Lullaby

June 1970

Rollin was pulled from sleep by Jennifer’s cry.  He moved from the bed, careful not to wake Cinnamon.  He was tired, having just returned from New York earlier that day.  He went into the nursery and gently picked her up from her crib.

“Shh, kiddo.  What’s a matter? Did you miss your Dad?”  He said taking her in his arms, her blonde head cradled against his shoulder.

He carried her into the kitchen for a bottle.  Returning to the nursery, he sat in the rocking chair and he began rocking her as she took her bottle, sucking hungrily. 

Rollin smiled as she ate and talked to her.  “You have grown so much, sweetheart.”

Cinnamon woke, reaching for Rollin who was not there. She came to the nursery door and watched as he rocked their daughter.  She smiled as she listened to her talking to her. 

Jennifer finished the bottle and he sat it aside. “That’s a good girl.”  He said laying her against his shoulder. He patted her back gently and quickly got a loud burp from her. 

“That’s my girl.”  He chuckled.  He continued rocking her and started singing softly to her.  “Lullaby and goodnight…”

Cinnamon stayed outside the room, leaning against the wall, listening to his voice, her lover’s voice.  He was so sweet and gentle with her. 

Cinnamon heard the rocking chair creak as he got up.  She moved into the room, behind him as he laid Jen down in the crib.  She moved her hand across the back of his white t-shirt as he straightened up. 

Jennifer cooed at him as he pulled the blanket over her. 

“Hey,” He said, moving his arm about Cinnamon. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”  He said still looking at Jennifer.

“You didn’t, I moved over and you were gone.” She whispered. “She Okay?” 

He nodded as his hand went to her waist.  “Yeah, just a little hungry.”

“So I saw.”

He looked at her.  “You did?”

“I didn’t know you knew any lullabies.”

He smiled.  “One or two.”

She looked down a Jennifer who was asleep then back at Rollin.  “I’ve never seen you look quite so sexy before.”

“What giving Jen a bottle? Come on.”

She moved her hand over his chest. “It was quite a turn-on.”

He pulled her to him.  “In that case, I’ll be glad to do it regularly.”

She leaned against him as they looked down at the baby.  Jennifer had settled under the blanket and relaxed into sleep.

He turned to her.  “Come on let’s get back to bed.”

They returned to their bed and she snuggled up against him. 

“It sure is nice to be home.” He said as he held her.

She nodded against him. “I’m glad you’re back.”   She said reaching up to kiss him.

His hands went with her as she turned onto her side, away from him.  He spooned her.

“Cin?”  He whispered, running his finger down her arm.  She didn’t stir.

Her breathing was steady. She’d fallen back asleep.  He kissed her shoulder and she still didn’t stir.

He sighed, lay back against his pillow and joined her in slumber.

He woke early, still being on New York time.  He left her to sleep.  She probably needed it.  He went into the nursery and found Jennifer awake and playing with the mobile that hung over the crib.  She was in need of a new diaper, so he quickly changed her and took her into the kitchen. 

He started a pot of coffee and took her to gather the newspaper from the hall.  “Now let’s see what’s happening in LA today.”  He said as he settled her back into the high chair.

He turned as Maria entered the kitchen. “Good morning.”  He said as she came though the doorway.

She was surprised to find him there.  “We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.”  She said.

“Got through quicker than expected.”  

Maria crossed the check on Jennifer, tugging at her toes.  “Good morning, little one.”

“She’s fine.  I changed her and was just about to get her some breakfast.” 

“I’ll take care of that.” She said.

Rollin poured another cup of coffee. “Okay.  I’ll go see if Mom’s awake yet.”

“You should let her sleep.”  Maria said as he started from the room.

He looked back over his shoulder.  “Problem?” 

“She’s been very busy lately and Jennifer hasn’t been sleeping all night. She needs her rest.” 

Rollin turned back into the kitchen, moving back toward Jennifer.  “Well kiddo, you and I need to have a talk about that.” 

Maria smiled at his talking to the child as an adult.  ‘If it only were that easy.’  She thought as she took the baby from the seat.

Rollin looked at the cups in his hands.  He sat one on the counter and went back to the paper, while Maria prepared a bottle for Jennifer.

“Would you like some breakfast?”  Maria asked Rollin who sat at the bar reading.

“Sure.” 

Maria had the bottle ready and the baby on her hip. 

“Here let me do that.” He said moving from his spot. “I don’t get a lot of chances.”  He said reaching for Jen.

Maria handed him the baby and the bottle.  He returned to the kitchen table and gave Jen her bottle.

Maria smiled as she watched him as sat with his child, holding her carefully.  It was a good morning.

She prepared him eggs and toast, just the way he liked them. 

Cinnamon stretched as she woke.  Rollin wasn’t beside her and she could smell coffee.  ‘Time to rise and shine’ she told herself.  What she wanted to do was stay in bed for a week, but she had a meeting later in the morning, so up she got.

“Good morning, Maria.”  She said coming into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Cinnamon.”

Cinnamon saw Rollin, feeding Jennifer at the table.  “Didn’t I see you do that last night?” She said moving next to him.

He looked up at her and smiled.  “What can I say, I’m a professional.” 

She laughed as her hand rubbed his shoulders as she looked down at her child, who was eating heartily.  

Maria pulled the toast from the toaster and slipped Rollin’s eggs onto a plate. 

“Breakfast.”  She called. 

Cinnamon reached for Jen.  “Here you eat, I’ll take her.” 

He moved from his chair and they passed the baby between them.  He held the bottle steady so Cinnamon could sit.  He moved his hand from the bottle, letting Cinnamon take over. 

He moved to the counter, pouring her cold coffee into the sink and poured her a fresh cup and set it beside her. 

“Thank you.” She said looking up from her child’s eyes.

“You’re welcome.” He said kissing her quickly.

He moved back to the bar where Maria had set his plate.  It was indeed a good morning.

After Cinnamon had her usual breakfast, she found Rollin in the bathroom, shaving.

“Thanks for letting me sleep, this morning.” She said moving behind him to start the shower. 

“Something you’re not getting enough of.” He responded.

She nodded as she looked at herself in the mirror, noticing the circles that had reappeared under her eyes.

Rollin knew her look.  “You fell asleep on me last night.” He said, toweling his face dry.

“Sorry.”

He pulled her into his arms.  “I think you need a day off.” 

She smiled. “I have a meeting this morning.” 

“You could cancel.” 

She shook her head.  “I can’t.  I went to a lot of trouble for this one.”

He nodded. She was tenacious in her business.

“I thought I’d take Jen to the park.  You free for lunch?”

Her hand moved up his chest. “I could be persuaded.”

They settled back into their morning routine and Cinnamon was soon off to the office.  Rollin retrieved the baby seat from the back of her car and strapped it into his and grabbed the stroller as well.  He gathered the diaper bag and he and Jen ventured to the park in Santa Monica.  There he pushed her along the paths stopping to let her see the ocean.  He watched the joggers, especially the scantly clad college girls that happened by.  He was amazed by the attraction that a man with a baby held for women.  The nannies, all of who were also out for morning walks, were quite taken with him. 

Checking his watch as they strolled back to the car, he decided to make a quick stop by his agent’s office and see if he had the details for the film he was to begin work on the next week.  He changed Jen in the car, to make sure his daughter made a good impression on the office staff. 

He opened the door to the office and stepped inside.  “Good morning, Priscilla.”  He called to the redhead behind the desk.

She looked up and her smile came instantly.  “Rollin!” 

Rollin held Jennifer tight, not wanting her to be scared of the new surroundings.  “My goodness,” Priscilla softened, “who might this be?” 

“This is my daughter, Jennifer.  Jennifer meet Priscilla.” He said formally.

“She’s gorgeous, Rollin.”  Priscilla said rounding her desk. 

Priscilla stood next to him, admiring Jen.  “So this is what you have been up too.” 

“In my spare time.”  He said with a smile.

The door to the inner office opened quickly. “Priscilla?”  The voice asked.

“Tom.  We have visitors.” She answered.

Tom Weisman joined them.  “Well Rollin. I see your ladies are getting a tad bit younger.”

Rollin gave him a frown.  “Meet my daughter, Tom.”

Tom smiled. “She’s beautiful.” Tom said appreciatively.

“Yeah, thanks to her mother.” 

“How is Cinnamon?” 

“Fine.” 

“I have your script for next week.” Tom said, moving back into his inner office.

Rollin followed him.  “May I take her?”  Priscilla asked.

“Sure.”  Rollin said, passing Jennifer to her.

Priscilla took the child into her arms and followed the two men.

Jennifer was fascinated with Priscilla’s red hair as she pulled it though her tiny fingers.

“This looks like a good one for you, Rollin.  Meaty role and a good paycheck.” Tom said scooping the script up from his desk. 

“That I can use.”  He said with a nod toward Jen.

Tom laughed as Priscilla bounced Jen in her arms and Jennifer was laughing with the adults.

Rollin moved across the room to take Jen, tucking his script into his jacket pocket.  “Well folks, I have a date with Jen’s mom.  So we’d better be off.”

Rollin plucked Jen from Priscilla’s arms.  “Come on, kiddo.  I can’t keep Mom waiting.” The baby smiled as Rollin took her back into her arms. 

“All the details are in the front of the book, Rollin.” 

“Thanks Priscilla.”  He said with a quick kiss to her cheek.

Rollin and Jennifer made a quick trip back to the apartment.  There he turned Jen over to Maria and changed for his lunch with Cinnamon.

He picked her up at the agency.  Alice greeted him warmly and rang Cinnamon.  “Miss Carter, you have a handsome gentleman waiting to see you.” 

Alice could hear her smile over the receiver.  “Please show him in.” 

“Mr. Hand.”  Alice said opening her hand toward the door. 

“Thank you Alice.”  He said with a quick smile.

“Good afternoon.”  He said as he closed the door behind him.

“Hi.”  She said rounding her desk to greet him. 

He reached for her as she moved to him and kissed her quickly.  “Where’s Jen?”  She asked.

“Napping I hope.”  He said, not letting go of her.

“Big day?”

He nodded and bent to kiss her neck.  “Uh huh.”  She said moving from him.  “I thought you were taking me to lunch.” 

He smiled as he watched her move back to the desk.  “Where would you like?” 

She retrieved her purse and moved back to him and took his arm. “You’re buying, you pick.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They made the short drive to the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

“Mr. Hand, how nice to see you again.”  The maite’d de said upon their arrival.

“Jonathan.”  Rollin replied.

“Your table is ready,” Jonathan said leading them though the restaurant.  The patrons gave them admiring glances as the couple passed.

Their lunch wasn’t lavish but the location was important and for Rollin to be seen and having a lovely lady on his arm, never hurt. 

“How was your meeting?”  He asked as they perused the menu.

“Very good.”

“A new contract?” 

She nodded.  “One that should be good for the girls.”

“And for you.”  He said with a smile.

After a glass of wine with her salad, Cinnamon was relaxing, enjoying Rollin’s charm has he sat next to her in the booth.  They’d been separated for two months while Rollin subbed for a friend in a play.  His hand was on her knee.

“They have rooms here.”  He whispered as his hand moved up her thigh.

She smiled as her hand covered his.  “I’ll try and stay awake tonight.”

“I hope so.”  He said with a smile. 

“I need to get back.”  She said reaching for her purse.

Rollin took his wallet from his jacket pocket and laid the appropriate number of bills on the table. 

He rose and reached for her hand as she stood from the table.  She slipped her arm though his and they made their exit.

The ride to back to the office was quick.  He pulled to the curb and stopped and he turned to her.  “How about dinner out tomorrow night. We could catch a movie.  You think Maria would baby-sit?”

“Why don’t you ask her?”  She said, kissing him quickly and opening the door to car.

His arms where full when returned to the apartment. He carried a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and a stuffed toy bear.  He carried his purchases to the kitchen where he heard Maria, humming. 

“Buenos tardias, Maria.”  He said.

Maria looked up from cutting vegetables.  “Mr. Hand.” She responded assessing the items he carried.  “Here, let me help you.” She said plucking the wine from his arms.

He said laying the flowers on the counter.  “Do we have a vase?” 

“In the bar.  I’ll get it.” 

He nodded as he grabbed the wine and stuck it in the refrigerator.  Maria returned quickly with the vase.  She unwrapped the flowers and arranged them quickly.

“Thanks, Maria.” 

She nodded as he watched her.  “They’re lovely.”  She said. 

“Couldn’t resist.”  He said with a smile.  “Oh. And a little something for you as well.”  He said handing her a box of chocolates. 

“That’s very kind.”  She replied.

“Now where is my daughter?  I have something for her too.” 

“She should be awake. I put her down an hour ago.”

He pulled the small teddy bear from his jacket pocket and went in search of Jen.  As he went Maria quickly opened the box of chocolate and popped a confection in her mouth. 

Rollin found Jennifer wide-awake, who smiled at him as he took her from the crib.  “Hey kiddo.  Whatya doing?”

Jen laughed as he flew her around the room over his head.  “Daddy’s got something for you.”

He sat with her in the middle of her room and handed her the bear.  “Here Sweetheart.  I knew you needed another bear.”

Jennifer grasped the small white bear and immediately put one ear in her mouth.

“Honey, don’t eat it.”  He laughed. 

He loosened his tie and pulled off his jacket, laying it across the back of the rocking chair and sat with Jen as they played for the remainder of the afternoon.

Cinnamon arrived about five-thirty just as Maria was preparing to leave for the evening.  Maria picked up the box of chocolates that Rollin had given her.  Cinnamon nodded as she saw the flowers the Maria had moved to the living room.  “Where is he?”  Cinnamon asked.

“With Jennifer.” 

“Will you be okay for tomorrow night?”  Cinnamon asked as Maria picked up her purse.

“Tomorrow night?” 

Cinnamon sighed and shook her head.  “He was supposed to ask you.  We wanted to have dinner and see a movie.  Can you baby-sit?” 

Maria smiled as she held up the box. “I should have known.”

Cinnamon circled Maria’s shoulders as they walked to the door.  “You are a dear.  Do you think he will ever learn?”  She asked as they walked.

Maria shook her head.  “I doubt it.”  Both women laughed as Maria left for home.  ‘Neither do I.’ Cinnamon thought as she headed for Jennifer’s room.

She found Rollin, asleep in the rocking chair with his feet propped up on Jen’s toy box with her in his lap, happily chewing on her new bear. 

She smiled as her daughter made eye contact with her and made the mama sound, “What?”  He said, instantly awake.

Jennifer was reaching for Cinnamon.  “Hi Honey.”  She said plucking the baby from his lap.  “Have a nice nap?” She asked.

Rollin moved his legs and stretched.  “Yeah.”

He stood slowly and kissed Cinnamon’s cheek. 

“Did Daddy bring you a new toy?”  She asked, looking at the now slobbery bear. “Wasn’t that nice of Daddy.” 

Cinnamon looked at Rollin over Jen’s head.  “So what did Maria say about tomorrow?”

Rollin’s face registered his forgetfulness.  “I forgot to ask.” 

Cinnamon made faces with her daughter.  “Daddy is forgetful, isn’t he?” 

Jennifer laughed at her mother.  “Thank goodness Mommy takes care of things.”

“Cin…”

She looked at him. “Thank you for the flowers, they’re lovely.”

“Did Maria like the chocolates?” 

She nodded. “I think someone needs to be changed   Dad?”

“I’ll do it.”  He said reaching for the baby.

“I’ll go see what’s in the oven.” 

“Smells like roast to me.” He called as she left him to his duty.

The evening was spent as a family.  They prepared dinner, fed and bathed Jennifer. Rollin read her a story as Cinnamon cleaned up the kitchen. She arrived just in time to kiss Jen goodnight.  They turned off Jen’s light and Rollin went to pour them each another glass of wine.

He found her on the balcony.  “It’s chilly out here.”  He said handing her a glass. 

“I just wanted a breath of air.”  She said, taking a sip.

He moved his arm about her waist.  “I’m sorry about not asking Maria.  I lost track of time with Jen.” 

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I know.  I was just teasing.  Maria and I are used it by now.”

“Thanks a lot.” 

Cinnamon laughed, “But the presents were a good idea.”

He hugged little tighter.  “I am sorry.” 

“It’s okay.  But you should try a little harder with Maria.”

He kissed her temple. “Okay.”

“So we’re good for tomorrow?”  He asked.

She nodded.  “I hope you made reservations.”

“I did.”

“Anything good at the movies?”

“We’ll find something.”

She stifled a yawn. 

“Uh oh.” He said.

“What?”  She said.

“I’m glad tomorrow is Saturday. You can sleep in.” 

“You’re gonna let me?”

“If you like.”  He said turning to her.

“I like.”

He ran his hand down her arm.  “Come on inside, it’s cold out here.”

She took his hand and followed him inside. Checking on Jen before turning in, he turned to her as they stood beside the crib watching her sleep.  “You did a magnificent job, you know.”  He whispered.

Her hand snaked around his waist.  “I think we did a magnificent job.”  She looked up at him and they kissed.

She pulled him toward the door.  “Come on.  I’m losing my battle with the wine.”

He chuckled as he followed her.

They snuggled together under the sheets and Rollin pulled her tight against him. 

“I’ve missed this.”  She said as his lips went to her neck.

“So have I.”  He said as his lips covered hers.

She lay back against him pressing him back against his pillow. “I’ve missed sleeping next to you the most.”

“That’s all?” He said with a smile.

“Well, almost.”  She said, closing her eyes.

He kissed her forehead and stroked her arm. “Cin…”

She’d fallen asleep. 

He looked down at her and sighed.  ‘Maybe tomorrow,’ he thought.

The next morning Cinnamon woke early, watching Rollin as he slept.  He was trying so hard to be there for them.  But his trips away were growing in frequency and she did miss him terribly when he was away.  She also had to wonder just who he spent time with while he was away. 

She softly kissed his ear, making him stir as her hand moved across his chest.  He stirred and his arm moved about her, pulling her close.

Her hand moved down his body and she found him already aroused.  She kissed him along his jawbone then gently kissed his lips.

He moaned as she caressed him and opened his eyes.  “Good morning.”  He said.

She smiled down at him.  “It should be.”

He smiled up at her and kissed her.  “Just what are you planning?”  He asked as her hand continued to stroke him.

“The same thing you were last night.” 

“In that case, I’m in your hands.” 

She chuckled. “So you are.”

He smiled up at her as she kissed him again.  She closed her eyes as he caressed her breasts.  He remembered how she felt when she was breast-feeding. She had stopped doing that several months ago when she had decided to go back to work.  He still missed watching her feed Jen.

He trailed kisses down her long neck as his hands moved down her abdomen and between her legs.  She sighed as he touched her, stroking her as she did him, slowly, gently. 

She straddled him, taking his now throbbing shaft inside her.  She closed her eyes and he slid inside her.  As they connected he sighed.  He loved the feeling of her around him.  They began a slow comfortable rhythm.  His hands went to her breasts as she rose on her hands above him.  “I missed this too.”

He smiled as he rose up on his elbows as she worked against him.  He met her lips as they moved together.  They were both coming fast.  “Cinnamon, God I want you.” 

”Oh, Rollin.” She called as they slipped together.  Their lips crushed together as they exploded together.  Her head sagged against his as she panted.  “Maybe I lied, this is the best part.”

“Mm huh.”  He agreed.

She lay against him, savoring their moment and he held her tight. “That’s what I missed.”  He said, hearing Jen’s cry.

Her head rose from his shoulder.  “I think someone is hungry.”

“You want me…”

“No, I’ll get her.”  She said disengaging herself from him.

She moved from the bed and grabbed her robe from the chest at the end of the bed.  She gave him a smile as he watched her go. 

She returned shortly with the baby and a bottle.  “Breakfast in bed?” He asked.

She kneeled on the bed and placed Jennifer between them and handed him the bottle.  “You want to do the honors?”

He smiled at her and gathered the baby to him.  “I am a pro.”

Jen accepted the bottle gratefully. Cinnamon moved the pillows to the headboard and smiled as she watched the pair in action. 

It would be another good morning.

THE END

Elena Vorska

September 2001

<back to retirement universe>