Page 66 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

Adele continued. “Has it ever occurred to you how that might look to the average person? There are plenty of haters out there, people who spend all day sitting behind their computers, waiting to spew hateful remarks about anyone and everyone, but they leave their most vehement vitriol for the rich and famous because they represent everything that those people will never have.”

Her small hands waved in front of her, emphasizing her point. “And what happens when we see people with things we don’t have? We resent them. We become jealous and filled with envy.”

She pointed at Logan. “These people don’t need any more excuse to hate him. Nobody is going to believe the truth, and if they did, they’ll only twist it into something it isn’t. It is amazing what madness people will come up with, and it’s my job to handle that madness, even if it means spinning the truth into one that will be easier to swallow.”

Kitty hurried in with a tray of drinks. Several glasses of champagne were handed out from his extensive wine cellar. It didn’t slip Logan’s notice that even in this stressful situation, his team were of sound enough mind to pick one of the most expensive brands he stocked.

There was one drink that stood out among the sea of champagne flutes. A simple cup of tea that Kitty handed to Jane.

“I made this for myself, but I think you’ll be needing it,” Kitty revealed.

Jane smiled her appreciation and held onto the tea as if it was a lifeline.

“We’ll fix this,” Trevor commented. “She is right, though, much as I hate to admit it.”

The curve on Adele’s lips grew wider.

“I know how to fix it. It’s pretty simple, actually. We need to pretend the two of you are in a relationship, a very happy one. No one can mention where she came from. I’m assuming there’s not going to be an issue with her real identity? As far as I’ve heard, they’ve had no real leads on it.”

Logan wasn’t sure why he wasn’t surprised that Adele knew that: the woman had contacts everywhere. It was partly why she was so good at her job.

“We’ll make up the background details, nothing you won’t be uncomfortable with. We need to run this until the movie comes out and is a success. Then the two of you can part ways. I’m sure Logan will help you, Jane, so that you’ll be well taken care of.”

She meant money. Adele was suggesting that they fake a relationship in return for financial compensation. Jane set her mug onto the coffee table, almost spilling it in her haste to put it down.

“We can’t do that. It’s a complete lie. And what if I’m already married, but I just can’t remember?”

Trevor nodded, looking troubled. “That’s a good point. She could be married already. The last thing we need is her actual husband turning up.”

As much as he loved his manager and his team in general, Logan could kick them all right now. “Real people’s lives are affected. Maybe a little more tact and consideration could be shown.”

The general tone and chatter quietened at his request. Jane’s eyes met his across the sofa. She seemed to be silently pleading with him to end this madness. He wished he could.

Trevor turned his attention to Jane. “I know this must seem very strange to you, but this is how business is done in Hollywood. You’ve been caught up in this unfortunate mess, but Adele’s suggestion is probably the easiest one for us to work with. I know this must be hard: you’ve been through so much. But since you’re already staying here with Logan, and the rumor mill is already spinning out of control, do you think you’ll be to help us with this? It shouldn’t be for too long.”

Jane knitted her hands together. “I don’t know. What if I’m asked questions about me, about who I am?”

Seeing a crack in her armor, Adele smiled with encouragement. “The beauty of this is, you can be whoever you want to be. We can work with you to create a background you are comfortable with.”

Jane swallowed drily as several faces stared back at her, waiting for a decision.

Logan’s chest seized. She looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights while a pack of wolves descended. She had no one to protect her, no one to stop them from feasting on her vulnerable body.

“Guys, this is too much to ask of her. You need to come up with another solution.”

Her eyes slid to Logan, so blue they reminded him of the ocean he lived by.

“I want to help. I’m just uncomfortable with having to lie to so many people, and to fabricate a life for myself when I already don’t know who I am. This is a lot to take in.”

“Oh, don’t think because of the way I come across, that I don’t understand how tough this must be for you,” Adele replied. “Contrary to what some might say, I have feelings too. We won’t be asking too much of you. You just have to go on a few public dates with him, do some photo shoots. Most women would die for this kind of opportunity.”

She had said the wrong thing. She knew it the instant Jane’s eyes turned hard.

“Most women haven’t lost their memory.”

“I think that’s Jane’s way of saying a polite no,” Logan started only for Jane to correct him.

“I will help you. It’s the least I can do to repay you for your kindness. But can we please not do anything too elaborate? Even if this is the norm, it’s not my norm.”

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