It was better that I didn’t think about that right now.I was trying to leave my past in the past.Which is why I couldn’t believe I’d spilled my guts to Halle earlier.
After being burned so many times, I was usually wary of sharing details about my private life with anyone.I knew from experience that usually led to it being splashed across the internet or in some trashy magazine.
But with Halle it was different.Even though we’d only known each other a week, for some reason, I felt like I could tell her anything.That I could trust her.
I couldn’t get attached though.This was only temporary.Some fun to distract me from reality.
My cell buzzed and I regretted switching it back on earlier.I’d already seen that I’d had dozens of missed calls from Wilma.She was probably pissed that the photo Halle posted hadn’t shown her face.
I glanced at the screen and saw Wilma’s name flashing on it.
There was also a missed call from Roger, which made me smile.It was good to hear from him.
We’d texted a couple of times since I’d arrived, but seeing as I’d overstayed my welcome at his place, he was probably glad to see the back of me so I thought I’d give him some space.I’d call him back, but first I had to deal with Wilma.
I took another deep breath, then answered the call.
‘Well, well, well,’ Wilma said, her voice surprisingly calm.‘I didn’t know you had it in you.’
‘Huh?’ I frowned.
‘The photo you posted earlier is blowing up!Bravo!At first I was pissed that you’d put up a picture that didn’t show that chick’s face, that’s why I called so many times.But then, when I started to see the comments, I realised that it was part of a bigger marketing strategy.’ My frown deepened.I didn’t know what the fuck she was talking about, but I was gonna run with it and hear her out.‘You deliberately avoided showing her face in the first photo because you’reteasingyour followers.Building up to the big reveal, so that when you finally show her face, it has more impact.Smart!Keep up the great work, Jakey boy!’
And with that, she hung up.
Oh.
I wasn’t expecting that, but I wasn’t complaining.I’d finally got Wilma off my back.And it was all thanks to Halle agreeing to post that photo.
She had no idea how grateful I was for her agreeing to do that.
With a spring in my step, I dialled Roger’s number.
‘Hey, stranger!’ he said.‘How’s it going?How’s the hotel?How’s your match?’
‘So many questions!What is this, an interview?’ I joked.
‘I miss you, bro,’ he said and warmth flooded my chest.
‘Yeah?I thought you and Cathy would be glad to see the back of me!’
‘C’mon, man.’ He groaned.‘You know it’s not like that.I told you.I’ll always have your back.’
That was true.I’d known Roger since high school.Before anyone knew my name.He was a day-one friend.When I first was in the spotlight and the other kids were crawling out of the woodwork asking me to hook them up with concert tickets or helping them meet other celebrities, Roger was one of the only ones that messaged purely to see how I was.
Even when I was riding high on success and offered him money when he was struggling to pay his rent, he refused.I found out who his landlord was and paid his rent for a year anyway.He was mad, but I knew he was grateful.
We’d always been there for each other.
‘I just thought I’d give you guys some space, y’know?’
‘I know, but it’s not necessary.I told you, I want to make sure you’re okay.’
‘I appreciate that, man.’
I filled him on the hotel, Halle and everything that had happened.
‘Damn, J!Sounds like you really like this girl.’
