I was here forwork. Although Wilma’s objective was to get me a reality TV show, the way I saw it was that I just had to get along with Halle enough to take photos that’d raise my profile and make the right people take my calls once I left here.
But I couldn’t see how that was gonna happen, considering Halle’s photo aversion.Sure, I had the pictures Sammie had taken, but there was no way I’d post them without Halle’s permission.And while Sammie might be fooled by the smiles Halle was flashing in those photos, I knew the truth.Halle wasn’t remotely interested in me.
At least the fact that she didn’t like me meant I didn’t have to worry about leading her on or breaking her heart.
A woman a few rows in front kept turning around and looking at me.The first two times I thought nothing of it.But now it was getting weird.She got up and came over, holding her cell phone.
‘Hi!’ she beamed, twirling her dark hair around her fingers.‘I wanted to come over during the activity yesterday, but anyway, I’m Sally.’
‘Hey, Sally.’ I gave her a weak smile.I wanted to think she was just being friendly, but the way she was clutching her cell, I suspected she wanted to ask for a photo.
Most of the guests that had recognised me had just nodded and smiled in acknowledgement and left me alone, but something told me Sally was different.
‘I can’t believe it’s really you!Y’know, that we’re here, staying in the same hotel!I crushed on you so hard in high school!You used to be so hot.’
‘Uh, thanks?’ Nothing like being told that youused to behot.
‘I don’t meanused to belike you aren’t now,’ she corrected.‘If anything, you’re even hotter…’
‘That’s nice of you,’ I said, craning my neck to see where her match was.
‘Can I take a photo?’
I knew it. This was awkward.I didn’t want photos of me with another woman circulating on the internet.It’d get messy.The only one I should be pictured with was Halle and that wasn’t gonna happen in this lifetime.
Just as I was working out how to wriggle out of this, Sammie came over.
‘Everything okay?’
‘Yes!’ Sally said.‘I was just asking if I could have a photo with Jake!’
I flashed Sammie aplease save meexpression and she gave me a small nod.
‘Sorry, Sally, but remember the NDA agreeing not to take photos of other guests, including celebrities?Ordinarily, I’m sure Jake wouldn’t mind, but we need to ensure everyone’s privacy is respected here.’
‘Okay.’ Her shoulders slumped.‘Sorry.’
‘No worries,’ I said.‘It was nice to meet you.’
Sally shuffled back to her seat and I mouthed a thank-you to Sammie.
Halle rushed onto the bus clutching a huge bright pink purse.It was like she’d packed for a week’s vacation, not a day trip.
‘Saved you a seat, darling.’ I patted the space beside me.
She looked down at it like it was covered in shit, before scanning the rest of the interior, probably searching for an alternative seat.When she didn’t find one, she reluctantly sat down, dropping her purse on her lap, then wincing.
‘Maybe you should put that under the seat.’
She did as I suggested, then sat back down.It was a good thing this bus had a lot of legroom.
Halle’s sweet scent surrounded me, just like it had at breakfast.
Damn.She looked fine and she smelt even better.
I didn’t know if it was her shampoo, hair products or perfume, but I liked it way too much.
Sammie stood at the front of the bus with a mic and I was grateful for the distraction.
