I dash to my bedroom to tart myself up. You know, in case I get papped.
Chapter Seventy-One
The Smoothie
By the time I was out of the bathroom, Luke had already left. He didn’t even tell me he was going out, which was weird. But as long as he isn’t seeing his dealer, he can do what he likes.
I decided that Starbucks would be a good place to meet Charles – how can I get angry when I have a festive latte in my hand? Also, I’ll be less likely to throw it at him because I won’t want to waste it.
I don’t have to wait long before he arrives. I don’t get up from where I’m sitting, and he gestures that he’s going to get a drink before he sits down. If I had any manners, I would have bought him one ready for him arriving, but then again I’m a, and I quote, ‘kiss-and-tell tart’ – we have terrible manners, you know. Poor Charles, he’s going to have such a hard time getting my forgiveness.
He places his cup on the table, and then leans over for a kiss. I don’t offer him my cheek, I don’t even flinch.
‘I’ve been an idiot,’ he says, sitting down opposite me without so much as a handshake.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say ‘duh’ but, instead, I give him an agreeing look.
‘I’ve been made a fool of by a woman before,’ he tells me. ‘I thought I’d never trust another woman again, so I threw myself into my work and I just didn’t bother with women for a little while. But then I met you,’ he smiles and I feel myself thawing out slightly. ‘When Dylan used to talk about you, I used to think there is no way this girl can be as perfect as he makes her sound, but then meeting you that morning, you made one hell of a first impression.’
I cast my mind back to that morning. It was mortifying, but I can see the funny side now and can’t help but smile.
‘I just knew I wanted to be with you.’
I can almost understand him thinking the worst, if he’s been cheated on before, he’s bound to think all women are the same.
He glances at my newspaper, which I haven’t actually read yet.
‘That was all just a big misunderstanding.’ He nods towards it. ‘And for that I’m very sorry. Can we try again? Start from the beginning?’
I have to admit, I am not entirely against the idea.
‘I don’t know, how can we go back? Neither of us will forget this.’
‘Well it’s not like it’s going to happen again, is it?’ he insists. ‘I was a jealous fool.’
‘But what if you get jealous again?’
‘We’ll both have to make changes. I won’t get jealous if you make sure there are no photos of you all over other men. I mean, this could have all been avoided if the pictures didn’t exist. I know you were set up, of course, but if the pictures didn’t exist in the first place – you and Luke, you and Dylan, we could have avoided all this.’
‘Right.’
‘If you act like a tart, people might think you are one, Nicole. Now you’ve made a name for yourself, you have to be even more careful, I’m only thinking of you.’
‘One moment,’ I tell him, going over to the counter. ‘Do you do fruit smoothies?’ I ask the barista, having never ordered anything that didn’t involve coffee from Starbucks before.
‘We do,’ he tells me. ‘What kind would you like?’
‘Surprise me, but if it could involve purple fruits, blueberries, raspberries – anything that might stain.’
While I wait for my drink, I go back over to Charles and start putting my coat on.
‘Where are you going?’ he asks with a confused look on his face. Clearly he doesn’t think he said a thing wrong.
I go back over to collect my smoothie and pop the lid off as I walk back.
‘Today is a great day, and I’m not going to waste it with someone who thinks that I behave like a tart.’
‘That’s not what I meant—’
‘I know what you meant,’ I interrupt him. ‘I know exactly what you meant.’
And with that, I tip my (actually pretty delicious-looking) smoothie all over his head, shirt and trousers.
‘Here.’ I toss my newspaper at him, happy to pick up another one on the way home. ‘You can dry yourself with that.’
Grabbing my handbag, I leave to a round of applause and cheers from the others in the room, who clearly have no idea what he’s done wrong, but enjoyed the floorshow nonetheless.
Chapter Seventy-Two
The Summons
Charles doesn’t follow me, which is fine by me. I know that I didn’t do anything wrong before and he should have believed me. Even after proving my innocence, he still doesn’t trust me and I don’t think he ever will. I think Charles would have these feelings towards any girl, whether he’s provoked or not.
My phone rings. It’s Frank asking me to meet him at the office. I tell him that I’ll walk because I’m not that far. I don’t even have chance to put my phone back in my handbag before it rings again – he probably thinks I need directions.
‘I’m not going to get lost, Frank,’ I say, answering immediately without looking at my phone to see who is calling.
‘It’s not Frank,’ a very familiar-sounding voice tells me. ‘It’s—’
‘I know who it is,’ I interrupt him.
‘I’m sorry,’ he tells me. ‘I’m sorry for not telling the truth, I’m sorry for not backing you up. I panicked, I fucked up, I’m sorry.’
‘You’re sorry, Dylan. I get it,’ I laugh. ‘Are you allowed to talk to me now?’
‘Yes, I’ve put my foot down. Now the truth is out there, Crystal has no reason to stop me seeing you.’
That’s hardly putting his foot down, but I don’t say that to him. I’m just grateful he has permission to be my friend again.
‘Look, we’ve both handled this terribly,’ I start, ‘but in my defence this is my first time being on the receiving end of this shit. You should be used to it by now though.’
‘You would think so,’ he laughs. ‘Seriously though, I’m sorry for saying that we had an affair when we didn’t, that wasn’t fair on you.’
‘I get why you did it though,’ I tell him. ‘And I’m sorry for getting photographed outside your house, I don’t know what I was thinking. In my rage it didn’t properly cross my mind that you were just doing what you needed to do to see your kids.’
This might be the most serious conversation Dylan and I have ever had.
‘We are still friends, then?’ he asks, sounding slightly worried.
I could be mad at him, refuse to speak to him again, but what will that achieve? I’ve lost enough friends recently and, deep down, I know that Dylan did what he thought was best.
‘Of course we are. You’re the second most famous person I know, I’m hardly going to cut off contact,’ I tease.
‘Ha!’ he laughs. ‘Wait, second most famous?’
‘Yeah. Kelly Parker is my new bestie. She’s way more famous than you.’
‘I’d say we were equal, and I’m your bestie. Don’t forget that, Nic. Anyway, you’re quite famous yourself now, aren’t you?’ he teases.
‘Yeah, thanks for that,’ I say sarcastically.
‘Is it everything you’d hoped for?’ he asks, well aware of my love of the lifestyle.
‘Not quite, but thanks for the leg up.’
I love that we’re instantly back to normal, joking around and winding each other up. Not being friends was horrible and I never want to be in that situation again. Crystal being around is something I’ll just have to learn to live it. Who knows, one day we might even be friends.
‘So how’s married life?’ I ask him.
‘Married life is, well, married life. I’ll get used to it,’ he says unconvincingly, ‘but the babies are awesome.’
That part I believe, he probably has more in common with the girls that he does with Crystal, and they’re only weeks old.
‘Are you going home for Christmas?’ he asks. ‘You could come and meet them if not.’
‘Maybe. I’m not sure
what I’m doing yet.’
‘Well it’s only a couple of days away,’ he informs me.
I hadn’t actually realised what the date was, Christmas really is only days away.
‘Shit! I hadn’t realised Christmas was so close.’
‘What will you do now? Generally, I mean,’ he asks me.
‘Generally, I’ll probably go back to Leeds, see if I can get the magazine back online. I’m hoping my Z-list fame can help me pull in some big names, get some support, hopefully they’ll have me back at ByteBanter, although I’ll need to find some new staff.’
‘Not going to stick around and ride the fame train, then?’ he asks.
‘I think I’ve outstayed my welcome here.’
‘You’ve been living with that guy from that band,’ he tells me, like I might not be aware of it. ‘I was reading one of Crystal’s magazines the other day, you were named a couple to keep an eye on in the New Year.’
‘Really?’ I laugh. ‘Luke and I are not a couple, just helping each other through a tough time.’
‘I read about the drugs. Didn’t sound like you, I can’t even get you to hold my cigarette while I take a piss.’
‘That’s mainly because I don’t want to smell like you do, babes.’
‘God, I’ve missed you,’ he admits.
‘I’ve missed you too, but listen, I have a meeting with my agent. I’d better go.’
‘Oh, get you with your agent. Well let me know when you’re going home, we’ll go for a drink, say goodbye.’
I agree and hang up the phone. Things almost seem back to normal.
Chapter Seventy-Three
The Proposal
When I arrived at Frank’s office, there was a caramel macchiato waiting for me – I could get used to this, although Kelly has been telling me how I need to take it easy on the sweet drinks. I called her quickly while I was on my way up in the lift to see if she wanted to go shopping with me this afternoon. I told her that Dylan and I were back on good terms, and that I wanted to pick up a couple of presents for his babies. ‘I’ve got meetings all day,’ she told me, adding that she hates shops that sell baby clothes because she only moans about how she wishes she could fit into them. I hope she was joking, but that’s when she mentioned me adopting a similar attitude if I wanted to fit in around here – pun intended. ‘You’ve got a great body, but less is more in showbiz, darling,’ she told me. We’re in the first flush of our ‘womance’ and I’m loving it.
I plonk myself in the seat in front of Frank’s desk and sip my free coffee – of course in my experience buttering someone up is usually a sign of bad news, so he’s probably going to drop me now that the scandal had died down. Now the truth is out, no one is going to want to talk to me about what happened any more, but that is fine by me, I can’t imagine I’ll need him when I’m back in Leeds. When I’m done here, I’m going to sort out my train ticket. I have been mentally planning how I’m going to spend Christmas ever since I realised it was so close. I’m going to go back to my flat, invite Jake over, we’ll get drunk and I’ll sleep through the parts where I’m alone. Joy to the world.
‘I’ll get straight to the point,’ Frank tells me, sitting back in his big chair. Luke told me that Frank is the only person allowed to sit in that chair, and that the one time he joked about sitting in it, Frank gave him a proper bollocking. My butt will touch that chair before I leave.
‘What are your plans for the future?’ he asks.
‘Going back to Leeds, restarting the magazine, getting my life back on track,’ I tell him confidently.
‘Scrap that. Well not the last part, we’ll get your life back on track.’
I give him a confused look.
‘The Daily Scoop loved your article, they want to hire you. They want you to bring the Starstruck magazine format with you and print it and sell it with the paper. They want to give you a job, Nicole.’
I can do nothing but blink at him. My ears must be deceiving me.
‘They’ll pay you a decent wage and I’ll help you find somewhere to live.’
‘They want to print my magazine?’ I ask, still stunned.
‘Yes,’ he says excitedly, ‘and if we go over there now, we can sign the contract.’
‘Let’s go!’ I tell him without moment’s hesitation or a doubt in my mind. And let’s go quickly, before they change their minds.
Chapter Seventy-Four
The Deal
We arrive at Scoop HQ and are instantly shown to Mr Boyes’ office. Inside, waiting, are Jasper and Mr Boyes himself, and on the table is a huge bottle of Champagne.
‘Wow, you look great,’ Jasper tells me. ‘After the night we had, I expected something far uglier.’
‘Thanks, I think. If it’s any consolation, I feel how you look,’ I tease back.
‘Feisty. We like it,’ Mr Boyes says, interrupting our minor flirt-fest. ‘Now, Frank explained the deal to you? You’re happy with it?’
‘I’m more than happy, I’m just surprised,’ I confess.
‘Don’t be surprised, that piece you wrote was fantastic. And the headline!’
I knew he’d like that.
‘Brilliant. After reading that, I had a proper look at your magazine online, it’s good stuff. We don’t want to change a thing about it, not even the name, and you can help pick your own team.’
‘Sounds perfect.’
‘I will be assigning Jasper to work with you, as this is his area, and he’ll help you settle in, show you the ropes and what not.’
That sounds perfect too, but I don’t say that. I just nod.
‘I’ve saved you a desk next to mine,’ Jasper tells me, with a wink.
I think I’m going to like working here.
Chapter Seventy-Five
The New Nicole
I called Luke to tell him the good news as soon as we left Scoop HQ. He was out when I called him, but he promised me he would be home before me, and that we could celebrate later. I invited Jasper, and I’ve called Kelly – I might even give Dylan a ring, but I doubt he’ll be allowed to join us.
As we’re driving back to Luke’s flat, a million thoughts are vying for my attention.
‘We’ll get Christmas out of the way, and then we’ll find you a place to live. You’re OK with Luke until then?’ Frank asks.
‘I’m sure it will be fine.’
‘On the wage they’ll be paying you, we’ll be able to find somewhere nice,’ he assures me.
When I was living from job to job, doing an interview here and a magazine article there, I knew that it could all come to an end at any moment. There was no stability, no security. This job at the Scoop means that I can pay my own way, I won’t need to rely on Luke or my parents any more. I had never really given it much thought before, but there’s something very freeing about knowing that I can take care of myself financially.
I need to call my parents and tell them the good news. Jake too. In fact, I’ll call him now.
‘Hello, stranger,’ he answers. ‘I was just reading about you.’
‘Oh really? All good, I hope.’
‘It’s all good, but that writer is clearly in love with you. She even has the same name as you.’
I laugh, and tell him the full story. How I proved my innocence, my new celebrity circle of friends and my amazing job offer.
‘The only thing is, I’ll have to live here,’ I say.
‘Well I’ll miss you, but you have to go for it. I can come and stay, right? Put in a good word with Kelly Parker for me.’
‘Naturally.’
‘I saw Emily today,’ he tells me, the tone of his voice changing to a more serious one.
‘Yeah?’ I sound like I don’t give a damn, although I probably do. We were such close friends for years, I can’t just forget that no matter how betrayed I feel.
‘She feels terrible about what she did, she didn’t mean to ruin your life. I think the day it all came out, she was just acting defensively.’
‘I
know.’ But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a stupid thing to do, does it?
‘Do you think you can ever forgive her?’ he asks.
‘Maybe one day.’ I sigh. ‘Look, let’s not talk about this now. Happy times,’ I remind him.
‘Happy times,’ he repeats back to me. ‘Go enjoy your moment.’
‘I will. Have a drink for me later. And one more thing.’
‘Yes?’ he asks ever so slowly, like he’s bracing himself.
‘Thank you – for everything. I wouldn’t have got through this without you. My behind-the-scenes man.’
‘She’s a minor celebrity, and suddenly she thinks she’s an actress too.’
We laugh together for a moment.
‘I’ll pop you an autograph in the post,’ I jokingly assure him.
‘Please do,’ he replies. ‘Just make sure it’s Kelly’s.’
Chapter Seventy-Six
The Big One
Frank drops me off outside Luke’s, but he doesn’t come up.
Tonight we are celebrating, so I have no choice but to spend the next four hours getting ready. I’m going spent at least one of those hours in the bath because, for the first time in weeks, I feel like I am capable of actually relaxing. The truth is out, I have a fantastic job and I’m working things out with my friends – I don’t think things could get much better.
‘Honey, I’m home,’ I call out as I walk through the door. Luke comes running out of his room to greet me, and listens patiently as I tell him the full details of my day and how I plan to relocate here.
‘You’ve been great letting me stay here, but I won’t be cramping your style for much longer,’ I promise.
‘You never cramped my style.’
‘Well, maybe there’s a place in this building,’ I joke.
‘Sit down,’ Luke insists, suddenly quite serious.
As instructed, I take a seat on the sofa and Luke sits next to me, taking me by the hand.
‘I’m glad you’re staying,’ he says, squeezing my hand.
‘I’m glad I’m staying too.’ I smile, unsure what he is going to say next.
‘You were the only one who looked after me when I had my...’ he pauses, wracking his brain for the appropriate word. ‘Accident.’
How Not to Be Starstruck Page 30