Jenna searched through the drawer next to the cooker and pulled out a bottle opener. She opened two bottles and Milo clunked his against hers.
‘Cheers.’ He took a swig. ‘When are the others getting here?’
‘I think they were nearly done when we left. They should have wrapped by now.’ She took a sip of her beer, suddenly feeling star-struck at the sight of Milo Blake in the cottage kitchen. ‘Let’s go outside.’
Clutching her beer bottle, she escaped into the warm but fresher evening. It wouldn’t get dark until much later, but the sun had dipped and its heat was filtered out by the trees surrounding the garden. She’d spent time with Milo over the past couple of weeks but she didn’t feel like she really knew him. She was flattered by his attention, though, and the chance to hang out with him. His interest in her was welcome but surprising. She knew Carla would scold her for not thinking she was worthy or pretty enough for his attention.
They rounded the corner of the cottage and went past the scaffolding.
Milo stopped. ‘Okay, this is awesome too.’
The sun cast a glow across the garden – it was so still and quiet, almost otherworldly. They walked over to the worn wooden table and chairs that Jenna had rescued from the fallen-down outhouse.
They sat down next to each other, both facing the cottage.
Jenna glanced at Milo. ‘Do you like it, the fame?’
‘I like aspects of it. The intrusion sucks but I can’t be choosy, it comes with the territory. Who knows how long it’ll last – I plan on milking it for as long as I can. There’s always the threat of a new up and coming actor. It’s got easier over the years as I’ve become well known, but I still have to audition and chase roles...’
‘Join the club.’
He swigged his beer and looked at her intently. ‘You got this job easily enough though, didn’t you?’
Jenna put her bottle down and frowned. ‘I was expecting a call-back but my agent said they liked my look. How did you know?’
‘I liked your look.’
Jenna’s frown deepened. ‘Wait. What? You got a say in choosing me?’
‘I got to choose a couple of roles, yours included.’
‘Who were the others?’
He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?’
‘Why did I get the part?’
‘Why do you think? I mean, look at you.’ His eyes travelled from her face downwards.
Jenna’s heart sank as his eyes lingered. If he was expecting her to put out just because he’d got her the job, then he didn’t know her very well.
‘So, I really was picked for the role because of the way I look.’
‘Get used to it, Jenna. The entertainment industry is ruled by the way people look. You’re beautiful, blonde and slim. You’ll go far. If you play the game.’
Jenna’s eyes narrowed behind her sunglasses. Did he really mean what she thought he meant? Was he actually suggesting that being with him would advance her career?
‘I’m not sure that’s really what I...’
A taxi turning into the drive ended their conversation. Timothy, Lily and Amanda piled out, slamming doors and shouting ‘hellos’. The taxi reversed down the drive and out on to the lane. The silence returned as it sped away.
‘I’m glad we didn’t have to drive and find this place.’ Timothy plonked a four-pack of cans and a bottle of gin on the table. ‘It’s in the middle of bloody nowhere, Jenna.’
‘I know. Perfect isn’t it?’
‘I miss the city.’ Timothy flopped on to one of the chairs.
‘I love it.’ Lily hugged Jenna. ‘I’m not surprised you’re staying here. I mean, the hotel’s great, but this place is stunning.’
‘Even with the scaffolding and mess.’
Amanda held up a bag that was straining with the amount of things in it. ‘I have food and stuff that needs to go in the fridge.’
Jenna stood, avoiding Milo’s gaze. He’d made her worried that she could actually mess up her career by saying the wrong thing. She motioned Amanda to follow. They headed back round to the front of the cottage and went inside.
Jenna opened the fridge. ‘It’s pretty empty.’
She stood back while Amanda stacked tubs of snacks and dips on the shelves.
Amanda closed the fridge and stood up. ‘So, anything happen before we got here?’ She raised her eyebrows, giving Jenna a knowing look.
‘No, nothing. Sorry to disappoint.’
‘He so likes you though.’ Amanda gestured in the direction of the garden.
She shrugged. ‘He likes everyone. He’s a total flirt.’
‘Rumour has it he likes beautiful blondes too.’ Amanda nudged Jenna’s arm.
There were worse things to be, but Finn’s comment the other day in the garden about her being typecast was spot on. Would she ever have a diverse career like Carla, or even Lily and Amanda? Both were undeniably attractive but there seemed to be more scope to the roles they could go for. Maybe she should dye her hair, mix things up a little, but then she’d worry about not getting jobs. She wanted work on the strength of her acting ability not because of the way she looked, although she guessed that worked both ways. Carla got work on the strength of her looks too, it’s just Jenna was competing against every other pretty blonde twenty-something actress.
‘You’re in a daydream, Jenna.’ Amanda clicked her fingers in front of her face. ‘Come on, let’s join them.’
They left the dim kitchen for the light evening. At least with everyone here now, the tension she’d felt at Milo’s suggestion had eased. Not that being with everyone else would stop him from pursuing her.
Drinks flowed, the sun set, the laughter and chatter got louder and more raucous disturbing the birds in the trees. Maybe Jenna was overthinking things. Maybe she
