The question was a reasonable one, but it still caught me off guard.
I contemplated trying to get him to change the subject, but that’d probably just make him more interested in finding out the truth.Like when someone says, ‘I’ve got something to tell you!’ then instead of spilling the beans, they say, ‘Actually, I’d better not…’ I hated that.
I took a deep breath.
‘I used to date someone famous.And whenever he posted photos of me online or I was papped, let’s just say that the comments weren’t always kind.’
‘Shit,’ Jake said quickly.‘That sucks.I’m sorry you had to go through that, Halle.Those damn keyboard warriors are just a bunch of sad, jealous little fuckers who are so unhappy with their own lives that they think it’s okay to talk shit about other people.’
‘Yeah.I know.Doesn’t stop it from hurting though.’
‘I hear you.I’ve been through a tonne of shit over the years, but women get it a lot worse.Especially when they’re the girlfriend of someone in the public eye.It’s fucking bullshit.If you don’t mind me asking, who were you dating?’
‘Brett Burch.’
‘Oh.That asshole,’ he snarled.
‘You know him?’ My eyes bulged.
‘Unfortunately.The guy’s a dick.Arrogant, shady and overrated.’
‘Sounds about right.Although I’d use much stronger words than that.’ I gave Jake a weak smile.
‘How long did you date?’
‘Four years.’
‘Sheesh! And how many medals did you get for your service?’
‘Hah.If only.’
‘And I’m guessing he did you dirty?’
‘Yep.’
‘Wanna talk about it?’
‘Not really,’ I said quickly as my chest tightened.
Jake had actually been really easy to talk to, but I didn’t want to dredge up those painful memories right now.I was enjoying my time here.And I’d actually appeared in some photos that looked half decent.
‘No problem,’ Jake said softly.‘Come on.Let me take you to the desert gardens.’
‘A garden filled with cake and ice cream?’ I teased, trying to lighten the mood.‘Sign me up!’
‘Desertgardens, notdessertgardens,’ he chuckled.‘But if you like we can stop off at one of the cafés first and I’ll buy you ice cream.’
‘Deal!’
22
JAKE
As I watched Halle licking her ice cream enthusiastically, a wide grin spread across my face.She looked so happy.Such a contrast to half an hour ago when she was explaining why she didn’t like having her photo taken.
My heart went out to her.My skin was a lot thicker now, but I’d been in this business for over fifteen years so I’d had time to get used to it.But when you were thrust into the limelight like she must’ve been, it would’ve been a real shock.
And I bet her ex wasn’t much help.
