Page 69 of Forget It

“Uh,” He nods, his cheeks reddening. “Yeah, but you were underwater.”

I shake my head as the call drops. Maybe she’s got it turned off. What the fuck is going on?

I try again but it rings before I can dial.

“Rosie?” I answer.

“Jackson mate, where have you been?”

“Dan?” I ask, checking the caller ID. “What the hell is going on?”

An assistant approaches, trying to usher me off set, likely to some dry clothes, but I wave them off as I maneuver closer to the wall.

“God, we’ve been trying to get to you for ages.” Danny says. “You on set?”

“Yeah, ten hours underwater, and messages were not going through.” I glare at Eric who’s standing wringing his hands. “What’s happened?”

“Rosie’s okay, she’s at our place. We’re on our way there now.”

“Is she okay? Why is she at your house?” My heart is pounding in my chest and I can feel dread curling under my skin.

I hear Danny blow out a breath. “Her sister. She posted a video online and she’s been all over the press all day. Calling Rosie a gold digger, basically implying that she seduced you and impregnated herself.”

My heart drops. “What?” I hiss.

“Yeah, she’s a real piece of work. Rosie tried to get home, but there were paps outside the flat. Fucking paps man. I don’t know who this sister is, but she’s obviously got some connections.”

“Fuck me,” I say, wiping my hand over my face. God, Rosie called me and I didn’t answer. She’s had this day from hell and I was pissing about in a swimming pool like an idiot.

I run my hand through my hair, tugging on the damp knots.

“She’s with you now?”

“We’re not with her, but she’s at our house. Hang on.” I hear him pull the phone away from his ear, talking faintly. “How soon can you get there?”

“A couple hours.” I glance at Eric and usher him over. “Thanks for this Dan, I appreciate you.”

“Of course, mate. And we will be discussing this. Can’t believe you’re having a baby with my wife’s best friend and I don’t even get a text.”

I laugh but the noise gets caught in my throat. “You can shout at me later, after I look my girl in the eyes and see she’s okay.”

“You might get there before us, but Rosie left the door unlocked behind her.”

“Thanks, man.” I hang up as Eric approaches.

“I’m sorry, Mr Harper, I didn’t know how to get you out of the water.”

I wave him off. I know he couldn’t have done it but I can’t help feeling frustrated that he didn’t.

“I need a car within ten minutes. I’ve got to get back to London.”

Eric’s eyes widen. “But your hotel is booked and all your stuff is still there.”

“I don’t give a fuck, Eric,” I snap. “I need to get back now.”

“Is everything alright, Jack?” Shaun approaches.

“I’m going back to London.” I move to step past him but he raises his arms.