(no subject)
MATTERS OF THE HEART
Chapter 54
Pierce was in deep thought for most of his flight to LA. He had a bad feeling about things. This just wasn’t a minor fall out which could be patched up with a marathon love making session. He was concerned that he had just let her walk out, with him not making any attempt to stop her, and it worried him. He knew she was paranoid about her private life being scutinised and that would never change and he could understand it,, but she had to realise that her popularity had soared over the last few years and everyone wanted a piece of her and she needed to get used to it, although he doubted if she ever would. He was in no doubt that he was deeply in love with her, but something was niggling him and he didn’t know what to do about it. This break from each other, he hoped would be good for both of them. A chance for them both to analise their relationship and move forward. He was really looking forward to seeing his boys, but Keeley was a different matter, and he wondered, if it had been her who had blabbed to the media. He really hoped it hadn’t been.
Meryl meanwhile, had been sitting alone in their apartment going over the last few days and in particular her immature behaviour which had caused this rift between them. She had to do something to put things right between herself and Pierce and hoped that this break would result in them getting things back on track. She wished she didn’t have so many talk shows and press interviews, and she had to fit a trip to London in for the Nation Film Awards. Then back again to the UK for the BAFTA 'Life In Pictures" thing. Even if she hated award ceremonies, she always attended when she was nominated and even if she wanted to, she couldn’t back out at this late stage. Thank heavens she had a few weeks off before it all started again for ‘Doubt’. Time to reflect on the last few days. She just wished there was somebody she could talk to. The girls were busy and her best friend was out of the country for a few months, so essentially, she was all alone. Then there was Don. Several times she had thought of calling him since she got home but had stopped herself. There wasn’t any more he could say that he hadn’t said before. She desparately wanted to speak to Pierce, get him to come home so they could talk things through, but she knew how stubborn he could be. Once his mind was made up there was no going back and besides, he would be halfway to LA now anyway. Well she would put on a brave face and show the world that she didn’t give a fuck! She was Meryl Streep wasn’t she? The greatest living actress!, A term she hated hearing, but nevertheless, she would act her way through the next few weeks. She called her publicist and arranged to meet for lunch the following day.
Now sitting in the small secluded restaurant in Soho, Meryl was explaining it all to Lesley. “So you see Lesley, you have to ensure that none of them bring up the subject of Pierce, especially Letterman, you know what he can be like. These talk show appearances are merely to promote the movie, pure and simple.” “I’m on it Meryl,” replied Lesley, busy making notes. “I mean it Lesley. If any of them mention anything about Pierce, I’ll get up and walk away,” said Meryl. Lesley looked up in surprise. She couldn’t imagine Meryl ever walking away from a live TV show, she was far too professional to do anything like that. “I got it Meryl. I’ll sort it. You’ve nothing to worry about,” stated Lesley.
They finished lunch and after saying their goodbyes, Meryl decided to walk back home. She donned her sunglasses and the baseball cap she kept in her handbag, and was thankful she has decided to wear a pair of flat pumps. She wandered around parts of Soho she had never been to before. She found quirky little shops she never knew existed, found a café where she sat outside and sipped a cup of herbal tea and she thought long and hard about her life and what she really wanted. It all boiled down to one thing. Pierce! She wanted Pierce! She would get on with promoting Doubt and the talk shows and stuff and afterwards, before her next movie, she would take time to think about getting him back.
Pierce was in LA and was with his boys in Burger King. Keeley had been quite relaxed with him taking the boys all the time, due to the fact that she had gotten herself a new man and was heavily involved with him at the moment. The first throws of love and all that goes with it. Pierce was glad she had at last found somebody who she had clicked with and he was good with the boys. Pierce and Dennis, the new man, had had a lengthy chat with Pierce making it known from the start that he would never take his place as a father and Dennis had assured him that he had no intentions. Once they had got that bit out of the way, they found they had a lot in common and much to Pierce's annoyance he found himself liking the man. Everyday he had to stop himself from calling Meryl. He missed her like crazy but he knew he was doing the right thing. A long break! But it didn't stop him loving her. He would never stop loving her.
4 Weeks Later
Meryl was in the UK at the 'Doubt' premiere with Amy Adams and Viola Davies. It was a whistle stop tour, only for a few days, where she also had to fit in her BAFTA talkshow. She had hardly had time to breathe, as she was pushed here and taken there, and interviewed and photographed. However, she thought about Pierce every waking minute and decided, once she was back in NYC she would call him. She couldn't stand the silence any longer. For the first time in her career, she was the centre of attention. Every studio wanted her in their movies and she had thought long and hard and had come to the conclusion that she would go with it. Why not? Time to break the habits of a lifetime. The kids were grown and gone their separate ways. She didn't need to protect them so much anymore. She would be 60 years old next year and they all wanted her, she should be flattered, and she was. She just wasn't used to all the media attention. How many times had she spoken out about all the younger actresses getting all the best parts, and now here she was being offered parts on a plate. She loved acting, it was her life and if she had to take all the media hype that went with it, then she would put up and shut up.
Now she had made up her mind, she couldn't wait to get back to the US. She had 3 months off until filming began on 'It's Complicated' apart from a few charity events here and there, and she would use that time to win back Pierce.
Pierce had been following events surrounding the premieres of 'Doubt', both in the US and the UK since he had arrived in LA. He was upset that she hadn't contacted him while she was in LA promoting the movie, but he couldn't blame her. He had told her not to. It took such an effort to paste a smile on his face every time he left his apartment and if it wasn't for Paris and Dylan he would have been a wreck. They had kept him going. Now, in his office, he was checking his diary. He would be in NYC a day before Meryl arrived back. A plan was beginning to form in his mind. He made a few calls and then left to go and pick up the boys.
Meryl was airbourne on her flight back to JFK. She was shattered after the last few days and just wanted to get home and sleep for a week. In fact she slept for most of the flight, only waking when the captain announced their descent into the airport.
Lesley was there to meet her and ushered her outside to her waiting car. "So! How was it?" asked Lesley. "Tiring! I just want to get home and go straight to bed," answered Meryl, stifling a yawn. "Please don't tell me I have a million places to go and a million people to see. That's the last thing I want or need at the moment." "No, the diary is free until after Christmas." answered Lesley. "That's good, see that it stays that way would you. I just want to do normal things until the new year." said Meryl. "I'm too old for all this," she joked. Lesley laughed with her. "Come on Meryl, you have more stamina than most people and you know it. i don't know how you do it. I get tired just watching you," Meryl chuckled. Soon they arrived at the apartment. The driver kindly took Meryl's bags up for her and deposited them at the door. She thanked him and let herself in. She breathed in that familiar smell of home and something else she couldn't quite recognise and reached for the light switch. As the room was bathed in light she gasped at what she saw before her. The whole hallway was full of red roses. She stepped into the living room and it was the same. Bouquet after bouquet. "Pierce!" she said out loud. "Who else would do something like this?" She smiled and her heart leapt. She noticed a white envelope on the table and opened it. Inside was a simple white piece of paper with the words "I miss you, call me" written on it, in his hand writing. He had obviously been here and obviously today. She was overwhelmed and started to sob. A mixture of tiredness, happiness, sadness, a whole jumble of emotions. She poured herself a large vodka and took her iPhone out of her purse. She scrolled down to Pierce and debated whether to text him or call him. She decided on the former. "Thank you for the beautiful flowers, I miss you too" and hit send. Seconds later he replied. "How are you? How was London?" She replied "I'm fine, tired, London ok!" "I'm in NYC can we meet?" he text. Meryl's heart was all of a flutter. He wanted to meet. "Yes, if that is what you want," she replied. Ever mindful of the fact that it was he who wanted this break and now he wanted to meet up. "Ok Central Park, by the lake, tomorrow around noon! Ok?" he text. "Ok, see you then," she replied. She switched of her phone. He wanted to meet! Tomorrow! Oh my God! Then reality kicked in. He only wanted to meet. It didn't mean anything, but then there were the flowers so it must mean something. All sorts of questions were running around in her head until eventually she felt it would explode. She drained the glass of vodka and started unpacking until she could hardly see with tiredness so decided an early night was in order. She needed to be fresh and alert for her date tomorrow.
Slowly coming around the following day, Meryl glanced at her alarm clock. She shot up in bed. it was 10 am. she had slept for almost 12 hours. She remembered she was meeting Pierce later and quickly got out of bed and went to put on the coffee, before taking a shower while it brewed. She dressed in jeans, tshirt and thick cardigan as winter was well and truly here in NYC. After drinking 3 cups of coffee, she brushed her teeth, combed her hair and put on her thick coat, woolly hat, scarf and gloves and her shades and left for her date. The subway was packed, mostly with tourists who were here to see the Christmas lights and nobody recognised her in her attire. She was early so decided to wander around 5th Avenue window shopping. Her nerves were kicking in and she was dying to light a cigarette but decided against it.
She made her way to Central Park and the lake. She could feel her heart beating against her chest. She was so nervous and apprehensive. This was the man she loved, the love of her life and she felt as though she was going on a first date. As she approached the lake she saw him, sitting on a bench. Her heart lurched with love for him. She stood for a while just staring at him.
Pierce sensed he was being watched and looked around him. Then he saw her. He wanted to run and pick her up and crush her to him, but he didn't. Instead he got up and walked towards her. She began walking towards him. They stopped, inches away from each other. "Hi Meryl!" he said, kissing her on the cheek. "You look well." "You too Pierce!" she answered. He looked more than well, she thought to herself. He looked incredible. The California sun made him look so damn sexy. "Let's walk shall we?" suggested Pierce. She fell into step beside him. "So how have you really been Meryl?" asked Pierce. "I'm fine. I have done a lot of thinking these past weeks. I am happy that my career has been the best it has ever been and I realise I have to take the good with the bad. It's part of the job and I know everybody wants a peace of me and I have to get used to that. If I had left Don for somebody not in this business things would be much different, but they aren't. I fell in love with an fellow actor and it is not fair of me to dictate how we deal with the attention. i was selfish and didn't give a thought to how you felt. I should have talked to you and I am so sorry I behaved the way I did. It has been hell without you Pierce." Pierce put his arm around her and hugged her to him. "Believe me Meryl, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Walking away! It has been hell for me too! We have to talk to each other, be honest about everything, no bottling things up. We talk through anything that is bothering us. If we have a future together that is what we have to do!" said Pierce. "So! How about we start over beginning with me taking you out on a date. Dinner this evening?" "Dinner would be lovely Pierce." answered Meryl. "Ok it's a date. I'll pick you up at 7 on the dot. How does that sound?" asked Pierce. To Meryl, it sounded like all her birthdays had come at once. "That would be lovely Pierce. I'll look forward to it."
They went their separate ways, each looking forward to the evening ahead, each feeling very optimistic about the future............
Hi Guys, so, so sorry for taking so long to update, what with Christmas and my Dad being ill and then me being ill, I just haven't had the motivation or the inclination to do anything until now. So, here is the latest chapter. Please comment as it will spur me on to write a lot more often.
Chapter 54
Pierce was in deep thought for most of his flight to LA. He had a bad feeling about things. This just wasn’t a minor fall out which could be patched up with a marathon love making session. He was concerned that he had just let her walk out, with him not making any attempt to stop her, and it worried him. He knew she was paranoid about her private life being scutinised and that would never change and he could understand it,, but she had to realise that her popularity had soared over the last few years and everyone wanted a piece of her and she needed to get used to it, although he doubted if she ever would. He was in no doubt that he was deeply in love with her, but something was niggling him and he didn’t know what to do about it. This break from each other, he hoped would be good for both of them. A chance for them both to analise their relationship and move forward. He was really looking forward to seeing his boys, but Keeley was a different matter, and he wondered, if it had been her who had blabbed to the media. He really hoped it hadn’t been.
Meryl meanwhile, had been sitting alone in their apartment going over the last few days and in particular her immature behaviour which had caused this rift between them. She had to do something to put things right between herself and Pierce and hoped that this break would result in them getting things back on track. She wished she didn’t have so many talk shows and press interviews, and she had to fit a trip to London in for the Nation Film Awards. Then back again to the UK for the BAFTA 'Life In Pictures" thing. Even if she hated award ceremonies, she always attended when she was nominated and even if she wanted to, she couldn’t back out at this late stage. Thank heavens she had a few weeks off before it all started again for ‘Doubt’. Time to reflect on the last few days. She just wished there was somebody she could talk to. The girls were busy and her best friend was out of the country for a few months, so essentially, she was all alone. Then there was Don. Several times she had thought of calling him since she got home but had stopped herself. There wasn’t any more he could say that he hadn’t said before. She desparately wanted to speak to Pierce, get him to come home so they could talk things through, but she knew how stubborn he could be. Once his mind was made up there was no going back and besides, he would be halfway to LA now anyway. Well she would put on a brave face and show the world that she didn’t give a fuck! She was Meryl Streep wasn’t she? The greatest living actress!, A term she hated hearing, but nevertheless, she would act her way through the next few weeks. She called her publicist and arranged to meet for lunch the following day.
Now sitting in the small secluded restaurant in Soho, Meryl was explaining it all to Lesley. “So you see Lesley, you have to ensure that none of them bring up the subject of Pierce, especially Letterman, you know what he can be like. These talk show appearances are merely to promote the movie, pure and simple.” “I’m on it Meryl,” replied Lesley, busy making notes. “I mean it Lesley. If any of them mention anything about Pierce, I’ll get up and walk away,” said Meryl. Lesley looked up in surprise. She couldn’t imagine Meryl ever walking away from a live TV show, she was far too professional to do anything like that. “I got it Meryl. I’ll sort it. You’ve nothing to worry about,” stated Lesley.
They finished lunch and after saying their goodbyes, Meryl decided to walk back home. She donned her sunglasses and the baseball cap she kept in her handbag, and was thankful she has decided to wear a pair of flat pumps. She wandered around parts of Soho she had never been to before. She found quirky little shops she never knew existed, found a café where she sat outside and sipped a cup of herbal tea and she thought long and hard about her life and what she really wanted. It all boiled down to one thing. Pierce! She wanted Pierce! She would get on with promoting Doubt and the talk shows and stuff and afterwards, before her next movie, she would take time to think about getting him back.
Pierce was in LA and was with his boys in Burger King. Keeley had been quite relaxed with him taking the boys all the time, due to the fact that she had gotten herself a new man and was heavily involved with him at the moment. The first throws of love and all that goes with it. Pierce was glad she had at last found somebody who she had clicked with and he was good with the boys. Pierce and Dennis, the new man, had had a lengthy chat with Pierce making it known from the start that he would never take his place as a father and Dennis had assured him that he had no intentions. Once they had got that bit out of the way, they found they had a lot in common and much to Pierce's annoyance he found himself liking the man. Everyday he had to stop himself from calling Meryl. He missed her like crazy but he knew he was doing the right thing. A long break! But it didn't stop him loving her. He would never stop loving her.
4 Weeks Later
Meryl was in the UK at the 'Doubt' premiere with Amy Adams and Viola Davies. It was a whistle stop tour, only for a few days, where she also had to fit in her BAFTA talkshow. She had hardly had time to breathe, as she was pushed here and taken there, and interviewed and photographed. However, she thought about Pierce every waking minute and decided, once she was back in NYC she would call him. She couldn't stand the silence any longer. For the first time in her career, she was the centre of attention. Every studio wanted her in their movies and she had thought long and hard and had come to the conclusion that she would go with it. Why not? Time to break the habits of a lifetime. The kids were grown and gone their separate ways. She didn't need to protect them so much anymore. She would be 60 years old next year and they all wanted her, she should be flattered, and she was. She just wasn't used to all the media attention. How many times had she spoken out about all the younger actresses getting all the best parts, and now here she was being offered parts on a plate. She loved acting, it was her life and if she had to take all the media hype that went with it, then she would put up and shut up.
Now she had made up her mind, she couldn't wait to get back to the US. She had 3 months off until filming began on 'It's Complicated' apart from a few charity events here and there, and she would use that time to win back Pierce.
Pierce had been following events surrounding the premieres of 'Doubt', both in the US and the UK since he had arrived in LA. He was upset that she hadn't contacted him while she was in LA promoting the movie, but he couldn't blame her. He had told her not to. It took such an effort to paste a smile on his face every time he left his apartment and if it wasn't for Paris and Dylan he would have been a wreck. They had kept him going. Now, in his office, he was checking his diary. He would be in NYC a day before Meryl arrived back. A plan was beginning to form in his mind. He made a few calls and then left to go and pick up the boys.
Meryl was airbourne on her flight back to JFK. She was shattered after the last few days and just wanted to get home and sleep for a week. In fact she slept for most of the flight, only waking when the captain announced their descent into the airport.
Lesley was there to meet her and ushered her outside to her waiting car. "So! How was it?" asked Lesley. "Tiring! I just want to get home and go straight to bed," answered Meryl, stifling a yawn. "Please don't tell me I have a million places to go and a million people to see. That's the last thing I want or need at the moment." "No, the diary is free until after Christmas." answered Lesley. "That's good, see that it stays that way would you. I just want to do normal things until the new year." said Meryl. "I'm too old for all this," she joked. Lesley laughed with her. "Come on Meryl, you have more stamina than most people and you know it. i don't know how you do it. I get tired just watching you," Meryl chuckled. Soon they arrived at the apartment. The driver kindly took Meryl's bags up for her and deposited them at the door. She thanked him and let herself in. She breathed in that familiar smell of home and something else she couldn't quite recognise and reached for the light switch. As the room was bathed in light she gasped at what she saw before her. The whole hallway was full of red roses. She stepped into the living room and it was the same. Bouquet after bouquet. "Pierce!" she said out loud. "Who else would do something like this?" She smiled and her heart leapt. She noticed a white envelope on the table and opened it. Inside was a simple white piece of paper with the words "I miss you, call me" written on it, in his hand writing. He had obviously been here and obviously today. She was overwhelmed and started to sob. A mixture of tiredness, happiness, sadness, a whole jumble of emotions. She poured herself a large vodka and took her iPhone out of her purse. She scrolled down to Pierce and debated whether to text him or call him. She decided on the former. "Thank you for the beautiful flowers, I miss you too" and hit send. Seconds later he replied. "How are you? How was London?" She replied "I'm fine, tired, London ok!" "I'm in NYC can we meet?" he text. Meryl's heart was all of a flutter. He wanted to meet. "Yes, if that is what you want," she replied. Ever mindful of the fact that it was he who wanted this break and now he wanted to meet up. "Ok Central Park, by the lake, tomorrow around noon! Ok?" he text. "Ok, see you then," she replied. She switched of her phone. He wanted to meet! Tomorrow! Oh my God! Then reality kicked in. He only wanted to meet. It didn't mean anything, but then there were the flowers so it must mean something. All sorts of questions were running around in her head until eventually she felt it would explode. She drained the glass of vodka and started unpacking until she could hardly see with tiredness so decided an early night was in order. She needed to be fresh and alert for her date tomorrow.
Slowly coming around the following day, Meryl glanced at her alarm clock. She shot up in bed. it was 10 am. she had slept for almost 12 hours. She remembered she was meeting Pierce later and quickly got out of bed and went to put on the coffee, before taking a shower while it brewed. She dressed in jeans, tshirt and thick cardigan as winter was well and truly here in NYC. After drinking 3 cups of coffee, she brushed her teeth, combed her hair and put on her thick coat, woolly hat, scarf and gloves and her shades and left for her date. The subway was packed, mostly with tourists who were here to see the Christmas lights and nobody recognised her in her attire. She was early so decided to wander around 5th Avenue window shopping. Her nerves were kicking in and she was dying to light a cigarette but decided against it.
She made her way to Central Park and the lake. She could feel her heart beating against her chest. She was so nervous and apprehensive. This was the man she loved, the love of her life and she felt as though she was going on a first date. As she approached the lake she saw him, sitting on a bench. Her heart lurched with love for him. She stood for a while just staring at him.
Pierce sensed he was being watched and looked around him. Then he saw her. He wanted to run and pick her up and crush her to him, but he didn't. Instead he got up and walked towards her. She began walking towards him. They stopped, inches away from each other. "Hi Meryl!" he said, kissing her on the cheek. "You look well." "You too Pierce!" she answered. He looked more than well, she thought to herself. He looked incredible. The California sun made him look so damn sexy. "Let's walk shall we?" suggested Pierce. She fell into step beside him. "So how have you really been Meryl?" asked Pierce. "I'm fine. I have done a lot of thinking these past weeks. I am happy that my career has been the best it has ever been and I realise I have to take the good with the bad. It's part of the job and I know everybody wants a peace of me and I have to get used to that. If I had left Don for somebody not in this business things would be much different, but they aren't. I fell in love with an fellow actor and it is not fair of me to dictate how we deal with the attention. i was selfish and didn't give a thought to how you felt. I should have talked to you and I am so sorry I behaved the way I did. It has been hell without you Pierce." Pierce put his arm around her and hugged her to him. "Believe me Meryl, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Walking away! It has been hell for me too! We have to talk to each other, be honest about everything, no bottling things up. We talk through anything that is bothering us. If we have a future together that is what we have to do!" said Pierce. "So! How about we start over beginning with me taking you out on a date. Dinner this evening?" "Dinner would be lovely Pierce." answered Meryl. "Ok it's a date. I'll pick you up at 7 on the dot. How does that sound?" asked Pierce. To Meryl, it sounded like all her birthdays had come at once. "That would be lovely Pierce. I'll look forward to it."
They went their separate ways, each looking forward to the evening ahead, each feeling very optimistic about the future............
Hi Guys, so, so sorry for taking so long to update, what with Christmas and my Dad being ill and then me being ill, I just haven't had the motivation or the inclination to do anything until now. So, here is the latest chapter. Please comment as it will spur me on to write a lot more often.