Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(80)

Her eyebrows jumped. “You made them up?”

“Yes. I want to apologise for that, too. For lying.”

Suze looked around, then back to me. “I guess you get points for being inventive.”

A moment of quiet fell before I asked, “Would you like some tea?”

She turned to me, seeming to surprise even herself when she replied, “Yes, I would like some.”

I went to put the kettle on as she stepped up to the birdcage. “They’re very pretty.”

“Their names are Rainbow and Skittles. They’re lovebirds,” I said.

“How long have you had them?”

“Almost six years.” I was so relieved that she was making conversation and not leaving and telling me where to stick my friendship.

“Ellen?”

“Yes?”

“Why are you coming clean about all this now?” She was clearly trying to understand my motivations.

I exhaled heavily. “I guess I just got sick of hiding. I don’t want to pretend anymore.”

“So, you want to start over?”

“If you’ll allow it, yes. I’d like to be your friend as me. As Ellen.”

A small smile shaped her mouth as she pulled out a chair. “In that case, you better start talking. I want to know everything, and leave nothing out.” She paused as her eyes wandered around the room. “I have a feeling Ellen is a lot more interesting than Elodie ever was.”

The relief that hit me was monumental. I hadn’t realised just how much I’d wanted Suze’s acceptance. She was one of the few friends I had in this world and losing her would’ve hurt.

So, I finished making the tea, sat down across from her and started to talk.





*



“I have big news,” Daniel declared as soon as I picked up the phone. After Suze left, I finally got around to returning his calls.

“Oh? What kind of big news?”

“We’ve had another offer come in about purchasing the film rights for the Sasha Orlando series. And before you say no, just listen. I think you’ll like this offer.”

I had a feeling I already knew where the offer had come from. After meeting Damon Atwood at Julian’s flat and hearing him speak so passionately about turning my books into films, I’d certainly been convinced he could do them justice. At the time, he had no clue he was talking to the author herself, which only worked to convince me further.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the actor, Damon Atwood,” Daniel went on. “Well, he plans on making his directorial debut and—”

“Have your people draw up a contract and I’ll take a look,” I said, cutting him off.

“Wait, what?” I’d clearly surprised him. “Um, do you mean to say you’re interested? Because I had a whole spiel ready and I definitely didn’t think you’d agree so easily.”

“Well, I’ve finally decided it’s time for Sasha to meet the big screen, but I want to write the screenplay, or at least be a part of the team writing it. That’s my only condition.”

“In that case, I’ll get right to work,” Daniel replied. He sounded overjoyed, which was expected given the commission he was going to earn on this deal.

The following week I was working a shift at the bookshop when Rose walked in. Just the sight of her made my chest hurt, made me remember how much I missed and yearned for Julian. His absence in my life was marked, but I wasn’t going to force myself on someone who didn’t want to be with me.

“Hi, Ellen,” she greeted with a wave then went to peruse the shelves.

“H-hello, Rose,” I replied and endeavoured to concentrate on the magazine I was reading. It was no use though. I wanted to grab her and demand she tell me everything about Julian. I wanted to know if he missed me like I missed him. But then, what if he didn’t? That knowledge would just make me feel worse.

A few minutes later she approached the counter with a copy of The Catcher in the Rye. “I know it’s shameful, but I’ve never read it. Damon said I should. It’s one of his favourites. Speaking of which, he’s over the moon you’ve agreed to enter into talks about the film rights for Sasha.”

I gave a small smile. “Well, I was very impressed when I heard him talk about it that time at…” I faltered before I could finish the sentence and her eyes softened. A few moments of quiet passed between us before she spoke.

“Julian has never been an easy person,” she said, almost like a confession. “We’ve been each other’s only family since we were kids, and well, I know him better than anyone.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I want to,” she insisted. “I want you to hear this, because of all the women he’s had, I’ve never seen him so miserable as he’s been these last few weeks after leaving you.”

He was miserable? A part of me rejoiced, but another part felt awful. I didn’t ever want him to be sad, even though I really wanted him to miss me.

“Julian has always been full of light, despite a lot of suffering in his life. It’s miraculous when you think about it. My mother passed away when I was still a teenager, and if it wasn’t for Julian looking out and caring for me, I don’t know where I might’ve ended up. We had nothing, and he resorted to selling his body to feed and clothe us. He took that bullet so I didn’t have to, and as a result, I will always love him, no matter what.”