soft giggles quickly filled the night air, making him smile even more. She wiggled on the seat while he pushed, causing her to twirl slightly. After a few minutes of that, Summer slipped off the swing and spun around to him. She threw her arms around his neck. Chuckling, he hugged her and spun around slightly. As their eyes met, she leaned forward but Cameron released her.
“It's a clear night. Let's watch the stars. I'll go grab a blanket,” he quickly suggested.
Before she could respond, he pulled away and trotted up to the house. Feeling a bit confused, as they had spent all day going places in Los Angeles she had never gone before. They had giggled through a movie, lunched at a hip cafe in Venice, purchased a handful of scarves on the boardwalk, walked the pier in Santa Monica, before ending the day out of the Canyon with a ride on the carousel before a corn dog and ice cream. He had been sweet and attentive all day, but now that they were back in Joni's backyard, he was being distant. Had she done something wrong?
Stepping into the house, Cameron glanced around for the large quilt they usually used in the backyard. Plucking it off the back of the sofa, he turned to return to Summer. Before he neared the patio door, Joni's voice called out to him softly. Slightly grimacing, he turned and headed towards the kitchen where the songstress sat.
“Yeah?”
“Jimmy called earlier,” she stated, sipping tea.
He tried to hide his emotional reaction, “Oh yeah?”
“He was looking for Summer,” Joni said. “He will probably keep calling until he speaks to her.”
Cameron shrugged, “So?”
“You're not worried about him?”
“Why would I be?”
Her eyebrows arched, gaze focusing on the blanket draped over his arm, “Where are you going with that blanket?”
He smiled slightly, “Stargazing.”
“And you're not worried about Jimmy?”
Cameron stared at her blankly, “No.”
“Well you can't say I didn't warn you,” she winked before sipping her tea again.
“...thanks,” he muttered before turning and heading back out to the garden.
Finding Summer still sitting on the swing, Cameron spread out the blanket on the grass. Before she slipped off the swing, he hopped over to her side. Meeting her eyes, he smiled, leaned down, and kissed her quickly. Both teenagers blushed at the action. Summer grinned, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him again. Smiling, Cameron pulled her off the swing. As her toes touched the grass, his fingers laced in hers and he led her over to the blanket.
The two teenagers laid on the blanket, side-by-side. Cameron casually pointed out things in the sky, telling Summer the mythologies behind each one. A few times she called his bluff, not thinking everything he said could possibly have been a true story. Pausing to explain exactly what a Classical myth was, Cameron kissed her nose before continuing the stories of the stars.
As the temperature continued to dip, Summer shifted closer to Cameron. His words fell silent as she turned on her side and snuggled against him. With her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder, Summer's fingertips danced up and down his arm a few times before wandering across his chest. She traced down the center of his chest, ever so slowly inching slower.
Cameron's breath caught as her fingers reached his navel. His heart began to race. All his body's cells were vibrating, coming alive. A tiny voice in the back of his head warned him to stop her, to slam his hand over hers. Yet he quickly and easily dismissed the disruptive thoughts because... why should he stop her? She was no longer Jimmy's. She definitely was not Robert's. If Summer wanted this, he would not fight her.
With a smile, Summer tipped her head slightly and kissed his ear. As she nibbled and gently sucked, Cameron groaned ever so softly. Her fingers crept lower, teasing his navel through his shirt. He held his breath, eyes glancing down as her fingers stopped just short of touching the top button of his jeans.
“Summer,” he breathed, “you don't...”
Pressing up slightly, her lips touched his. Saying nothing in response, her hand slipped into his jeans. He gasped as she groped him, gently rubbing the soft cotton over his thickening cock. Her tongue slipped between his lips, deepening the kiss and inviting Cameron to touch her as well. His hands erratically rubbed her back with little purpose or direction.
“Summer,” he groaned, “you should...”
“Okay,” she muttered, kissed him deeply again, and pushed up on her knees.
He gasped as she unfastened his jeans. His eyes widened and his hand slammed over hers as her fingers curled over the waistband of his shorts. Her sapphire eyes snapped up to his.
Cameron pulled her hand away, “No. That's not what I meant.”
“But don't you...”
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently, “When... if we are ever ready, then yes, of course.”
“I'm ready,” Summer declared.
“I don't know that you are.”
“I am,” she pulled her hand free and slipped it into his shorts. “So are you.”
He groaned, covering her hand again, “Summer, are you really sure about this? I don't want you to think you need to do this...”
“I want to,” her fingers wiggled against his warm flesh.
“Summer,” his fingers tightened, trying to keep her from stroking him, “we don't have to.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Grateful that the darkness hid the the pained look he was certain was on his face, Cameron uttered, “Yes.”
Her hand quickly snapped out and she rolled away. Taking a few deep breaths as he refastened his pants, Cameron tried to silence his body's reaction from her touches. He did not mean to hurt her and really hoped she would understand that. He was not going to take advantage of her, ever. He was not going to be like Jimmy and Robert. He would treat her with the utmost respect and never ever let her doubt that. Starting that night.
“Summer?” he gently reached out for her.
The young woman got to her feet, “I'm going to bed.”
“Summer, please,” he stood as well, quickly grabbing the blanket.
“Am I not good enough for you? Am I not pretty enough? Do I not kiss you right? Am I–”
Cameron grabbed her, spun her to face him, and quickly kissed her, “You are good enough for me. In fact, you are too good for me. I am never going to take advantage of you, of our friendship. You are my very best friend, Summer. You are too good for me and I am never going to forget that.”
Her eyes searched his briefly before she muttered, “Good night, Cameron.
Walking through the flower market, Jimmy was beginning to fret. Nothing spoke to him at all, likely because the focus of all the flowers seemed to be whether or not they looked good with pumpkins. He understood it was autumn, almost Halloween, but this was just ridiculous. He just wanted a nice, classy bouquet to bring to Summer. Not finding anything acceptable, he approached the counter.
“Excuse me,” he spoke up. “I am looking for something to bring to my girlfriend.”
“We have a special on yellow mums right now,” the girl declared.
“Yes, well... I want something really classy, not really inexpensive,” he stated.
“Um... roses?”
While he did not really want something as droll as roses, the alternative was even less appealing, “Very well. Two dozen long-stem red roses.”
Writing down his order, the clerk repeated it out loud before asking when he needed it by.
“Make it four dozen. And right away. I am heading to her house directly from here.”
The girl nodded and disappeared momentarily. When she returned without roses and with a frown, Jimmy instantly knew this was not going in his favor at all.
“Sir, we only have two dozen long stems. If you want standard stems, then I can–”
“Two dozen is fine,” he sighed.
She nodded again, “I will be right back with those.”
Seated in the back of the car with the roses much longer than he planned to be, Jimmy instructed his driver to head to Joni's house. He had not phoned the songstress to warn her of his impending arrival, as that could potentially ruin the surprise for Summer. There were would be no more allowances permitted in his plan to win back Summer. Everything else would go flawlessly, especially if he had anything to say about it.
As the vehicle pulled up in front of the small bohemian house in Laurel Canyon, Jimmy took a deep breath and a quick snort. His driver opened the door. Arms full of roses, the guitarist headed up to the door. He quickly ran his free hand through his hair before knocking. With no immediate answer, he knocked again. Still no answer, his fingers reached for the doorknob, hoping perhaps it was unlocked and the women in the yard, unable to hear his knocking.
The door was locked.
With a sigh, he turned and headed back to the car. Barely muttering anything to his driver, Jimmy climbed back into the car, tossing the roses onto the empty seat next to him. He rubbed his face as the car pulled away from Joni's Lookout Mountain house. The day was not going well at all, whatsoever. He was going to have to rethink things. Winning back Summer, rescuing his princess, was not as simple as he expected. He needed to come up with something mind-blowing, something... magical.
Stuck in traffic on the return to Malibu, Jimmy sucked on a cigarette while turning ideas over in his mind. His thoughts kept circling back to magic. Clearly he would not cast a spell to bring her back to him; spells of that sort always backfired. But he needed to bring the magic to her life. He needed to completely sweep her off her feet.
He needed a horse-drawn carriage. In Los Angeles. It would be difficult, but not impossible. He hoped.
Standing in line for a hot dog in Beverly Hills, Summer swung their clasped hands. With a grin on his face, Cameron leaned over and quickly kissed her cheek. She flushed and giggled, stepping forward in the line. Before long, the pair sat in the dining area, giggling over hot dogs. Cameron suddenly stopped, his gaze focused at someone who just sat behind Summer.
“What?” she asked.
“You're not going to believe who is sitting behind you,” Cameron muttered softly.
Summer quickly glanced over her shoulder, “Who?”
“Jack Nicholson,” he responded.
“Who?” she turned again. “Which guy is he?”
“Summer!” Cameron admonished softly.
“What?” her eyes returned to him.
“He's a very talented actor,” he explained.
“And?”
“Oh nevermind. I'll tell you later,” he mumbled.
Not about to leave it be, Summer got to her feet and headed to the table behind theirs. Without pause, she introduced herself to the two men seated there. A moment later, she waved Cameron over and sat down. Awkwardly he joined the three, very aware that the actor was flirting heavily with the blonde girl. Though she did not seem to mind it, Cameron wiggled in the chair until he could no longer stand it.
Quickly leaning over, Cameron publicly kissed Summer, making her eyes widen briefly. While she smiled, he blushed, but kissed her again. It was enough to completely sideline her conversation with Jack. A few minutes later, the two teenagers left Pink's, heading back to Cameron's car.
“Where are we going now?” she asked as he unlocked the passenger door.
“Where would you like to go?”
Summer shrugged, “I don't know. Where else should we go?”
“Hmmmm,” he quickly turned over thoughts in his mind. “Want to go see the stars?”
“We saw the stars last night,” she stated. “And it's light out now.”
Cameron chuckled, “The Hollywood Walk of Fame...”
Summer stared at him blankly.
Shaking his head, he quickly kissed her nose, “I will take you to see the stars then.”
Half an hour later, Cameron led her down Vine Street, pausing at each star to explain who they were and how they were significant to the Hollywood crowd. Though half the things he spoke of, Summer was completely unaware of, she loved the light in his eyes and was enjoying practicing her reading skills.