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“He’s not coming here, is he?” she asked, glancing around the terminal.
“I told him you departed hours ago. He thinks you’re halfway over the Atlantic by now.”
She sighed in relief. “Good, thank you.” She hung her head. “I’ve really screwed up, haven’t I?”
Laura hugged her again. “You’re not the first girl to get caught up in something beyond your control. Go home, have a good cry, and then write it out of your system. Remember the first rule of writing is to write what you know.”
> Nicole nodded. “I’m worried about my reception when I arrive in the States.”
“No one knows you’re coming. No one will be looking for you. Audrey will refuse to give out any of your personal information, and the airline has already been threatened with a lawsuit if it happens again.”
“I’m sorry my trip has been cut short.”
Laura smiled sadly, her lips twisting. “Well, it was fun while it lasted. I’ll be flying across the pond in a month or two for a conference, so it’s good. We’ll see each other then, yeah?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” Nicole looked down, tears starting to burn her eyes.
“Nicole, don’t worry. You could always use the publicity to promote your book.”
Her head shot up. “I don’t want people to buy my book because they’re curious about my sex life. I want them to buy it because the story speaks to them.”
“I know, luv. I know.”
The announcement came over the speaker that Nicole’s flight was boarding. She grabbed her luggage, heading for the gateway.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been on time for anything. Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.”
Laura smiled, waving goodbye. “That’s the spirit.”
Nicole walked away, boarding the plane, saying goodbye to England and the man who broke her heart.
~ ~ ~
Reece made multiple phone calls to the publishing company, but no one would answer his questions. He felt as if he needed top secret clearance to learn anything.
He drove to the rented house in London, banging on the door and waiting for Laura to answer. Was the girl there and purposely avoiding him?
The door opened slightly. Laura peeked out, narrowing her eyes.
“What are you doing here?”
“I need to find Nicole.”
“I told you she’s gone home.”
“I know that, but where did she go? I have no idea where she lives.”
“She doesn’t want you to find her.” She stepped out on the stoop, standing toe to toe with him. “Why don’t you leave her alone? Haven’t you screwed up her life enough?”
“I’m trying to make it right, Laura.”
She rolled her eyes. “There’s no way you can make this right, Mr. Movie Star. Just take yourself back to Hollywood. Leave her alone.”
Reece hated that the girl now clearly despised him. “If you talk to her, tell her I’m at the Savoy until the end of the month.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure, I’ll burn up the phone lines passing on that information.”
He shook his head, turning away. “Tell her I’m sorry. Tell her . . . never mind.” He walked away—his shoulders hunched.
