A Famous Affair

by K. B. Mallion

  “Well that quickie has certainly worked up my appetite,” Jonny says, cradling me across my stomach and lightly kissing the top of my back. I can feel the smile now upon his lips.

  I peep over my shoulder. “I won’t be able to look at a sausage in quite the same way now,” I tease.

  “Are we talking chipolata or jumbo here?” A childish grin erupts across his handsome face.

  “Battered,” I curtly reply. His mouth playfully drops open then he grabs and tickles me. We foolishly frolic around in the shower like two teenagers. It feels good to be like this with him.

  “Come on, we had better get downstairs,” he suggests with a pat to my ass. I teasingly salute him.

  “Yes, sir.”

  As we approach the kitchen, I hear Helena, Lissy and Lottie happily chatting with each other. “Morning, breakfast smells amazing, Helena.” I say, hugging the girls and placing a motherly kiss on their heads.

  “Morning, my lovelies. I was just asking the girls whether they have ever had fried bread before. I am stunned to find out that they haven’t.” Her West Country twang is always strong with certain words and ‘my lovelies’ never fails to raise a smile.

  I look at Helena with a gentle frown. “I haven’t either.” I admit.

  “Never?” she asks with wide eyes. “I cannot believe that Jonny hasn’t made you fried bread yet. Well, Jessica. Today is the day that you will all get to try it for the very first time.” She tosses slices of white bread into the frying pan.

  “Did you sleep well, girls?” I ask, smoothing down their soft hair.

  “Yes, thanks Mum.” Lissy replies, as she happily tucks into her muesli.

  “What time will Simon be taking us back home, Mum?” Lottie asks quietly, with a little pout.

  “When you are ready, darling. I can call him when you want to go.”

  Lottie fiddles nervously with her hair. I can’t tell whether she is nervous because she wants to leave or because she doesn’t. I notice Helena is also trying to gauge Lottie’s mood. We look at each other and her warmth radiates across to me with her caring smile. She tries to lighten the mood with a subtle joke. “Has the idea of fried bread really scared you off that much, Lottie?” she asks, laughing softly.

  Lottie’s mouth opens almost as wide as her eyes. “No . . . no . . . I’ve had a great time. It’s just I don’t want to go yet.” she desperately tries to explain.

  I put my arms around her and pull Lissy in to my hold, too. “I am so pleased you feel that way, but your dad is expecting you back. We don’t want to upset him, do we?” I look at Lottie first, then Lissy.

  Lottie solemnly nods. “I suppose.”

  “Anyway sis . . . Mum will be seeing us tomorrow for a little while, won’t you Mum?” Lissy’s sweet attempt to cheer her sister up is heart warming.

  I smile. “That’s right, my darling. Anyway, I think Jonny has something which will cheer you both up.” I nod to him and he quickly responds.

  “Yes . . . yes I do. I’ll just go and get it.” Both the girls watch Jonny stride quickly out of the kitchen.

  “So, are you all set for Jonny’s trip to America, Jessica?” Helena is busily pulling out a tray of sausages, bacon, baked tomatoes and mushrooms as she chats.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I stroke Lottie’s hair, absentmindedly.

  “There are so many ways to stay in touch nowadays and before you know it, he will be back,” she says with warm conviction. I know she’s trying to not only make me feel better, but herself, too.

  I sneakily pinch a sausage, biting into its hot end. “That is true. Hopefully, between work and seeing these two . . . I am going to be pretty busy.” I affectionately look at the girls with a smile.

  Helena’s eyes flick up at me. “Oh, yes. Jonny told me about the flat in Cheltenham. I have never been there, maybe I could visit you and the girls?”

  “I would love that, Helena.” I excitedly reply.

  “There are lots of galleries we can show you, aren’t there Mum?” Lottie enthusiastically chips in.

  “And theatres . . . do you like to see shows?” Lissy keenly asks Helena.

  “I do indeed, my lovely. Well, that is settled then, isn’t it? I am definitely coming to see you all in Cheltenham. It sounds like fun!” She takes a playful bite of a sausage and the girls giggle.

  Lissy is still smiling broadly as Jonny strolls back into the kitchen. He hands me the envelope. I give it straight back to him, gesturing for him to give it to the girls instead. He hesitates, looking at Lissy then back at Lottie. Both of them are rooted to the spot with intrigue.

  Jonny nervously clears his throat. “Okay, it’s an early Christmas present, I know. But I won’t be seeing you until I get back from New York, so your mum and I wanted to give this to you today.” He hands the envelope to Lissy. She slowly opens the flap with calm hands.

  “What is it, Liss?” Lottie asks, trying to see. She is anything but calm. She is tugging on Lissy’s arm, as her sister quietly tries to read what is inside.

  Lissy’s mouth suddenly drops open; her eyes bulge brightly. “Oh, my God. Lottie, you are going to die!” she exclaims loudly.

  “What? What is it? Tell me what it is.” Lottie grabs the envelope from her sister’s hand, too impatient to wait. She quickly reads it. Her mouth freezes into the biggest O shape I have ever seen. For a second, she is literally mute and frozen. The silence is eventually broken by the highest shriek followed by frenzied dancing around. “Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Tickets to see The Wanted and a meet and greet? OH, MY GOD!” Lottie wildly flaps the tickets all around her head. She quickly cuddles Lissy, frantically jumping around and squealing in her poor sister’s ear.

  Lissy laughs, trying in vain to get Lottie to calm down. “I hope you get this crazed excitement out of your system before we meet them, otherwise I am going to die of embarrassment,” she says, rolling her eyes.

  Lottie grips her sister’s arm. “I can’t believe it, Liss. My friends are going to absolutely freak when they find out!”

  “I know they will, sis. Thank you, Jonny. Thank you, Mum.” Lissy embraces me tightly, giving Jonny the biggest smile.

  Lottie starts stammering. “Oh, yes . . . sorry. I forgot . . . yes. Thank you . . . thank you!” Without thinking, she rushes up to Jonny and hugs him. Then she clumsily rushes over to me.

  I look over at a flummoxed Jonny, who is left reeling from the unexpected yet grateful hug from Lottie. “My pleasure, girls. I am glad you both like it. I know you are not as big a fan as your sister, Lissy, but I thought it would be nice for you both to go together,” Jonny explains, seemingly chuffed with Lottie’s thankful reaction.

  “I do like them, Jonny. Just not as mental as this one here.” Lissy pokes Lottie playfully in her side.

  Lottie throws her arms around Lissy. “Love you too, sis. Mum, is it okay if I go and text my mates?” She already has her mobile in her hand.

  “Don’t be long, darling. Breakfast is nearly done.” I tell her.

  “I won’t.” She excitedly runs from the room just as Lydia and Jake come into the kitchen.

  “What is all the girly squealing for?” Lydia’s smirks, her questioning eyebrow arched high.

  “Morning, Lydia and Jake. The girls have just found out that they have tickets to see The Wanted. Lottie is a little excited,” I laugh.

  Lydia leans into me with a mischievous grin. “Lucky girls, if I was a few years younger I’d be trying to get tickets myself, darling.”

  “Don’t you mean many years younger?” Jake enjoys teasing Lydia with a squeeze to her waist.

  “Now, now. There is no need for jealous sarcasm, darling.” She winks at Jake.

  “Not sarcasm, Lydia . . . simply stating a fact.” He sardonically smiles while Lydia quietly tuts under her very bemused breath. Their passionate banter really does amuse me, it is fiery fuel for their steamy relationship.

  “I hope you are all hungry, I have cooked loads.” Helena looks hot and flustered,
her usually perfectly made up face is starting to perspire.

  “Let me help you, Helena.” I rush to lend her a hand by cleaning away all the cracked eggshells that have accumulated on the kitchen worktop.

  Wiping her brow and blowing out a grateful sigh, Helena smiles. “Thanks, Jessica.”

  Jonny claps his hands once to gain everyone’s attention. “Right guys, let’s eat in the dining room. Mum, is it all nearly cooked?”

  A red-faced Helena, nods. “It’s all done, Jonny. I just need plates and cutlery put out as I’m just about to make a pot of coffee and tea.”

  “Okay, I’ll do the plates, and things.” he says, smiling at his mum.

  Helena thanks Jonny by a gentle pat to his back. “You are such a love.” she replies with her warm, West Country twang being heard at the end of her sentence. I don’t know why, but it always brings a smile to my lips when I hear it.

  Looking around, I realise Stephanie and Harry are nowhere in sight. “Shall I see if Steph and Harry are awake?” I ask.

  “Yes please, otherwise we’ll keep theirs in the oven,” Jonny says, taking out the knives and forks from the kitchen drawer but lovingly looking at me.

  I touch his arm affectionately before leaving the room. I adore how his eyes never leave mine until I look away from him. The way he looks at me, makes me feel like a ten foot tall sexy She-Ra; I am invincible because of his adoration.

  I run up the stairs, heading towards the library where an inflatable bed has been put up for Stephanie to sleep on and the same for Harry in the gym room. Before I knock on the library door, I listen for any sign of movement but there is nothing. I gently tap on the door. “Steph, just to let you know that Helena has made a fry up for everyone. Do you want it now or later?” I wait for a reply but there is nothing. I stand there for a few more moments before heading to the gym room. Again, I gently tap on the door. “Morning Harry, just to let you know that breakfast is ready. Do you want it now or later?” I hear a whisper, then a little giggle. I edge closer to the door to listen harder. There are definitely two people whispering to each other in there. I knock a little louder. “Harry?” I call out again. I hear him clear his throat before answering.

  “Sorry Jessica, I’m not ready yet. Would you mind keeping ours . . . I mean . . . mine in the oven?” Confused by his reply, I wait before answering. Again, I can hear loud whispers.

  “What did you say that for?” The giggly female whispers.

  Hang on a minute . . . I recognise that bloody voice! I listen harder, practically with my face squished against the door.

  “Sorry . . . I just didn’t think,” Harry apologises.

  “You fool.”

  Hearing those words, confirms my suspicion. I am rooted to the spot. I knew it! Stephanie and Harry got it on last night! I begin to feel awkward, embarrassed that I am unwittingly privy to the fact Harry and Stephanie have spent the night together.

  I tiptoe away as quick as I can. I don’t want them finding me with my ear to the door. Now that, would be embarrassing. As I descend the stairs, I can’t help but feel happy for them. Harry has obviously carried a torch for Steph for many years and finally he has his lady. Questions start to run through my mind. Is this the beginning of a proper relationship or merely a one-night stand? Did Jonny know? If he doesn’t, should I tell him?

  “Hey beautiful . . . you okay?” Jonny interrupts my preoccupied thoughts.

  “I’m fine. Harry and Steph aren’t up yet.” I tell him, wondering whether to say anything or not.

  “They are probably exhausted after all that shagging last night?” He nonchalantly responds with a deep laugh.

  I grab Jonny’s arm. “You knew?” I ask in shock.

  “It has been brewing for years, Jessica. They probably had a lot of catching up to do, if you get my drift?” His slanted mouth and wicked eyes make me laugh.

  I wrap my arms around Jonny’s neck. “Good on them, I say.”

  “I am sure I’ll hear all about it one way or another.”

  I stroke Jonny’s chest, looking at him with a pleased smile. “I am really happy for them. Do you think they will properly get together now?” I ask.

  Jonny grimaces. “Who knows? All I do know is my mum’s fry up is calling my name.” Jonny takes my hand in his as we head towards the dining room. It would seem the new year ahead has a lot in store for all of us.

  The afternoon is spent relaxing and playing traditional board games. We listen to Christmas music in the background, eating far too much of the left over party food. I am feeling content and incredibly lucky. I have loved being with Lissy and Lottie, and I know the feeling is mutual. Steph and Harry have been doing their best to not get too close to each other, but there have been many occasions that they have shared lingering glances or their hands have accidentally on purpose brushed against each other’s. It is all rather endearing to watch yet I can’t help but wonder why they are trying to hide their true feelings from everyone. Do they wish to hide their relationship from other people or just themselves? When I take out a tray of glasses and plates to the kitchen, Steph follows. “I’ll come and help you, Jessica.”

  “Thanks, Steph.” We merrily walk in silence to the kitchen. I so want to talk to her about Harry. I am excited and intrigued all at once.

  Putting a handful of glasses on the side, Steph stands close to me as I scrape the dirty plates. “What time are your girls leaving?” she asks.

  “Simon is collecting them in a couple of hours.”

  Stephanie’s face is now deadly serious. “Are you okay? It must be hard having to share them?”

  I smile. “I’m okay, thanks Steph. It is difficult, but it’s something we all have to get used to now. It must be even harder for Shawn.” I tell her, closing the bin.

  “Do you have any contact with him now?”

  I sadly shake my head. “None, I contact the girls directly via their mobiles. Any arrangements are done through the girls at the moment. I am trying hard not to rock Shawn’s boat. I don’t want to upset him or he could make it very difficult for me if he wanted to.” I put my hand on the worktop; it supports me as I lean against it while talking to Steph.

  “I am sure it won’t be like this forever. In time, you will be able to have an amicable conversation with him,” Steph says.

  I agree, nodding slowly. “I’d like to think for the sake of the girls we could eventually be like that, but for now the ball is very much in his court. As long as I can see Lissy and Lottie, that’s all that matters to me at the moment.”

  Stephanie looks past me. “Life can be so bloody hard to understand at times, can’t it?”

  I look at her face now full of doubt. Her troubled mind has her momentarily in a daydream. I step closer. “What’s up, Steph?” I ask gently.

  “Nothing,” she abruptly answers. I tilt my head and my eyes look at her as if to say “really?” Stephanie’s eyes flick up at me then back to the floor. She fidgets uncomfortably where she stands, sighing heavily. “You know, don’t you?”

  I nod, placing my arm on hers. “Come on, Steph. It’s hard not to notice.” I weakly smile.

  “Does Jonny know, too?” she asks. .

  “Yes, he does. What is bothering you?” I question.

  “I don’t know, really. I have known Harry and Jonny, for what seems like . . . forever. Harry and I have always been close. He is the one I run to when I am upset. He is the one who calls me every single day to check I am okay. He is my best friend,” Steph answers.

  “But?” I ask gently.

  Stephanie’s shoulders slump forwards with an exasperated breath. “I am scared to take it further, Jess. It feels weird.” She comforts herself by wrapping her arms around her body.

  “Weird in what way?” I ask, frowning.

  “Incestuous almost. I know that sounds completely ridiculous, doesn’t it?” She nervously laughs.

  “Harry knows you inside and out. There is no doubt that he is in love with you. Steph.”

&n
bsp; “You really think so?” she asks in a hopeful way.

  I put my hand on hers, smiling. “I know so. When I first met you both, I actually thought you were already together.” She laughs at my response; her tousled curls bounce in the sunlight with every movement of her head. “Well, you saw something that I didn’t then.”

  “This could be a new chapter for you and Harry. You need to be sure that you feel the same way, Steph. You have the perfect foundation for a perfect relationship, if it’s what you want?” I squeeze her hand.

  “I think I do feel the same way. That is exactly what is scaring the hell out of me. I have been so used to being in shitty relationships, being in one with a man who knows me more than I know myself is a terrifying prospect. If it doesn’t work out between us, I will lose everything. I can’t lose him, Jess . . . he is my everything!”

  To hear her heartfelt words brings a lump to my throat. I swallow it back, putting my arm around her shoulder. “Talk to him, Steph. Tell him what you have told me.”

  She grabs my hand. “Thanks, Jessica. I feel better for getting it off my chest.”

  “Sometimes, you just have to go with your heart and not think about all of the what-ifs. Shit . . . I’m living proof of that!” I let out a stifled laugh.

  “You and Jonny look so happy together. It’s as if the weight of life has been lifted from his shoulders. I used to worry sick about him, you know? He has so many people kissing his ass all of the time and he has always had loads of people around him, but deep down he was a really lonely man. It sounds crazy, but it’s true.” Stephanie’s eyes widen.

  “He has talked to me about it. He said fame can be very lonely. I can only imagine what it must be like. If he wasn’t such a nice guy he wouldn’t give a shit either way, but he does care. He takes his responsibility to his adoring public very seriously and knows it is down to them why he is still so popular. He knows how lucky he is to have this privileged lifestyle, yet he almost feels guilty for having it. I have told him, he has worked so hard to get where he is today and to be offered this lead role in America has always been his dream . . . which is why he must go.” I start loading up the dishwasher. Stephanie passes me the dirty crockery as she continues to chat. “Like I’ve said before, Jonny is one of the good guys on the celeb circuit. He is a rare breed these days,” she huffs.