by Rhoda Baxter
Patently in Love
By
Rhoda Baxter
Uncial Press Aloha, Oregon
2012
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events described herein are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
ISBN 13: 978-1-60174-131-8
ISBN 10: 1-60174-131-6
Patently in Love
Copyright © 2012 by J C Mantotta
Cover art and design
Copyright © 2012 by Victoria Conrad
All rights reserved. Except for use in review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the author or publisher.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five (5) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Published by Uncial Press,
an imprint of GCT, Inc.
Visit us at http://www.uncialpress.com
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to my family, especially my very understanding husband who encouraged me to carry on writing. Also to Jen for nagging me to write and pointing out things I didn't want to think about. Thanks also to Jude at Uncial Press for a splendid lesson in editing.
Chapter 1
CAUSE CELEB: The Magazine that connects You to the Stars!
BEDHOPPERS!
In a shock revelation this week, Triphoppers star Ashby Thornton has split up with his long term girlfriend Jane Porter. Jane--25--discovered Ashby--25--in bed with Janelle Shawn--19--who will be appearing in Hollyoaks next month.
After six years together, the separation was bound to be difficult. "Jane's devastated," said a friend. "She and Ashby have been together since they were just students at uni. She stood by him and supported him throughout his career. She doesn't deserve this."
Sources close to the couple say that this may be a row that they cannot recover from. There have been increasing suggestions of tension between them as Ashby's sky rocketing career has made his lifestyle ever more hectic, whilst Jane is attempting to build a career in the pharmaceutical industry. "The pressures of Ashby's social life have been taking a toll on Jane," said a source. "She goes to all the important functions with him and still manages to turn up for work the next day. It's not an easy lifestyle to sustain."
No one has seen Jane since she stormed out of the flat she shares with Ashby. Friends suggest that she has gone into hiding in order to mend her broken heart. Meanwhile, bad boy Ashby has declined to comment.
What do you think Jane should do? Write in and tell us, or log onto our website at www.causeceleb.com.
Turn to page 7 for an exclusive interview with Janelle Shawn 'How Ashby Thornton sweet talked me into bed'
* * * *
It was rush hour on Fleet Street. Jane walked briskly, not out of choice, but to avoid being mowed down by other people. She would have preferred to slow down and look at the buildings she was passing. Perhaps even enjoy the knowledge that she was walking on Fleet Street as someone who belonged there, not just a tourist. Being in London was still a thrill. Even though she loved Manchester, it didn't have the same buzz as London did.
She paused to glance at her watch and was tutted at by a woman in a hurry to get to her desk. Jane tried to apologise, but the woman was already gone, scurrying away with her head down against the watery winter sun.
A bus drove past, featuring a huge advert for the new Triphoppers album on the side of it. Out of habit, Jane ducked her head into her scarf so her face was less visible. Seeing an alleyway ahead, she made a quick dart and stepped out of the main flow. No one took any notice of her.
She relaxed a little and paused to get her bearings. The office wasn't far and she was going to be ridiculously early for her first day as a trainee patent attorney in a large London firm.
She had always wanted to work in London. She might have got there earlier, after she'd emerged from university with a chemistry degree and a determination to never set foot in a lab again. But by then she'd met Ashby and hadn't wanted to be separated from him.
Ashby.
The thought of him still stung, but now that her anger had subsided, she missed him. Or maybe she missed having a boyfriend. It was better to be single and lonely than to have a boyfriend who was cheating on you. Wasn't it?
She let out a long breath. A future without Ashby would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago, but now that was what she was hoping for. There would be no more music industry parties. No more gigs to shadow him to. No more intrusive pictures in the gossip magazines. She could concentrate on her career. Ashby's betrayal could be the best thing that could have happened to her.
A look at her A-Z showed her that the alleyway would bring her out close to where she needed to be. The road ahead was tarmacked, but narrow. The loading bays and doorways on either side would have made the alley menacing, if it weren't for the fact that there were other people around. Not a huge stream like on the main road outside, but a few people plodding along, not making eye contact. Feeling happier at this pace, Jane carried on.
It was intriguing how people made a conscious effort not to notice each other. As far as she was concerned, this situation was bliss. She wondered how many of these people dreamed of being famous. She had felt like that once, but being at the centre of media attention was not as much fun as people seemed to think.
It had been weeks since she'd left Manchester, but the feeling of being stalked by photographers, gossip columnists and the public had still not gone away. Since moving to London, she had tried not to go out unless she absolutely had to, even though the chances of someone recognising her without Ashby were slim.
When she emerged from the alley, the January sun glinted off the windows of a pub, turning it into a mirror. She stopped to straighten her jacket. It took her a few moments to recognise herself. Until last week she'd been blonde and glossy. Now, in her sharp business suit and with dark hair, she looked every inch the lawyer. She gave herself an encouraging smile. A stray wisp of hair flew across her face. She tethered it behind one ear as she rejoined the flow of people, and stepped straight into the path of a runner. His shoulder rammed into her, throwing her off balance. She staggered backwards.
The runner stopped and turned. As he approached, she felt a moment of fear. Was there such a thing as jogger rage? She drew a deep breath and prepared to defend herself.
"Are you okay?" he pulled his earphones out as he approached her.
"Um...yes," She rubbed her arm where he'd bumped into her. It would probably bruise. "I'm fine."
"I'm really sorry," he said. "You stepped into my path, I didn't have time to--"
Jane held up a hand. "It was my fault." She looked up at him for the first time.
His face was shiny with sweat and his hair was tucked under a beanie hat. Even under such unflattering conditions, it was a handsome face.
"Really," Jane said with a smile. "I'm fine."
"Well, if you're sure..."
He gave her a quick smile. A dimple appeared briefly on his right cheek. It was definitely a handsome face. "Okay then." He turned and set off again.
"Have a nice day," Jane shouted after him.
He slowed and looked over his shoulder. She had a brief impression of brown eyes before he nodded his acknowledgement and picked up the pace. Without really thinking about it, she checked out hi
s legs. Long. Muscular. Nice.
It had been a long time since she'd been able to admire any man other than Ashby. Maybe moving to London was just what she'd needed. She rechecked the address on her paper and carried on walking with a renewed sense of hope.
* * * *
From: Stevie Winfield [email protected]
To: Marshall Winfield
Morning Marsh
Are you in this evening? Can I call you?
Love
Stevie
PS: Have you got an exciting day planned?
##
From: Marshall Winfield
To: Stevie Winfield
I'm a patent agent. Patent agents don't have exciting days.
As it happens, I'm not in this evening. Why? How much do you want?
M
##
From: Stevie Winfield
To: Marshall Winfield
I'm affronted! Can't a girl call her big brother without it being about money?!
More important though-- you're going out this evening! What's the special occasion? Have you got a date?
Okay, you got me. It is about money. I need to get the car MOT'd...
love
Stevie
##
From: Marshall Winfield
To: Stevie Winfield
No. No date.
There's a new trainee starting in our group today, so we're all going to the pub after work to get to know her. I don't really want to, but I have to, in case Keith turns it into a 'Marshall is anti-social' thing. He's trying his best to undermine me before the Partner's meeting.
Why do I have to pay for your car to be MOT'd? What happened to your allowance?
M
##
From: Stevie Winfield
To: Marshall Winfield
Ooooh. A girl trainee! There's hope. There's hope.
##
From: Marshall Winfield
To: Stevie Winfield
I have work to do.
M
* * * *
The offices of Ramsdean and Tooze were a mixture of open plan desks and glass fronted rooms. Jane was shown into a small office with two desks facing each other. At one sat a petite girl with a neat bob and square glasses.
She looked up and smiled. "Hi," she said. "I'm Ruth."
Jane put down her handbag and attempted an easy, confident smile. "I'm Jane."
"I know," said Ruth. "We had an email telling us about you."
"Really? What did it say?" The minute she said it, Jane wished she hadn't. The question had come out too eager.
"That you used to work for a pharmaceutical company..." Ruth looked at her intently. "Why? Were you expecting there to be something more?"
"Oh, no. Just wondered, that's all."
Ruth's eyes rested on her a little longer. "Okay. I'm supposed to be your buddy for the first couple of days. Would you like me to give you a tour of the office?"
Ruth chatted as she showed her around the building. The office adjoining theirs was empty. Next to it was a desk where a woman with short grey hair and dangly earrings was frowning at her computer screen. "This is Val," said Ruth. "She keeps this place running smoothly."
Val looked up, over the rim of her glasses and gave Jane a warm smile. "If only. I can help you with any secretarial support though."
Ruth indicated the empty office next door. "Where's Marsh?"
"Meeting," said Val. "Poor boy had to run off almost as soon as he got in."
"You'll meet him soon enough, I guess," she said to Jane. "Since Susan's not in today and Marsh is busy, I suppose I should take you to meet Keith."
"He's in," said Val, not meeting Jane's eye. "I saw him a few minutes ago."
There was a pause. Ruth and Val exchanged a glance. Jane waited for an explanation, but received none.
"Come on," said Ruth, starting off. "It's a shame you didn't get to meet Marsh. He's nice. You'll like him."
Did that mean she wouldn't like Keith?
"Keith's one of the partners," Ruth said in hushed tones before she knocked on a door on the other side of the building. "I often have to work with him."
When Ruth pushed the door open, the man at the desk looked up from his work. "What is it?"
"I'm showing Jane round the office." Ruth let Jane go in ahead of her.
Keith scanned Jane from head to toe and back again, his gaze resting fractionally longer on her legs than anywhere else. His demeanour changed from slightly irritated to all charm. "Ah. Jane." He stood, tall and broad in a rugby player sort of way. "Welcome." When he leaned across the desk to shake her hand, he gave it a small, and unnecessary, squeeze.
Jane resisted the impulse to back away.
"I'd love to chat, but I'm a little tied up at the moment." Keith gestured to the files on his desk. "But, I will catch up with you later in the day, I promise."
Jane said, "Okay," and took a step back towards the door. "I look forward to it."
"Oh, me too." Keith's glance made another dart towards her legs. "Me too."
Once they were outside, Ruth said, "He'll probably suggest a trip to the pub. He usually does."
"Usually?" Whilst Jane had been to enough parties to satisfy her appetite for the social whirl, it had been a while since she'd been able to go to a pub. It would be a good way to get to know people, she decided. After all, she knew hardly anyone in London.
"Yes, Keith organises a trip to the pub whenever a new...person...starts." For a moment Ruth looked as though she was going to say something else, but she seemed to think better of it. Instead she pointed out the small library.
Jane followed her, wondering what it was that had gone unsaid.
* * * *
By the end of the day, Jane was exhausted. She had been introduced, informed and trained until she felt completely wrung out. She sank into her seat and checked her email. There were messages from her parents and her friend Polly wishing her luck, but nothing else. She relaxed a little. There was nothing even in the spam box from anyone from the press. It looked like she was finally old news. She told herself she should stop worrying quite so much.
Keith knocked on her office door and perched on the edge of her desk before she could respond. "Since it's nearly home time, I wondered if you fancied coming for a drink." He cast a quick glance across to Ruth. "You too Ruth, of course."
"I can't tonight, thanks." Ruth's smile didn't show in her eyes. "Prior plans."
"Shame." He turned his attention back to Jane. "So, how about it, Jane?"
All Jane really wanted to do was to go home and close her eyes. But she managed a smile. "Sure."
"Meet you in the lobby in five minutes. I'll go rally the troops." He winked at her and hurried off.
Ruth watched him go. "Have fun."
Again, Jane had the feeling there was something Ruth was stopping herself from saying.
"You don't like him, do you?" She shut down her computer and picked up her coat.
Ruth made a face. "Small personality clash, that's all." She avoided Jane's eye. "I'm sure he's okay, really." She clearly didn't want to be drawn into discussing her antipathy towards someone senior to her.
Jane decided to leave it. After all, she would have ample opportunity to get to know more about Keith in the pub.
* * * *
Keith and a thin, tall, Scandinavian-looking man were waiting for her.
"This is Eric," said Keith. "He works in the regional office. He's come over to see how the real office operates." He laughed at his own joke.
Eric rolled his eyes. He reached past Keith and shook Jane's hand, holding on to it so that, for a moment, she was afraid he was going to raise it to his lips
. "It's nice to meet you." He gave her a wide smile..
They walked to the pub where Jane had checked her reflection in the window that morning. The olde-worlde feel of the exterior was misleading. There were chrome stools at the bar, a scattering of low tables and sofas with puffy cushions further back.
Keith bought a round of drinks and ushered her over to a table surrounded by chairs in fluorescent upholstery. "So Jane," he said. "How're you finding it so far?"
"It's only my first day, but it seems like a nice place to work."
Keith laughed. "I meant, London. Must be a bit different from up North." He said 'Up North' as though it were a contagious disease.
Jane felt her smile tighten. "Yes," she said. "It's very different. The air's dirtier, for a start."
Eric guffawed. "That's very good."
Keith stared at her for a moment, then gave an unconvincing laugh. "Right. That's very funny."
"Keith here thinks that anything outside of London is the third world," said Eric.
Jane smiled politely. She'd only been in this man's company for a few minutes and already the anti-Northerner digs had started. This could be an interesting evening.
Chapter 2
From: James Edwards
To: Marshall Winfield
Pub time!
Jim
##
From: Marshall Winfield
To: James Edwards
I'm just writing up the notes from the meeting. You go ahead. I'll join you there.
Marsh
##
From: James Edwards
To: Marshall Winfield
No way. You're not wriggling out of it by pretending you're working. I'll be round in five minutes.
We can't leave the poor girl to Keith and Eric. They'll schmooze her to death.
Besides Lou says I can have the night off. It's payback for her going out and leaving me with the kids last week. I can't waste it!