Don't Let Me Forget

by Belinda Williams

  ‘We can leave anytime you like,’ she told him.

  ‘After we see in the New Year is my vote.’

  Jet nodded and it looked to Dan like she might be having second thoughts about the party, too. He wasn’t an arrogant man, but he liked to think any doubts Jet had were because she’d rather spend the night alone with him instead of surrounded by a room full of famous people. As tempting as that option was, the proud part of Dan wanted to attend. To prove to Jet he was worthy—in front of her bastard of an ex-husband would be even better.

  It wasn’t particularly mature of him, he supposed, but he’d fallen hard for Jet these past few weeks. That she felt comfortable bringing him to an event like this meant their relationship was progressing and he couldn’t be happier about it.

  ‘Ready?’ Dan asked, and offered her his arm.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  On second thoughts, maybe attending the New Year’s party was a bad idea. The moment he stepped into Café Sydney with Jet he felt out of his depth.

  Dan stood up straighter. Jet’s towering heels almost made her taller than him tonight. He felt like he needed all the height he could get right now.

  Oh, the view was impressive enough. The café sat directly opposite Circular Quay with a jaw dropping outlook that included the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all the boats bobbing in the water. They were guaranteed a front-seat view of the fireworks and Dan couldn’t imagine how much it had cost to hire the venue for the night.

  One glance around the room told him that to the people attending this evening, that sort of money was just a drop in the ocean.

  ‘OK?’ Jet asked quietly from beside him.

  ‘All good,’ he managed casually. ‘A drink would be nice, though.’ Understatement of the century. Dan rarely drank for the alcohol content, but tonight he could do with something to take the edge off.

  ‘Of course.’

  Jet took his arm and led him into the room. Heads turned. So much for Jet not feeling like she fit in. The other guests certainly saw her as one of them. The men’s glances took in her dress and Dan recognised appreciation when he saw it. To a guy like Andrew, it might get his back up, but Dan was more concerned with the curious looks from the women in the room. He knew those expressions. They were measuring him up.

  Where was that drink?

  ‘Juliet! So glad you could make it.’ Gerard materialised from somewhere and came to stand in front of them. Dressed head to toe in a lilac suit with a shirt that rivalled the best wallpaper of the seventies, there was no questioning his sense of style—for a gay man.

  Jet leaned in and let the producer place a light kiss on her cheek. He took her hand and surveyed her not as a man might appraise a woman, but as a director would appraise a shot.

  ‘Stunning as always. If you ever have the urge to act, I’d put you on the screen in a heartbeat. And who is this with you tonight?’

  ‘Dan Rhodes,’ Dan said, offering the producer his hand.

  Gerard took it but didn’t shake it. Instead, to Dan’s discomfort, he held it while he did the same appraisal routine.

  ‘Where have you been hiding this one, my dear?’ he said to Jet. ‘What a gorgeous couple the two of you make.’ Gerard turned back to Dan. ‘I hear you’re a wine man. Juliet did us the pleasure of stocking the bar with some of your wine tonight. I’ve already enjoyed a glass of Semillon. Sensational.’

  Dan darted a questioning glance at his girlfriend.

  Jet smiled serenely and Dan tried not to shake his head.

  Gerard read the exchange like any good movie-man would. ‘Ha!’ he exclaimed, drawing the attention of several groups nearby. ‘She’s an enterprising businesswoman, our Juliet. I suggest you hold on to her.’

  Dan managed a polite smile instead of the grin that was threatening. ‘I plan to. And do me a favour. Make sure you try the Shiraz before the night is out.’

  Gerard raised a hand in the air flamboyantly. ‘I plan to try them all! Enjoy tonight, you two.’

  Gerard wafted off in the direction of some new arrivals, leaving Dan and Jet standing alone again.

  Dan didn’t bother trying to hide his grin this time. ‘You didn’t tell me.’

  ‘No, I arranged it with your father,’ Jet replied lightly. ‘I wanted to surprise you.’

  ‘I’m surprised.’ And in love, he realised with a tug at his heart. Everything about this woman was amazing and tonight he wanted to tell her so.

  She read his expression easily, because Dan’s poker face was non-existent.

  ‘You can thank me later. First, we work the room—if you can stand it. I’m happy to do the talking.’

  ‘I can stand it. But a—’

  ‘Wine first,’ she agreed, and Dan’s heart soared a little higher.

  Smart, beautiful and perceptive. Dan’s earlier concerns about feeling out of place this evening vanished. When else did you get the chance to meet a bunch of famous people? He might as well enjoy himself.

  ***

  Andrew watched the happy couple from his position across the room.

  ‘You’re staring,’ Edie said through clenched teeth.

  Andrew didn’t care. He didn’t care that it pissed Edie off or that it drew attention from other guests. He wished Edie would just go away. She was clearly growing more and more annoyed at him for not working the room like she wanted to, but he wasn’t in the mood.

  Before Juliet had arrived, they’d had a good discussion with a couple of business associates he was on good terms with—much to Edie’s distaste. It was obvious she wasn’t here to mix with business types. She wanted to get in front of the show biz types and Andrew didn’t have the energy.

  People like Edie were so full of themselves. Thinking that good looks and an ability to present well made for success. It might equal success on a screen, but for Andrew true success equated to brains—something his ex-wife had in spades. And beauty. She was the perfect package.

  Edie huffed in frustration. ‘I’m going to get a drink. I’m sure you won’t miss me.’ She tottered off in her ridiculously high heels, drawing attention from the men as she went.

  They could have her as far as Andrew was concerned. He was done with Edie Thomas. Originally he’d thought he’d sleep with her one more time for old time’s sake, but that desire had disappeared as soon as Juliet stepped into the room. There was no comparison.

  Andrew’s gaze fell on her partner for the night.

  Daniel Rhodes.

  His eyes narrowed at the man’s relaxed stance. He stood beside Juliet like he had every right to be there, talking to that queer Gerard as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

  Well, it was bullshit. Dan’s wines might taste acceptable, but the winemaker didn’t belong in this world and he certainly didn’t belong anywhere near Juliet.

  Andrew accepted another glass of wine from the waiter. To hell with it. He might as well taste more of the bastard’s handiwork before he put him in his place once and for all. The fact that Dan Rhode’s wines would fuel Andrew’s confrontation would make it all the more satisfying when the time came.

  ***

  An hour later, any concerns Jet had about Dan feeling uncomfortable had long since disappeared. She knew he was a great listener and it worked to his advantage when it came to networking. He had a well-known newsreader sharing stories of her childhood five minutes into a conversation, while a young reality television celebrity gave him a complete outline of her career goals.

  Dan nodded and smiled. He laughed in all the right places. And Jet knew without a doubt that Dan was in the right place by her side, too.

  He was busy chatting to the restaurant manager about stocking more of their wines when Edie came over.

  ‘Edie, hi!’

  Jet’s greeting was more effusive than usual thanks to her joy over having Dan there and several glasses of sparkling wine.

  Edie raised an eyebrow. ‘Happy, much?’

  Jet laughed. ‘Some. How about you?’


  Edie crossed her arms and nodded towards the corner of the room. ‘I’d be happier if he wasn’t such a spoilsport.’

  Jet’s smile faltered. Andrew was looking right at them and he didn’t look happy. Jet looked away.

  ‘Oh. He’s brooding,’ Jet said, knowingly. ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘You should be. He’s brooding because of you and your stud winemaker, if you ask me.’

  ‘Surely not?’ Jet resisted another glance in her ex-husband’s direction.

  Edie uncrossed her arms and nabbed a glass of bubbles as a waiter walked by. ‘He’s absolutely no fun. Why didn’t you tell me he could be so difficult?’

  Jet took a sip of her own drink to mask her expression. Edie had heard about Andrew’s many faults time and time again over the years, but she’d conveniently forgotten about them in recent months.

  ‘I suggest you leave him to brood,’ Jet advised her friend. ‘He probably won’t come good tonight. He’s exceptionally good at brooding.’

  ‘I’ve no idea why the dark, brooding heroes have so much appeal. In my opinion, good-time guys are more fun.’

  Jet bit back a smile. If Edie’s past behaviour was anything to go by, those were the words of a woman about to stray. And judging by the way Edie’s eyes were wandering in the direction of a certain blonde up-and-coming actor on the other side of the room, Edie didn’t plan to brood like Andrew.

  Jet wasn’t going to lie to herself. She was relieved. Life would be so much easier if Edie wasn’t involved with Andrew, however, Jet knew both of them well and her friend was edging into dangerous territory.

  ‘I know it’s New Year’s Eve, but you should possibly be careful of who you mix with tonight,’ Jet suggested tactfully. ‘Technically you’re still involved with Andrew.’

  ‘And technically you were still married to Andrew when he fucked that other woman. What’s the difference?’

  Jet placed a hand on Edie’s arm. ‘Andrew’s a perverse man,’ she said carefully. ‘He might consider it acceptable to sleep with someone else, but he won’t be happy if you do the same.’

  ‘That’s a double standard!’

  A few people nearby turned to look at them.

  ‘Yes, it is,’ Jet replied softly, ‘but I recommend you don’t make a scene tonight.’

  ‘Why the hell not? He dragged you through the papers. Plus I’m an actress, I make the best scenes.’

  Jet removed her hand. It was worse than she thought. Edie was pissed off with Andrew and prepared to make him pay for it. Except Edie didn’t appreciate quite how powerful Andrew was. It also meant Jet’s intention of speaking with Andrew had just gotten a whole lot easier. Maybe she could help her friend and herself at the same time.

  ‘How about I have a word to Andrew for you?’ Jet offered. ‘It’s not fair of him to ruin your night like this. I know you told me to keep my distance, but ...’

  ‘Pfft. You’re welcome to the grumpy bastard. If anyone can talk sense into him, it’s you. Not that I plan to let him spoil my night.’ Edie glanced at the young actor again. ‘Just don’t let him spoil yours.’

  ‘I might do it now,’ Jet suggested, seeing that Dan’s in-depth conversation with the manager about wine was still continuing. ‘But please don’t do anything rash.’

  ‘Be my guest. Don’t blame me if he ruins your mood. I’m done with him ruining mine.’

  Edie slipped through the crowd, no doubt in search of the actor she had her eye on.

  When Juliet looked up in the direction of Andrew, his cool green gaze was on her like he’d been watching the whole time.

  Waiting.

  Chapter Forty

  Jet shook off the sudden chill running down her spine and headed for the corner of the room. Andrew could stare all he wanted, Jet had stopped being intimidated by him a long time ago.

  When she reached him, he inclined his head.

  ‘Stunning as always.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Jet wasn’t going to return the compliment. Andrew knew damn well he cut a fine figure in his suit. If it wasn’t for his imposing presence and the fact he’d arrived with Edie, Jet had no doubt more women would be attempting to talk to him.

  ‘Shall we?’ He held an arm out.

  Jet hesitated for only a second and slipped her bare arm through his. He led them in the direction of the balcony. Moments later they were outside engulfed by the buzz of the New Year anticipation. The summer evening was warm and the sounds of celebration floated up from the street.

  The space was tight, but Andrew managed to find a vacant table in the corner, away from another group. Unlike on the street below where people were jostling for spots to watch the fireworks, the majority of Gerard’s guests were inside socialising.

  Jet caught the familiar scent of Andrew’s aftershave before stepping away. For the briefest of seconds, Jet remembered a time when things had been different between them. She shook the thoughts off.

  ‘Why are you being so mean to Edie tonight?’

  Andrew’s lip quirked as if he found the idea entertaining. ‘Not mean. Just direct.’

  ‘So you think being a brooding arsehole is appropriate?’

  Andrew did smile this time, but Jet had the distinct feeling it was her he found amusing. ‘The brooding arsehole was what she was attracted to.’

  ‘Clearly the attraction isn’t lasting,’ Jet shot back without thinking, then immediately regretted it.

  ‘Yes, I can’t help but agree.’ He cast a glance back inside and Jet hoped Edie wasn’t making a show of flirting with anyone. ‘You married me in spite of that quality, yet it remains my undoing.’

  ‘Andrew—’

  He held up a hand. ‘Don’t worry. I know you don’t want to hear it. You don’t want to hear much from me these days.’

  ‘Why should that surprise you?’

  ‘It doesn’t, except now I understand you know about the blood.’

  The air between them changed and Jet held his gaze. It was a challenge.

  Jet kept her voice low. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

  Andrew shrugged. ‘The events of that night were already traumatic enough for you.’

  ‘You’re not my protector.’ Jet was having a hard time keeping hold of her anger. ‘I had a right to know.’

  He shrugged again and an irrational part of Jet wished she could slap him.

  ‘I did what I thought was best.’

  Jet stepped in close so her face was inches from his. ‘You don’t get to decide what’s best for me anymore.’

  Andrew’s eyebrows rose. ‘There’s never been any doubt we’ve always had an issue with control in our relationship.’

  Jet bit her tongue to stop from saying ‘we no longer have a relationship’. She was getting off track.

  ‘Who’s blood was it, Andrew?’

  ‘Yours.’

  Jet didn’t say anything. Something about his response felt wrong to her. It was too quick. It also didn’t make sense.

  ‘How could it have been mine?’ she threw back. ‘I didn’t have any cuts or abrasions that night, remember?’

  Andrew looked impressed and Jet felt like this was some sort of test. Jet closed her eyes, preparing herself to ask the next question. She hated appearing vulnerable in front of him.

  She met his gaze again. ‘Was it Crystal’s? What did you see that night, Andrew? I’m told she hit her head before drowning but the blood washed away in the pool.’

  His green eyes searched hers. ‘Are you accusing me of something?’ he said finally. He didn’t stop to let her answer the question. ‘All I know is I found you passed out and non-responsive. It nearly killed me to see you like that.’

  Jet swallowed. Andrew appeared genuine for a change and she didn’t know how to feel about the concern in his eyes.

  ‘I never said thank you,’ she said, looking away and once again feeling confused. ‘For looking after me that night.’

  He reached over and put one of his big palms on her bare shoulder. ‘I’ll always
look after you, Juliet. If you let me.’

  Jet stepped away. ‘You know that’s no longer possible. And it’s Jet. Why did you lie to the police?’

  ‘And have you become a focus of their investigation? I don’t think so.’

  ‘But then maybe I’d know what happened to me!’ Jet hissed. ‘Did you ever think about that, Andrew? And maybe we’d have answers in relation to Crystal’s death. You shouldn’t have done it.’

  ‘Well, it’s done, and I’d do it again a million times over. Anything to protect you.’

  ‘Andrew, this has to stop,’ Jet said firmly.

  ‘Why? Because of your winemaker inside? It won’t last.’

  Jet inhaled a deep breath. ‘That’s none of your business. I’m none of your business anymore, do I make that clear?’

  ‘The only thing that’s clear to me is how badly I wronged you during our marriage. If I could take it back, I would. You’re the only woman for me, Juliet. I’d do anything for you, don’t you see that?’

  It’s Jet, she wanted to scream in his face, but the rest of his words threw her off guard.

  I’d do anything for you.

  It nearly killed me to see you like that.

  I did what I thought best.

  Jet stumbled backward, almost unbalancing on her high heels. Andrew stepped forward to try to catch her, but the railing pressed into her back.

  ‘Don’t come near me,’ she whispered.

  Andrew’s eyes widened. ‘I’d never hurt you. You know that.’

  Jet gasped at his words. They were from another time, another place.

  Jet put a hand to her forehead. The blood. There’d been so much blood.

  Oh my God. She remembered the blood.

  Jet tried to back up further, but the railing was cold and hard against her back. She was shaking. She felt impossibly cold but the evening air was warm on her skin.

  ‘Breathe, Juliet,’ Andrew told her.

  He was right. She needed to breathe. Except she was. Why was her chest moving up and down rapidly, but she couldn’t get any air into her lungs?

  She stared hard at her feet, but didn’t see them. Instead she saw images from that night. Flashbacks so vivid it scared her. She tried to blink them away, to ground herself in the here and now. Her eyes darted up to meet Andrew’s.