“I’ll bring her back . . . I promise.” Jonny takes my hand. As I brush past Stephanie he gives her a big smile, ruffling her hair up, in an annoying, yet affectionate way.
Jonny parades me around like the cat who has got the cream. “Who am I meeting?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“My agent, Jay.” I stop and pull back on Jonny.
“He is going to hate me, isn’t he?”
Jonny tilts his head. “How could anyone hate you, Dimples?” Lovingly he strokes my cheek with his reassuring and tender finger.
We walk into the other reception room; no one is in there except a man standing by the fireplace. The golden flames flicker behind him as we approach. It’s ironic really, as I really do feel like a sacrificial offering to the gods, about to be thrown into the hell fire of infidelity. I tighten my grip on Jonny’s hand; he reassuringly squeezes back.
“Jay, I would like you to meet Jessica. Jessica this is my agent, Jay Scott.” Jonny places a protective arm around my shoulder. Although he is wearing a smile, I sense I am here more as a declaration rather than an introduction.
Jay Scott is much smaller than I’d imagined, stocky, yet muscular. His golden tan is complemented by a pale green shirt and light brown chinos. Although his brown hair is thinning from his mid-forties head, he styles it with trendy tufts at the front. There is no doubt that this man is confident. He oozes superiority. His attractive, light blue eyes considerately look me up and down. His slow response tells me he is trying to choose his words very carefully.
“Jessica . . . a pleasure.” He takes my hand and kisses it softly. Mmmm . . . displeased, yet still charming!
“Pleased to meet you, Jay,” I calmly reply.
Jonny’s expression goes from relaxed to serious. “I wanted you both to meet, as you each play an important role in my life, just at opposite ends of the spectrum.” When he speaks, he looks directly at Jay; while brushing my hand with his caressing thumb. “Jay, I don’t need your approval, and Jessica, you don’t have to like him, but it is important for the two of you to meet so we all know where we stand.”
Jay Scott turns, pacing slowly in front of the fireplace. “I am not going to insult you both by pretending I am happy about all of this. It is beyond risky, and career wise; Jonny, you are on very thin fucking ice. The public loves you. Women want to have your babies and blokes want to take you to the pub to have a pint and watch the football. This could be absolute career suicide, Jonny. Since doing the Lypiatt Hall films you have become a household name and the opportunities just keep on coming. So please forgive me if I am slightly concerned about all of this.”
“I mean nothing personal towards you, Jessica, I am sure you are charming and wonderful, but the crucial fact is, you are still fucking married!” His composed demeanour has gone. In its place is a man who is pissed off. I knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but I’m slightly unnerved by his directness.
“We are being careful, Jay. I know it’s not ideal, but it’s what I want.” Jonny says, glancing at me. I stand there feeling awkward as I’m desperately trying to think of something to say. Something which is intelligent and eloquent, but I can’t seem to string a simple sentence together. Help me somebody! “I just wanted you both to meet, that’s all. We are happening Jay, whether you like it or not. This is where we are at and that is all I have to say on the matter. However, if you are indeed finding it all too conflicting Jay, then maybe we should just part ways?” An astonished look crosses Jay Scott’s face, but Jonny’s face remains impassive. I look at him and he weakly smiles at me. Fuck! I don’t want this . . . say something Jessica . . . you have to stop this!
I pull on his hand. “Jonny, listen to me, Jay only has your best interests at heart. It’s good that he’s open and honest about his feelings as it makes for a better working relationship. I don’t ever want to be responsible for ruining your career and believe me, you do need Jay.” I then turn from Jonny and look at the man who now has Jonny all hot-headed.
“Jay, God knows how many times we both tried to stop this from happening, but it has happened. Turning on each other is not going to help matters.” Impressive Jessica! That’ll tell him! I slow my breathing down before continuing. “I really do understand where you are coming from, and like Jonny has already explained we are being careful. I know there will come a time when decisions will have to be made, but until that time comes can you just respect Jonny’s wishes . . . please?” I look at Jay confidently, hoping he will understand where I am coming from, too.
He sighs, turning around to think for a moment, then turns back to face Jonny.
“What do you want from me, Jonny?” he asks him with an unwavering frown.
“I need to know you have got my back, Jay.”
Jay affectionately pats Jonny on the back, smiling at me. “Always Jonny . . . always.” I breathe a huge sigh of relief. Meeting Jay Scott has gone much better than I ever expected.
“Okay, I am going to grab a drink and some food. I have been in meetings all day. Jessica, it has been charming, we will catch up soon,” He leans in to give my cheek a thawed peck. “Jonny, see you later, okay? Oh, and I really can see the attraction, too.” With that, Jay strolls out of the room.
The thunderclouds have dispersed and the drama is over. Pulling me into his arms, Jonny stands there, holding me close to his beautiful body, the glow of the fire encircling us. We say nothing, as we lovingly hold onto each, other knowing another one of our hurdles has been removed.
We rejoin the party as the caterers are handing out platters of food; a mouth watering feast of canapés, quiche and savoury tartlets, parma wrapped asparagus, olives, stuffed mushrooms and peppers and plenty more. All of which make my mouth water. Both of us have built up quite an appetite, so we heartily tuck into the delicious food. Oh, my stomach is having a party!
“Hey you two, where have you been?” Harry has decided to get us all a glass of champagne. Stephanie then bounces up to us both. I can’t speak as I still have a mouthful of food, so Jonny replies.
“Sorry guys, I had some urgent business to attend to,” Jonny smiles affectionately in my direction.
Harry playfully punches Jonny on his arm. “I bet you did, you dirty bastard!”
“At least one of us has a beautiful lady to keep him warm tonight,” Jonny teases Harry, who simply responds with a smirk and a large gulp of his champagne. We all start laughing. Jonny pulls me close to his side like he needs me to be there. I notice more of the lingering looks between Stephanie and Harry, particularly after Jonny’s comment. I thought they were already a couple, but obviously not yet. I detect a definite chemistry between them. I notice such things. Just like I did with Lydia and Jake.
There is most definitely something brewing there!
“Now that you’re both back we can get the party in full and funky swing.” Stephanie playfully throws an olive in the air, catching it in her open mouth then gulps back some of her champagne. “Here’s to a good night. Happy birthday, Jessica.” I think I am actually going to love this girl! She raises her glass and we all bring our flutes together in one celebratory clink, as Jonny places an adoring kiss to the top of my head. I most certainly am one very lucky lady!
While I’m feeling on top of the world and about to take a sip of my drink, I notice Jonny’s look of absolute disdain. “Shit . . . why has Erin brought him as her plus one?” he whines.
“Who?” I’m looking around, trying to see who is the unwelcome guest.
“Griffin Denley.” Jonny is shaking his head, wearing what can only be described as an unimpressed look.
“Oh, him. He’s a dick.” Harry says. His face mirroring Jonny’s look of distaste.
Stephanie joins in with the verbal slaying of Griffin Denley. “As long as he keeps the hell away from me, he may just leave here with his balls still in tact.” Her frown deepens. “Why does Erin insist on bringing him to parties? The last one we were at, he got thrown out for being vulgar
to one of the guests if I remember, right?”
“Exactly. God only knows why he gets so many roles as he’s not a nice man, at all.” Jonny’s eyes narrow as he stares at Griffin Denley, who is sauntering across the room with Erin on his arm.
“Probably all of the producers’ and directors’ wives he is shagging put a good word in for him,” Harry says. Jonny laughs at his friends reply.
“You are probably not too far from the truth there, bud.” Jonny adds.
I look over at the man who is obviously not well liked. I do vaguely recognise him. He’s a British actor who has been in a couple of Brit films and a few TV dramas. However, he is probably more famous for his off-screen antics. He always seems to be in the papers or magazines for something or other. The one that sticks in my mind is a story of him enjoying a ménage à trois with two seventeen-year-olds he picked up in a VIP club. He does love the ladies, and young at that!
He certainly is handsome, ruggedly so, with his dirty blond hair and chiselled features. He walks with confident ease, and appears to have a smirk tattooed all over his arrogant face. He comes across as smarmy and conceited. Sure, he may very well be attractive to some, but tossers really aren’t my thing.
The champagne continues to flow as the evening proceeds. Stephanie and Harry are already like old friends to me. Everyone here has been very kind and friendly. I thought I would be treated like a social leper with whispers and sniggers everywhere I went, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Everyone in attendance, except Griffin Denley, maybe, is here because they care about Jonny, so they treat me accordingly. Although, I am beginning to feel a little jaded. I am on too much of a Jonny-high to come down just yet.
I, Jessica Neel, sit amongst all his friends and close work colleagues in his luxurious home in Chelsea. I am in a dress, which my own personal shopper helped me choose, my hair and make-up has been done for me and on top of all that, Jonny Riley will be inside of me later. I really am on cloud bloody nine!
“Come and dance with me, Jess.” Stephanie drunkenly pulls me off the plush sofa. We run into the reception room, which has loud dance music playing. Laser beams and a funky, rotating disco ball bounce light around the room. My head is light, my feet even lighter. We are giggling as we do silly little dance moves. I notice Erin and Griffin Denley’s hawk-eyed glances upon me. Too tipsy to care, I hold their stare until they both look away. Yeah, look the other way. I’m high in the clouds!
I then spot my beautiful Jonny, who is with Harry and Jay Scott. His eyes seduce me from afar. With arms which are crossed and his thoughtful finger brushing across his perfect lower lip. He remains fixated on me; undressing me with his intoxicating stare. He doesn’t even have to touch me to make me shiver with excitement.
“Let’s go and get another drink.” Stephanie loops her arm through mine as we go to get one. Jonny watches as we merrily walk across the room. It feels good knowing his eyes are only for me. I desperately want to be alone with him. My train of thought wanders, champagne . . . dance . . . Jonny! However, my bladder has other ideas. “Steph, I am just nipping to the loo quickly. Hold that drink for me, okay?”
“Don’t be long, I need my dance partner back.” She grins over her shoulder.
“I’ll be back before you know it.” I rush off to the bathroom along the corridor; it is dimly lit and disorienting. I’m still not entirely sure where everything is, so I am very relieved when I find it straight away.
Feeling much more comfortable after going to the toilet, I walk out of the bathroom, smiling to myself. I don’t see the person waiting in the shadows; I can only sense their presence. My eyes adjust from the brightly lit bathroom to the darkened corridor. I quickly realise that it’s Griffin Denley who is leaning up against the wall. Shit!
“Well, well, well. So you’re the married hottie who has Jonny Riley all in a tizzy?” he slimily asks.
“My mother always told me not to talk to strangers,” I sarcastically reply, looking him up and down with contempt. I don’t know him, nor do I want to, he reeks of trouble and being a complete bastard. His craving eyes make my skin horribly crawl. My heart thuds, as he steps closer . . . too close for comfort.
“You know, if affairs are your thing, honey, then I’m your man. I wouldn’t say a word. It would forever be our little secret.” His hand suddenly grabs my crotch, aggressively pushing me up against the wall. His hot, brandy breath fans my face.
“Take your filthy fucking hands off her now!” Jonny’s face contorts in rage. His fists are clenched, his breathing short and fast.
“Just introducing myself to your married friend here, Jonny.” Griffin, slowly steps away from me.
“I said, get the fuck away from her . . . NOW!” Jonny’s raised voice through angry gritted teeth soon has people looking over. They are all whispering and staring. “Jessica, come here.” I rush towards him and he gently pushes me behind him. “I think it’s time you left, Denley,” Jonny spits.
“It’s just a bit of fun Riley, no harm done.” His crooked, don’t-give-a-shit smile never leaves his face.
“I’m telling you this now, Denley. Just so we are clear about this. NEVER come near me, or Jessica ever again, or I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”
“If you insist Riley, but you want to be careful. We wouldn’t want your precious public to know about your married lover, now would we?” His snide remark makes me shudder. I grab hold of Jonny’s arm.
“If you want to throw threats around Denley, that’s fine. I’m well aware of many of your indiscretions . . . enough to ruin you.” Jonny warns him. Griffin Denley doesn’t say a word. The insidious smirk has quickly left him.
I see Erin Laurelson marching over. Her glowering eyes are fixed upon us as she approaches. “What’s going on?” she asks.
“Denley has just had his fucking hands all over Jessica.” Jonny doesn’t even blink as he speaks. Erin throws me a scornful look.
“Are you entirely sure that’s the case, Jonny? She’s hardly the honest type, now is she?”
Jonny’s eyes furiously dart in her direction. ”I saw fucking everything, Erin! I’d like you and this bastard to leave, right now.”
Erin’s face drops. “Don’t be like that, Jonny. I’m sure it’s just a big misunderstanding?” Her tone is instantly submissive as she tries to diffuse the situation.
“It’s no fucking misunderstanding, I can assure you. Now go! Oh, and Erin?”
“Yes, Jonny?”
“You’re fired,” Jonny states without emotion. Her mouth drops wide open and the hurt in her eyes is evident. Shit!
I pull Jonny around to look at me. He reluctantly does so. “Jonny, just calm down. You don’t need to fire Erin.”
“Yes, I do, Jessica. I’m sick of the snide comments here and there. She needs me far more than I fucking need her. I can’t have people around me who I can’t trust. I’m sorry Erin, that’s my final word.”
She pleadingly looks at Jonny, trying to gain his eye contact, but he refuses to do so. With a final contemptuous look at me, she stomps off. Griffin Denley obediently follows.
I stroke Jonny’s back. He looks washed out, exhausted and downbeat. His protective arms engulf me.
“You okay?” He asks, gently stroking my hair.
“I am now,” I respond.
“Let’s go upstairs, I need some space.” Jonny leads the way up the curved stairway. He opens his bedroom door and closes it behind us. It’s his way of shutting out the problem.
I sit on his bed and he sits down next to me. “I can’t believe that bastard did that. And Erin, she’s no fucking better,” Jonny angrily states.
“Is there any way you can sort things out with her? I’m not her biggest fan, but I feel terrible that she’s lost her job because of me,” I say.
“She is the only one accountable for why she has lost her job. For weeks she has been pushing it, Jessica. She had this coming.”
“But what will you do now? Who will work for you?”<
br />
“Jay will sort something out, he’ll find some candidates and then I’ll interview them. I need someone I can trust completely. I never felt that way with her. I kept ignoring how she could be because she was so good at her job,” Jonny says, looking angrily ahead.
“So, are she and Denley a couple?”
“No, not from lack of trying on her part, though. He uses Erin. For someone who is supposedly very intelligent, she doesn’t quite get that.”
“He certainly has a very high opinion of himself. I cannot understand her fascination with him.” I say.
Jonny rests his tired head in his agitated palms. “I feel sick at the thought of his hands on you.” His voice is quietly broken. I pull his shielding hands away from his tortured face.
“Did you really see all that happened?” I ask softly. Jonny nods, blinking away the bitter memory of it.
“I watched him all night; he was watching you the whole fucking time. When you went to the toilet, he followed, so I followed him,” Jonny grits out.
“I’m okay, so it’s fine.” I cup my hands around his glorious, haunted face. I kiss him delicately on his mouth, nose, eyelids, temples, forehead and chin. I want to help him forget what he saw.
“It kills me inside, you know . . . the thought of another man touching you. I have images of you in bed with your husband and it tears me apart every single fucking day.” I look at him as he speaks. The self-loathing returns stronger and more potent; the venom it produces is poisoning every cherished moment we have ever shared.
I take both his hands into mine, softly kissing his knuckles as his tormented eyes sadly look on.
My voice is despondent and quiet, “I am so sorry, Jonny.”
“It’s all right; we both knew what we were getting into. I’ve always known I had to accept the situation between you and Shawn, but when bastards like Denley touch you? Well, that’s the final fucking straw.”
“He has gone and we are here. Just hold me.” I need to feel his arms around me. He somehow always makes everything feel better.
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