Home for the Holidays 5
by Denise
Nola proceeds to undo Quint's collar and the studs down the front of his shirt, trailing kisses on his newly exposed skin. She reaches behind him, unfastens his cumberbund and flings it behind her. Leaving his cufflinks for last, she draws both his hands together in front him, holding him captive while she removes them. She then pauses and dives at his mouth for another deep sexy kiss while she peels off his shirt and throws it in yet another direction. They fall together onto the bed, and Nola rolls on top of Quint, kissing all the while....Nola finally breaks the kiss and rises to stand next to the bed. She slowly reaches behind her back and lowers the zipper inch by inch down her dress. Quint is mesmerized and simply looks in wonder, forgetting to breath. Finally, her zipper undone, Nola slips from the dress, shoulder by shoulder and slides it down in a subtle version of a strip tease. Finally needing oxygen, Quint emits a low sexy growl...then studies the sexy, lacy, rather unfamiliar lingerie she had been hiding beneath that beloved dress.
Q: Nola, somehow I can't recall your undergarments being quite so...(he searches for the word) luscious as that, my dear.
N: Quint, darling, perhaps this wouldn't have been...practical...at all those dig sites. And somehow my Victoria's Secret Catalog never made it to Tanquir.
Q: That's too bad. But, perhaps its just as well. I fear I'd have forgotten to dig for treasure of the archeological sort.
N: Professor Taylor's work might never have been completed?
Q: Most definitely not.
He sits up slowly and reaches for her.
Q: Now, Nola, as lovely as you look, I'm afraid that this just won't do.
N: It won't?
Q: No, I'm afraid it's in the way.
N: (teasing) In the way? In the way of what?
Q: Let me show you.
He pulls her down into the bed and the lacy lingerie soon flies off, followed by their shoes and all the rest of their clothing, raining down about the room accompanied by gasps and squeals. As the last garment is removed and tossed aside, they come together face to face in the middle of the bed and just lay there under the covers and revel in the achingly familiar, beloved feel of their two bodies pressed tightly together. Quint strokes his hand gently over Nola's hair and draws the backs of his knuckles slowly over her cheek. Nola brings her hand up and gently brings Quint's palm to her lips and places her own lingering kiss there. The violent reaction that follows shoots through the two of them and their need for each other overwhelms them simultaneously...the lovemaking that follows is surprising to them both...a homecoming, but one filled with intense, almost painful, physical and emotional needs. Both had existed, unacknowledged, and certainly unfulfilled for many years. More years than either Quint or Nola had ever dared to admit.
Slowly, the storm passes.............
Q: Oh God, Nola, I've missed you so. I love you so much.
N: (nearly in tears, whispering) I missed you too. Even when I was so angry at you, I knew I'd never be able to stay angry. I love you so much...I'm not me without you. I don't know how I made it this long.
Q: Nola, don't think about that now...I can feel your heart beating next to mine and it feels like one heart, the way it did so long ago. Somehow, we will find our way through this together.
N: We have to...
Q: My darling Nola, we will...the angels are with us on this one. Henry and Vanessa, and dear Maureen are up there right now cheering for us. I just feel it.
N: I feel it too. Maybe that's why I felt I had to come to the party...to you...tonight. They put the magic in that dress, that told me somehow you'd find me and see how lost I really was without you.
Q: Shhh, you're here now. I'm never going to let what we have slip away again.
N: It did, didn't it? It just slipped away. It's so scary, we turned our backs for what seemed like a minute, but it was really years, years of counting on each other and relying on each other, just slipped...like that...into taking each other for granted.
Q: No, Nola, it was my fault. I don't know how I could have...
N: (interrupting) No, Quinton, if I've learned anything in these last two years of hell, I've figured out that we were both at fault. What happened to us was like a disease, some awful, silent, deadly disease. Everything goes along fine, and you think you're healthy and all the while, some awful cancer is eating away at you on the inside. I let you slip away from me while I wasn't even looking. And you went. We both blew it...big time. I'm not about to make that mistake again. I'm going to figure out exactly what went wrong so it won't ever, ever happen again.
Q: You mean we'll figure it out. We have to do this together, honey. You've somehow let me back into your heart and I'm never, ever going to budge. You're stuck with me.
N: (mockingly resigned) Well, if you insist...hmm, in that case, does this place have one of those heart shaped tubs? Any good honeymoon suite should have one of those, right?
to be continued....
Home for the Holidays 6
by Denise
Q: As I said earlier, my dear, your wish is my command. Let me go check the bathroom and see.
Quinton kisses the tip of Nola's nose and slides from the bed. Nola smiles and stretches lazily, singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" softly to herself while she sits up and contemplates the highlights of the evening so far.
N: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light, from now on our troubles will be out of sight...
She is soon accompanied by the sound of water running into the tub in the next room.
N: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the yuletide gay, from now on our troubles will be miles away...
Quinton pauses in the doorway, unnoticed by Nola, he observes her for a moment. He closes his eyes and whispers to himself.
Q: Dear God, if this is a dream, please let me sleep for eternity. If it's not, and you really have brought my precious Nola back to me, I promise I'll do everything I possibly can to make sure she's always as happy as she is right now.
He opens his eyes and adds one final thought.
Q: And I don't wish to be greedy, but any small miracles you could add would be greatly appreciated. Two or three days to ourselves with no family crisis to interrupt us just might bring new meaning to the phrase "God is in his heavens and all is right with the world."
Nola, sitting up and hugging her knees, finally notices Quint and sings the last verse a bit louder
N: "Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow, hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now..."
Quinton applauds.
N: (bows slightly and giggles) Well, how's the bathroom look?
Quint returns to the bed and slides in beside her.
Q: (mockingly grave) I hate to break it to you dear, but unfortunately, the tub is not heart-shaped.
N: (pouting) No? That's too bad. I was so looking forward to a nice long soak.
Q: (smiling) Now, Nola, don't be upset. It's a very nice oval shape, and it looks like it could hold four or five people quite comfortably. You can still have your soak (grinning wickedly)...if you don't mind sharing.
N: No, I don't mind a bit. You wash my back and I'll wash yours, how's that?
He eyes her back lasciviously, and slowly runs his hand down her spine.
Q: And a very lovely back it is..(thoughtfully) Hmm...sounds equitable.
His lips follow the path his hand had just taken.
Q: Perhaps we could expand the territory, however.
Nola turns to look at him.
N: (pretending serious consideration)What did you have in mind?
Q: Let me show you....
He pulls her back down into the bed, and throws the covers over the top of them both so energetically that they are covered from head to toe...almost. Quint's feet are exposed near the bottom of the bed. They soon disappear, however, and the covers form a tent under which Quint demonstrates what, indeed, he does have in mind.
Q: (muffled) Here...and here...
Squeals and giggles punctuate each demonstration, until other, more sensitive, areas are reached.
N: Oh, Quinton....
SCENE 9, HONEYMOON SUITE BATHROOM, SEVERAL MINUTES LATER.
Quinton and Nola are immersed in the huge tub, which has been filled with delicately scented bubbles. They are facing one another, resting their heads against opposite sides of the tub, slowly recovering from their exertions.
N: You're just lucky this didn't overflow during our, um, negotiations, Mr. Chamberlain.
Q: I'll have you know I guaged the timing precisely, Mrs. Chamberlain. I knew a tub this size would take quite some time to fill. Besides, I didn't turn the taps on full blast...just a trickle.
N: Hedging your bets?
Q: No, my dear, I just wasn't after a quickie.
N: (splashing him) Quinton!!!
He laughs and grabs her arm before it can disappear beneath the suds, and draws her over to his side of the tub. She rests her head on his shoulder, while he draws slow circles in the bubbles on the tops of her shoulders. They rest in companionable silence for a time.
Q: Sing me another song Nola.
N: What would you like to hear?
Q: Something very festive. I feel like celebrating.
N: How about... "Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin? In the lane, snow is glistenin. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walkin' in a winter wonderland...
Quint smiles and nods. She continues...
N: "Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is the new bird, who sings a love song, as we go along, walkin' in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend that he is Parson Brown, he'll say are you married, we'll say no man, but you can do the job when you're in town. Later on we'll conspire, as we dream by the fire, to face unafraid, the plans that we made, walkin' in a winter wonderland. Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin? In the lane, snow is glistenin. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walkin' in a winter wonderland...
Q: Excellent choice, love. A Christmas song for lovers, like us. Except we're already married.
N: (hesitating)Yes, but what about those papers I got?
Q: I never filed them. You're stuck with me, Mrs. Chamberlain. 'Til death do us part..if I remember correctly.
She looks up at him intently.
Q: (slowly and seriously) I do remember, Nola. Every word.
N: I believe you. I remember too. There is more than one way to break those vows, Quinton. Love, honor, and cherish. I think I forgot to cherish, by taking so much for granted. It all got lost in the shuffle of getting through the days, raising the kids, working together became routine...I don't know how that happened, Quint.
Q: Well, we won't let anything like that happen again, will we?
N: Never.
Q: Judging from tonight, I don't believe we need worry about things becoming routine.
N: No, I guess not. My goodness, you standing there in all that candlelight, wearing your tux...you took my breath away.
Q: As did you in that dress. Thank god you didn't go into Alex's party looking like that. The men there would have taken one look at you and instantly made you the belle of the ball. I'd have had to assert myself very firmly...I believe in an old saying it's called beating them off with a stick.
N: (giggles) You wouldn't!
Q: I most certainly would have. Not literally mind you. But, believe me, there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that you are not available.
Quinton gently lifts her chin and kisses her intensely.
Q: You're mine, Nola, all mine.
N: I like the sound of that.
She snuggles back in next to his side and rests her head back on his shoulder. She stops wiggling and looks back up at him.
N: You're bringing to mind another old saying I've heard, Quinton.
Q: I am? What's that Nola?
N: I believe it goes something like..."Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
Quinton howls with laughter.
Q: Nola, I don't believe I'm wearing any pockets at the moment.
N: Oh, I think you're right. I relieved you of your pockets quite a while ago.
She pauses.
N: Then you must be happy to see me....
He looks her straight in the eye and nods slowly.
Q: Ecstatic, my dear. The word is ecstatic.
He draws her up from his side to lie directly on top of him and draws her mouth back to his. The word ecstatic gains new meaning in the Chamberlains' private lexicon....
To be continued......
Home for the Holidays 7
by Denise
SCENE 10, LIVING ROOM OF HONEYMOON SUITE, 8:00 AM, THE NEXT DAY
Quinton, clad only in a hotel bathrobe, is sitting on the sofa and talking quietly on the phone, so as not to waken Nola in the next room.
Q: Yes.
He listens to the other party for a moment.
Q: No, I think we'll be here for a few days.....No, we're fine. Better than fine. She really surprised me. I didn't expect this at all....Yes, more than I had ever dared to hope for...But I won't be able to take care of everything as I had planned. I left a list on top of my desk. Could you...
CUT TO BEDROOM
Nola lies sleeping in the middle of the bed covered only by the sheet, the rest of the blankets have fallen off the bed. Her head rests on the only pillow that remains on the bed. Clothes and bed linens are scattered wildly about the room. She rolls over and reaches out her hand, but finds nothing but mattress. She slowly opens her eyes, rubs them, and looks about. She's puzzled for a moment, then hears the sound of Quint talking in the next room and smiles. She begins humming softly to herself as she arises.
CUT BACK TO LIVING ROOM.
Quinton is still conversing very quietly on the phone. Nola enters wearing a matching hotel bathrobe.
Q: No, don't call. I'll check with the concierge for messages...All right. Good bye.
He turns around and sees Nola. She walks over and stands next to him.
Q: Good morning sleepy head. I love you.
N: I love you, too. Good morning. My goodness, it's only 8:00, what are you doing up already?
Q: Ah, my dear Nola, what can I say? You've made me want to make the most of every minute. I seem to have more energy than I've had in years.
N: I'll say. What was that little interlude around 4:00 this morning? Did that really happen or was I still asleep, enjoying a fantastic dream?
Q: (laughing) No, my love that wasn't a dream. Or if it was, I had the exact same one.
Quinton grabs her hand and pulls her gently down to sit on his lap. He begins nuzzling her neck.
N: Who was on the phone?
Q: (still nuzzling and attempting distraction) Hmm? Mmm, very tasty.
N: (laughing) Quint, stop. Who was on the phone?
Q: Hmm? The phone?
Nola pulls back slightly and puts a stop to the nuzzling.
N: Yes, Quint, the phone. Who were you talking to?
Q: Oh, I just called Bridget to let her and J know where you are. Just so they won't worry.
N: Oh, that was nice of you. What did she say?
Q: Not much. Just said we should enjoy ourselves and not worry about anything.
N: Sounds good to me.
Q: Me too. Now, what would you like to do today?
N: Right now I'm starving. How about some breakfast?
Q: Room service coming right up.
SCENE 11, HALLWAY OUTSIDE HONEYMOON SUITE. 30 MINUTES LATER.
The bell boy rolls a cart up to the door and knocks. There is no answer. He knocks again. Squealing and giggling can be heard. Finally the door opens a crack.
Quint pokes his head out. His hair is wet and tousled and he looks as if he could use a shave, but he is smiling very broadly.
Q: Ah, my good man. Would you be so kind as to leave this here? Wait, just a moment.
He shuts the door briefly and then returns with a generous tip.
Q: Thank you so much.
Bell Boy: No, thank you sir! And if you need anything else, just call down and ask for Joe, I'll be glad to help you out in any way I can.
Q: Why thank you, Joe. I may just take you up on that.
He shuts the door, and more squeals and giggles are heard. After Joe departs, the door reopens and Quint pokes his head out the door and makes sure no one else is about. He sneaks out, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, and wheels the cart into the room, pushing the cart with one hand and holding the door open with the other. Just as the cart crosses the threshold, his towel gets caught on the corner of the cart.
CUT TO INTERIOR OF SUITE
Nola, with her hair wet as well, but wearing her bathrobe, grabs the cart from her end and pulls the cart and the towel along with it into the room. She pauses to admire the view, and doesn't pull the cart in far enough for Quint to enter and get the door shut behind him.
Nola wolf whistles.
Q: Nola, let me in. Someone could come by any minute and see me. All of me!
His hand reaches in and grabs the towel and pries it loose from the corner of the cart.
N: Party pooper.
Nola begins giggling at him. Quint, re-adorned with the towel, pushes the cart past her and shuts the door.
Q: All right young lady, that was not funny. Come on, let's eat please. Can't let the food get too cold.
Nola giggles uncontollably
Q: Nola, I'm warning you!
N: (teasing) What? What'll you do to me?
Q: I'll..
She squeals and takes off running for the bedroom and holding onto his towel he runs after her. Seconds later they reappear from the bedroom doorway, Nola's progress having been slowed by the lingerie tangled about her right ankle. Quint catches her about the waist with his free hand, and pulls her close to him. He begins whispering in her ear. She stops struggling and begins listening intently. He finishes his tale of what he intends to do to her and gives her a slow, crooked smile.
N: (low and sexy) You promise?
Q: Scout's honor.
He gives her his best imitation boy scout salute.
N: Well, if you put it that way...I guess I can wait 'til after we eat.
She kisses him thoroughly and then turns to roll the food cart to a table near the windows. Quint pauses to compose himself and recover slightly from the effect of her kiss. He follows her to the table and they begin to eat quickly.
N: Mmm. This is delicious. I can't believe how hungry I am.
Q: Well my love, I don't think either one of us ate much dinner last night.
N: I guess we had other things in mind. I couldn't concentrate on the food long enough to eat it.
Q: Well, those other things turned out to be just as delicious. More so, I think.
N: Mmm, yes they certainly were. Syrup, dear?
Q: Oh yes, thank you, Nola.
Nola reaches across to pour the syrup for him and her hand "accidentally" slips and the syrup wavers and pours onto Quint's stomach and lap. He flinches, and some syrup hits his leg before Nola stops pouring.
N: Oh my, how clumsy of me. I'm sorry Quint. Let me get that cleaned up for you.
She rises and walks over to examine the mess she's made.
N: Oh no, I got it all over your towel. (she begins to unfasten the towel) Clumsy me, first I get your robe all wet in the shower, now this....Oh my, now don't you look delicious...
Nola diligently applies herself to painstakingly removing all traces of syrup...much to Quint's delight...
SCENE 12, HONEYMOON SUITE BEDROOM, 10:00 PM
The clothing has been removed and sent via Joe to the dry cleaners. Quint and Nola are snuggled together in bed, sharing a tray from room service, watching the end of "Miracle on 34th Street." Soon the credits begin to roll.
N: I love that movie. That's such a good old movie.
Q: Honey, I love the way you love all these old movies. Which one is your favorite Christmas movie?
N: Oh, that's easy. And it's coming up next. "It's a Wonderful Life"
Q: Ah, Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
N: Very good Quinton. I'm impressed.
Q: I believe we've watched it together several times over the years.
N: Whenever we could catch it. Christmas isn't a big holiday in a lot of the places we've been.
Q: I'm sorry, honey. I know how much you love Christmas. I know you gave up a lot to go make a life living in tents on dig site after dig site.
N: No, we made that choice together. And I saw and experienced so many more things than I ever imagined I would. I dreamed of getting out of this town for so long. I'd sit for hours on that old porch swing and imagine all the things I'd do one day. I never thought it really would happen though. I've loved our life on the road together, Quint.
Q: I have too, Nola. But I've come to realize how much we missed not having a stable home base, a family around us. I lost so much before I learned that lesson.
N: (sighing) You really miss Henry and Vanessa. I'm sorry.
She reaches out and touches his cheek gently.
Q: You always know exactly what I'm feeling. Yes, I miss them terribly. I just thought father would be here forever. I never got to know him and spend time with him. Not the way I should have. I always thought he'd be here when we finally settled down. And Vanessa. (his voice starts to shake) She was so young. That awful accident. You just never know what could happen. And I almost lost the most important thing in my life...you.
N: Shh, I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere.
Nola kisses him gently and wraps her arms about him. She strokes his hair. The movie begins and they simply hold one another for comfort and watch the familiar story unfold.
To be continued....
Home for the Holidays 8
by Denise
SCENE 13, HONEYMOON SUITE LIVING ROOM, 8:00 A.M., THE NEXT DAY
Nola and Quint are sitting near each other on the sofa, sharing the newspaper. They are both wearing their bathrobes, Quint's having been replaced by the dependable Joe earlier that morning when he returned their party clothes from the dry cleaners. The remains of their room service breakfast decorate the table in front of them.
Q: Here Nola, I'm done with this section.
N: Oh, thanks, I already read that one. Where's the business section?
Q: (digging for it) Here you go. Let me know if you see anything interesting.
N: Just checking closing prices on a couple of the stocks in the kids' trust funds. I haven't been keeping up with this the way I should.
Q: (teasing) Perhaps you've had other more interesting things to occupy your mind?
N: (smiling) Perhaps I have.
Nola finishes checking and does a little mental calculation.
Q: Bull or bear?
N: Oh definitely bullish. Everything's been on a real upward trend lately.
Q (catching her double meaning) And do you foresee this "upward trend" continuing?
N: Oh my, yes.
Q: Near term or long term, my dear?
N: This is absolutely long term. In fact, this feels like a permanent correction in market conditions...and all to the positive.
Q: I would have to agree, I..ah, it seems to be a definitely bullish atmosphere...
They both collapse in laughter and begin to playfully kiss one another.
A short while later..
Q: (breaking the kiss) Oh, Nola, I've missed you so much. Even reading the paper was almost a chore without you.
N: I know, all the little day to day things seemed like such chores....Of course, moving back to the boarding house didn't help. There were so many more chores to be done there. Real ones. Yuck! I think I could get used to this room service, maid service, and especially you at my beck and call.
Q: Then you must simply resign yourself to a life of luxury my dear. Ask and you shall receive.
N: Sounds wonderful.
Q: What would you like to do today?
N: Mmm...well, as much as I would like to lay around luxuriating...Christmas is coming and I've got quite a bit of shopping to do yet.
Q: Well, then let's go shopping.
N: You're sure? You don't mind?
Q: Not at all. I would be honored to escort you and be allowed to carry your packages about. Are the malls open today?
N: I think so...but you know what would be even more fun? I've always wanted to go Christmas shopping in New York City. Do you think we could go there?
Q: Of course, my dear, the Big Apple it is. Let me make a few phone calls and we'll be on our way.
SCENE 14, SPRINGFIELD AIRPORT, ONE HOUR LATER, INTERIOR OF AIRPLANE
Nola and Quint, wearing their party finery, and carrying no luggage, board the plane. They are holding hands and Nola is laughing.
N: Quint, the Spaulding jet? How did you manage this?
Q: Now Nola, you know father and Vanessa go way back with the Spauldings. Brandon and father were very close. I just explained to Alex why we never made it to her party and she seemed truly happy for us. She wanted to do this for us.
N: Oh, how nice.
She looks around the plane and settles into one of the comfy easy chairs while Quint checks in with the pilot. He returns shortly.
Q: All set. We're cleared for take off.
N: (giggles) Let's go!
Quint settles into the chair next to her and they hold hands as the plane takes off. They are soon airborne and Nola looks out the windows excitedly, almost as if she'd never flown before.
N: This is so much fun.
Q (smiling) Private jets definitely have their advantages.
N: Such as?
Q: What was your toast the other night? To complete and total privacy?
N: Well, yes, but the pilot's aboard too.
Quinton pulls Nola into his lap and begins to kiss her cheeks and lips with quick gentle kisses and slowly starts working his way down her neck.
Q: He's quite occupied flying the plane my dear.
N: Oh, yes...(she sighs, enjoying the kisses) I guess he is pretty busy....
Nola lifts Quint's chin and brings his mouth back to hers for a deep soulful kiss. After a time she breaks the kiss and looks at him, teasingly.
N: Oh Quint?
Q: Yes, Nola?
N: Is this where we join the club?
Q: What club dearest?
N: The mile-high club?
Q: Yes, my love, right here and right now.
They proceed to enjoy the initiation rights immensely.....
SCENE 15, INTERIOR OF LIMOUSINE, DEPARTING SMALL PRIVATE AIRFIELD OUTSIDE NYC.
Nola and Quint settle into the back seat and Nola begins to repair her lipstick and fix her hair. Quint adjusts his tie.
N: Where are we going?
Q: I've managed to get us a suite at the Plaza.
N: Oh, that sounds terrific.
Q: I think it will be. What would you like to do first? Shall we stop anywhere on the way?
N: Well, maybe we should stop and pick up some clothes to wear since we didn't take the time to go home and pack any.
Q: Where to? Which store?
N: Umm...Bergdorf's?
Q: Bergdorf's it is.
SCENE 16, CUT TO INTERIOR OF BERGDORF GOODMAN'S
Montage of shots of Nola in a private dressing room, trying on a vast variety of chic elegant outfits, from dresses to pants and sportswear, and consulting Quint for his opinion of which to purchase. The final shot shows the sales clerk bringing in a gorgeous, copper colored evening gown for Nola's inspection.
N: Oh my goodness, that's beautiful. (she peeks at the price tag) Oh dear, I don't think I would have many occasions to wear it though.
Q: Nola, try it on. I want to see you in it. It will look lovely with your hair and coloring.
N: Are you sure?
Q: Yes, humor me, dear.
N: All right.
The clerk helps Nola into the dress and zips it for her. The bodice and waist is molded to her figure and the neck line dips slightly, but cuts almost straight across, just below her collarbones. The back plunges nearly to her waist, and the skirt is nearly straight, with a slit to just above her right knee.
Clerk: Ma'am that dress looks as if it were made for you. The color is perfect with your hair and eyes.
Nola looks into the mirror in amazement. The clerk quietly leaves. Quint rises from the chair to stand behind Nola and gazes at her in the mirror as well.
Q: She's right. No one else could do that dress justice.
N: Wow, I can't believe this. I look like someone else...someone like...
Q: No, Nola, that's you and you are so beautiful. You must buy this so I can take you out on the town tonight and show you off.
N: Oh, can we go to the theater?
Q: Of course. Anywhere you like. What would you like to see?
N: Umm...I don't know if we could get tickets, but I hear "Rent" is very good.
Q: Well, I shall move heaven and earth to get us tickets then.
N: Oh, thank you Quint.
She turns and kisses him gleefully.
N: Now let's go get you some other clothes to wear. We can't have you shopping all day tomorrow in that tux.
SCENE 17, INTERIOR OF LIMO, LATE THAT EVENING, AFTER THE PLAY
Q: Nola, did you enjoy the play?
N: Oh yes it was wonderful. Thank you, Quint. You've made everything I wish for come true.
She kisses him tenderly and snuggles into his arms.
Q: Well, I have managed to get us some reservations at a place the concierge recommended nearby. Cafe de Artistes.
N: Sounds very nice. Very French.
Q: You do enjoy French food as I recall.
N: Very much. Next to mom's Irish stew it's the best.
Q: Well, I know no one could duplicate your mother's Irish stew. French will have to do for now.
N: French it is then.
SCENE 18, INTERIOR OF VERY ELEGANT RESTAURANT.
Quint and Nola are seated at a table for two gazing at one another over the flowers and candles. They enjoy a leisurely meal and one another's company, pausing to steal kisses and share tastes of one another's meal.
The waiter brings out a sinfully delicious looking dessert which they proceed to share and send signals of further delights to follow....
SCENE 19, LOBBY OF PLAZA HOTEL.
Quint and Nola enter arm in arm, an aura of bliss surrounding them, and other guests and staff turn to look as they pass. They enter the elevator, which is by some miracle empty, and the doors close behind them
CUT TO INTERIOR OF ELEVATOR
As soon as the doors close and Quint pushes the button for their floor, Nola dives to kiss him. He responds enthusiastically and fails to notice Nola reach out and push the button to stop the elevator's ascent. He does, however, eventually notice that the sensation of motion has stopped.
Q: Uh oh, I think we're stuck.
N: (still kissing his neck) Stuck?
Q: I believe the elevator has stopped, Nola.
N: (unconcerned, still kissing him) Oh? That's too bad.
Q: Maybe we should call for help.
N: (stops and looks his straight in the eye, slow and sexy) Or maybe not. I think we can handle this little emergency all by ourselves.
Q: Nola, I don't think we can get this elevator moving ourselves.
N: No, but we could certainly keep busy while we're waiting.
Q: What did you have in mind? Twenty questions?
N: (laughing) No, sweetheart, let me show you.
She proceeds to enlighten Quint about the delights of keeping "busy" with the one you love....
SCENE 20, PLAZA HOTEL HALLWAY. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER.
The elevator doors open, and the guests waiting for the elevator step back and allow a bemused Nola and a slightly disheveled, but smiling, Quint to exit. Quint pauses to straighten and re-tuck his shirt. Snickering among the other guests is heard.
Q: Nola wait.
N: No, honey, I can't wait. Hurry up.
Quint sprints a few steps and catches up to her. They reach their door at last, and Quint quickly opens it. He tosses the coats he had been carrying aside, while Nola kicks of her heels. Quint reaches for Nola and sweeps her feet from under her and carries her off to the bedroom. He stops near the bed and turns her in his arms to face him. She slowly and sensuously slides down from his arms, pressing her body to his tightly all the way down. Quint, having grasped her zipper before her descent, slides it down as Nola slides down, and reaches forward to remove her dress from her shoulders and it slides with a whisper of silk to the floor. He begins kissing her neck and shoulders, as he finishes removing her few remaining garments. He kisses her sweetly and pushes her gently down on the bed. After a short while, he breaks the kiss and rises to remove his tux, giving Nola the chance to watch in admiration as he reveals the beloved contours of his body in his own slow version of a strip tease. Nola slides the covers open and beckons Quint. With a gleam in her eye, she crooks her finger with a familiar "come here" gesture. Quint raises his eyebrows questioningly and playfully mouths "who me?" and checks behind him as if to see if there might be someone else in the room she wishes to see.
N: Yes, you, silly. Get over here, I need you....NOW
Q: Oh in that case..
He dives into the bed to join her.
Q: You rang?
N: I most certainly did.
Q: (teasing) What can I do for you my dear?
N: Shut up and make love to me...quick
Q: Yes my love, on the double...
To be continued.....
Go to next chapter of " Home for the Holidays "