Elisabeth Grey - Parts 23 - 24 free porn video

Elizabeth Grey By Carmenica Diaz Part 23: Darling of Britain. I spent the rest of the day on the telephone. The press had hounded Mum but I felt relieved when she told me that a security woman arrived, saying she was from Fiona Woolf and would keep the media away. 'She's a little thing, Liz,' Mum said 'but she doesn't take no for an answer. She scared them off quick smart.' When I was on the phone to Mum, Dean came up behind me, wrapped his big arms around me and hugged me tight, whispering, 'we're all with you, Liz.' I mouthed 'Thank you' and listened to Mum describe how the security woman slammed the front door in a journalists face. 'Have you spoken to Edward?' 'No, dear,' Mum said sadly, 'not a word.' 'Do you think he'll talk to the media?' 'If he does,' Mum said grimly, 'I'll be reverting back to my maiden name.' Vernon called and calmly told me that the tapes for the second album were great, 'it could win a Grammy, baby,' he said. I wondered if he was winding up to tell me that Soul Atlantic wouldn't be negotiating for any more albums now our commitment had been met to supply two. Perhaps he read my mind as he then said, 'I called Fiona, and we've agreed to discuss the new terms for the third and fourth albums. And we have to arrange a tour of the U. S. of A. as soon as possible, baby.' 'Vernon,' I said softly, 'have you heard of the fuss ' 'Sure,' he said dismissively, 'so what!' he said with that rumbling laugh. 'How are you handling it, baby?' he asked in a gentle voice. 'I've had better days,' I said brightly. 'Listen to me,' he said firmly, 'there will always be crap in the media, and some of it true, most of it not ' 'This is true, Vernon,' I said softly and waited. 'Fiona told me, Liz,' he said gently, 'and I don't care and, believe me, no one else will after all this is over.' 'Thank you so much.' 'I've been told orders of This is Femme Fatale has trebled! We've got a big seller on our hands, I think! I'm talking to Fiona now about that tour, baby, you gals have to come over the pond and play three weeks of dates!' 'If you say so,' I laughed. 'Liz baby,' he said in that deep warm American voice, 'I've seen a lot, I've been around the traps and then some. At the end of the day, only the music matters.' I smiled, told the others what he said and then tried Sean's number again but it rang and rang. He's gone, I told myself, probably changed his number or something. He's gone! At dinner that night, Mandy asked the question that we had all thought but not dared raise. 'So, who do you think the leak was?' I shrugged, not really caring anymore. 'Someone at the hospital, the doctor's offices?' 'I doubt it would come from the medical side of things,' Dean said, 'they're very big on confidentiality.' 'Who knew, Liz,' Mel asked quietly. Sighing, I ticked them off. 'Apart from doctors? You, Jeremy, Mandy, Cleo, Mum and Edward as well as Angela of course.' 'You didn't tell Toby?' 'I didn't get the chance but Cleo did, I trust him.' 'It could be Angela,' Jeremy said quietly, 'you did have a falling out, my dear.' 'I don't think it would be her,' Mandy said and we all looked at her in surprise. 'According to what you told us, Liz, Angela wouldn't want her part in the Europe thing to come out. She's probably in the poo now about getting your passport and things. She really didn't think all that through, did she?' Mandy said. 'No,' I said slowly, 'you're probably right.' I smiled thoughtfully and glanced at Mandy. She was so insightful, calm and caring, I was so glad she was my friend. 'Anyway,' I suddenly announced, 'I'm rather glad it's come out.' It was hard to explain but now there would be no secrets, anyone I met would probably know and I wouldn't have to sit anyone down again and give them that piece of news. It felt rather good. 'Good ol' Liz,' Jeremy smiled, 'always brave.' 'No,' Mandy said slowly, 'I think I can understand it. It makes Liz's life a little easier now,' she added with a small smile and I smiled back. Mandy and Mel went back to their flats as the media scrum had shrunk and my story was slipping deeper and deeper in the newspapers. Jeremy, Dean and I walked down to Mario's and there were only a few photographers trailing us this time. 'Liz,' Mario said as he brought my coffee, 'could you do something else? It was good when I had all the free advertising,' he said with a wink as he walked off. 'Cheeky bugger,' I said and Jeremy and Dean laughed loudly. In the caf?, a young man approached the table with a copy of This is Femme Fatale. 'Excuse me Miss Grey,' he stuttered, 'could I have your autograph?' 'Me?' I said, surprised and a little flustered. 'Are you sure I mean ' 'Just sign it, Liz,' Jeremy urged with a smile and I did. 'Thank you,' the young man said, 'I think you're terribly brave.' With that, he ran off and Jeremy chuckled. I watched the shy young man push out of the front doors and I wished he had success in finding his dream as I had. Never let dreams go, I suddenly wished I had written on the album, and never be afraid to dream the impossible. The phone was ringing when we returned and Jeremy ran to it. 'Hello?' He turned and held the telephone out. 'It's for you,' he said with a worried expression, 'it's Angela.' 'Liz! How are you?' 'I'm fine actually,' I said. 'How's your wedding plans coming along?' I said, in an effort to be normal in an abnormal world. 'Forget about that! I've seen the stuff in the papers and on the television and I wanted to know how you were coping.' 'I'm perfectly fine, Angela,' I said calmly. 'I'm not ashamed of anything. They'll lose interest soon. How's Edward handling it?' 'Not very well,' Angela said slowly, 'he's had a shock, he thinks he might have been the source of the leak.' 'What? How?' 'He got a little drunk when we were at the pub, you know what he's like, and his voice got a little loud. I shut him up but he now thinks the damage has been done.' 'It's not his fault, it would have come out sooner or later. I really don't care. Can you tell him not to worry? That I don't care?' 'Bloody hell, you're brave, Liz!' 'Angie,' I said firmly, 'will you tell him?' 'Of course but you are brave.' I laughed softly. 'No, not really.' 'Will this make it difficult for you to go further I mean further surgery ' 'I have done it all ready,' I said softly and there was dead silence. 'Oh,' she finally said. 'I thought I'd be there when I don't know you weren't alone, were you?' 'No, Jeremy was there and I spoke to Mum every day. It's over now and I feel great.' 'Oh.' 'Are you ok?' I asked softly and I wondered for a fleeting moment if she was crying. 'I'm all right. Liz,' she said after a moment and I thought her brightness was forced. 'Can we meet for coffee or something sometime? I'd really like to ' 'So would I,' I said softly, 'lets.' 'I've missed you, Liz,' she said softly and I knew she was crying. 'I've missed you,' I said. 'You still have to teach me some of that classic rubbish,' I said lightly, trying to brighten the mood. At least that generated a small laugh. 'And you teach me jazz?' 'Anytime.' The next day, there were still a few photographers remaining, still taking pictures and I wondered if they would ever go away. 'Probably not,' Fiona said in that clipped voice, 'I think editors have decided that you are news worthy, but especially more so if they can catch you with a bloke. I think you'd better get used to it or move from London.' 'That's a bit drastic, isn't it?' 'Or kiss a bloke, get it on the front pages and then it will be old news. ' 'Kiss a bloke for photographers!' 'Kiss another one after that and there won't be a photographer for miles, it will be boring news. They'll just say, - there goes that Liz Grey, snogging another bloke!' 'Fiona!' 'I could arrange it,' she said slyly. 'Didn't Kiefer say he'd be back for a second kiss?' I ignored that. 'I just want to live a normal life, Fiona.' 'Look, don't forget you'll be on tour a lot of the time so you might drop below the editor's radar soon. Now, this is what I've arranged. Next week, Michael Paterson will interview you ' 'Michael Paterson, oh my!' Michael Paterson was a man who had been on television forever with his insightful and charming interviewing style. 'Yes, the show will be for an hour ' 'An hour! Fiona, I don't think I could survive an hour with him.' 'You won't have to. He's going to interview Femme Fatale and film interviews with your mother, Kiefer, Vernon and with Doctor Sylvia Palmer.' 'But ' 'Liz, I've got it all under control. Cleo is coming back for it, Vernon's interview will be by satellite and Michael is driving to York to interview your mother. He's looking forward to it, he is from Leeds.' I grinned. Mum has idolised Michael Paterson and to have him in her own living room will be a thrill. 'You have been busy.' 'It's my job,' she said. 'So you'll be with Michael, live, for forty minutes ' 'But what will I say do?' 'You'll be fine and I have suggested that Femme Fatale perform. For gods sake, don't sing 'I've Got You Under My Skin' Liz!' 'No,' I smiled wryly, 'not a good choice.' 'We'll put out a statement tomorrow confirming you were born Allan Stratton and that you will be talking to Michael Paterson next Friday night.' 'Fiona,' I said hesitantly, 'we're not making money out of this, are we ' 'Michael Paterson doesn't buy stories, Liz. I chose him because he's the most loved interviewer in the British Isles, even the Queen watches him! If you hit it off with him, all of Britain will be on your side.' 'How will we know?' I said nervously. 'Michael always kisses the cheek of women he fancies at the end of the show. I don't want to put pressure on you but everyone and I mean everyone will be watching to see if he does.' 'Oh my. How ever did you manage to get Michael Paterson?' Fiona laughed apologetically. 'Actually, I'm his agent as well. What song will you and the girls do?' 'I don't have a clue, I'll talk to them.' 'Liz,' Fiona said after a moment, 'Mandy has suggested a performance as well with proceeds to gender research. She's really been reading up on it and I think it would be great ' 'Let's do it.' Typical of Mandy, I thought, always thinking and then doing. 'I'll book a theatre, maybe the Odeon but we'll have to move quickly.' Cleo burst through the door with Toby in tow. 'Cleo! I can't tell if you got a tan,' I said cheekily as we hugged and she laughed. I released her and looked nervously at Toby. He moved over and hugged me, 'it's great to see you, Liz.' It was a big hug, nothing tentative about it and he gave an extra squeeze. 'Thanks. Toby,' I said softly, 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you but ' 'Cleo explained,' he said with a smile, 'and I still think it's some weird publicity stunt but I'll go along with it, even if I don't believe it.' He winked and I hugged him again. 'Thanks so much,' I whispered. Mandy and Mel hugged the life out of Cleo when they saw her and then Toby suffered the same fate, although I don't think he saw it as suffering. 'The Michael Paterson show tomorrow night,' Mel said, 'who'd have thought it? My Mum would never miss it and she fell through the floor when I told her we'd be on it.' 'What song should we do?' I asked. 'There's no question, Liz,' Mandy said firmly, 'it has to be 'Lonely Days'. 'I agree,' Mel said, 'it's a no-brained as Vernon would say.' 'A no-brained, baby,' Cleo mimicked Vernon. 'Liz,' Cleo then asked softly, glancing at the other two, 'have you heard from Sean?' I shook my head. 'No. Jeremy went around to Sean's place but it's all locked up so I think he's gone away ' 'You mean run away!' Cleo said emphatically. 'He seemed a nice bloke,' Toby said, shooting a glance at his wife. 'Pity.' Jeremy insisted on coming to the studio to do all our hair and Fiona had checked what Jeremy had suggested I wear for the interview. When she saw me in the black skirt, black ribbed shoestring top and black jacket with tights and heels, she approved. 'Feminine but not tarty,' Fiona pronounced, 'and still displays the goods.' And Jeremy rolled his eyes. 'I do know my stuff, Fiona. Really!' My thick hair was beyond my shoulders with luxurious waves and auburn highlights through it and Jeremy had taken a great deal of time with my face. His work was subtle, drawing attention to my big eyes and lips. We were in the guest room waiting when Michael Paterson suddenly appeared with that grey hair and familiar grin. 'Hello, I'm Michael Paterson ' 'We know,' Cleo said dryly, 'we have seen you.' He laughed. 'You must be Cleo?' She nodded and they shook hands and introduced him to Mandy and Mel. With a smile, he turned to me, 'and Elizabeth Grey, I've heard a bit about you.' 'Yes,' I said softly, 'I suppose you have.' I felt his eyes on me and for something to say, I said, 'please call me Liz.' Michael Paterson kept smiling but shook his head slightly. 'Thank you but I don't think so; I don't wish to appear too familiar. I'll see you on the set, Elizabeth.' After the door closed, I sank into a chair. 'He hates me,' I said miserably, 'he's going to cut me into little pieces!' Fiona patted my shoulder. 'Michael is terribly professional, Liz, that's the way he is. Just be yourself and relax.' The girls left with Fiona as they had to be ready to move onto the set after Michael had finished with the televised interview with Sylvia Palmer and I stared at the television screen, waiting with my heart pounding. Michael's introduction was short and he moved to the televised interview with Sylvia Palmer who explained in detail gender dysphoria, history and difficulties as well as the transition path. 'So, Elizabeth has gone through a great deal to be ' 'She's waited a lifetime for this,' Sylvia said bluntly, 'spent most of her life pretending to be someone she's not, she has remarkable courage to take these steps.' 'Yes,' Michael murmured, 'I'm beginning to see.' Live in the studio, Michael smiled at the camera and introduced 'three-quarters' of Femme Fatale. They chatted about the origins of the group, how the tour of Heather James had fallen apart and how Femme Fatale carried on. 'How did you find out about Elizabeth?' Michael asked. 'She told us,' Mel answered. 'We were discussing reforming the group and she wanted us to know before we worked together again.' 'Why?' 'Liz feels very strongly that friends shouldn't lie to each other,' Mandy explained, 'and she always knew that sooner or later it would come out.' 'What was your first thoughts when she told you?' 'I didn't believe it,' Cleo said with a shrug, 'find it hard to imagine her as anything but a woman. We've only known Liz as Liz. We're her friends and people change, in the end what does it matter? I used to have straight hair once,' Cleo said straight faced as her curly hair was spilling everywhere. Smiling, Michael Paterson moved onto another question to Mandy. 'Has this caused a lot of stress within the group? All the fuss and everything?' 'I think Cleo just said we're friends,' Mandy stiffly pointed out, 'we're there for each other and Liz was never hiding this and all those media tossers who think it's a big newsflash are pathetic. Sorry,' Mandy said immediately, 'I didn't mean you ' 'I didn't think you did,' Michael smiled. 'But this must have caused angst, uncertainty within you. I mean, three women and then ' 'Femme Fatale is four women,' Cleo snapped and Michael blinked. 'We've lived with her, been on tour with her and Liz is a woman. Blokes think it's all about what's between your legs but it's not, you know, it really isn't!' I think that was the first time that Britain saw Michael Paterson a little lost for words. Michael smiled wryly at the camera and cut to a satellite interview with Vernon who simply said that Liz was a great pianist and a fantastic vocalist. He didn't care about anything else, he's been in show business too long for anything to bother him. 'You'll keep releasing Femme Fatale records?' Michael asked. 'Hell, yes!' was the emphatic reply. 'But don't you think ' 'I don't know what it's like in England but we aren't that different. I put music on when I want to unwind, to chill or to be with someone I care about,' Vernon's deep and mellow voice sounded so sure and I leaned forward to listen, 'If I like it, I keep it on. I don't care about the performer, the music is what matters.' 'You've produced the greats, what made you produce ' 'I didn't know the others were going to be so called greats when I did it, but I know these gals will be. Have you heard them? Some of the songs gives you chills, it's an honour to work with them.' The interview with Mum was next and while it was playing, the girls came back in and I was ushered into the wings so I only caught glimpses off it. 'Did you ever suspect that Allan was different?' 'Yes, he was always feminine in his approach to things, he would ring me every week just to chat, his concern about things, openness - it's difficult to explain. In retrospect, I think Allan fought against it and went to the other extreme but I see Liz is very happy as Liz.' 'And what about you, Mrs Stratton, how do you feel?' 'I have a beautiful and very talented daughter I love very much and who I'm extremely proud of. I'm extremely happy myself.' That was a success! The studio audience applauded the recorded interview and then Michael brought Kiefer in on a live feed. 'Kiefer Brennan,' Michael said and the audience applauded, Kiefer smiling when he heard it, 'how did you meet Elizabeth Grey?' 'I tried to chat her up,' Kiefer said cheekily, 'highly unlike me I know ' 'Yes,' Michael said dryly, 'highly unlikely,' and the audience laughed. ' but she brushed me off, didn't know who I was. It was a blow, the most beautiful bird in the restaurant and didn't know who I was. We caught up months later and we went out once.' 'That's all?' 'Could be twice, but she went of to America and I think Liz didn't like my ways, the way I move around birds, if you know what I mean.' 'I think we do but I think that's an entire interview subject right there.' The audience laughed and Kiefer smiled. 'Is all this a surprise to you?' 'I suppose it is, I mean once you meet her you'll see she's incredibly beautiful have you met her, Mike?' Michael winced at 'Mike' and said, 'yes I have, just before the show and you're right, she's extraordinarily beautiful.' 'How can she have ever been a man? If you're asking me if it bothers me, the answer is no, I kissed her once and I'd kiss her again.' I smiled at that and then Michael turned to the audience and began to wrap up all the interviews so I knew my moment was arriving fast. Heart pounding, I waited. ' now, here is the opportunity to meet her in person, ladies and gentlemen, Elizabeth Grey.' Smiling, I walked out and the applause stopped instantly as I offered my hand to Michael who took it gently, let it drop and I sat down, Michael sitting immediately after me. The audience thinks you're a freak, an inner voice taunted as the silence seemed deafening, they're waiting for the freak show! I smiled tentatively at the studio audience and saw a sea of faces staring at me intently and I gulped. 'A lot of people have wonderful things to say about you, Elizabeth,' Michael began. 'Yes, it cost me the earth,' I said straight-faced, 'to bribe them all, they're so expensive, especially Kiefer.' The audience burst into laughter and Michael smiled. 'What about you and Kiefer?' 'He chatted me up, we had dinner once and he kissed me. What girl wouldn't kiss back?' I said with a small smile, 'he is rather dishy,' and the audience laughed. 'And you kissed him but what about ' 'I was only thinking about the kiss, I'm afraid,' I said, eyes down and I heard female giggles in the audience. 'Were you attracted to men when you were ' 'Allan? I think he was, he was a total disaster with women and only attempted relationships in his desire to be normal, to pretend to be accepted. It was an awful time.' 'You think of Allan and yourself as different people?' 'Yes. I'm afraid, I can't even think of myself as male, I never did, actually.' 'I don't think any of us could,' Michael said quickly, 'think of you as a male.' The audience laughed and I smiled. 'I'll take that as a compliment, I think.' 'It was.' I pretended to frown. 'Are you trying to chat me up, Michael? My Mum would be horrified.' The audience burst in a roar of laughter and Michael blinked and then grudgingly smiled. 'Elizabeth,' he began and then stopped. 'Was it a difficult decision to go through all the medical procedures?' 'No,' I said, 'of course I was frightened, I think everyone is when you go in for surgery but I couldn't not do it, I had to.' 'Can you tell us about your name? Where does Grey come from?' 'There's no hidden meaning, I'm afraid, it's my mother's maiden name and Mum's name is Anne. I just quite like Elizabeth.' 'I'm sure Her Majesty will be pleased,' Michael said dryly and I smiled while the audience laughed loudly. God, I suddenly thought, what if the Queen is watching? 'But you've never tried to hide your history?' 'I'm not ashamed, Michael, in fact, I'm a little proud ' The audience burst into applause and Michael smiled at them, eyes twinkling. 'At the same time, I haven't broadcast it either as it is, quite frankly, nobody's business.' More applause. 'You told everyone close to you?' 'Not everyone, there is one person that I regret I didn't tell. I had plans to do so after the final surgery but, unfortunately,' I said softly and I felt my eyes sting, 'the press did it for me. I regret very much that this special person had to find out that way.' The audience murmured and Michael smiled gently in sympathy. 'I'm sure that person will understand.' 'I hope so.' 'Your mother is terribly proud of you.' 'I'm terribly proud of her. She raised us with love and it wasn't easy after her accident. She's wonderful, I love her and she's the first person I go to when I need to talk.' More applause. 'I understand your brother hasn't come to terms with the change?' 'No,' I answered honestly, 'it's very difficult for him. He hasn't been able to grieve for his lost brother, I suppose, and not ready to accept his sister. I love him and hope he will understand eventually. He's terribly bright and a kind man, I know he will.' 'I understand you have a unique singing voice? Did Allan sing?' I shook my head. 'I only began to sing as Liz. I've never had formal training. Vernon Wexler told me that a radio station in American played part of one of our songs and part of one sung by Nina Simone and asked the audience to pick which one was supposedly male.' Michael played along. 'And which one did they pick?' I leaned closer, theatrically glanced at the audience and back to Michael. 'Well, I didn't know this but apparently, Nina Simone is a bloke!' The audience burst in laughter and Michael chuckled. 'Let's be the judge,' he said, 'if you'll go over to the rest of Femme Fatale, I'll introduce you.' I smiled and walked over to the other set where Cleo, Mandy and Mel were waiting and sat at the piano. We smiled at each other and Cleo gave me thumbs up and twirled her drumsticks. 'Ladies and gentlemen, you've met them, now please listen to Femme Fatale as they play 'Lonely Days' The audience clapped and we waited for the applause to die down before beginning. As usual, we were tight and I moved my mouth a little closer to the microphone to sing. Lonely days and wicked ways Measure me to who I am and life shines brighter every day. I remember my lonely days Fortune has changed my lonely ways No longer drifting No longer dreaming No longer lonely days The applause was thunderous when we finished. Mel, Mandy, Cleo and I embraced quickly before I returned to the other set. 'That was wonderful,' Michael said, 'extraordinary.' 'Thank you.' 'I believe you wrote that?' 'Yes, the only one I managed to write so far.' 'It seems to be extremely personal?' 'I suppose it is.' 'Do you share song writing duties?' 'Absolutely, we share everything, we are lucky as we are best friends who get to work with each other.' 'Liz,' he said and I was surprised but chose to diplomatically ignore his use of my shortened name, 'are you happy?' There was a deathly silence, it was after all the million pound question. 'Happy?' I said slowly and I guessed the cameras were moving in for a close up. 'That's difficult because sometimes you are and other times you're not, just like any life. I think we'd all say that about our lives. But,' I said looking straight into the camera and I knew my face was filling the studio screen and the audience was looking up at it, 'if you're asking me if life is different, it is. I'm alive, really alive and I am living a life! Before, I was making do, surviving, pretending and miserable. Am I happy?' I shrugged, 'I have my ups and downs like everybody. Am I alive? Definitely yes!' The applause washed over us and Michael stared at me for a moment and smiled softly. 'Thank you, Liz, you're arranging a concert?' We spoke about that and Michael surprised me again when he said, 'I'll definitely be there, Liz, it is a worthy cause.' I smiled; it was going to be all right! 'If you're coming, you can come onto the stage and sing with us,' I said cheekily. 'Oh, I don't know about that ' 'Just the last song, there'll be others.' 'Safety in numbers,' he laughed. 'Seriously, people don't want to hear me sing!' 'We'll see about that,' I said with a wink to the audience who laughed. Finally it was over and Michael took my hand as we stood. 'Ladies and gentleman, this has been an extraordinary night. Please thank this extraordinary woman, the warm and wonderful Liz Grey!' The applause washed over us and Michael, still holding my hand, planted a big kiss on my cheek! That kiss was on the front paper of the newspapers the next day. Jeremy, Dean, Cleo, Toby, Mandy, Mel, Fiona and I went to a quiet restaurant after the show for supper. 'You were super, Liz,' Mel enthused. 'I think it was a great success,' Fiona said and we all nodded. A young woman in a black dress with a camera, obviously a restaurant photographer hesitantly approached us. 'Miss Grey, do you mind if I take a photograph?' she asked. 'I know you probably get approached a lot but I'm trying to get my name known as a photographer and ' Cleo was about to say something but I squeezed her hand. 'What was your name?' 'Norah Wilson,' she said. 'Ok Norah,' I smiled, 'but you must get all of us in.' Norah burst into a huge smile. 'Thank you so much.' She aimed her camera and Jeremy raised his glass, 'to our good friend and now darling of Britain, Miss Elizabeth Grey!' The photograph appeared in the newspapers and it was excellent, so good Jeremy rang the newspaper and arranged copies. It was such a good photograph of us all, of friends. Part 24: I'm gonna get up and make my life shine. Femme Fatale with Toby, Jeremy and Dean decided to have a quiet dinner at Notting Hill. Jeremy and Toby cooked which we all thought was perfect as we sat back and chatted, sipping champagne. The telephone rang and, laughing at a Cleo joke, I walked over and answered it. 'Hello?' 'Hello Elizabeth.' My stomach dropped to my shoes and I quickly placed the champagne glass on the table next to the 'phone. 'Sean? Is that you?' The moment I said it, I heard Mandy's voice tail off and knew they were all listening. I glanced over and Mel, Mandy, Cleo and Dean were watching me, clutching their glasses, waiting. 'Yes ' 'Where have you been?' I exclaimed, 'I've been worried sick.' 'I've been in Scotland, fishing and thinking about you know things.' 'Oh,' I said softly, 'I see. Why didn't you call?' 'I thought about it but didn't know what to say.' At that point, Jeremy leaned over the stairs and called out that people could come up and start filling their plates. Mel ran up the stairs and I heard her hiss, 'she's talking to Sean! It'll have to wait!' 'You have guests?' Sean asked down the line and I knew by his formal tone that this was not going to be nice. There was no Hollywood ending here, I thought lamely, no big sentimental happy ending. 'Just the band, we have a concert tomo ' 'Yes, I saw you on the Paterson show. Was I the special person you didn't tell?' 'Yes,' I said softly, 'you were. I'm so sorry, Sean, I meant ' 'Yes,' he said brusquely, 'I received your letter. And I'm ringing out of courtesy, really in response ' I quailed at his formal language. My poor heart had long fallen through my feet and was now burrowing through the earth, trying to find a bolthole, somewhere to run to, to hide. 'I think I know why you're ringing, Sean,' I said in a sad little voice. 'I hear the message in your voice.' 'It's all been a bit of a shock.' 'I understand, but I was going to tell you, it was ' 'Yes, yes, as I said, I read the letter. And I'd like to thank you for keeping my name out of this.' His name? Is that all he's concerned about? 'Exactly what are you saying, Sean?' I could guess but I just wanted it to be spelled out. 'Well, I can't see how we could possibly go forward after all this. People would know ' 'So it would have been all right if no one knew?' 'That's not what I meant ' 'Isn't it? I'm rather glad everyone knows now.' I shook my head. 'It really doesn't matter, Sean,' I said softly, trying to muster a smile from somewhere. 'I just thought I should call, to formally ' 'It's quite all right, Sean. I wish you well. Thank you so much for calling and I hope life is kind to you. Goodbye.' I hung up and turning, I smiled brightly at the waiting faces. 'Well, that went well, I thought.' Mel, Cleo and Mandy rushed over. 'Sod him,' Cleo said, 'I never liked him anyway. He walked like he had a broomstick up his bum.' 'Pompous prick,' Mandy muttered and I blinked at her. 'Well, it just gets me angry.' 'You're too good for him, Liz,' Mel said, pushing the others out of the way to give me a large 'Mel Hug'. Jeremy hung over the top of the stairs. 'Are you alright, Liz?' he called and I saw the concern on his face. In fact, everyone was concerned and I looked around at my friends. It was then I knew for sure that I never loved Sean, never came close when I measured it against the feelings I had for these people who were now staring at me with concern and love. 'Yes, I am,' I smiled. 'I think I've been working up to this, getting ready for it and truth be told, I don't think he was the love of my life. Is the food ready, Mr Bingham?' I called cheekily, blinking. He smiled warmly at me. 'Of course, Liz, Toby's going mad, thinks it will all be spoiled so come on people,' he called, clapping his hands, 'let's get a hurry on, please.' They trooped up the stairs and Mandy came over. 'Really ok?' 'Yes,' I smiled, 'really. Let's eat.' When the party was over and everyone was gone, I stared at the mirror and Liz Grey stared back with a grin. 'Sod him', she murmured, 'he doesn't know what he's missing!' The theatre was packed and there were celebrities jostling for a seat as well as trying to be invited on stage to sing the chorus of the last song. The media were there in droves and when I arrived, I smiled and waved as they called out to me and took photographs. The four of us posed for them, linking arms, waving and smiling as the cameras flashed. We had separate dressing rooms, which was a bit of a shame but also allowed our visitors to move around. 'I think,' Fiona said with glee, 'that you and Princess Diana are the two most recognisable faces in Britain at the moment.' I remembered how I wanted to be famous, to be loved and wanted. Suddenly, I had it but would trade it all if it meant I would keep my friends. 'Hi, Liz,' Keith Coltrane said with a smile, holding Mel's hand. I raised an eyebrow to Mel and kissed Keith's cheek. 'This is a surprise, you staying long, Keith?' 'I might,' he said in that slow drawl, glancing at Mel, 'be staying forever.' I winked at Mel who had the good grace to blush and turned to walk to the piano when I heard 'Elizabeth?' and turned to see Teddy and Angela standing in the wings as the road crew dashed around madly. Warily, as I hadn't seen Edward since that weekend months ago, I walked over. 'Thank you for coming ' 'Elizabeth,' Edward said formally, almost like a Shakespearean speech, 'I want to thank you for what you did, to get me out of East Germany,' he went on after Angela gave him a glance. 'I don't think I've actually thanked you ' 'No,' I said dryly, 'not actually.' Although, it occurred to me, perhaps I should thank him. 'Thank you,' he said in a rush, 'and I want to apologise for the way I've acted ' 'You don't have to, Teddy,' I said softly and he looked down at me quickly, 'I know it was difficult and I don't think I made it easy for you but thanks for coming tonight.' 'I wanted to wish you luck,' he said with a small laugh, 'or is it break a leg?' 'Cripes, I don't know,' I laughed, 'you're the expert.' It was good to laugh with him again and I saw his eyes mist over a little and he reached out to take my arm. 'I had to come to see my sister play,' Edward said croakily and I blinked. 'Teddy,' I murmured, 'are you ' He hugged me and kissed my cheek. 'Go get them, Liz. I'm proud of you and I'm sorry I was such beast. It was difficult ' 'I know, I know but that's all over,' I said happily. 'I want you at the wedding,' Teddy said. 'Really?' 'Yes,' he laughed, 'really. Hey,' he suddenly said with a wink, 'who's more famous now?' It hit me with a shock and then laughing, I hugged him again. I hugged Angela and said; 'I'll see you after the show?' 'Oh,' she laughed, 'I think you'll see me sooner than that.' Mandy and I were talking backstage about the new album we were planning when Fiona rushed up. 'How do you feel about a Beatle coming onstage?' 'You're joking!' I spluttered. 'No, I'm not.' She turned to Mandy. 'He's over there and asked if you would show him the chord progression?' 'Me?' Mandy squeaked. 'Yes, you!' Fiona said firmly, leading Mandy away. I laughed. 'Liz!' I turned to see Jeremy and Dean helping Mum across the stage. They had driven down with Mum and I hugged her. 'Mum,' I laughed, 'you're here.' I looked at her hair. 'I love the hair, Mum, where did you ' 'Jeremy did it,' Mum said proudly, 'I rather like it.' 'It's marvellous,' I said, shooting a grateful glance to Jeremy. 'This is all so wonderful. Teddy is also ' 'I've already seen him. He kept raving about his sister,' she smiled, eyes twinkling. 'I know,' I rolled my eyes, 'such a bore!' We laughed and Jeremy took Mum's hand. 'Have to find our seats Mrs Stratton and don't forget you have to sing.' 'Mum? You're coming on stage?' 'I wouldn't miss it. I had my hair done for it,' she said with a wink. Smiling, I watched them walk off the back stage area, smiling when I realised that Mum allowed Jeremy to help her walk. I wonder how that came about? I smiled to myself, that would have been a clash of wills that Jeremy obviously won. 'Hello, Liz Grey,' a voice said and I turned to see Kiefer, arms folded, leaning against the piano. 'Is this where the star does her stuff?' He smiled at me with that familiar grin and raised his eyebrows. I was strangely embarrassed, as I knew he fancied me before he knew the facts and he helped out so much in the media uproar but I didn't know where I stood with him. 'Kiefer, what are you doing here?' I asked, walking over and looking up at him. God, he's tall! 'Do you think I'd miss out on this?' He grinned. 'Not bloody likely.' I laughed and then began in a serious voice, 'Kiefer, I want to thank you for everything you did when the media were going crazy, I know you didn't have to and ' 'Hang on, darl,' he said and I blinked. 'Didn't you say we were friends?' 'Well, yes, of course ' 'Friends stick together, especially', he said with a wink, 'against the media tossers.' 'You're one in a million, Kiefer Brennan,' I laughed. 'I've been trying to tell you that,' he said in a pained voice and then spoilt the effect by grinning. 'Thank you,' I said, reaching up to spontaneously kiss his cheek and then I froze immediately worried how he would react. He smiled warmly, his fingers touching his cheek. 'Now,' he said softly, 'we both know you can do better than that.' I flushed and looked at his twinkling eyes. Thankfully, I didn't get a chance to say anything. 'Let's go, people,' Toby called, 'we have a show!' Michael Paterson strode onto the stage to introduce us. 'I told Liz I couldn't sing,' he told a delighted audience, 'so she told me to do what I do best, talk!' Laughter ran around the theatre and camera flashes sparkled the darkness. 'The idea for this concert came from Mandy Macklin, Femme Fatale's guitarist ' applause and we grinned at Mandy who shuffled a little behind the curtain. 'I don't know many people,' Michael said seriously, looking out into the darkness, 'who could calmly handle the oppressive media incursion into the most intimate details of their private life but Liz Grey did with aplomb. She's a wonderful person. It is my pleasure to introduce the four fabulous women who are Femme Fatale!' The curtain came up and we went straight into 'Knickers,' followed by 'Summertime' and 'Femme Fatale'. 'This is for my Mum who is here tonight.' The audience applauded. 'She's one in a million and I got my love of Gershwin from her. Mum, thanks, I love you and this is for you. Mum used to hum this around the house when I was,' I paused and continued, 'a little girl.' Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you! Embrace me, irreplaceable you! Just one look at you, my heart grew tipsy in me; you and you alone bring out the gypsy in me! We did most of the songs from our album and others as well. The audience was involved, laughing at Mandy's comments, cheering when we began 'Lonely days' 'I have two brothers here tonight,' I said and Mandy, Mel and Cleo grinned at me and I smiled back, so glad that they understood my unusual raving at the microphone. 'My famous Shakespearean brother, Edward,' I said, 'appearing at a theatre near you soon,' and the audience applauded and cheered. 'And my soul brother Jeremy, who saved my life and who, unselfishly, helped me begin again. I think my Mum wants to adopt him.' When the laughter subsided, I said softly, 'I love you both and this is for you.' When you're down and troubled And you need a helping hand And nothing, whoa nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest nights The audience was going mad and I was on an emotional roller coaster. They couldn't take the microphone away from me not that the girls would have tried, they knew what I was feeling. I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man, who could ask for anything more I got daisies in green pastures, I got my man, who could ask for anything more 'I want to thank the rest of Femme Fatale, three people I love so much, Cleo, Mandy and Mel!' I was supposed to go to the last song but, instead, I said into the microphone. 'One more before the last.' Scattered applause and Cleo, Mandy and Mel looked quizzically at me. 'I'd like to do a song I haven't played for a long time, I played it once when I couldn't sleep,' I said and Mel suddenly grinned and began whispering to the others. 'Sorry', I mouthed to them and they all smiled back. My fingers ran over the piano and I looked over at them, the three of them ready to support me, ready to play and I felt like crying. Instead, I began playing and Cleo slipped in with brushes, nodding as she played and Mandy played a thoughtful bass line. I nodded at Mel who played a soulful clarinet to introduce my voice. Brighter than sunshine reflected on water The smile of the lady is gracious and warm Though she's a woman She laughs like a child at play And the lady is waiting At the end of my day The hall was strangely silent as we played and I felt my voice soar as it had never done before. Sharing my secrets and wishing my wishes A whisper of summer is there in her smile Softly reflecting our love in the thing that we say And the lady is waiting At the end of my day And the lady is waiting At the end of my day The applause thundered around us, I mouthed 'Thank you' to the girls who all smiled and I saw people filing onto the stage to stand as a choir at the back. I felt tears in my eyes as I saw Jeremy, Mum, Edward and Kiefer join the choir as well as people I had idolised for years from the music industry. Suddenly, Mandy and Mel came over, took my hands and led me to the microphone stand in the centre of the stage, the choir around me, smiling at me. 'But,' I protested as we neared the live microphone, and the audience heard, 'who'll play the piano?' The audience laughed and Mel answered with a grin, 'I think we've got that covered,' and I looked over to see Angela seated at my piano. 'I've been practising, Liz,' she said into the microphone and I smiled, 'time I stopped being a classics snob.' Cleo counted in and the band began 'I'll be Long Gone.' Standing centre stage, I held the microphone stand, tilted my head, flicked my hair back, closed my eyes and sang. I'll be long gone by the time you make up your mind Got to make my own way The choir was swaying in time, smiling at each other, arms around each other as they echoed me in the chorus, the theatre alive with camera flashes. Angela was playing well and her sweet voice soared with the choir. Yes, I'm gonna get up and make my life shine I'm gonna get up and make my life shine I've made up my mind, I'm gonna make my life shine It was a standing ovation and with tears in my eyes, Femme Fatale embraced and then I embraced Mum, Edward, Angie and Jeremy. I even embraced a Beatle and that picture went into my scrapbook. Suddenly, Kiefer was beside me, smiling down at me and in front of the audience, pulled me close and kissed me, kissed me hard and long to cheers from the choir and the audience. 'Oh my,' I whispered, hanging onto him. 'I told you, you could do better,' he whispered in my ear with a devilish grin as he held me tight. Was this a publicity stunt? Was it sod it, girl, will you just bloody enjoy it for once! 'Oh my,' I whispered again and pulled his head down and kissed him again. The audience roared and Kiefer kissed me back. My face was burning as we bowed, hand in hand and everyone laughed. He let my hand go as I bowed from the waist again and again, embraced everyone again and waved to the audience who were chanting and calling out my name. Fiona was smiling at me in the wings as I ran off. 'You took my advice, I see,' she laughed. 'What you talking about?' 'Kissing a bloke on the front pages.' 'Oh, of course, that'll be everywhere,' I said slowly, 'is that why he did it?' 'No,' Fiona smiled, 'I don't think so,' she said but I didn't really believe her. Mum, Jeremy, Teddy and Angela suddenly swamped me and hugged the life out of me. 'You were brilliant,' Teddy said. 'God, if I could hold an audience like you do I mean...' 'Oh spare us the self analysis, please!' Jeremy snapped. 'This is Liz's night,' he said hugging me and kissing my cheek. I smiled thinking, poor Teddy, now he's got Jeremy as well as Angela to cope with. How will he cope with Cleo, Mandy and Mel? Mum was crying when she hugged me so tightly, kept saying 'Liz, Liz,' in my ear until she finally let me go, smiling at me through shining eyes. I smiled back, one more hug, and she began to walk off, leaning on Jeremy's arm and Dean, Angela and Teddy went with them. I would see them all at the party. Then the girls pushed the road crew out of the way. 'Thanks,' I said to Mel, Mandy and Cleo as they hugged me. 'Sorry to spring that on you but ' 'Mel explained,' Cleo said with a smile. 'It's a bloody good song.' 'It was perfect, Liz,' Mandy said with a smile as she hugged me, 'in fact it's been a perfect night. A night you deserve.' 'Yes,' Mel said, 'you do.' 'Without you three,' I said, eyes filling, 'I don't know ' 'Oh leave it out Liz,' Cleo said, 'just enjoy the night, will you?' 'Leave her alone, Cleo,' Mel snapped, hugging me and I smiled at my friends. 'It's been a wild ride, Liz Grey,' Mandy said softly, gently embracing me, 'ending in this perfect night or is it a beginning? 'I hope beginning, a perfect beginning,' I said shakily, brushing my hair back with my fingers. 'I think so too,' Mandy smiled. 'In a way it's a beginning for all of us.' 'Could get more perfect, though,' Mel said softly, leaning close with a wink and the girls chuckled. 'What do you ' I began to say and turned and saw Kiefer waiting in the wings, hands in his pockets. 'Oh my,' I said softly, 'he's still here? I thought it was just a publicity stunt.' 'Did it feel like one?' Mandy asked slyly and I blushed. 'No, well ' 'I saw his face when he kissed you, Liz,' Mel said, 'he had a dreamy look in his eyes, it was no publicity stunt.' 'No?' 'No,' they said in unison and I smiled. I smiled at Kiefer and he smiled back. 'I'd better thank him for coming,' I murmured. 'Good idea, Liz,' Cleo said dryly and then suddenly embraced me. 'Forget the rule,' she whispered in my ear and I laughed nervously. 'Bring him to the party, Liz,' Mandy said, 'go on, ask him.' 'You sure? I ' I felt three pairs of hands in the centre of my back and I was suddenly propelled towards him. 'You're still here?' I said shyly, 'I thought you might have gone ' 'And not say goodbye? Not like me, darling.' 'Oh, so you only wanted to say goo ' 'Only if you want me to, Liz,' he said gently, smiling that famous smile. I looked at him, wondering, and he looked down at me, waiting. 'There's a party thingy,' I said slowly, 'I don't know if ' 'I'd love to,' he said. I looked into his eyes, smiled at last, took his hand and led him to the party. Yes, I'm gonna get up and make my life shine Author's Note: I first wrote a story that I thought would have the delightfully simple title of Elizabeth Grey. That story took on a life and was careering on like a boulder down a cartoon hill, ready to crush the coyote. Unfortunately, I was the coyote. Drastic measures needed to be taken and I decided to divide the story into two (a little like Tarantino and Kill Bill Vols 1 & 2). I closed Volume 1 Elizabeth Grey: The Lady Is Waiting at the conclusion of Part 24 and left the other ten chapters in a folder, waiting for the coyote to regain her nerve and face the story again. I completed that story and the second volume of Elizabeth Grey - Heart - is completed with another 24 chapters! Appendix I: Femme Fatale is: Mandy Macklin bass, rhythm & lead guitars and vocal harmonies Melissa Ramsay clarinet, flute and saxophones Cleo Rosser percussion Elizabeth Grey keyboards and vocals. Appendix II: The First Elizabeth Grey Repertoire (1984-86) At Last - (Mack Gordon/Harry Warren) Autumn in New York - (Vernon Duke) Dance the Old Fashioned Way - (Charles Aznavour) Embraceable You - (George & Ira Gershwin) Femme Fatale - (Melissa Ramsay) I Got Rhythm - (George & Ira Gershwin) I'll Be Long Gone - (William. R. Scaggs) I've Got You Under My Skin - (Cole Porter) Knickers - (Melissa Ramsay/Cleo Rosser/Mandy Macklin) Lonely Days - (Elizabeth Grey) Ragtime - (Scott Joplin) So Far Away - (Carole King) Stormy Weather - (Ted Koehler/Harold Arlen) Summertime - (George & Ira Gershwin, D & D Heyward) Take Five - (Paul Desmond) The Lady Is Waiting - (Paul Williams) The Shadow of Your Smile - (Webster Mandel) Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? - (King/G. Goffin) You're My Thrill - (Sidney Clare, Jay Gorney) You've Got A Friend - (Carole King) Appendix III: Discography This is Femme Fatale (Released 1986) Recorded Soul Studios N.Y.C Produced by Vernon Wexler Soul Atlantic: 4589076 Femme Fatale * So Far Away * Embraceable You * Autumn in New York * Summertime * Stormy Weather * Knickers * Lonely Days * Dance the Old Fashioned Way * You're My Thrill * I'll Be Long Gone Live in London (released 1987) Recorded at the Red Note jazz Club, London, England Produced by Keith Coltrane Soul Atlantic: 6883153 (2 Discs) Femme Fatale * I've Got You Under My Skin * So Far Away/Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow * At Last * Autumn in New York * Summertime * You've Got a Friend * Embraceable You * The Shadow of Your Smile * Knickers * Lonely Days * Dance the Old Fashioned Way * I Got Rhythm * You're My Thrill * I'll Be Long Gone* Take Five* Stormy Weather Heart (Released 1988) Recorded Mast Studios, Bristol and Olympic Studios, London Produced and Mixed by Ricky Dew and Femme Fatale Soul Atlantic: 7584070 Heart * This Is My Child * Rain Storm * The Lady is Waiting (live)* Budapest Blue * Take A Walk * Last Bus to Notting Hill * Four * Emma * I Don't Care What They Think (All compositions by Femme Fatale with the exception The Lady Is Waiting Paul Williams) The Femme Fatale Bootleg (Released ?) Illegally Recorded at the Elizabeth Grey benefit concert in 1986 Featuring Femme Fatale and various artists that cannot, for legal reasons be identified. Track listing can also not be identified for copyright reasons. Extensive Femme Fatale Discography continues next pages. Motion Picture Soundtracks The Blue Detective (1988) Soundtrack composed by E. Grey, M. Macklin, M. Ramsay & C. Rosser (Envoy Artists) Lost Vision (1989) Soundtrack composed by Elizabeth Grey & Mandy Macklin (Universal) Individual Collaborations Sweet Blow (1988) Melissa Ramsay & Keith Coltrane (Soul Atlantic) White Heat (1986) Mass Around featuring Elizabeth Grey (Mystic) Flamenco Love (1989) Mandy Macklin & Manuel Diego (Soul Atlantic) Percussion Blues (1989) Cleo Rosser & the Percussive Tribe (World) Television Themes Columbus (1992) Cleo Rosser BBC Television Switch (1992) Cleo Rosser & Mandy Macklin NBC Television Publications The Lady Is Waiting by Elizabeth Grey (Holder & Stoughton) Femme Fatale Photographs by Norah Wilson (Imprint)