Page 77 of One Hollywood Sunset

‘Thanks, Sasha.’ She took the book.

‘So is everything OK at the house now? No more break ins or anything?’ Sasha questioned.

‘No, no everything’s fine. In fact, everything’s more than fine.’ She couldn’t keep the smile from her face. Despite everything else that was going on, the baby news was wonderful. She might have reservations about her capabilities but she was excited. It was unexpected but not unwelcome.

‘Really? You sound like you have some sort of news.’

‘Well, actually I do. But it’s completely confidential.’

She didn’t want to share this news with the world. She’d hardly had time to take it all in herself yet.

She wasn’t ready to react to the world’s reaction.

‘That goes without saying.’

‘Well, Nick and I… we’re going to have a baby. Isn’t that just the most exciting and terrifying news you’ve ever heard?’

‘Wow. I mean, that’s fantastic news, really great,’ Sasha replied, smiling broadly.

‘Yes it is, isn’t it? I mean, I wasn’t sure at first but Nick is so excited. And I think he’s going to be a wonderful father.’ She recalled his expression when he saw the image on the scan monitor the night before.

‘I’m sure he will be amazing.’

‘The only downside to the pregnancy is I seem to have totally gone off all the foods I used to crave. For example, the thought of eating leftover Chinese for breakfast makes me feel quite sick.’

‘I’m sure it will pass.’

‘I hope so. Because I can’t see the baby getting all it needs from Jell-O sandwiches.’

‘Would you like me to get you something from the patisserie?’

‘No thanks. But a cup of tea would be great.’

‘I’ll go and make one.’

Miss Guide was one of the largest lingerie companies in the US and Freya knew her intimate photos of Nicholas were the reason she’d been asked to shoot for them. Although scantily clad women were not her subject of choice, the job paid extremely well and Freya had also been able to suggest the company thought about making a range for the larger woman. They had taken this on board and Freya had agreed to endorse the product. She’d devoted the morning to looking at designs and trying on some prototypes. In between changes of underwear, she’d telephoned Jonathan. She’d got through to his voicemail and had left a message for him to meet her at Gatebrook.

It was just after one when Freya arrived and Jonathan was already there. He was stood, leant against the bonnet of his car, a pair of sunglasses in his hand. He looked more composed than the evening before. He was wearing a fresh suit and everything about him was immaculate and restored.

Freya pulled up in front of his car. Her stomach was churning. She didn’t really know what to say to him. Taking a deep breath, she got out and shut the door firmly behind her.

‘Got your car back then,’ she remarked. She walked towards him.

‘Yeah, I went to the hospital last night but they said you’d already gone and I didn’t want to call the house. I guessed, as you’d left, it meant things must be alright.’

‘Things aren’t alright, Jonny. Things are far from alright.’ She threw the wreath at him. It landed on the bonnet of his car. Some of the flowers detached and fell to the ground.

‘What is this?’ he asked, looking at it.

‘Oscar worthy! Come on, keep it up. Show me some real surprise and outrage. Nick says it’s all in the stance. So, come on, Jonny, give me a stance.’

‘Who sent you this?’ he asked, moving his gaze from the flowers to Freya.

‘Fantastic! Great line and perfectly timed. I wish I was recording this. Perhaps Nick could swing a part for you.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. Am I supposed to know what this is?’ Jonathan questioned.

‘The camera would love you. Hold on, I have Donald in my bag somewhere. Let me get some stills.’ She dug into her handbag and looked for her camera.

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