Make Believe

by Genevieve Smith

  I hear a knock at my door.

  “Hey Jess, are you OK?” Mia asks.

  “No, not really,” I sob. She walks straight towards me and sits, pulling me into her. I cry continuously for about an hour. When I eventually stop I tell her everything.

  “Oh my poor Jess, why didn’t you tell me? I could have helped,” she soothes.

  “I wanted to. It was just bad timing really.”

  “You need to tell someone about Hudson. That’s so wrong. He can’t be allowed to get away with it. What if you hadn’t thought so quickly, he’d probably have raped you? It’s not worth thinking about…but seriously, Jessica, you must never be left on your own with that disgusting man. Have you told Elliott?”

  I shake my head.

  “Why not, you silly girl? I think he would go nuts.”

  “What if he doesn’t believe me?”

  “Of course he would, your body holds the evidence.”

  She was right. There was no hiding my battle wounds.

  “Maybe you’re right. It’s just I don’t think I can deal with it at the moment. I’m so emotionally drained. I just want to curl up in bed.”

  “Hush chick, it’s OK. When you’re ready to tell him you will. But for now you need to eat. How about pizza?”

  Pizza again! Bless Mia, she’s doing what she does so well, looking after me.

  “Pizza would be lovely. Thank you,” I smile at her.

  “I’ll go order it. See you in ten.” She kisses me on my head and walks out of my room.

  I notice through the corner of my eye, my phone flashing. Who is it now? God, I can’t face speaking to anyone else.

  I glance down and notice it’s an email, thank God.

  It’s from Elliott.

  To: Jessicaing@virginmedia.co.uk

  From ElliboyTate@hotmail.com

  Hey my beautiful girl.

  I’m giving you your space but just wanted to say that I’m missing you like crazy. I think we have something incredibly special and, in my life, you don’t find that. I don’t want to lose you because of some petty argument. I can’t stop thinking about you.

  All my love,

  Elliott xxx

  PS: I forgot to mention how goddamn sexy you……argh, help me! xx

  I read it again and it makes me smile. How is it possible to feel so utterly overwhelmed one minute and then so appreciative the next? How messed up must I be?

  Chapter 9

  I hear a faint knocking, which disturbs my sleep. Is it in my dream? I can’t make it out. I lift my head off the pillow, trying to discover where it’s coming from.

  Bugger, it’s the front door. I look at the clock. It’s 6:30 a.m. Who the hell is that at this time? I grab my dressing gown from the bedroom door and put it on as I rush down the stairs nearly tripping over the last two. I fumble to unlock the bolts. As I open the door I can’t see anybody standing there. What the hell? It’s far too early for mind games. I step out to have a look around but can’t see anyone. I look down and notice a pretty package which has been left on the door step – I bend down and pick it up, it’s addressed to me.

  I feel the tingling in my stomach. Someone’s sent me a present. I rush back in, slamming the door behind me. I think the neighbours have already had enough of an eye-full of me in my tiny dressing gown.

  I twist the package around in my hands noticing how pretty the paper is; it’s beautifully wrapped in a hand-pressed paper with pale pink glitter and ribbons.

  I carefully open it, trying not to damage the wrapping too much. Inside is a green box with Rolex embellished on it. I lift the lid and it unfolds. Staring back at me is a beautiful diamond-encrusted, pearl faced, white gold Rolex. I take it out of the box to have a closer look. Whoa! Who on earth sent me this? I place the beautiful watch back in its box and shut it. I turn the box around in all directions trying to see if it has a card with it, but there’s nothing.

  When I walk past the front door to go back upstairs I noticed a card has been pushed through the letter box. I pick it up off the floor. It reads:

  Jessica,

  I’m giving you time to think. ;)

  Elliott xxx

  I take a deep breath. He is so incorrigible. He’s supposed to be allowing time for me to decide what to do, not lavishing beautiful expensive gifts on me. And not at 6:30 in the morning!

  Mia meets me halfway up the stairs.

  “Hey, what’s all the noise about?”

  “Sorry, did I wake you? Someone had left a package outside for me.” I smile, not containing my excitement very well.

  “Someone...Jess?”

  “OK, Elliott,” I reply, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  “What was in the package?”

  I pass her the green box.

  “Rolex?” she says smiling.

  “Open it.”

  I watch her expressions as she does.

  “My God, Jessica, it’s beautiful. Looks at those diamonds. You’re one very lucky girl.” She smiles, closing it again.

  “Does it have a card?”

  I read her what it says.

  “How ironic?” She smiles. “So where do you go from here? Have you thanked him?”

  “No, I was just on my way up to text him. I really think I like him and not because he lavishes money on me but because he’s a really genuine guy, someone so different to anyone I’ve ever met.”

  Mia pats me gently on the arm.

  “That’s because he’s every girl’s dream, Jess. I think you’re crazy even having to think about it. If it was me, you’d be physically peeling me off of him.” She smiles and walks on down.

  Once in my bedroom I reopen the box and take the watch out. It really is exquisite. I put it on my wrist and it fits perfectly. How did he know it would fit? It must have cost an absolute fortune.

  I grab my phone and text him.

  Hey you,

  Thank you so much for my present, it is beautiful. If not a little over the top!;)

  You didn’t need to sneak off.

  Thank you again.

  Jess xxxxxxxx

  Within seconds my phone vibrates,

  You’re most welcome.

  I’m glad you like it. Even if it is a little over the top, a bit like me!

  I didn’t deliver it.

  I know you’re having a time-out, but do you fancy a date this evening?

  It would be nice to see the watch for real and on you, you sexy lady.

  Elliott xxxxxxxxxx

  A date tonight? He really doesn’t understand what time-out means and I’m so glad he doesn’t. A proper official date? Yes, please.

  I text back immediately.

  Yes, please. When and where, Mr. Tate?

  My phone beeps immediately. God, he’s eager.

  I will pick you up at 8, wear something warm.

  See you at work gorgeous.

  Xxxxx

  Wow, how exciting! Wear something warm? Where is he taking me? It’s like something from a fairy tale - I can’t wait.

  The day really drags. Even though I get to see Elliott first thing in the morning, he is rarely alone as Tara is permanently attached to his hip. Then he is on set most of the day. I go in for his touch-ups which are normally after he’s has been snogging the face off of one of his co-stars. I find that so difficult to watch. Having never been the jealous type, I’m not sure how to deal with jealousy or even if it is. But I hate the thought of him being with someone else.

  Mia is already home when I arrive.

  “Hey Jess, you’ve had another delivery,” she shouts from the lounge.

  “What? Another one? Where is it?”

  “I left it on the side in the hall. It’s in a white envelope.”

  I look on the table and it’s an A3-sized envelope with my name printed on it.

  I rip open the back and pull out an invitation. It’s white with gold writing on it.

  Charity Polo Match at The Equestrian Centre CA.

  Courtesy Of Elliott
Tate for his charity Against Cruelty to Animals.

  Saturday 22nd May

  at 2:00 p.m.

  Invitation only.

  RSVP Hudson Creech 323-555-3423

  I turn the invite over and there is a handwritten message on the back.

  Please, would you be my date for this very important day?

  Forever yours,

  Elliott. Xxx

  Forever yours? What the hell? He’s moving so fast, my feet don’t touch the floor.

  I feel so flattered that he wants me to accompany him, but…I also feel like I’m being pushed into this rather than being left to make my own decisions. Maybe tonight I will get a chance to talk to him about slowing it down.

  I need to pick my warm clothes for tonight. I grab a pair of skinny jeans and put them on with my black polo neck jumper, which has a sequined heart in the middle of it. Highly appropriate I feel. I team my jeans with my fly boots and a cream gilet. I look in the mirror…um, I don’t look too bad for someone who needs to be warm.

  The next hurdle is my makeup. As it’s a proper date, I think I should make an effort with it. I decide that hot, smoky eyes are the only option. Once that’s done, it’s then my hair. I brush it into a ponytail just in case it’s windy or something. One final look in the mirror, but there’s one thing I’ve forgotten. I grab the green box and take out the Rolex and place it on my wrist. There, perfect. The reflection of the diamonds catches the light and reflects around the room. I glance at the time. Eight o’clock. The door bells chimes. Wow, he’s so punctual.

  Mia’s already let him in and is standing at the bottom of the stairs talking to him as I approach.

  “Hey gorgeous, you look amazing,” he says, making my stomach do somersaults.

  He looks stunning - he does casual so well. He’s wearing black jeans with a striped shirt under a blue v-neck jumper, also with a black gilet.

  As I get to the bottom of the stairs, he grabs my hand and pulls me in towards him. He says, “I’ve missed you, gorgeous,” and kisses me.

  I kiss him back, but pull away as I’m fully aware that Mia is standing there watching.

  “Thank you so much for this.” I point to my wrist.

  “You’re very welcome. A beautiful gift for a beautiful woman,” he says whilst kissing my hand.

  “Are you ready?” he asks.

  I nod.

  “Have fun, Jess,” Mia giggles.

  “I will.” I smile back, feeling like a teenage girl as I follow this gorgeous man out the door.

  We walk across the drive to yet a different car.

  “New car?”

  He laughs.

  “No, Jess, I have several. They are one of my weaknesses in life.” He smiles kissing my hand.

  Elliott walks to my door and opens it for me.

  I climb in. It has red leather seats, with his initials sewn into them. They match the car perfectly. I glance over to the dashboard and written on the steering wheel is Aston Martin.

  Elliott looks at me.

  “Nice car.” I smile.

  He smiles. “Thanks, it’s the latest model. It’s just come out. It’s a Vanquish, 6 litre with aV12 engine.”

  I nod, pretending to know what the hell he’s talking about.

  He smiles.

  “You have no idea what I’m talking about do you, Jess?”

  “Not in the slightest. The only thing I do know is that James Bond drives these cars,” I laugh.

  “You’re absolutely right, he did. You see, I’m your very own James Bond,” he replies, kissing my hand again. “It was a present from my last movie.”

  “Wow, that’s generous. It must be amazing to have that kind of money to just splash out when you want.” I reviewed what I just said through my mind. God, I sounded like a spoilt bitch. I wish, sometimes, I thought about what I was going to say instead of just spurting it out.

  Elliott looks at me.

  “I work hard for my money, Jess, and I have had to give up a lot for it. I mean, I wouldn’t change my life for anything, but it’s certainly not all hearts and flowers. The money just makes it more bearable.”

  “I know, I’m sorry; I didn’t mean anything by it. I really admire that you’re self-made. It’s amazing.”

  “I know you didn’t, babe. I just want you to feel more comfortable around my things, that’s all.” He places his hand on my upper thigh.

  “So you ready for your surprise, Miss Ing?”

  “I think so. Where are you taking me, Mr. Tate, where I have to wrap up warm?”

  “Time will tell, time will tell. I hope you’re good at balancing.”

  A million things run through my mind. Balancing? What? God, I really hope it has nothing to do with the circus or high tree trails? Oh God, what have I let myself in for?

  We drive for a further twenty minutes. You hardly notice that you’re moving the car is so comfortable. After our previous conversation I start to feel more relaxed.

  “Can we put some music on?” I ask.

  “Sure, my iPod’s in the glove compartment. Just stick it in the docking station there.” He points to the hidden lip part.

  I scroll through it having a look at his playlist. You can tell so much about a person by their music. He mainly has modern stuff on it - Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Will.I.am, Jay-Z, Beyoncé. He also has some indie stuff too - Muse, Elbow, Snow Patrol. Quite cool stuff really. I don’t know what else I expected from such a prolific person. Just as I’m deciding, I come across the Spice Girls. I giggle and hit play.

  “I’ll tell you what you want what you really, really, want, so tell me what you want, what you really, really want, I wanna, wanna, wanna Zig Zig ah!”

  He looks at me with a slightly embarrassed smirk on his face.

  “I didn’t take you for a Spice Girls fan,” I tease.

  “Oh yeah, I loved them, especially Posh! She was so hot. How could you not like them? Especially this song, it’s a classic.”

  I roll my eyes. “You and the Spice Girls, hey? Well, you certainly have good taste, especially when it comes to English women.” I smile.

  “Especially English women. I have a soft spot for the accent!” He gently caresses my thigh running his fingers up and down.

  Oh my God, his touch sends shivers throughout my body.

  “We’re here,” he puts into the car park. It’s dark and I have no idea where we are. He points to the area just in front, which is lit with flood lights.

  A big sign says welcome to Woodland Hills.

  “What is it?” I ask nervously.

  “Patience, beautiful, patience.”

  I climb out of the car and Simon greets us.

  “It’s all ready for you, Elliott. Just go through the gate,” and he points to a white painted wooden gate.

  Elliott grabs my hand and leads me. He nods at Simon as we head towards it. The light is so bright as it reflects off the ice.

  “What size skates are you, Jessica?”

  “I’m an English size 6 shoe, so the same, I guess.”

  Elliott asks the girl behind the counter for our sizes. She doesn't hear him the first time as I think the shock of having Elliott Tate standing in front of her is too much for her to handle. I hear Elliott asking her again but this time more curt.

  “There you go, gorgeous.” He hands me my skates.

  “How come it’s open so late?”

  “It’s amazing what people will do for me, Jess,” he winks as he says it.

  I tut in reply.

  “In all seriousness, I promised them that next time it’s relevant in an interview I will mention their rink.” He smiles.

  “Oh, I see you’re just their pretty face, then.” I smirk.

  He laughs and leans towards me, “I’ll give you ‘pretty face’, young lady. You wait ‘til later, I’ll show you what this face can do.” With that his playful face has disappeared and is replaced with his sexy one.

  I quickly change the subject. “So it’s just us, then?”<
br />
  “Yes, is that OK... Or did you want someone else to join us?” He sounds concerned.

  He brushes my cheek.

  The thought of that evil man coming to ruin our evening haunts me always.

  The flood lights dim and the LED lights look so pretty. Katy Perry starts blasting “Last Friday Night” out of the speakers.

  “That’s our cue, Jess, let’s skate.”

  Oh my God, I can’t remember the last time I went ice skating. I think I must have been thirteen.

  I try and stand up but wobble. It’s so hard balancing on two blades. Elliott holds my hand to steady me. We walk slowly to the side. He heads on to the ice first and I slowly glide on one foot at a time. The ice feels so slippery beneath me. I wobble again and try to steady myself, but it’s no good and I hit the ice with my bottom.

  I burst out laughing and so does Elliott.

  He skates perfectly to my aid and helps me up. He places both his hands around my waist and pushes me from behind. I feel more solid with him there. I manage to regain my balance as he takes one hand off. He then releases his other hand but holds on to my hand. We are skating perfectly now. I’m not sure if he lets go whether I would fall, but at this very moment in time, I feel invincible.

  It is the perfect date. I couldn’t think of anything better, Elliott Tate all to myself. I wouldn’t swap this moment for anything in the world. He takes my hand and guides me around the rink.

  “I think it’s time we finish. I’m famished. How about you, Jess?”

  “Yes, I think I could eat a horse,” I giggle.

  Elliott beckons Simon over.

  “I think we’re ready to eat. Is Firebirds ready for us?”

  “Yes, they’re ready when you are. I’ll go get the car for you.” Simon smiles and walks off.

  Firebirds? It sounds like a circus to me.

  “What’s Firebirds?”

  “It’s the best steak house in town. You said you could eat a horse? Anything for my beautiful girl,” he raises his eyebrow.

  Horror crosses my face. Oh my God, I was joking!

  Elliott bursts out laughing. “I’m just playing with you.” He pulls me towards him and wraps his hands round my waist.