Page 5 of A Very Crumbleton Christmas
The truth was, she had an enormous crush on Jack Jones. Always had – ever since his first walk-on part in the rom-com that had kick-started his career. The film had been awful, but that hadn’t stopped her from falling head-over-fantasy for the dark-haired demi-god.
Caroline shifted her weight uncomfortably, suddenly glad that Lee wasn’t a mind reader.
‘Well… crap,’ she muttered. ‘That’s not going to help my case much, is it?’
‘I’d agree with you if there was any chance he’d actually read any of your rants,’ said Lee, cocking his head, ‘but let’s face it – Jack Jones reading The Crumbleton Times and Echo? Not very likely, is it?!’
‘You cheeky blighter,’ huffed Caroline.
‘I’m a truthful one, though,’ said Lee with a broad grin. ‘Besides, he’d be perfect for what you need, right? A genuine film star… even if you can’t stand him.’
Caroline nodded. Lee was right – about the film star bit, at least.
‘So…’ she said, doing her best to sound nonchalant, ‘what’s the security like at his place? Cameras? Bodyguards?’
‘Ah man, you’re not going to break in and hold him hostage until he agrees, are you?’ snorted Lee.
‘No,’ said Caroline, ‘but Iamgoing to go straight over there to ask him if he’s up for it.’
‘You’re not serious?’ said Lee, looking wary. ‘Now?’
‘Now,’ said Caroline. She might as well strike while the iron was lukewarm.
‘Leave it till tomorrow, Cazza,’ said Lee, shaking his head. ‘I know this snow doesn’t look like much right now, but it’s meant to get worse – and I swear I hit a slippery patch on the way across the marshes… even with all the salt in the air!’
‘Aw cute – you’re worried about me,’ said Caroline with a cheeky smile. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll go careful.’
‘Fine,’ said Lee, rolling his eyes. ‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you, though.’
‘Cheers for the tipoff!’ said Caroline.
‘Good luck,’ said Lee. ‘Be nice to him…’
‘I’m always nice!’ said Caroline.
‘Uh-huh,’ said Lee, raising an eyebrow. ‘Poor bloke. Bye Cazzzarooney.’
Caroline watched as he disappeared off up the cobbles, and then stood for a long moment in the courtyard. Was she really going to do this?
Glancing up at the heavy clouds, Caroline rubbed her hands together, wishing she had her woolly gloves with her. Surely the snow wouldn’t get too bad… she’d have time to nip over to Crumbleton Sands, wouldn’t she? It shouldn’t take long.
‘Come on,’ Caroline whispered to herself, her breath pluming in the chilly air. ‘Let’s go meet Jack Jones!’
CHAPTER 2
JACK
‘Brian, my man, you’re an absolute hero!’ said Jack.
He heaved two laden carrier bags out of the boot of the taxi, while Brian hefted a box of groceries into his arms and followed Jack into the vast hallway of his seafront house.
‘It’s my pleasure,’ said Brian, placing the heavy box down on a broad wooden bench and straightening up with a grin. ‘Can’t have a Hollywood star wandering around Bendall’s… we’d have a riot on our hands!’
‘Not sure about that,’ Jack smirked, ‘but I really do appreciate your help to keep my visits quiet.’
‘I enjoy it,’ said Brian. ‘Mind you, it’s a bit easier now that Trish is doing the housekeeping for you and knows what’s going on.’
Jack grinned. Trish was Brian’s wife and one of the sweetest women he’d ever met. Though, apparently she wasn’tquiteso sweet when she suspected her devoted husband was up to no good. It had taken a transatlantic video call before Trish would believe poor old Brian wasn’t telling her some seriously tall tales.
