Chapter 4.47 – The Man in the Mirror

Note: Long and Picture Heavy – well more than usual. 😁

Del Sol Valley …

Things felt almost normal for Sam during the first couple of months following the ‘meltdown’ over her series being cancelled. That’s how Levon referred to it anyway. She’d almost lost it again when the NDA arrived, but then he reminded her, everyone had to sign one. So she signed the stupid NDA and moved on.

After that was behind them, she and Levon spent lazy days and hot nights together until his filming started.

Then reality hit hard when Levon’s days began to get longer and longer. He was at the studio at least six days a week and sometimes seven. Some of the scenes needed to be filmed on location, so he could be gone for several days, leaving her home alone.

Then there were the outdoor scenes that needed to be shot at night, so when he was home, he was there to crash. Intellectually, she knew it was normal to have extra long hours, especially in the beginning. But that didn’t make his long absences any easier to take.

She was sitting there alone once more, and decided to call Ragnar – again. He was clearly getting irritated with her. “Samantha, I already told you, we are negotiating with the Screenwriter and the Producer. We should have something agreed upon in the next two weeks. Once that’s done, we’ll start casting calls and that will likely take a couple of months, and then filming will start one or two months later. Just enjoy your down time. Lord knows between you and Levon, you don’t need to worry about money.”

“It’s just hard sitting around like this,” she said knowing she sounded whiney but she couldn’t help it. “I’ve never not been busy.”

“You’ve earned the downtime. Go to the spa. Take up yoga. Go shopping. Your mom would be happy to go with you. Or call some of your girl friends. Hang out.”

“Just please let me know as soon as you hear anything at all.”

“Of course Samantha. Bye now, I have work to do.”

She hung up and put her head in her hands. Potentially six more months? Of doing nothing. She almost laughed when he said hang out with your friends. Sam didn’t do friends anymore. They couldn’t be trusted. So then, who did she trust? Her mother? Not 100%. She always sided with Ragnar. And definitely not Ragnar. He tricked her into signing a contract with nude scenes. She was pretty sure her mother was in on that too. She knew he was serious about the new series they were working on, but what if it fell through?

Then her thoughts drifted to Levon. Could she trust him? She wanted to, but he was never around anymore, only coming home to sleep. They hadn’t had sex in almost a month. And it was less than satisfying. He wasn’t nearly as affectionate as he was before he started filming. Normally, he had a healthy libido, which led her mind down another path. His new co-star. He was with her more than he was home. Was that why he didn’t seem interested in sex anymore, and not just because he was exhausted as he claimed?

She had to stop that train of thought, because now her eyes were stinging with tears again. If her eyes were swollen and puffy when he got home, it would just cause an argument. Her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up. It was a text from Levon. ‘Gonna be late. Don’t wait up.’

The tears she was trying to hold back ran down her cheeks. She almost threw her phone across the room, but managed to put it back on the table just as it rang. She looked at the caller ID hoping it might be Levon calling to tell her he was coming home after all. Instead, it was her brother. She couldn’t talk to him, not in the state she was in, so she let it go to voice mail.

The phone beeped indicating a message, bringing a smile to her face. She picked it up to put it on speaker to listen. “Hi Sam. It’s Tyler, well I guess you already knew that. Anyway, I wanted to call since we haven’t spoken in a long time and apologize. I guess I’m not a very good brother. I want to be better. And I had some things to tell you and ask you. First, I wanted to thank you and Levon….” The beep indicated the time for leaving message was over and cut him off.

The phone rang again, and she let it go to voice mail once more. And sure enough after a minute, there was another message indicator, so she clicked to listen. “Hi. This is Tyler again. Sorry, I guess I tend to ramble. Its probably part of my ADHD. Anyway, I wanted to thank you guys for coming with me to the Blue Velvet. Oh, I already said that, or did it get cut off. Anyway, I’m dating a girl I met there.” Then in a whisper he said, “Okay Kiera – shhh,” then he raised his voice again. “We’ve been together more than 4 months now. She had a question and so did ….”

Now Sam couldn’t stop the smile that split her face. Tyler. She loved him so much. And then she knew. That’s who she could trust. Him, along with her father and Taysia. Her other family. It made her sad they were so far away, but still, she was happy that Tyler was dating someone and that she might’ve helped make that happen.

The phone rang again and she actually laughed out loud. He was going to finish his question. She decided to answer this time. “Hi Ty,” she said, doing her best to sound happy.

“Oh. Hi. I just left you a couple of messages. You can delete them.”

“I was in the shower. I thought I heard the phone ring. What’s going on? Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Everything is good. Really good. Sorry I haven’t called more. I know you’re busy with your show and I didn’t want to bother you.”

Sam almost snorted a laugh. Since the last episode was scheduled to air next week, there would be an announcement right after that it was cancelled. He would know soon enough so she decided to spill. “Well, I actually haven’t been busy. It hasn’t been announced yet, but the show isn’t being picked up for another season. Please don’t say anything until it’s public. It’s gonna be announced next week.”

“Oh wow Sam, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay,” she said with forced gaiety, “Ragnar’s working on a new series. I just get to take a mini hiatus is all.”

“What about Levon? Is he gonna be in your new series?”

Sam gritted her teeth to keep the bitterness out of her voice. “No. Actually, he’s already started work on a different one. It will be announced around the same time next week along with some trailers. It’s an action packed sci-fi drama. A lot different than what we did before. He’s loving it so far. So, my dear brother, you just got two big scoops. But please, I had to sign an NDA. Don’t tell anyone. Swear it.”

“Oh, okay. I won’t. Of course not. Tell Levon congrats on the new series. The reason I called was to tell you thanks again for coming to the Blue Velvet. I met someone there and we’ve been dating the last 4 months. I probably wouldn’t have met her if not for you and Levon.”

“Oh God. Ty, did Levon give her a ‘tit-tat’?” She had to ask.

Tyler laughed. “I didn’t ask her. We didn’t see each other again until a couple of weeks later. But Sam, we should talk more. Maybe, since you have some time off, I could come to see you and bring my girlfriend. She constantly asks about you and Levon. It would just be for a weekend since we both have school. How about in 3 weeks so I can get cheaper tickets? It’s already getting cold and threatening snow here, so it will be nice to get to go somewhere warmer.”

“That sounds awesome. You can stay here, I have a couple of guest rooms. Cheaper than a hotel. Especially one in Del Sol Valley. And Tyler, I’m really glad you have someone in your life. By the way, how is Cassie?”

“She’s doing really good. She got a promotion. She’s now the Assistant Manager. She really loves helping run that bar. It seems like a lot of work, but if you like what you’re doing, I guess it doesn’t feel like work. I think she might like Cris, the owner, but she won’t tell him. You met him. The tall guy with the longish black hair?”

“Oh, yes. He was very nice.” And very good looking, she said to herself. Then she remembered she’d propositioned him. God, how embarrassing. She’d been pissed at Levon for all the ‘tit-tats’ he was giving out. She hoped Cassie didn’t know and never found out. “Maybe they’ll figure it out. And, yeah, work doesn’t feel like work when it’s your passion. I love acting, and in fact, I’m missing it terribly right now. It’s so much fun to pretend to be someone else.”

“Sounds scary to me.”

Sam chuckled. “Tyler, I don’t want to wait three weeks. You and …”

“Keira.”

“Keira. That’s such a pretty name. Why don’t the two of you come next weekend. I could really use the company. Plus I miss you. And Dad too. Maybe they can come too. I have room.”

“Oh … I don’t know if I want to sleep in the same room with Keira if they’re here.”

“I’m sure they know you’re having sex Tyler … Wait, you are, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” he said softly and she could hear his embarrassment through the phone. It made her smile.

“Okay. Just you and Keira then. Let me book the tickets for you. An all expenses paid vacation to see your sister. I’m really glad you called. I needed a friendly voice today. Your timing was perfect.”

“Keira’s going to be thrilled. I look forward to seeing you. Thanks for offering up your house and getting the airfare. It really does help, since Dad is still my bank.”

*******************************

Two weeks later…..

Sam bought first class tickets for him and Keira. He wasn’t wrong, Keira was over the moon excited. Then when a limo driver stood at passenger pickup with their name on a board, Keira squealed. “It’s like we’re celebrities! This is awesome.”

Tyler shrugged. An Uber would’ve been fine as far as he was concerned. But he loved seeing her so excited. He felt like he’d more than made up for their fight at the graduation party. And the best part – it hadn’t cost his Dad anything.

They finally arrived at Sam’s house in the hills. When they got out, Keira pointed to the mansion you could just see in the distance. “That mansion is amazing! Not that this one isn’t, but – Oh. My. God!”

“Oh – yeah. That’s where my mother lives,” said Tyler.

“TYLER!” she squealed again making him cringe. “Can we go meet her while we’re here? Please, pretty please. I really want to see inside that amazing house.”

“I don’t think so. We’re here to see my sister. Maybe next time.”

“That sucks. I’d love to go swimming in that pool! Wait? Did you say next time?” Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Sure. I plan to come back and visit more often. And anyway, Sam has a pool. Come on.”

“Tyler!” said Sam when she answered the door and engulfed him in a hug. “And this must be Keira. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

“Oh,” replied Keira sounding a little let down, “we met before at the Blue Velvet. I have a selfie and an autograph to prove it. Well, had an autograph. It’s gone now.” She giggled and put her hand on her chest.

Tyler groaned. She did get her chest signed.

“I’m sorry Keira,” apologized Sam, “I met so many people that night.”

“It’s okay,” she said, mollified by Sam’s apology. “Tyler and I weren’t together then.”

“Of course,” said Sam sweetly. “Well, come in and let me show you to your room.”

Tyler followed them inside, dragging both suitcases. Keira was asking a thousand questions monopolizing her attention, so he just followed along behind them.

Finally Sam led them into a bedroom. “I thought you’d like this room,” said Sam, “it has a great view of the city off the balcony and an en-suite bathroom.”

“Tyler! Look! It’s even nicer than our room at ‘The Grand Hotel’!”

“Wow,” said Sam, “You stayed at ‘The Grand’? In San Myshuno?”

Tyler groaned. “Don’t ask.”

“Oh Tyler,” scoffed Keira, “Don’t be a stick in the mud.” Then she turned back to his sister. “He took me there for a wonderful date. It was amazing.”

“Dad must’ve liked that bill,” said Sam clearly holding back a laugh. “Or are you employed now Tyler?”

“He paid,” admitted Tyler making Sam chuckle. “Can we please talk about something else?”

“Don’t be embarrassed,” scolded Keira laughing. “You always get embarrassed. Here Samantha. Look. We took pictures.”

“Please, call me Sam. I’m Samantha when I’m in trouble.”

Keira giggled and began to show her new BFF pictures of her and Tyler at the hotel.

Tyler almost wished he hadn’t brought her. He and Sam had such a good conversation over the phone and now it was like he wasn’t even there. It was just like when he used to come to visit his mom and Sam when he was a kid. No one paid any attention to him. He waited until Keira had exhausted all of the pictures before interrupting. “Sam, is Levon around?”

“He’s filming. He’s supposed to be home around 6:00, so I made reservations for us at the Rhapsody for 7:00.”

“Oh my god! Tyler! Rhapsody! There’ll probably be other stars there. And we’ll be with Sam and Levon!” She stopped abruptly and gave Sam a distressed look. “Oh no! I don’t have anything appropriate to wear.”

Sam laughed. “You can borrow a dress from me if you like. And Ty, if you didn’t bring a tie or a jacket, Levon should have something. I’m sorry I should’ve told you.”

“I’m good,” said Tyler embarrassed, “And I’m sure Keira brought some dresses.” Keira gave him a death stare. “But they’re all probably too casual,” he added quickly, as he knew that look well.

“Come on Keira,” said Sam grinning, “We can pick something out. I bet you guys haven’t had lunch yet. I’ll order delivery and we can eat by the pool. It’s a beautiful day.”

“That sounds amazing!” said Keira. “I did bring a swimsuit.”

Tyler sat on the bed as the girls took off, arm in arm, to Sam’s room to find a dress. He didn’t know what just happened. He lost his sister and his girlfriend. He decided to unpack and change into his swimsuit. He’d just go out to the pool and wait on them.

Tyler couldn’t watch anymore of the Levon & Keira show, so he excused himself and went to bed. He was fuming over how she was coming on to Levon with both him and Sam right there. And Levon was eating it up. He supposed Levon got that all the time and played along, but still, it hurt.

Thankfully, only a few minutes later, Keira came in their room and got ready for bed. He rolled over to pull her into his arms when she climbed in. They hadn’t slept together since the graduation party and he wanted to remind her who she was here with.

But, instead of letting him pull her next to him, she leaned up and started rapid fire talking. “Today was a perfect day!” she gushed. “Levon is soooo dreamy in person. Plus he’s charming and funny too. He even promised next time we came, he would try to get me on the set. And Sam. She’s nothing like you. She’s so outgoing and fun. She’s going to take me to a spa tomorrow! You’d never know you two were related. And Tyler, you should’ve seen her closet! It’s as big as my room in that tiny cracker box of a duplex. And, it’s filled with so many beautiful designer clothes, bags and shoes. God I miss being able to shop like that. But even then, I rarely got Prada or Gucci! God, I could do this every single day. Maybe Sam will adopt me!”

With her words, Tyler felt himself deflate even more than he had been all day long. He thought he’d finally have Keira to himself. After all of that, he didn’t want any part of her. She just insulted him at least three times in less than the minute and a half it took for her to rave about his sister and her boyfriend. It was clear he was a complete disappointment to her. He started to turn back over.

“Hey, what are you doing?” asked Keira and put her arm around him to stop him from moving away.

“It’s called sleeping,” he groused, “It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”

“How can you possibly sleep? I’m so keyed up. Get over here Tyler Murdock. Have some fun. We should be having sex right now. In Sam and Levon’s house. Oh my god. That’s such a turn on.” She fell back on the bed and giggled. “I bet that’s what they’re doing right now! I know I would be.”

“Shhh. Keep your voice down.”

“Sorry,” she said and sat back up. She grinned as she climbed on top of him and snaked her hand down his stomach and began to tease him.

“You’re not playing fair Kiera,” he groaned.

“I never play fair,” she purred. That’s all it took, and he was ready, even though he was still hurt and angry.

Because he was still mad, instead of being gentle and loving, he wanted to take her hard. In a quick move, he flipped them over so he was on top. He needed to be in control. “Maybe I’m not going to play fair either,” he growled. She giggled in response, pissing him off even more.

He shot up and rolled on a condom, then took her without any foreplay. She let out a little yelp, but was soon keeping pace. They both completed at the same time and he quickly rolled off of her.

Now he felt terrible. That wasn’t like him. He usually took his time and was gentle, and held her close afterwards. “Shit, I’m sorry,” he mumbled as he sat up. She had made him feel like nothing today, and he just felt the need for her to see him.

“What? Why?” she asked, still a little breathless. “That was kinda hot. Who knew?”

Tyler was disgusted. “I’m going to clean up,” he said instead of addressing her comment.

He went into the bathroom and changed into his pajamas. He went to the sink and splashed water on his face. When he looked in the mirror, he didn’t like what he saw. There’d been nothing loving in what he’d just done. Clearly she thought she’d just made him super horny, or maybe she was fantasizing that she was with Levon. That last thought just fueled his anger and he felt his fists clenching at his side.

He forced himself to calm down and finally left the bathroom to go back to bed. Keira was already sound asleep, so instead, he decided to go downstairs where he could put some space between them and try to try to figure out exactly what he wanted from her. He walked out of the room, and softly shut the door behind him so he wouldn’t wake her.

As he descended the stairs, he wondered what either of them really wanted out of their relationship. All he knew was that he never, ever again wanted to feel the way he just did. He’d felt worthless. In fact, the longer he was with her, the more confused and unsure he felt about himself. He’d known that she’d be excited to be here. That’s why he asked her. But still, her words tonight hurt him and he lost control when his anger took over.

When he got downstairs, there was candlelight coming from the dining room. He walked in through the kitchen and saw his sister sitting at the table with her head down.

Worried about her, he quickly forgot about his own problems. “Sam? Are you okay?” he asked softly as he approached.

She quickly jerked her head up and swiped at her face. He felt like he was intruding on a private moment but he couldn’t leave now. “Sam?”

“Yes,” she said quickly, “I‘m fine, I just couldn’t sleep.”

“Me either. I guess I’m a little keyed up. Keira’s asleep already.”

“So is Levon. He was asleep by the time I got ready for bed. Want a nightcap?” she asked.

“Sure,” he replied and sat down. What he really wanted was to find out why she was upset. She seemed to have had a really good time today with Keira. At least until Levon came home. Levon and Keira’s unabashed flirting must’ve affected her more than she let on.

Sam poured them both a shot of whiskey on the rocks. “Keira is nice,” she said when she pushed the drink to him. “She certainly seems to be smitten with Levon,” she added sarcastically.

Fuck, thought Tyler, she’s pissed. “Yes. I’m sorry about that. She talks about you two constantly. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it. She’s just star-stuck I guess.”

“I suppose. She does seem a bit high maintenance though.”

Tyler chuckled. “Maybe. But she’s been patient with me.”

“So, I’m assuming she was your first and by default, your only.”

“Why is everyone so concerned with my sex life?”

“I don’t know, being intimate with someone is special, and can cloud your judgement. I just want you to be happy.”

That comment made Tyler feel even worse, maybe because it hit too close to home. There had been nothing special about what just happened upstairs. He swallowed hard. “You don’t think I’m happy?”

“Well, Ty, why are you down here talking to me instead of upstairs with Keira? Maybe it’s just because she was your first that you feel … I don’t know … obligated to her. No offense, but she seems more like a casual sex kinda girl. And believe me, in this business, I see it all the time. Sex is a tool for her, not a commitment. You seem more like me. Sex means more, something deeper. A commitment to that person, not just a good time.” She chuffed out a little snort. “I guess I’m an anomaly, an actress that doesn’t sleep around. And you are too. A handsome guy that was still a virgin by the time he was almost out of college.”

“I’m well aware I wasn’t her first” he said with a forced smile, “and I have no idea why she put up with my awkwardness. But I admit, I was jealous, or maybe just hurt by the way she and Levon were together today. She hung onto his every word. And she smiled more today than I think I’ve ever seen her smile. She doesn’t do that with me. So I came down to think. I’m sure it was just harmless flirting and I overreacted.”

“I wish you could listen to yourself Ty. She doesn’t have to make up excuses for her behavior, because you do it for her.”

Was he? He needed to change the subject. “Sam, why were you down here alone and crying?”

She let out a slow breath of air. “Busted huh? I guess – well several reasons. I don’t have any work right now – and Levon does. And yes, I was jealous and hurt today too. He looked at Keira like he used to look at me. And honestly, we’re not getting along great right now. Also, being with Keira today drove home that I don’t have any real friends. My last girlfriend … she …”

“The one that broke up you and Dax?” Tyler finished for her.

“Yep. At least Keira seems like she wants you for you,” she said and chuffed out a short, humorless laugh. “Well, unless maybe Levon is suddenly available.”

“Sam….”

“Sorry, bad joke. But really, everyone else wants me for what I can do for them, Keira included. You and Dad, you’re the only people that don’t care about all of this. I’m so afraid that Levon will leave me if I don’t start working soon. It’s plain to see that we’re already drifting apart. Someone in love doesn’t act like he did today. It just brought home how far apart we’ve grown. He told her more about his show tonight than he’s told me since he started filming.”

“Maybe you should come spend a few weeks in Newcrest. Take a break from Levon. Dad and Taysia would love to have you, or if you need more privacy, you could stay with Aunt Rea in their basement apartment. Then you could hang out with me, Keira and Cassie.”

“I can’t, or I would.”

“You can and you should.”

Sam smiled. “Maybe. But if I’m not here, Levon …”

“Levon isn’t Dax.”

“True, but … he’s not happy with me right now. And he obviously preferred Keira’s company over mine tonight. It’d be a bad time to leave.”

“Probably even a better time. Let him cool off. Let him miss you a little.”

“I don’t know. Outta sight, outta mind.”

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder?” challenged Tyler.

Sam huffed out a laugh. “Okay, you win. Give me a week to make arrangements and break it to him.” She held up her glass. “Cheers to the best brother ever.”

“Not the best, but I’m trying. And besides, I’m your only brother.” They laughed as they clinked glasses and downed the rest of their drinks.

He stood up and hugged Sam. “I love you sis. I wish we woulda been closer growing up. But now, maybe we can fix that. I think we both need each other right now.”

Go to Chapter 4.48 >>>>>>>

Go back to Chapter 4.46

A/N – I would like to thank Viktoria of CameronSaga for allowing me to use her Rhapsody Restaurant. It is completely mod free and works very well. You can find it on the gallery by searching item name: “Rhapsody” Café & Dining