Edie touched Jet’s hand. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I forget you’re newer to this world than me and I know me seeing Andrew must be weird for you. You’re a better person than I am, not making an issue out of it. I never would have gotten involved with him if I thought you still had feelings for him. And I’m sure Dan’s a nice guy. I think that’s why I reacted that way. He’s almost too nice.’
‘Yes, he’s a nice guy,’ Jet agreed, releasing a breath and appreciating Edie’s apology. Except why did Edie make Dan being a nice guy sound like a bad thing?
‘Anyway, obviously I’m thrilled to be attending Gerard’s party. The word in the industry is he’s in development for a new project and I can’t believe my luck. I’ll be able to get in front of him on the night and prove I’m female lead-worthy.’
‘I’m sure you’ll dazzle him.’ Jet had no doubt Edie would leave a lasting impression provided Gerard was after an actress with a bombshell quality.
‘I know. My outfit is all organised. And I know it’s horrible of me to ask this of you, but I think it might be best if we avoid each other on the night. Andrew can be grumpy at the best of times. I want to attract attention, but—’
‘Not that sort of attention. Don’t worry, I get it and I won’t take it personally,’ Jet promised.
‘Good. In that case, let’s order a bottle of bubbles now so we can toast in the New Year together. It wouldn’t be the same otherwise.’
Edie waved the waitress over and in under a few minutes they had two glasses of sparkling wine in front of them. Edie might be incognito tonight, but the staff certainly knew who she was.
Edie held up her glass and Jet did the same.
‘Cheers. To a successful New Year’s Eve,’ Edie announced.
Jet laughed. ‘Aren’t you supposed to toast the New Year in?’
Edie’s full lips curled up in a wicked grin. ‘That’s the idea. If this New Year’s Eve is as good as I think it’s going to be, next year will be a year to remember.’
Jet clinked Edie’s glass with hers. ‘Cheers.’
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Andrew cut the phone call off and tossed his mobile on the hotel bed. It bounced and hit the floor with a dull thud. He couldn’t care less if he smashed the damn thing. He felt close to breaking point and the satisfaction of seeing something destroyed might ease his frustration. That way he would know he was in control again because the current situation had gotten out of hand.
Juliet knew about the blood.
Andrew still couldn’t think of her as Jet. Whoever she was now, his informant in the police force had told him that she knew about it. That piece of shit Italian cocksucker had told her.
He still couldn’t believe the girl Taylor had changed her story. He’d paid her handsomely for her involvement and the stupid princess had gotten cold feet at the last minute. Some shit about seeing the news story about Juliet being attacked and she’d had a case of the guilts. Andrew had expected more from a street kid who had survived by selling her body.
Now Alex was back on the streets again and he’d wasted no time in going to Juliet. When Andrew had recognised him at that gala dinner he couldn’t believe the audacity of the creep. It had taken all of his strength not to march over to him and threaten him to leave. But the more distance between them, the better, so Andrew had watched Alex swan around like a celebrity again, despite his history of openly paying for sex. Andrew wasn’t the most moral of people, he knew that, but he’d never been tempted to pay for sex. Sex came easily to a man like Andrew and it should have come easily to someone like Benedetti, too. The young Italian actor was weak, in his opinion.
None of that mattered now because Juliet knew about the blood. Since the beginning, it had been Andrew’s word against Alex’s. And until now, no one had doubted him, not even the police. And why would they? He was Andrew Temple. But if Juliet knew about that, how much else did she know? What had Alex told her? He wasn’t sure which was worse—not knowing, or the sense that he’d lost control of everything.
As usual, Juliet wasn’t answering his calls. Andrew had hardly expected her to, so he’d been creative and had his assistant call her so Juliet wouldn’t recognise the number. She hadn’t picked up any of those, either.
The woman was infuriatingly stubborn and yet strangely that was one of the things he most admired about her. Her survival instinct.
Juliet was more attractive to him than ever. It didn’t matter that he was fucking Edie. That was entirely a separate matter as far as he was concerned. Edie had a strong survival instinct too and she wasn’t above using a man like him to her advantage. The best way to control a woman like her was to let her think she was the one in control.
Yet she still came nowhere close to Juliet.
Juliet hadn’t needed to use anyone to her advantage. Her natural charm had done the job. Men, women, business contacts—all of them—would gladly help Juliet with whatever she needed and consider it a pleasure.
At the thought of pleasure, Andrew collapsed into his desk chair. The arrangement with Edie was growing old. She was good in bed, there was no doubting that, but she was becoming demanding. Andrew needed to put more distance between them and he regretted inviting her to the New Year’s Eve function. But there was no way out of it. Edie’s eyes had lit up when he’d told her and she wouldn’t let him back out now.
No, he’d endure the evening with Edie by his side and in the New Year he’d figure out a way to extract himself from the relationship. Women like Edie weren’t easy to shake. Edie said she wasn’t the marrying type, but the chance to be associated permanently with the Temple name was too tempting for a social climber like her. He felt annoyed with himself for letting it get this far, although he knew exactly why he had. Weakness. And what was his one major weakness?
Juliet.
Andrew sighed. He was certain of his place in the world but he continued to regret the way he’d ruined his marriage. Juliet was one of the few people who saw beyond his public profile. At the time, he’d thought it had been a weakness on his part letting her see another side of him. Now he missed it.
The phone on his desk vibrated and his gaze darted to it. Damn it. For some stupid reason he’d thought it was Juliet calling him. Hell would have to freeze over first, which made him smile.
When he saw the number, he sighed and answered the call.
‘Hi Edie.’
‘Why so blue?’
The actress was perceptive, he’d give her that. ‘Not blue. Just tired.’
‘Shame I’m not there to make you feel better,’ she replied, her voice laced with suggestion.
‘Edie, what do you want?’
He was met with silence. OK, so maybe that had been harsh, even for him.
‘I can call back if this is a bad time,’ she said icily.
‘No, no. That’s not necessary. Like I said I’m just tired. What do you need?’
‘Well, I need you, but seeing as I can’t have you, you’ll just have to dream of me touching my naked body and—’
He cut her off. ‘Normally I’d welcome the image, but I really am tired. It’s been a long week.’
There was a long pause. ‘I have some news about Juliet.’
He sat upright in the seat, glad of the fact Edie couldn’t see him. ‘Tell me.’
‘I should have figured that would get your attention. She’s attending the New Year’s party at Café Sydney.’
Andrew didn’t say anything for a long moment. ‘Will he be there?’
‘If by he, you mean the winemaker, yes, he’s going to be attending. Although I can’t imagine why she would think bringing him would be a good idea, he’s a nobody for God’s sake—’
‘He’s a somebody to Juliet,’ Andrew said through clenched teeth. It was true, then. The two of them were in a relationship. And it was serious, if Juliet was bringing him.
‘My God, you really do have a problem, don’t you? Face it, Andrew. Jet has moved on.’
‘Not anymore,’ Edie shot back. ‘Maybe you should take her to the damn party.’
‘I would if she’d have me.’
He heard Edie suck in a sharp breath and he rubbed a hand across his face. He really must be tired to slip like that. ‘That came out wrong.’
‘It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to miss it and you’re accompanying me.’
‘Of course,’ Andrew said smoothly. ‘I’ll be proud to have you with me. I’m sure you’ll shine like you do on-screen.’
It was the right thing to say because she immediately started babbling about the dress she would be wearing and who would be there. He gave her two minutes before cutting her off and telling her he needed to get some rest.
The phone call hadn’t gone as smoothly as it should, but it had resulted in some very useful information. He would get to see Juliet on New Year’s Eve.
He wished it was sooner, but he couldn’t have planned it better himself. It meant he could kill two birds with one stone. He’d talk to Juliet about the blood and put her mind at ease. And he’d also get the opportunity to make sure the winemaker knew his place.
Andrew couldn’t wait.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
‘I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of more help, Juliet. I mean, Jet,’ Carolyn finished with a wink.
Jet smiled warmly at the middle-aged woman in her conservative navy business suit. The gold-rimmed glasses framed sympathetic blue eyes and the lines on her face spoke of experience rather than age.
Jet thanked the psychologist for her time and returned to the waiting room.
Carolyn Davis hadn’t been able to provide answers regarding Jet’s confrontation with Alex, but she had made Jet feel better. It confirmed Jet’s decision over two years ago to seek the help of a professional when her high-profile marriage was failing. Jet had needed someone to speak to so she could work through all her feelings, and Carolyn had proved a good choice. If not for Carolyn, Jet may have returned to the UK with her tail between her legs. Carolyn’s no-nonsense advice had given Jet the confidence to hold onto her business and make it a success. She’d also seen her a few more times since returning home to help Jet come to terms with being drugged. While they weren’t able to fill in the blanks in her memory, the sessions were beneficial. Apparently it wasn’t unusual for people in her position to suffer post traumatic stress and Jet felt thankful she was coping with Carolyn’s help.
Jet handed over her credit card to the friendly receptionist and waited for the payment to go through.
Perhaps if Jet had returned to the UK she wouldn’t be here now seeking advice about this terrible mess. But no, Jet thought. If she’d moved away, she never would have met Dan. Despite the short time she’d known him, Jet knew she’d do it all again if it meant having Dan in her life.
‘Would you like another appointment?’ the receptionist asked.
‘No, thank you. I’m good for now.’
Outside on the street, Jet paused to assess her surroundings like she always found herself doing now. It was the day before New Year’s Eve and instead of people rushing around the Double Bay shopping strip in their business attire, couples and families were strolling along together.
Jet felt a pang of loneliness. Dan would be here later tonight, she reminded herself. Until then, she needed to do some errands in preparation for the New Year’s Eve party. She glanced at her watch. She still had half an hour before her hair appointment, which was around the corner. Just enough time to grab some lunch.
Jet’s phone rang in her handbag but she ignored it. She’d been actively screening her calls for weeks in an attempt to avoid Andrew. Dan already knew the drill—he’d always text first.
Andrew never sent messages. He always called, and for the first time Jet wondered if she should just pick up when he rang her next. Then maybe she could ask him all the questions that had been trapped inside her head this last week. Like ‘Did you clean the blood off me that night?’ and ‘Did you see Crystal?’ Or even ‘Did you hurt her? Strangle her?’
Andrew wasn’t always a pleasant man, but Jet still couldn’t imagine him capable of murder. Now she didn’t know what to think. She was almost certain Andrew had set Alex up somehow, but she’d already expressed her concerns to the police and it was up to them to investigate further.
Except now she was thinking it might be better to have it out with him once and for all. To get the answers she needed from him directly.
Carolyn had explained that Jet may never get her memories back from the night of the party—if there were any memories to recall. It was possible that Jet had passed out when she remembered or she may not have. She may never know.
The psychologist urged Jet to be gentle on herself. She’d undergone a trauma and constantly questioning everything about that night wasn’t going to bring her memory back. Carolyn told Jet the best thing she could do was to get on with her life until such time as the police had more answers.
But what if Jet had somehow hurt Crystal without knowing it?
Again, Carolyn’s advice was sound: in Jet’s incapacitated state it was highly unlikely she would have had the strength to harm anyone.
Deep down, Jet agreed with the psychologist. The memory of how ill and powerless she’d felt was the one thing she did remember.
Which left Andrew and Alex. What weren’t they telling her? And what weren’t they telling the police?
Maybe on New Year’s Eve it was time Jet found out.
Jet felt a pang of guilt. She’d promised Edie to stay away from Andrew, but this was more important. It might be Jet’s only chance to confront Andrew in an environment where he didn’t have the upper hand. Whenever they were one-on-one he always used it to his advantage, catching Jet off guard with inappropriate or private comments. But in public he couldn’t make those sort of remarks—especially not with Edie as his date. In public, Jet would have the upper hand, but she’d have to made sure she spoke to him when Edie wasn’t by Andrew’s side.
The feeling of guilt intensified. She wasn’t going to tell Dan about her plan either. He’d definitely advise against it. Jet didn’t even know if she’d get the opportunity to confront Andrew tomorrow night, but she had to try. It might be the only chance to get some real answers about what happened to her. She owed it to herself and she owed it to Crystal.
Maybe then Jet would be able to start the new year afresh.
***
Dan didn’t have any second thoughts about attending the New Year’s party until seconds before they were due to leave.
He didn’t care that he was invited to an event with some of the country’s hottest celebrities. They were just people, as far as he was concerned. Admittedly, some of them were quite famous people, but that didn’t make them better than him. If they wanted to think that was the case, then it proved what he’d thought all along: people like that needed a reality check.
He was the one doing the reality check when Jet came out of the bedroom dressed in a shimmering black and gold dress. It clung to her body like a second skin. It was exquisite rather than indecent, with a high neckline and low back. Jet had left her hair out in loose waves and it was just past her shoulders. He loved that she’d let it go back to its natural golden colour to match her eyes.
He swallowed as she came across the lounge room towards him. A moment ago he’d been taking in the view of the city and harbour. The water was already packed with boats and sailing vessels, all hoping to get the best view for the New Year’s fireworks. He knew the foreshore around the city would be packed too. Dan supposed there were some advantages to being part of the privileged set. Unlike the rest of the public, he was going to have one of the best views in town. But right now he couldn’t take his eyes off the view in front of him.
Jet held out her arms. ‘What do you think?’
Dan couldn’t speak. He thought he was the luckiest guy in the world, for one. And there might be a p
art of him wondering what the hell Jet was doing with an average guy like him.
‘Dan?’
He cleared his throat. ‘You look stunning, but anything I say won’t do you justice.’
Jet flushed and stepped in close, brushing her lips against his. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself.’
Dan shrugged awkwardly. The suit he was wearing suddenly felt very average. It wasn’t tailored, that was for sure. It hadn’t been cheap, but it was just an off-the-rack suit, nothing fancy.
Jet tilted her head, taking in his expression. ‘Don’t tell me you’re nervous, Dan Rhodes?’
‘Only of being seen in public with a beautiful woman like you.’
Jet’s hands came to rest on his shoulders and he felt light-headed from her touch. ‘Your beautiful woman.’
His heart pumped harder. ‘Well, when you put it like that ...’
Their kiss was soft and brief because he knew she didn’t want to ruin her lipstick.
‘We’ll make up for that later,’ she told him, which did nothing to settle his heart. ‘Dan. If you become uncomfortable at any point tonight, please let me know.’
He reached up and took her hand, squeezing her fingers lightly. ‘You know me. I’m pretty easygoing.’
‘Still ...’ Jet pressed her lips together as though she were recalling a difficult memory. Perhaps more than one. ‘I know what it’s like to feel as if you don’t belong in this type of setting.’
‘As long as I’m with you, I’m sure I’ll be fine,’ Dan reassured her.
For all her effortless sophistication, Jet had never felt at home in Andrew’s world, Dan realised. She still didn’t. Maybe now more than ever. It was a testament to Jet’s capability the way she made it appear like she fit in and built a business to boot.
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