They picked up their mugs and made their way to the open plan living area and sat on the pale blue sofa. One wall in the room was made of glass and French doors. City lights flickered in the distance.
“Now, tell me how you’ve ended up with Ethan.” Chloe curled her legs up onto the seat.
“I’m helping Nancy for a couple of weeks and met Ethan through work.”
Chloe’s eyes widened. “Oh, Mum told me about you. You’re the woman who got mistaken as an actress and got to feel Ethan up,” she laughed. “What an introduction into the acting world.”
“I can see the funny side now. I was scared out of my mind.” Holly also laughed. “Ethan was so frustrated with my lack of acting abilities.”
“Well, you must have made a good impression, he never introduces women to the family.” Chloe’s gaze narrowed and she tapped a finger on her chin. “He must really like you. Hmm interesting.”
Holly shifted uncomfortably in her seat under Chloe’s inspection. “There’s nothing interesting about it. He knew I needed a place to stay and helped me out. That’s all.”
Taking a sip of her tea, Chloe still scrutinised her over the rim of the mug. “No, that’snot all. Of course, he’d help you, that’s the kind of guy he is. But he’d take you to his place and we’d never know about you.”
“He wanted to, I refused.”
“Then he’d put you up in a hotel room.”
“Tried that too. I said no.”
Chloe giggled, “Finally, a woman who doesn’t fall at his feet. This’ll be fun to watch.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking.” An image of him pressing her up against the wall of the cafe flashed through her mind. Her cheeks burned.
“Hmm-mmm.” Chloe smirked.
“It’s not what you’re thinking,” she said again. “We’re not in a relationship if that’s what you’re getting at.” A kiss behind the café didn’t mean they were starting something. Yes, she liked him… a lot. There was a huge attraction, which she couldn’t deny. If she’d stayed the night at his house, the chances of her ending up in his bed were high. A relationship? No. How could she trust her judgment after Oliver? He seemed like the perfect man. Loving, caring and promising her commitment. She remembered how happy she was wearing his diamond ring on her finger.
Even if her heart wasn’t so messed up, she’d be going back to Melbourne soon and would never see Ethan again.
“Ethan doesn’t do relationships, hasn’t had a serious relationship in years.” Chloe’s brow furrowed, “I was hoping things might have changed.”
“Why doesn’t he do relationships?”
Chloe finished her tea, and placed the mug on the coffee table. Holly did the same. “Work gets in the way. He’s never in one place for long, and it puts a strain on relationships. So, he’s focused on his career and always puts it first.”
Well, Holly didn’t need to worry about thinking about a new relationship because Ethan doesn’t want to start anything at all. Even though she knew things couldn’t go further with him, a heaviness pressed on her heart.
Exhaustion hit Holly hard and she yawned. As enjoyable as it was, it’d been a long day on set and looking at the clock on the wall, she needed to do it again in six hours.
“I’m sorry, you need sleep. I keep forgetting normal people have regular bedtimes. Let me show you to your room.”
On the way to the bedroom, Chloe gathered towels and pyjamas. Holly couldn’t meet Chloe in the eyes as she handed her the items to use. She needed to stop borrowing stranger’s clothes and staying in their homes.
“Bathroom’s through that door and if you need anything, I’m only down the hall. See you in the morning,” she said as she sailed out of the room. No one should be that chirpy at this time of night.
After Holly showered and changed into the pyjamas, she climbed into bed sighing as her bones melted into the soft mattress.
The Doyles and Ainsworths had something in common, they were all part of a family business. That’s where the similarities ended. From what Holly had seen so far of Ethan’s relatives, they were tightknit. He was close with Nancy and he must have a great relationship with Chloe to dump a stranger at her door. They helped each other with no questions asked.
Not once had her parents contacted her and asked if she was okay living in Sydney. Or if she needed help with anything. They hadn’t answered any of her calls. The few times she’d spoken to Ruth, her sister said their parents were busy. Holly knew she made excuses for them. They were mad at her for leaving. The silent treatment was her punishment.
Missing her sister and wishing she had a bond like Chloe and Ethan, she picked up her phone and texted her.
Haven’t spoken in ages. Want to Facetime tomorrow?
A few seconds later, her phone beeped with a message.
