Page 121 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I know you’ve only known him a few weeks,” Afric was saying, “and I can’t be too judgy after how I’ve screwed up. But if you want my opinion, the guy’s a bit of a jerk.”
When Jess said nothing, Afric gestured to Jess’s riding boots. “Are you coming out?”
Part of her still wanted to go but she suddenly realised she’d had enough of Linford for now.
“Actually, I’d better get going. But best of luck. I hope the movie will be a huge success.”
“Me too.” Afric turned and headed out to the stables.
Jess was walking back towards the castle when she saw Doug approach. She plastered on a smile as they drew closer, her heart sinking when he stopped and grabbed her elbow.
“Glad I ran into you, honey. Wanted to say thanks for everything you did – you’re a star.”
“My pleasure, it’s all part of the Charleston Group service.”
He nodded, his gaze drifting across to the stables.
“I think Afric is taking one of the horses out,” Jess said. She watched for his reaction, but Doug simply smiled.
“She’s a good rider.”
It had to be Doug, she realised, the pieces slotting together in her head. Doug was the person Afric had started seeing on her last movie. And Mel and Spencer went way back. That was why Spencer had been upset with Afric. That was why he hadn’t wanted her on this new movie – he’d known the truth.
Doug released her elbow and Jess resisted the urge to rub it.
“I’m gonna go over and say hi to these horses. See you around, Jess.”
The lens cover! “Hang on.” She took it out of her pocket. “I found this. I thought maybe one of the camera crew might have lost it?”
He took it from her and inspected it carefully. “I think this is the one I lost a few weeks ago. I’ve a habit of putting the clips in my pocket and forgetting to replace them.” He gave her a sharp look. “Where did you find it?”
“On the ground,” she said, hoping her face wouldn’t give anything away. That was how he’d sometimes slipped out of Afric’s suite, she realised. He’d timed it perfectly with his runs through Linford Wood. She remembered something Afric had said about the man she was involved with having a son. “Will your child be finished camp by the time you’re due to head home?”
“Sure will.” He smiled proudly. “He’s had a great time. No interest in the movie business – smart kid!”
Smarter than his dad.
He gave her a wink before striding purposefully towards the stables. Jess didn’t look back as she walked away. All she cared about now was finding Adam.
CHAPTER 63
The last six weeks had felt like a lifetime, Jess thought as she double-checked she’d packed everything into her car and drove out of Linford Village.
She’d seen it as the perfect escape from what life had thrown at her these last months, an excuse to run away.
But if she were being completely honest – because there was nothing like having to save the reputation of a Hollywood movie while being lied to by someone she’d trusted, to force some hard self-reflection – she’d have to admit that since her breakup she’d allowed herself to become a secondary character in her own life. Now, it was time to be the lead again.
Her first job was to find somewhere to live. Which meant, if she was lucky, a house-share. Her mother would be completely against it, obviously. Carmel considered rent – even for a short while – dead money, and Jess knew that she’d prefer to see her live at home for another couple of years to save. But if the last few weeks had taught her anything, it was that she needed to stand on her own two feet again.
Her phone rang and she let the call come through on speaker.
“Jess, are you driving?”
“Hi, Emily. I’m just coming onto the motorway, but you’re on speaker. What’s up?”
“Okay, I’m not telling anyone this, obviously.”
Jess frowned. “Well, you’re about to tell me.”
