In Plain Sight by Lch333, Part 11
In Plain Sight
In Plain Sight
By lch333
Rating: R (language)
Paring: Idina/Kristin
Summary: 2 people meet and fall in love years before the play that made them famous.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I own nothing and stand to make nothing from this story. I do not own these characters nor do I know them.
A/N: Only one or 2 parts left! Now if my internet would just work when I actually needed it to, maybe I’d get the darn thing posted quicker.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11 - Find Yourself a Man
Over the next couple of weeks, Kristin threw herself into prep mode. She spent days scouring boutiques looking for the perfect dress, often with Denny and a reluctant Idina in tow. She tried on thousands of outfits (or so Idina claimed) before settling on a red, low cut number that had left Idina speechless when she modeled it for her.
Outfit in hand, she moved on to her escort situation. Idina was out of the question and Denny was unavailable thanks to his job. She could have invited her parents, but as crazy as it was, she wanted to push back their visit to correspond with the Tony awards, just in case she was nominated.
So with little choice left, she reluctantly placed a call to Marc. She hadn’t spoken to him since the night he showed up at her place uninvited and ruined her date with Idina so she expected to have to grovel a bit before he would agree to meet her for lunch. Much to her surprise he quickly agreed and suggested a place near her apartment.
**********
Shadows danced over the sidewalk as sunlight wove between the sparse green leaves of the trees lining the street. An occasional bird call could be heard over the sounds of traffic flowing back and forth through the neighborhood. It was a glorious spring day in the city.
“I LOVE this time of year!” Kristin effused as she and Idina moved along the sidewalk, enjoying the relatively quiet morning. “The birds are singing, the sun is shining…”
“If you break out into song, I’m outta here.” Idina interrupted.
Giggling, Kristin grabbed Idina’s hand and began swinging their arms. “Spoil sport! Breaking spontaneously into song is how we make our living!” she exclaimed, Oklahoma twang evident. “But don’t worry, I won’t sing…I haven’t warmed up properly.”
“Ever the professional.” Idina said laughingly.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, until Idina pulled Kristin to a stop. “Are you sure you don’t want me to join you?” Idina’s gaze bored into Kristin’s, silently pleading her case.
“Dee, we discussed this last night.”
“I know.” Idina sighed. “How about I get a table nearby, just in case?”
“In case of what?” Kristin chuckled. “What are you so worried about? Marc’s an old friend.”
“An old friend who wants something from you.” Idina mumbled under her breath as she turned her head toward the street.
“Hey.” Kristin cupped Idina’s cheek with her palm and eased Idina’s head around to face her. “I want something from him too. Quid quo pro, Clarice.”
Idina snickered, “Yeah, but exactly what does he expect to get?”
Taking a deep breath, Kristin dropped her hand from Idina’s face and clutched at both of Idina’s, trying once more to ease Idina’s concerns. “Look Dee, Marc’s a player.” Idina’s snort and accompanying eye roll was so adorable, Kristin almost lost her train of thought. Shaking her head and smiling up at Idina she continued, “He likes the game and understands how it’s played so I’m sure he’ll be nice to me because it’s important to him to be seen with me.”
Still skeptical, Idina asked, “So you think he’ll escort you to this event and all he’ll want in return is his picture taken?”
“Basically.”
“What an ass!” Idina huffed. “It should be all about supporting you on your big night and this jerk makes it all about himself.”
Kristin couldn’t help giggling at Idina’s reaction. “Honey, don’t you think that’s for the best? This way I’ll have an escort and you won’t have to beat him up for expecting anything else.”
“Damn it!” Frustrated with the whole situation, Idina closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Finally she opened her eyes and smiled sadly down at Kristin. “It’s just that I should be the one going with you, not Marc.” Idina paused, then murmured, “And frankly, I just don’t trust him.”
“Well you trust me don’t you?” Kristin waited for Idina’s nod before continuing, “Then trust me when I tell you not to worry.” Kristin stood up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss across Idina’s lips. “Now come on or I’m gonna be late.” She smiled and tugged at Idina’s hand.
When they arrived in front of the café where Marc was waiting, Idina tried one last time to convince Kristin to let her join them. “I’ll sit in the corner and you’ll never know I’m there,” Idina offered Kristin her best puppy dog look, “I promise.”
“Dee!” Kristin whined, “I’ll be fine. Now you get going and let me get inside.”
“Fine,” Idina pouted. “But I’ll be just over there in that bookstore if you need me.” Idina pointed at the store across the street. “Come and get me when you’re done.”
“I promise.” Smiling, Kristin kissed Idina on the cheek and playfully shoved her toward the bookstore. “Go.” She watched Idina walk to the corner before finally turning and entering the café.
Stopping just inside the door, Kristin scanned the room for Marc. She found him seated at a table near the back, sporting a huge grin. Something in his expression caused her to blush furiously, and by the time she reached his table, her cheeks were flaming.
“Kristin, it’s so good to see you.” Marc stood and kissed Kristin on the cheek before pulling out a chair for her. “You look amazing.”
She was wearing a halter style, floral print dress with a light pink jacket; her hair was slightly windblown, eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and the blush covering her cheeks gave her a healthy glow. He had never seen her look more beautiful.
“Thanks.” Kristin replied, tossing her purse onto a nearby chair while sliding into the seat Marc held. “I’m glad you agreed to meet me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Marc returned to his seat and signaled the waiter. “I ordered you a sparkling water. I know you have to sing tonight.”
“That’s very nice of you.” Kristin smiled at him, amazed at his thoughtfulness. In the past, he had given no thought at all to Kristin’s needs. In fact, he usually just ordered her a glass of wine, even knowing she wouldn’t drink it when she was working. Suddenly she was suspicious of his motives. “Wait a minute. What’s going on?”
Marc’s laugh echoed through the café. “Am I really that big of a dick?”
“You certainly can be,” Kristin mumbled. Looking into his happy face, she felt even more confused. “Why does it feel like I’m missing something?”
“I think we both have been.” With that cryptic reply, he winked at her and picked up his menu.
“What?” Kristin squawked. She suddenly felt the need to stomp her foot in frustration. ‘What is he going on about and why is he so happy?’ She settled for ripping the menu away from him and whacking it over his hand. “What are you talking about?”
“Hey,” Marc protested, rubbing his injured hand. “I was looking at that.”
“No, you were using it to taunt me.” Kristin insisted, tapping the corner of the menu on the table. “Now tell me what’s going on.”
“Don’t you have something to tell me first?” Marc inquired, raising one eyebrow.
Sighing and shaking her head, Kristin plopped both elbows on the table and dropped her head into her hands thinking, ‘Lord, please give me the strength not to kill him.’ Finally she looked up and pleaded, “Please no more word games, it’s giving me a headache.”
Feeling slightly contrite, Marc apologized. “Hey babe, I’m sorry. I was just enjoying teasing you.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “Congratulations, by the way. I’m glad you’re finally getting the recognition you deserve.”
“Thank you.” Kristin offered him a real smile, knowing he was being sincere.
“And congratulations on your new beau…or uhm, beauette? I’ve never seen you so happy.”
Kristin’s eyes snapped to Marc’s face. “Who…” she squeaked, then cleared her throat, “What are you talking about?”
Smiling, Marc nodded toward the front window where Idina was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk and occasionally stopping to peer through the glass. “That lovely brunette waiting so impatiently for you to conclude your business with me.”
Spinning in her seat, Kristin saw Idina with her hands cupped around her eyes, pressing her face into the window. Apparently, she noticed Kristin looking at her because she suddenly jumped back, offered a shy wave and took off down the street.
“I told her to wait for me across the street,” Kristin mumbled, turning back to Marc. Putting on her best blank expression she said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Marc snorted, “You’re not that good of an actress.” Watching as Kristin’s face fell and tears welled up in her eyes, he added, “Babe, it’s okay. I think it’s great. Oh god, please don’t cry.” He quickly slid his chair closer to Kristin’s and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Shhh, now. It’s gonna be okay.” He patted Kristin’s back and tightened his hold on her shaking shoulders. “Please stop crying.”
“Take it back,” Kristin whispered, voice slightly muffled from being pressed so tightly to Marc’s chest.
“Take what back?”
“That I’m not that good of an actress!” Kristin pulled away from Marc grinning, showing no signs of distress.
“Damn it Kristin! Don’t do that to me. You know I hate it when you cry.” Marc huffed, sliding his chair back to it’s place.
Giggling at Marc’s reaction, Kristin dabbed a stray tear with her napkin before asking, “How did you know? You’ve barely even seen us together.”
“Call it a hunch. I saw the way you looked at each other that night at your apartment. Then earlier, I saw you outside. That was almost sickeningly sweet, by the way. That, plus the look in your eyes when you came in…it just added up.”
Kristin was a little taken aback. “Are we really that obvious?”
“Nah. I just know you…and I know I’ve never seen you sparkle brighter than you did standing out on the sidewalk with her. Not even when you’re on stage.”
Kristin couldn’t help smiling, but it quickly turned to horror that they were that transparent. ‘How on earth are we going to keep this a secret?’ she wondered.
Marc watched as Kristin’s smile slowly slid from her face and tears began to well in her eyes. “Kris, what’s wrong?” He reached for her hand to get her attention. “Being that happy shouldn’t make you cry.”
Sniffling back her tears, Kristin gazed pleadingly at Marc. “Do you think everybody here noticed? Can they tell just by looking?”
“Tell what?”
“That I love her!” Kristin exclaimed then immediately slapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide with horror. “Oh crap. Pretend you didn’t hear that.”
Smiling, Marc asked, “Hear what?”
“Thanks.” Offering Marc a small smile, Kristin explained, “It’s just that I haven’t exactly told her yet. And I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t appreciate knowing you heard it first.”
Marc couldn’t help but laugh. “She really doesn’t like me, does she?”
“I can’t say she’s a fan, no.” Kristin smirked. “But that’s not really the problem.” Kristin paused, anxiety clouding her features, “I thought I could handle this. I thought we could continue going out and still keep our relationship a secret. But I couldn’t even hide it from you!”
Not knowing whether to be insulted or not, Marc asked, “Why did you need to hide it from me? I’m your friend and I just want you to be happy. It’s pretty obvious she makes you happy.”
“I am…she does.” Kristin shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. “We just want to keep it to ourselves. No public events, no press…but based on today, we won’t be able to keep it from our friends.”
“And you shouldn’t have to.” Marc smiled at Kristin. “Babe, you’re a social being; you need to be around people. You won’t survive if you have to put on an act around everyone you know. You’ll be a lot happier if you let people you trust in on the secret.” Marc nodded toward the window where, once again, Idina could be seen pacing back and forth. “And that one, I’m not sure keeping a secret is her strong suit.”
“She’s not always like this!” Kristin protested. Sighing, she added, “excuse me,” as she got up from the table and stalked toward the door, shaking her head and muttering under her breath.
Fascinated with the show, Marc watched as Kristin stomped out the door just as Idina turned back toward her. Idina stumbled to a halt, eyes wide as Kristin advanced on her. Not able to hear what Kristin was saying, he could only assume she was upset based on Idina’s slumped posture and dropped head.
As Kristin halted her advance, Idina’s head snapped up and her pout turned to a huge grin. ‘Wow, she really is stunning,’ Marc thought. ‘I definitely know what Kristin sees in her.’
“Sir?”
“What?” Marc snapped, turning his head to see the waiter, hovering near his elbow.
“Are you ready to order?” The waiter squeaked out. “Or are you still waiting on the rest of you party?” The waiter nodded timidly toward the window.
Marc was drawn back to the scene on the street as Kristin threw herself into Idina’s arms, giggling. ‘Subtly, thy name is not Kristin.’ Amused, Marc watched as Kristin pulled back from Idina, grabbed her hand and began pulling her toward the door. He was still grinning when Idina looked through the glass and caught him staring back. She simply nodded and followed Kristin through the door.
Turning back to the waiter, Marc said, “I think we’ll need some more time. I’ll let you know when we’re ready.”
Nodding, the waiter scurried off just as Kristin and Idina walked up hand in hand.
Deciding a proper introduction was in order since their first meeting had gone so poorly, Kristin began. “Marc Kudisch, this is Idina Menzel.”
Jumping to his feet, Marc reached out his hand, “Idina.”
“Marc,” Idina squeezed the offered hand and shook it firmly. “Mind if join you?”
“Please do.” Gallantly, Marc pulled back a chair and waited for Idina to sit, then did the same for Kristin before returning to his seat. He tried to ignore Kristin’s look of shock at his actions. “So, you and Kristin, huh?” he asked.
“Yeah, me and Kristin,” Idina smirked, tossing an arm around Kristin’s shoulders. Offering Marc an imposing stare, she tightened her hold on Kristin and stuck out her chin. “Whadaya gotta say about it?” she asked in a thick New York accent.
Leaning forward in his chair, Marc simply stared back, silently sizing up his ‘opponent’.
They glared across the table for a few moments, practically scowling at each other. Kristin, worried that things were about to get out of hand, grabbed at the arm resting on her shoulder and pinched it sharply.
“Ow!” Idina yelped as she released Kristin and moved to rub her now bruised arm. “What was that for?” she sulked while glowering across the table at the now laughing Marc.
“The pissing contest stops now!” Kristin glared at Idina then turned to address Marc, “And you…” Marc’s laughter was quickly swallowed as Kristin shifted her attention to him. “I’m not yours to fight over.”
“Ha!” Unable to stop the exclamation or the smile spreading across her face, Idina leaned back in her chair and offered Marc a smug grin that was quickly hidden when Kristin spun back to face her.
“Enough!” Kristin glared at Idina then Marc in turn. “Quit behaving like five year olds!”
Silence fell over the table as both Idina and Marc dropped their heads at the reprimand. Then suddenly Marc began to laugh and was quickly joined by Idina.
Confused at the sudden mood change, Kristin could only shake her head in wonder. “Now what?” she mused.
The laughter slowly ebbed, leaving Marc and Idina actually smiling at each other. Then with a sigh, Idina reached her hand across the table toward Marc, “Hi Marc, I’m Idina. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Smiling, Marc grabbed the proffered hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you too.”
“What the hell?” Kristin’s voice sliced through the moment startling her companions and causing them to drop their hands and stare at her in astonishment.
“What did you just …?”
“Kristin…?”
“Yes! I said it!” Kristin huffed, still bewildered by her tablemates’ behavior. “Now will you please tell me what just happened?” She turned to Idina, demanding an answer.
“We’re just getting to know each other,” Idina protested.
“You’d think she’d be happy about it.” Marc noted to Idina who just rolled her eyes and nodded in agreement before turning back to Kristin.
Watching their interaction, Kristin began to feel as if she’d been dropped down a rabbit hole. Trying to figure out where exactly she had lost them, she mentally reviewed the last few minutes. ‘Okay, introductions, lots of tension, some posturing, then laughing…’ She cut her eyes from Marc to Idina then back again as realization slowly dawned. “So that’s it then? Now you’re friends?” she asked in disbelief.
Shrugging Idina answered, “I wouldn’t go that far, but we’re no longer enemies.” She looked to Marc for confirmation.
He nodded then added, “We came to an understanding.”
“Well I certainly hope you understand it, cause I sure don’t!” Kristin huffed, causing both Marc and Idina to chuckle. “Now where’s that waiter? I’m hungry."
To Be Continued…
In Plain Sight
By lch333
Rating: R (language)
Paring: Idina/Kristin
Summary: 2 people meet and fall in love years before the play that made them famous.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I own nothing and stand to make nothing from this story. I do not own these characters nor do I know them.
A/N: Only one or 2 parts left! Now if my internet would just work when I actually needed it to, maybe I’d get the darn thing posted quicker.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11 - Find Yourself a Man
Over the next couple of weeks, Kristin threw herself into prep mode. She spent days scouring boutiques looking for the perfect dress, often with Denny and a reluctant Idina in tow. She tried on thousands of outfits (or so Idina claimed) before settling on a red, low cut number that had left Idina speechless when she modeled it for her.
Outfit in hand, she moved on to her escort situation. Idina was out of the question and Denny was unavailable thanks to his job. She could have invited her parents, but as crazy as it was, she wanted to push back their visit to correspond with the Tony awards, just in case she was nominated.
So with little choice left, she reluctantly placed a call to Marc. She hadn’t spoken to him since the night he showed up at her place uninvited and ruined her date with Idina so she expected to have to grovel a bit before he would agree to meet her for lunch. Much to her surprise he quickly agreed and suggested a place near her apartment.
**********
Shadows danced over the sidewalk as sunlight wove between the sparse green leaves of the trees lining the street. An occasional bird call could be heard over the sounds of traffic flowing back and forth through the neighborhood. It was a glorious spring day in the city.
“I LOVE this time of year!” Kristin effused as she and Idina moved along the sidewalk, enjoying the relatively quiet morning. “The birds are singing, the sun is shining…”
“If you break out into song, I’m outta here.” Idina interrupted.
Giggling, Kristin grabbed Idina’s hand and began swinging their arms. “Spoil sport! Breaking spontaneously into song is how we make our living!” she exclaimed, Oklahoma twang evident. “But don’t worry, I won’t sing…I haven’t warmed up properly.”
“Ever the professional.” Idina said laughingly.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, until Idina pulled Kristin to a stop. “Are you sure you don’t want me to join you?” Idina’s gaze bored into Kristin’s, silently pleading her case.
“Dee, we discussed this last night.”
“I know.” Idina sighed. “How about I get a table nearby, just in case?”
“In case of what?” Kristin chuckled. “What are you so worried about? Marc’s an old friend.”
“An old friend who wants something from you.” Idina mumbled under her breath as she turned her head toward the street.
“Hey.” Kristin cupped Idina’s cheek with her palm and eased Idina’s head around to face her. “I want something from him too. Quid quo pro, Clarice.”
Idina snickered, “Yeah, but exactly what does he expect to get?”
Taking a deep breath, Kristin dropped her hand from Idina’s face and clutched at both of Idina’s, trying once more to ease Idina’s concerns. “Look Dee, Marc’s a player.” Idina’s snort and accompanying eye roll was so adorable, Kristin almost lost her train of thought. Shaking her head and smiling up at Idina she continued, “He likes the game and understands how it’s played so I’m sure he’ll be nice to me because it’s important to him to be seen with me.”
Still skeptical, Idina asked, “So you think he’ll escort you to this event and all he’ll want in return is his picture taken?”
“Basically.”
“What an ass!” Idina huffed. “It should be all about supporting you on your big night and this jerk makes it all about himself.”
Kristin couldn’t help giggling at Idina’s reaction. “Honey, don’t you think that’s for the best? This way I’ll have an escort and you won’t have to beat him up for expecting anything else.”
“Damn it!” Frustrated with the whole situation, Idina closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Finally she opened her eyes and smiled sadly down at Kristin. “It’s just that I should be the one going with you, not Marc.” Idina paused, then murmured, “And frankly, I just don’t trust him.”
“Well you trust me don’t you?” Kristin waited for Idina’s nod before continuing, “Then trust me when I tell you not to worry.” Kristin stood up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss across Idina’s lips. “Now come on or I’m gonna be late.” She smiled and tugged at Idina’s hand.
When they arrived in front of the café where Marc was waiting, Idina tried one last time to convince Kristin to let her join them. “I’ll sit in the corner and you’ll never know I’m there,” Idina offered Kristin her best puppy dog look, “I promise.”
“Dee!” Kristin whined, “I’ll be fine. Now you get going and let me get inside.”
“Fine,” Idina pouted. “But I’ll be just over there in that bookstore if you need me.” Idina pointed at the store across the street. “Come and get me when you’re done.”
“I promise.” Smiling, Kristin kissed Idina on the cheek and playfully shoved her toward the bookstore. “Go.” She watched Idina walk to the corner before finally turning and entering the café.
Stopping just inside the door, Kristin scanned the room for Marc. She found him seated at a table near the back, sporting a huge grin. Something in his expression caused her to blush furiously, and by the time she reached his table, her cheeks were flaming.
“Kristin, it’s so good to see you.” Marc stood and kissed Kristin on the cheek before pulling out a chair for her. “You look amazing.”
She was wearing a halter style, floral print dress with a light pink jacket; her hair was slightly windblown, eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and the blush covering her cheeks gave her a healthy glow. He had never seen her look more beautiful.
“Thanks.” Kristin replied, tossing her purse onto a nearby chair while sliding into the seat Marc held. “I’m glad you agreed to meet me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Marc returned to his seat and signaled the waiter. “I ordered you a sparkling water. I know you have to sing tonight.”
“That’s very nice of you.” Kristin smiled at him, amazed at his thoughtfulness. In the past, he had given no thought at all to Kristin’s needs. In fact, he usually just ordered her a glass of wine, even knowing she wouldn’t drink it when she was working. Suddenly she was suspicious of his motives. “Wait a minute. What’s going on?”
Marc’s laugh echoed through the café. “Am I really that big of a dick?”
“You certainly can be,” Kristin mumbled. Looking into his happy face, she felt even more confused. “Why does it feel like I’m missing something?”
“I think we both have been.” With that cryptic reply, he winked at her and picked up his menu.
“What?” Kristin squawked. She suddenly felt the need to stomp her foot in frustration. ‘What is he going on about and why is he so happy?’ She settled for ripping the menu away from him and whacking it over his hand. “What are you talking about?”
“Hey,” Marc protested, rubbing his injured hand. “I was looking at that.”
“No, you were using it to taunt me.” Kristin insisted, tapping the corner of the menu on the table. “Now tell me what’s going on.”
“Don’t you have something to tell me first?” Marc inquired, raising one eyebrow.
Sighing and shaking her head, Kristin plopped both elbows on the table and dropped her head into her hands thinking, ‘Lord, please give me the strength not to kill him.’ Finally she looked up and pleaded, “Please no more word games, it’s giving me a headache.”
Feeling slightly contrite, Marc apologized. “Hey babe, I’m sorry. I was just enjoying teasing you.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “Congratulations, by the way. I’m glad you’re finally getting the recognition you deserve.”
“Thank you.” Kristin offered him a real smile, knowing he was being sincere.
“And congratulations on your new beau…or uhm, beauette? I’ve never seen you so happy.”
Kristin’s eyes snapped to Marc’s face. “Who…” she squeaked, then cleared her throat, “What are you talking about?”
Smiling, Marc nodded toward the front window where Idina was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk and occasionally stopping to peer through the glass. “That lovely brunette waiting so impatiently for you to conclude your business with me.”
Spinning in her seat, Kristin saw Idina with her hands cupped around her eyes, pressing her face into the window. Apparently, she noticed Kristin looking at her because she suddenly jumped back, offered a shy wave and took off down the street.
“I told her to wait for me across the street,” Kristin mumbled, turning back to Marc. Putting on her best blank expression she said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Marc snorted, “You’re not that good of an actress.” Watching as Kristin’s face fell and tears welled up in her eyes, he added, “Babe, it’s okay. I think it’s great. Oh god, please don’t cry.” He quickly slid his chair closer to Kristin’s and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Shhh, now. It’s gonna be okay.” He patted Kristin’s back and tightened his hold on her shaking shoulders. “Please stop crying.”
“Take it back,” Kristin whispered, voice slightly muffled from being pressed so tightly to Marc’s chest.
“Take what back?”
“That I’m not that good of an actress!” Kristin pulled away from Marc grinning, showing no signs of distress.
“Damn it Kristin! Don’t do that to me. You know I hate it when you cry.” Marc huffed, sliding his chair back to it’s place.
Giggling at Marc’s reaction, Kristin dabbed a stray tear with her napkin before asking, “How did you know? You’ve barely even seen us together.”
“Call it a hunch. I saw the way you looked at each other that night at your apartment. Then earlier, I saw you outside. That was almost sickeningly sweet, by the way. That, plus the look in your eyes when you came in…it just added up.”
Kristin was a little taken aback. “Are we really that obvious?”
“Nah. I just know you…and I know I’ve never seen you sparkle brighter than you did standing out on the sidewalk with her. Not even when you’re on stage.”
Kristin couldn’t help smiling, but it quickly turned to horror that they were that transparent. ‘How on earth are we going to keep this a secret?’ she wondered.
Marc watched as Kristin’s smile slowly slid from her face and tears began to well in her eyes. “Kris, what’s wrong?” He reached for her hand to get her attention. “Being that happy shouldn’t make you cry.”
Sniffling back her tears, Kristin gazed pleadingly at Marc. “Do you think everybody here noticed? Can they tell just by looking?”
“Tell what?”
“That I love her!” Kristin exclaimed then immediately slapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide with horror. “Oh crap. Pretend you didn’t hear that.”
Smiling, Marc asked, “Hear what?”
“Thanks.” Offering Marc a small smile, Kristin explained, “It’s just that I haven’t exactly told her yet. And I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t appreciate knowing you heard it first.”
Marc couldn’t help but laugh. “She really doesn’t like me, does she?”
“I can’t say she’s a fan, no.” Kristin smirked. “But that’s not really the problem.” Kristin paused, anxiety clouding her features, “I thought I could handle this. I thought we could continue going out and still keep our relationship a secret. But I couldn’t even hide it from you!”
Not knowing whether to be insulted or not, Marc asked, “Why did you need to hide it from me? I’m your friend and I just want you to be happy. It’s pretty obvious she makes you happy.”
“I am…she does.” Kristin shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. “We just want to keep it to ourselves. No public events, no press…but based on today, we won’t be able to keep it from our friends.”
“And you shouldn’t have to.” Marc smiled at Kristin. “Babe, you’re a social being; you need to be around people. You won’t survive if you have to put on an act around everyone you know. You’ll be a lot happier if you let people you trust in on the secret.” Marc nodded toward the window where, once again, Idina could be seen pacing back and forth. “And that one, I’m not sure keeping a secret is her strong suit.”
“She’s not always like this!” Kristin protested. Sighing, she added, “excuse me,” as she got up from the table and stalked toward the door, shaking her head and muttering under her breath.
Fascinated with the show, Marc watched as Kristin stomped out the door just as Idina turned back toward her. Idina stumbled to a halt, eyes wide as Kristin advanced on her. Not able to hear what Kristin was saying, he could only assume she was upset based on Idina’s slumped posture and dropped head.
As Kristin halted her advance, Idina’s head snapped up and her pout turned to a huge grin. ‘Wow, she really is stunning,’ Marc thought. ‘I definitely know what Kristin sees in her.’
“Sir?”
“What?” Marc snapped, turning his head to see the waiter, hovering near his elbow.
“Are you ready to order?” The waiter squeaked out. “Or are you still waiting on the rest of you party?” The waiter nodded timidly toward the window.
Marc was drawn back to the scene on the street as Kristin threw herself into Idina’s arms, giggling. ‘Subtly, thy name is not Kristin.’ Amused, Marc watched as Kristin pulled back from Idina, grabbed her hand and began pulling her toward the door. He was still grinning when Idina looked through the glass and caught him staring back. She simply nodded and followed Kristin through the door.
Turning back to the waiter, Marc said, “I think we’ll need some more time. I’ll let you know when we’re ready.”
Nodding, the waiter scurried off just as Kristin and Idina walked up hand in hand.
Deciding a proper introduction was in order since their first meeting had gone so poorly, Kristin began. “Marc Kudisch, this is Idina Menzel.”
Jumping to his feet, Marc reached out his hand, “Idina.”
“Marc,” Idina squeezed the offered hand and shook it firmly. “Mind if join you?”
“Please do.” Gallantly, Marc pulled back a chair and waited for Idina to sit, then did the same for Kristin before returning to his seat. He tried to ignore Kristin’s look of shock at his actions. “So, you and Kristin, huh?” he asked.
“Yeah, me and Kristin,” Idina smirked, tossing an arm around Kristin’s shoulders. Offering Marc an imposing stare, she tightened her hold on Kristin and stuck out her chin. “Whadaya gotta say about it?” she asked in a thick New York accent.
Leaning forward in his chair, Marc simply stared back, silently sizing up his ‘opponent’.
They glared across the table for a few moments, practically scowling at each other. Kristin, worried that things were about to get out of hand, grabbed at the arm resting on her shoulder and pinched it sharply.
“Ow!” Idina yelped as she released Kristin and moved to rub her now bruised arm. “What was that for?” she sulked while glowering across the table at the now laughing Marc.
“The pissing contest stops now!” Kristin glared at Idina then turned to address Marc, “And you…” Marc’s laughter was quickly swallowed as Kristin shifted her attention to him. “I’m not yours to fight over.”
“Ha!” Unable to stop the exclamation or the smile spreading across her face, Idina leaned back in her chair and offered Marc a smug grin that was quickly hidden when Kristin spun back to face her.
“Enough!” Kristin glared at Idina then Marc in turn. “Quit behaving like five year olds!”
Silence fell over the table as both Idina and Marc dropped their heads at the reprimand. Then suddenly Marc began to laugh and was quickly joined by Idina.
Confused at the sudden mood change, Kristin could only shake her head in wonder. “Now what?” she mused.
The laughter slowly ebbed, leaving Marc and Idina actually smiling at each other. Then with a sigh, Idina reached her hand across the table toward Marc, “Hi Marc, I’m Idina. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Smiling, Marc grabbed the proffered hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you too.”
“What the hell?” Kristin’s voice sliced through the moment startling her companions and causing them to drop their hands and stare at her in astonishment.
“What did you just …?”
“Kristin…?”
“Yes! I said it!” Kristin huffed, still bewildered by her tablemates’ behavior. “Now will you please tell me what just happened?” She turned to Idina, demanding an answer.
“We’re just getting to know each other,” Idina protested.
“You’d think she’d be happy about it.” Marc noted to Idina who just rolled her eyes and nodded in agreement before turning back to Kristin.
Watching their interaction, Kristin began to feel as if she’d been dropped down a rabbit hole. Trying to figure out where exactly she had lost them, she mentally reviewed the last few minutes. ‘Okay, introductions, lots of tension, some posturing, then laughing…’ She cut her eyes from Marc to Idina then back again as realization slowly dawned. “So that’s it then? Now you’re friends?” she asked in disbelief.
Shrugging Idina answered, “I wouldn’t go that far, but we’re no longer enemies.” She looked to Marc for confirmation.
He nodded then added, “We came to an understanding.”
“Well I certainly hope you understand it, cause I sure don’t!” Kristin huffed, causing both Marc and Idina to chuckle. “Now where’s that waiter? I’m hungry."
To Be Continued…