‘They’ve got it all planned out,’ Carla said, leaning closer to Jenna so no one else could hear. ‘Now Heidi’s finished on The Love Hotel and that relationship fizzled out, she said Milo thought it might be good for them to “hook up” at the premiere – you know, for one night only. Then once all the fuss with this film has blown over they’re going to split up, which of course will gain them more column inches. Heidi will move on with her life having gained roles and shedloads of money off the back of being Milo’s lover, while Milo can just be single for a while, enjoy flirting and all that crap that he’s so damn good at.’
‘And perhaps spend some time with Timothy?’
‘I have no idea how they’re going to manage to do that without raising suspicion unless they work together again.’
‘Well, Milo handpicked me, I’m sure he can do the same with Timothy.’
‘Yeah, like that wouldn’t be obvious at all.’ Carla raised a pierced eyebrow.
‘Have you seen much of Heidi?’
‘A bit, before she went on The Love Hotel. And then of course we all saw a bit too much of her while she was on that. Flipping hell, Jen, did you dodge a bullet by not going on it.’
Jenna knew she had. It was nothing short of torture watching the emotional turmoil Heidi went through on the show. The intense focus on her life didn’t sit comfortably with Jenna. The way she bared her soul and everything else all for the viewers’ entertainment, assured Jenna that she’d made the right choice.
Watching Heidi’s ups and downs in love and out of love, and the way she was talked about and discussed on social media had made Jenna feel sorry for her. It was like watching a car crash; she was unable to tear her eyes away despite hating what she saw. However much Heidi had hurt her, Jenna still wanted to give her a hug when she broke down on TV for the world to see after getting turned down by the guy she’d fallen for. How much was scripted and played up for the cameras Jenna really had no idea. She saw a version of Heidi, a mix of real and fiction. She played up her sexiness, and at times left little to the imagination. It made for uncomfortable viewing. So Jenna knew exactly what Carla meant by her having dodged a bullet. Jenna had made a wise choice, which had led to a quieter life. Out of the two of them, Heidi was the centre of attention tonight; Heidi was the one who knew most people here; Heidi would be the one in the gossip magazines tomorrow and trending online.
‘I feel sorry for her,’ Jenna said. ‘Is she happy? Do you know?’
‘I have no idea. She comes across like she is when you speak to her, but she’s not the same person we became friends with at drama school. I don’t know, maybe it’s to be expected, she’s playing the game and she’s playing it well. She’s making a load of money, she’s getting roles, she’s become a household name, but at what cost...’
At what cost indeed. Jenna sat back against the cushioned seat. Heidi was a household name but that was all down to having a ‘fling’ with Milo and then sleeping with at least one of the blokes on The Love Hotel. Even with the release of the latest Bond, she was getting the attention because she played a sexy – albeit smart – woman who caught Bond’s eye and featured in one of the most exciting set-pieces in the whole film.
A tapping noise on a microphone caught Jenna’s attention. One of the producers was standing on the stage at the other side of the bar.
‘Sorry to interrupt but Milo would like to say a few words.’
The music faded and chatter petered out. Milo leapt on to the raised platform, took the microphone from the producer, and cleared his throat.
‘I, um. So I just want to say something. It seems like the right time to say it...’ He stared down at the floor for a moment lost in thought. Even from across the room Jenna could tell from his flushed face that he was nervous, something she’d never seen before. ‘Throughout my career I’ve had well-meaning advice from my agent, producers, directors, fellow actors, casting directors, magazine editors, you name it, everyone has advised me about everything, particularly when it comes to money and my career. But actually, I’ve never really listened to those few people in my life who talk sense, who aren’t all about fame and money.’ Milo looked directly at Jenna and she sank lower in her seat. ‘They’re about integrity and friendship, supporting one another; they’re about love and being true to yourself...’
He swigged his champagne and loosened his bow tie. He looked across the crowded room, every single person looking at him, watching and waiting. Jenna’s heart thumped.
‘Timothy, could you come up here please.’
The thudding in Jenna’s ears dissipated; she’d heard him crystal clear that time. Timothy weaved his way through the crowd, frowning as he jumped up on to the stage next to Milo. Milo smiled at him and took his hand. ‘We’ve got something to tell you that we should have told everyone about a long time ago.’
Chapter Twenty-Eight
‘Last night was one of the greatest of my life.’ Carla leant against the work surface in her kitchen, yawned and stretched her arms above her head.
Jenna switched on the coffee machine and turned to her. ‘Tell me about
