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Friday morning dawned bright and cold, the perfect New York morning. I went down the street for coffee and a bagel, then went home to wait for the phone to ring. Orlando had taken to calling me every morning before he went to the set, sometimes as early as five or six, and I figured he wouldn’t miss that day. I was right.

“Happy birthday, Orlando,” I said when I picked up the phone. It was just after seven, and no one else I knew would call that early.

“Thanks, love,” he said, sounding bright and cheery for the first time in two days. “I only have a minute, but I wanted to ask if you’d be around tonight.”

“Uh, I promised I’d go see the show tonight,” I said, my stomach flipping as the lie came out of my mouth. “I want to see what Stephanie is doing to my part.”

“Oh, okay,” he said, some of his brightness fading. “It looks like I’ll be spending the night alone in my room, I was hoping you’d be up to a really long phone call.”

“Maybe I could call you when I get home?” I suggested, not wanting to give anything away. “I won’t be too late. Wait, where are your friends?”
“Everyone is flying home for the weekend,” he said. “It looks like there are only a few of us needed onset the next day, and they’re all busy.”

“I’m sorry, honey,” I said softly. “I’m sure you’ll find something to do.” I heard Lisa stirring in her room, and figured I’d better get off the phone before she came out and said something that ruined the surprise. “I’d better go, I have to get some voice warm ups done, and I need most of the day to practice.”

“Of course, love,” he said. “Ring me tonight when you get home.”

“I will,” I said, smiling to myself. “I love you, and happy birthday.”

“Thanks, Charlie. I love you.”

My voice warm ups that day went very well, and I almost nailed my Wicked songs. I started working on some of the songs Cooper had sent me, and I found I enjoyed most of them. But, in truth, I was way too excited about seeing Orlando that night to really get into the songs. I tried, I really did, but eventually, I just gave up and decided I would worry about it later. I had more important things to deal with.

My plane landed that afternoon at the little airport on St. Vincent’s. We were about a half an hour late, and I was a bit frazzled when I got off the small plane. Keira had said there would be someone waiting for me, but she hadn’t given me specifics as to who yet, so I didn’t know who I was looking for.

A short man with thick brown hair and a crooked grin came up to me as I was picking up my suitcase from the baggage claim area. “Are you Charlie Madison?” he said, his accent very British.

“Yes,” I said slowly. He seemed nice, but I wasn’t sure who he was.

“I’m Kevin,” he said, offering me his hand. I shook it. “Keira sent me to pick you up. I’m her assistant.”

“Oh, okay,” I said, smiling. He picked up my suitcase for me. “Nice to meet you, Kevin.”

“Orlando will be thrilled you’re here,” he said as we walked through the tiny airport. “He’s been kind of down lately.”

“He’s been working too hard from the sounds of things,” I said. “And there’s been a lot going on that has nothing to do with work. He just needs a bit of fun tonight at the party. I’m sure he’ll be back to normal in no time.”

“I hope so,” Kevin said, putting my suitcase in the trunk of his little black car.

It didn’t take long to get to a little row of lavish houses along a beautiful beach. Keira had said I would go to her place, and stay there until the party, so as not to ruin the surprise. Kevin unlocked the door of the house and led me inside.

The house was beautiful, open concept, with the entire back wall taken up by patio doors leading right onto the beach. The clear blue water sparkled in the sunshine. It was a far cry from the dreary New York winter weather.

“Keira says to make yourself at home,” Kevin said, leading me to the stairs on the far side of the room. “We’ll put your stuff up here for now, and then you can take it to Orlando’s later. His house is right next door.”

I followed Kevin into a beautiful guest bedroom, where he set my suitcase on the bed. “You can freshen up here,” he said, then tipped his hat to me, and hurried back down the stairs. I heard the front door close a few seconds later. I sighed and sat down on the ridiculously comfortable bed. The shooting for the day was wrapping up in less than an hour, then Keira would be home. I didn’t know what to do with myself, so I set about pulling out my outfit for the party and laying it on the bed. I’d chosen one of Orlando’s favourite outfits, a deep royal blue dress that came to just above my knees, with an empire waist, and a floating sleeves that were cuffed at the wrist but were open from the shoulder to the cuff. The collar was a deep v-neck that showed a bit of cleavage, and there were swirls in the fabric. He’d bought it for me, and he never failed to tell me I was beautiful in it.

I took a quick shower in the bathroom, just to freshen up, and just as I was combing out my hair, I heard the front door open again. I tied my bathrobe around me and went downstairs.

I went into the kitchen, and found Keira standing in front of the refrigerator, a bottle of water in her hand. She smiled when she saw me. “Hello,” she said, then took a long drink from the bottle.

“Hello,” I said back, going to sit at one of the stools surrounding the island in the center of the kitchen. “I thought I heard someone down here.”

“Just me,” she said, sitting on a stool across from me. “How was your flight?”

“Fine,” I said. “It seemed to take forever, though.”

“I bet,” she said grinning. “Orlando has no idea what’s going on tonight. He was a wee bit pissy with us all day, but the look on his face will be well worth it.” She chuckled. “He said you blew him off this morning. He wasn’t too happy about that, either.”

“I couldn’t exactly tell him why I wouldn’t be around tonight, now could I?” I teased, shaking my head. “He’ll understand when he gets here.”

“And I’m sure he’ll forgive you,” she said. “Everyone is due here in about an hour, and Johnny will bring Orlando over shortly thereafter. The catering people are coming soon, so I’m going to run upstairs and get changed. Let me know if you need anything.”

We both stood up and headed for the stairs. I went into the guestroom and closed the door, then went to my suitcase and pulled out my gifts for Orlando, laying them on the bed. I put my dress on and did my hair and make-up, and went downstairs just as Keira was letting in the caterers. We had a glass of wine while they set up in the kitchen.

People began arriving shortly after the caterers. I tried hard not to be star-struck, but when Broadway legend Jonathan Pryce walked through the door, I almost lost it. He’d originated the character of The Engineer in my favourite musical (next to Wicked, of course), Miss Saigon. Meeting Johnny Depp, which I hadn’t done yet, wasn’t even going to be as exciting as meeting Jonathan.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” I hissed to Keira as we went into the kitchen for more wine. “How do you work with these people every day and not make an ass of yourself?”

She laughed. “You get used to it,” she said, patting my arm. “And everyone is really nice.”

“I can’t believe Jonathan Pryce just walked in the door,” I said as she re-filled my wine glass. “I’m trying not to be a total loser about this, but I’ve loved him since I was young.”

“Then we should go say hello,” she said, linking her arm through mine. She started toward him, pulling me along with her. “Jonathan,” she said warmly, kissing both of his cheeks when we’d reached him. “This is Charlie, Orlando’s girlfriend.”

“Ah, yes,” he said, shaking my hand. “Lovely to meet you, Charlie. I hear you’re becoming quite the star in New York.”

I felt my face heat up as I blushed. “Not nearly as big as you are,” I said, smiling. “I grew up with Miss Saigon in my CD player, and you’ll have to excuse me if I’m a bit star-struck right now.” We chuckled. “My dad is a huge James Bond fan, as well.”

“Glad to hear it,” he said.

“They’re coming,” someone called from the window in the living room. “Johnny’s bringing Orlando over now.”

“Okay, it’s time,” Keira called, herding everyone into the living room. She linked arms with me and pulled me to the front of the group. Someone turned out the lights. We heard Johnny rattle the door handle, as he’d been told to, and I couldn’t help but hold my breath.

“I’ll just grab my script, and we’ll go to the pub,” Johnny was saying as he opened the door. As Orlando’s silhouette appeared in the doorway, the lights flipped on and everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

“What the hell?” Orlando said, jumping back slightly. Then he grinned, a huge, truly happy grin, which only widened when he saw me. He flew over to me and swept me up in his arms, hugging me tightly as he swung me around, laughing into my hair. I clung to him, and happy tears rolled down my face. I didn’t care that Johnny Depp and thirty other famous people were watching, I only cared that I was in Orlando’s arms, right where I needed to be.

“Are you surprised?” I teased when he put me down again. He kept his arms around me as he gazed down at me, a look of such love in his eyes. I cupped his face with my hand and reached up to kiss him softly.

“I can’t believe you’re here, love,” he said, hugging me tightly again. I was still a bit tender, but the warmth of his body against mine only served to make my sore muscles relax. “You planned this all along, didn’t you?”

“Keira did, yes,” I said, smiling. She was watching us, as were everyone else in the room. “I’m just lucky Nick gave me the time off.”

“We figured it was about time we met Charlie here,” Keira said, coming over to us. Johnny was right behind her, smiling widely. “How’d a girl like her ever get hooked up with a loser like you?”

“Just lucky, I guess,” Orlando said, smiling as he hugged her.

“And you thought you’d be spending your birthday alone,” Johnny said, grinning. “Did you honestly think we’d let that happen?”

Orlando’s smile only got bigger. “I was pretty concerned there for a minute, mate,” he said, slipping his arm around me again. He glanced down at me. “I thought it was a bit odd that I was getting the brush from everyone.”

I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “It was for the best, my dear,” I said against his skin. He turned his head and kissed me, a kiss that lingered a just a little too long, given that the room was full of people.

“I missed you, love,” he said, hugging me again. “How long can you stay?”

“Nick wants me back on stage Monday night,” I said, reaching my hand up to stroke his cheek. “So I have to fly out on Sunday.”

“How are you feeling?” His dark eyes radiated concern. I smiled.

“I’m fine,” I said, my hand on his chest. “Don’t worry about me, just enjoy your party.”

“Have you met everyone?” he asked, glancing around. People had started talking amongst themselves again. Johnny, Keira, and Jonathan were standing nearby, watching us, like proud parents.

“Almost,” I said, a blush spreading over my face. I lowered my voice. “I haven’t really met Johnny yet.”

“Oh yes,” Orlando said, smirking. “I forgot you’ve got a little crush on him, love. Well, let’s not keep you in suspense anymore.” He turned and called over his shoulder, “Johnny, c’mere for a minute.”

I pressed myself tighter against Orlando’s side, my stomach churning. I’d loved Johnny Depp since his days on 21 Jump Street, and that had only increased over the years as he’d made more and more fantastic movies. I’d unwittingly confessed my ‘crush’ to Orlando one night, and he had yet to let me live it down. I couldn’t believe he was standing in the same room with me. And he looked good, in a navy t-shirt with thin white horizontal stripes on it, and jeans. His hair was tucked behind his ears, and he was wearing thick-rimmed black glasses. So sexy. I’d really have to get over my star-struck-fan thing if I was going to be with Orlando. His entire career involved people like this, and he couldn’t have me turning to mush every time I had to meet one of them. I resolved to be cool.

Unfortunately, that resolve lasted all of ten seconds. I turned into a puddle of goo as soon as Johnny came over and hugged me. He gave hugs just like I’d always imagined he would, strong hugs that made you really feel like you were being held. True, he was probably old enough to be my father, but that was irrelevant. I was hugging Johnny Depp. It was too surreal for words.

“Johnny, this is Charlie,” Orlando said, smiling at me. “I’ve been told she’s a fan.” He winked at me and I wanted to smack him.

“Always a pleasure to know a pretty girl likes my work,” Johnny said, giving me a heart-wrenching smile.

“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be a total jerk about this,” I said, my face heating up again. “But I’m having trouble processing that I’m standing in the same room with Johnny Depp.” He laughed.

“Just remember that you’re going home with Orlando Bloom,” Orlando said, winking down at me as he tucked me against his side again. Everyone laughed and I felt my blush get even hotter. I turned my face into his shoulder, hoping the blush would stop.

“I think the girl needs another drink,” Keira said, coming over and handing me a glass of wine. “You get used to having these goons around, don’t worry.”

We spent the next few hours talking and laughing. Johnny really was one of the funniest people I’d ever met, and after awhile, he was very easy to be around. I could have sat there for hours, listening to the stories about the set, about the actors’ inability to keep a straight face when Johnny was in Captain Jack Sparrow mode. I laughed so hard, my sides hurt, especially when he got up and did a rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Captain Jack. Shortly after, Keira brought out the birthday cake, and Orlando opened his gifts. I sat back and watched him with his friends, a contented smile on my face.

At one point, while Orlando was sitting on the floor, playing with his dog, Sidi, and trying to open a present, Keira came over and sat on the arm of my chair.

“How are you holding up?” she said, smiling down at me.

“Just fine,” I said, returning her smile. “He’s in his element when he’s surrounded by people, isn’t he?”

She nodded. “Oh yes,” she said. “He’s very happy to be the center of attention. It suits him. Does it bother you?”

“Of course not,” I said, shaking my head. “I love seeing him this happy. Thank you for throwing this party for him.”

She leaned over and hugged me. “My pleasure,” she said. “You look tired. Are you sure you’re okay?”

I sighed. “I’m a bit jet lagged,” I admitted. “But I don’t want to interrupt him.”

“You can go upstairs and crash for a bit if you’d like,” she offered, gesturing to the stairs. “It’s not a problem.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I said, standing up. “Thanks.” I worked my way over to Orlando, careful to avoid Sidi’s friendly wagging tail.

“Everything okay, love?” Orlando said, looking up.

“I’m just going to go upstairs and lay down for a bit,” I said, smiling at him. “You enjoy yourself, okay?”

He stood up immediately. “I’ll take you home,” he said, putting his arm around my waist. “It’s getting late.”

“No, you stay and have fun,” I said, not wanting him to leave his party early because of me. “I’ll be fine.”

“Charlie, don’t be silly,” he said, kissing my cheek. “It’s after midnight, I’m tired anyway, it’s a good time to leave. I’ll just tell Kiera and Johnny that we’re leaving, and we’ll take Sidi and go home.”

“Only if you’re sure,” I said. He nodded. “I’ll go upstairs and get my stuff, then.” I kissed him lightly and trotted up the stairs.

When I came down, suitcase in hand, Orlando, Keira, and Johnny were standing at the door. I called goodnight to everyone else on my way through the living room, then went over to them.

“All set?” Orlando said, taking my bag from me.

“Yes,” I said. I hugged Keira. “Thank you so much for inviting me tonight,” I said to her. “It was fantastic to meet you.”

“And you,” she said, returning my hug. “We’ll have to get you down here again soon.”

“Definitely,” I said. I turned to Johnny. He grinned and hugged me.

“A pleasure, my dear,” he said, giving me an extra squeeze. “I hope you’ve had a good time here with us.”

“Oh yes,” I said against his shoulder. He really did smell good. “I’m still trying to get over that I’m hugging you.” He chuckled. “Sorry, I know that was lame, but I can’t help it.”

“You’re very sweet,” he said, his hands stroking up my back. “We’ll definitely see you soon.”

“Hey, hey, that’s enough,” Orlando said playfully from behind us. “Depp, you’ve got your own woman to worry about. Leave mine alone.”

I turned around and hugged Orlando, then kissed his chin. “Your woman?” I teased. “I like the sound of that.”

He kissed me. “Good,” he said. “Now we just need you to say ‘Johnny who?’ and we’re all set.” His eyes darkened noticeably.

We said goodnight again, and Orlando escorted me out the door, Sidi following closely. As we walked along the beach, so beautiful in the moonlight, he cuddled me against him. We weren’t far from his house when I stopped.

“What’s wrong, love?” he asked, putting my bag down and wrapping me in his arms.

“I just wanted to stop and look at the water,” I said softly. There was a warm breeze blowing gently around us, and the sand was warm under our feet. I wanted to take it all in. Sidi, monster that he was, was already playing in the waves that crashed against the shore.

“Why don’t we go up to the house, grab some towels, and come back here for a swim?” he suggested. He leaned down and kissed my neck. “The water is wonderful at this time of night.”

“Mmm, sounds amazing,” I said, leaning into him. He picked up my bag again and we hurried up the beach to the house.

We went upstairs, into Orlando’s bedroom. The bed wasn’t made, and there were clothes everywhere on the floor. This was typical Orlando, he was a bit of a slob, especially when he was in a rush. He put my bag on the bed and went over to his dresser to get his suit. I pulled mine out of my suitcase, and we changed quickly.

“I have towels in the hall closet,” he said as I adjusted my bathing suit. I quickly pulled my cover-up over top of it. I know it’s dumb to be worried about how I looked, considering he’d seen me without clothes more times than I could count, but I was still insecure about how I looked. I couldn’t wait to get in the water, where he wouldn’t be able to see me.

Orlando came back into the room with two enormous black towels. He handed me one, then took my hand and we went downstairs. A few minutes later, we were on the beach again, staring out at the waves. Orlando came up behind me and I felt his arms slip around me. I leaned back into him and sighed, watching Sidi swim out into the water.

“There’s nothing more relaxing after a long day than a dip in the ocean,” he whispered against my ear. His hands slipped inside my cover-up and I felt it slide down my arms. He took my towel from me and dropped it, along with his own, on the sand. “Ready to go?” he said, taking my hand. He led me toward the surf.

The water was just the right temperature, not too hot, and not too cold, and it was so clear, I could see our feet on the bottom. The lights from the nearby houses gave us just what we needed to see. I swam out a bit, then dunked myself under the water to swim back. Orlando was right there with me, keeping pace. When we got back to where I could touch the sand and still keep my head above water, I just stood and watched him swim. A shiver went through me at the sight of his strong, sure strokes as he pulled his body through the water. I wanted nothing more than to touch those muscles, to feel his wet skin under my hands. He came back to me, pushing his wet hair out of his face. I smiled softly in the moonlight.

“What’s that smile for?” he said, pulling me against him in the water.

“You’re unbelievably sexy when you swim, did you know that?” I said, tangling my fingers in his wet hair.

“Oh really?” he teased, giving me a nipping kiss on my lips.

I nodded as he pressed his body against mine. I secured my arms around his shoulders and wrapped my legs around his waist. We were still neck-deep in the water, and I cursed the fact we were wearing bathing suits. “Orlando, I missed you so much.”

He held me tighter and smiled gently. “I know, love,” he whispered, leaning down to kiss me. “But you’re here now, and we’re going to make the most of it, aren’t we?” His one hand slipped up over my back and started to slide the strap of my bathing suit down my arm. There was no one around for miles, we were completely alone, other than Sidi, of course, who had settled himself just out of reach of the water, on the sand.

Before long, our bathing suits were clutched in his hand, behind my back, to keep them from floating away, and I got what I wanted, to feel his skin against mine. The water made everything so much more sensual, and when he finally kissed me, a deep, passionate kiss, I nearly died with the pleasure of it. We made love right there in the water, with my legs wrapped around his waist, allowing the water to support our weight.