Page 16 of My Lucky Star
“So, he fell asleep while you were there, taking photos?” Pete summed up. “Jet lag sucks.” He nodded absentmindedly and sat back at his desk, his mind clearly moving on to something else.
Janie rolled her eyes at him and flashed me a conspiratorial smile. “Let’s get some coffees. Pete, do you want us to bring you anything?”
Not waiting for his answer, she linked arms with me. I discarded my cup of cold plunger coffee, my mind searching for the most palatable version of the truth as she marched me out the door.
Our office was located right by the water, which meant we had an excellent selection of cafes. Janie steered us to the nearest one. The morning queues had dissipated, so she walked straight to the barista and ordered – an espresso for her, a triple shot flat white for me.
“Oh, Pete. Bless his cotton socks.” Janie shook her head as we sat at an outdoor table. “There’s more to that story, right?”
It wasn’t really a question, so I nodded.
Janie leaned in, rosy blots appearing on her cheeks. “You know I don’t usually gossip, but it looks like this location is everything we’ve been looking for. So, anything that might stand in the way... You understand why I’m asking questions, right?”
“Of course.” I felt my cheeks flame as I cleared my throat, suddenly desperate for that coffee. “I’m not sure why I took that photo. I never meant for anyone else to see it. I think he’s sort of hiding in there. They’ve booked the entire hotel.” I rubbed my forehead. “I feel horrible. He’s so concerned about his privacy.”
Janie patted my arm. “Oh, don’t worry. Pete’s already forgotten about it, and I won’t discuss this with anyone else. You have the only copy of that photo, right?”
I smiled meekly, relaxing a little. “I’ll delete it.” I knew I wouldn’t, but I felt better saying it.
Janie leaned in. “Before you delete it, can I have another look? I feel like I know him from somewhere.”
“I think he’s famous in his own country.” I brought up the photo on my phone again. “In Turkey.”
“Oh! Turkey has a huge film and TV industry!” Janie peered at the photo again. “So, you guys... hit it off?” Her sharp gaze made me squirm. “I’m only asking because it seems we need to negotiate with this guy and if you two already have a rapport, that’s great.”
“Well, he’s lost his luggage and needed internet, so I’m... helping him out a bit.”
“Fantastic! Anything you can do to make him feel like he owes you. Use your... charm.” She winked.
If only she knew, I thought, my neck blazing like it had in that hotel room. I’d have to keep my charm, if I had any, well and truly locked away with this guy.
Our drinks arrived and I took a long, grateful sip, hiding my embarrassment behind the bowl of caffeine.
Janie drained her espresso in one go. Her phone buzzed and she picked it up. “It’s the production company!”
My whole body tensed as she opened the message. Janie’s face melted into an excited grin. “Yes. Yes. Yes! They want to come for a recce. Listen to this... ‘this could be the missing piece and we’re very excited to visit.’ They’re booking flights and want to stay at the hotel from Tuesday next week.”
Blood drained from my face. “Did you tell them it’s vacant?”
Janie’s smile had a guilty glint to it. “Sometimes, you have to manufacture your own luck. I trust you. You’re resourceful. You’ll find a way to arrange things.”
I swallowed a hard lump. “Okay...”
“Obviously, when I emailed them, I didn’t know there was a Turkish celebrity sleeping in there.” Janie gave me a meaningful look. “But we have a bit of budget. We can offer him a room at the County Hotel or a nice Airbnb if he’s willing to relocate for four or five nights.”
I took a deep breath. How could I possibly bargain with a guy who could book an entire hotel and hand out gold credit cards?
“I’ll... do my best,” I squeaked, pouring warm coffee down my throat, thinking of that gold credit card in my pocket. “I promised to go back and bring him some clothes.”
“Great! That’ll butter him up. Keep me posted,” Janie smiled reassuringly, gathered her bag and stood up.
I finished my coffee and followed her outside, waving at her as she headed back to the office.
I ambled along the street toward the city center on wobbly legs. This was the weirdest job I’d ever had. As my gaze roamed the shop windows, aimlessly browsing the jeans, bags, and shoes, it hit me. I didn’t know Cem’s size and had no way of asking. I’d kept my phone at hand, checking it more often than I liked to admit, but he hadn’t messaged me. I didn’t have his number, and he must have only asked for mine as a precaution. In case the hotel caught fire or he thought of something else he needed. The man was clearly used to being served.
Did he see me as another staff member? Was that why I currently held his credit card as I stepped into a clothing store I only ever visited during a 70% sale?
“Just browsing,” I told the shop assistant, hiding behind a rack of shirts.
