Leaving the makeup room, her gaze automatically searched for Ethan. It was only a few hours ago they were going at it on the couch but on set they’d barely spoken. Too many people hovered around him. He’d thrown her steamy glances from across the room once in a while telling her what was on his mind.
The last time she’d seen him, he was heading into his dressing room with Stan. She didn’t want to interrupt his meeting with the director, so made her way out of the studio and into the carpark. Once again, she found herself in the same predicament as last night. Not much money and nowhere to sleep. Thankfully she had time in one of her breaks to Google accommodation and found better places than the ones from last night.
The parking lot was dark, with only weak light coming from surrounding lampposts. Most of the crew had left, leaving the carpark eerily empty. She hoped she didn’t have to walk too far to the nearest bus stop.
Holly’s phone rang and she pulled it out of her bag hoping it was Ethan and looked at the caller ID. A fist sized knot twisted in her gut. Oliver. She hadn’t answered his text messages, so now he was calling.
If she ignored him, he’d probably keep calling. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “What do you want, Oliver?” No point making small talk, better to get straight to the point so she could end the call quickly.
“Holly, baby. I’ve missed you.” Once the endearment was cute and loving, now it sounded like fingernails down a chalkboard.
“You have one minute to tell me what you want, then I’m hanging up.”
“What’s the matter, baby, I thought you’d be happy to hear from me?” His voice was slightly pout-y. Not attractive on a grown man.
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Just tell me why you’ve been contacting me.”
“Like I said, I’m in Sydney, heard you were in town too, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I’d love to catch up.”
“I’m not interested. When I told you I never wanted to see you again, I meant it.”
“No, you didn’t.”
She gave a mirthless laugh. “Oh yes I did.”
“Arrh, come on baby—”
“Don’t call me baby,” she snapped.
“Oh, okay. Sorry. Let’s go for coffee. I remember how much you loved cosy coffee shops. I know a great one in Circular Quay.”
“Your minute is up. Bye, Oliver. Don’t contact me again.”
“Wait—”
She hung up before he could say another word.
She blew out a long, shaky breath and put the phone back in her bag. Why would Oliver think she’d want tocatch upand act like nothing had happened between them after what he’d done to her? No chance.
A car pulled up beside her and Nancy wound down the window. “What are you doing out here?”
Holly scuffed her boot on the ground. “Just deciding where I’ll spend the night.”
“You’re always welcome back at my house. I’d love to have you again.”
“Umm, well… I’m planning on staying in a hostel.”
Nancy screwed up her nose at Holly’s choice of accommodation much like Ethan had. People with money were so judgemental. Months ago, she would’ve had the same reaction.
“Be careful there are some bad ones around. My friend owns Summer’s Edge Hostel on King Street, it’s good. Ask for Lucy and tell her I sent you. She’ll set you up with a decent room. Although a hotel might be more comfortable?”
Holly misjudged Nancy, she was more down to earth than her son.
“It’s what I can afford.”
“Get in, I’ll take you to Lucy’s place,” Nancy offered.
“I’ll give her a ride. We can grab something to eat first.”
