His mouth remained a flat line, but a dimple appeared in his right cheek. It almost looked like he was trying not to smile. “Yes. You.” The dimple disappeared and his gruff demeanor was back in place. “But it’s certainly not yourfault. I need to get my head out of my dupa. I’m sorry,” he said.
“Oh.” I reminded him of someone?Who?I wanted to shout. Was it the mystery person on the call? Maybe he really was with someone and it had managed to escape the tabloids. Though based on his reaction, it hadn’t sounded like a positive association. So maybe an ex?
I sat up straighter, trying to get him to look me in the eyes again. I found myself fluttering under his focus. “I promise not to be anything like that awful person,” I teased.
“They’re not awful.” He smiled softly before he quickly cleared his features. “They’re just not mine.”
On that note, he stood and left, leaving me absolutely speechless.
My hairdresser returned as soon as he walked away. “But he does have a fine body, doesn’t he?”
I could only nod as she got back to work.
They’re just not mine.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror for so long that the person looking back became unfamiliar. The volumized hair, lack of glasses, and fresh makeup added to the strange effect. Who on this planet could be special enough to have Charlie Downing so upset? And why did I find a piece of myself extremely jealous of them?
21
DRAFT UNSENT
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: RE: Am I beautiful yet?
You are always beautiful.
Please don’t waste any more tears on the sorry excuse for a man. You are too wonderful for that.
I really wasn’t kidding when I said I would kill him.
Christ, if I send this, I’ll end up in jail …
* * *
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: RE: Am I beautiful yet?
Love the look. Especially the weird jellyfish things under your eyes. Are you being tortured? Do you need help?
Good luck today.
Love,
RC
22
Charlie
I was seated firston set. The hair and makeup team didn’t take long on me, and Kate was scheduled to be out any minute.
Things would be easier now. I apologized for being a grumpy bugger. We could move on. Just one interview. It would be fine. We were fine.
