Page 35 of One Hollywood Sunset

‘Well, it was obviously important enough for you to hide it from me.’

‘For God’s sake! I didn’t hide it from you. If I was really hiding it from you, I wouldn’t be telling you now. Do you know something? Perhaps I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this.’

‘What d’you mean?’

‘I knew you’d be jealous.’

That’s what all this was about. If this had been about anyone else offering the money, other than the boy she’d pledged to marry years ago, they wouldn’t even be having this conversation.

‘I’m not jealous.’

‘Well, you’re doing a pretty good impression of someone who is.’

‘And if I remember correctly, you made lying to people a full-time occupation not so long ago.’

The comment was well below the belt and she felt her temper erupt and take over. She slapped him, hard across the face and then stepped back in shock at what she’d done.

He took in a sharp breath and just looked back at her, unmoving.

She pushed past him, ran out of the gazebo and raced off up the road.

13

She caught her breath and put a hand to her chest. The blood was pumping so hard, she could hear it echoing in her ears. She pushed open the door of Casey’s diner.

Blond-haired Casey was wiping down the surfaces and removing some doughnuts from display when Freya arrived at the counter.

‘Hey, Freya, no doctor’s outfit tonight?’ Casey asked, smiling.

‘No, and I can see you’re missing a gorilla suit. Can I have a large cup of tea and a blueberry muffin?’

‘Doughnuts are two for one. It’s that time of night,’ he offered, indicating the remaining doughnuts on display.

‘I’ll take four and some chocolate sauce.’

‘I’ll bring it over.’

She went across the room and sat down at her favourite table in the corner by the jukebox. Billy Ray Cyrus was playing. Inappropriate honky tonk that didn’t suit her mood.

The bell above the diner door rang and she raised her head. Nicholas entered and she hurriedly put her head back down and pretended to be engrossed in the menu.

‘Hey, Nick. How you doing?’ Casey asked as he appeared from the kitchen and came back to the counter.

‘I’m fine, Casey thanks. Could I get a coffee? Strong black?’

‘Sure, I’ll bring it over.’

He walked over to Freya’s table and stood in front of her. His presence made her look up.

‘Is this seat taken?’ he asked, indicating the chair opposite her.

‘Yes.’

‘Well, I don’t see anyone sitting there and I have Chinese food.’ He shook the bag at her.

‘I’m expecting someone. I’ve just called Jonny and told him to come right over and have his way with me on this very table.’

He sat down opposite her, reached out and took her hands in his.

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