The house was beautiful, homely, and perfect for a family. If he’d seen a house like that when he’d still been with Savannah, he probably would have bought it.
Life was different now. He was alone, and he should adapt. He had the horrible feeling that it was a case of the right property at the wrong time. But he wasn’t sure he wanted the bachelor lifestyle either. Could he see himself sitting alone in a hot tub overlooking the city and marina, a bunch of celebrities and wannabes fawning next to him? He hated that idea; he’d grown up amongst that set, and none of them had particularly cared for him. He remembered one famous actor had called himtheboring brother.
He wanted a home like Ellie’s, family photos lining the walls, a place with history and permanence. He’d moved so much, most of his stuff was in storage – or in the New York apartment, and he hadn’t stepped foot in there for months.
Ellie took longer than normal to reply and he wondered if he’d overstepped an invisible boundary. After all, he’d dragged her around London to help him find a home, and he was still dragging his feet. He must seem so petulant and spoilt to her.
Well, if you’re not sure, maybe it’s best you rent. Take the pressure off any big decisions.
He wasn’t sure if he liked that idea either, even if it was by far the most sensible option.
What had he wanted her to say, that he should buy the Spitalfields house? The one she’d fallen in love with but couldn’t afford, rub some more salt in her wounds?
He’d told Ellie that he wasn’t ready for a family, but the truth was he wastooready. Even despite all the red flags in his relationship with Savannah, he’d been ready to take that leap. But they’d ended in disaster before they’d even begun.
Savannah had wanted his brother instead, the golden, perfect child of his family. She’d accused him of being cold and uncompromising, of being selfish, and he was – look at how he’d manipulated Ellie into helping him. Had he done the same with Savannah? Started dating her because it was convenient to his plans? Yes.
But then, hadn’t Savannah done the same thing to him?
A chill ran down his spine when he thought of how blind he’d been.
They’d spent little time together in New York, especially after he’d agreed to the London production. He’d wanted her in London with him, but she wouldn’t risk even a short break in her film career, and she hadn’t wanted to leave her dogs.
He rolled his eyes. How many did she have now? Ten? Twelve? All fluffy yapping things with ugly squished faces. He was admittedly petty enough to feel no small amount of wicked satisfaction, knowing how much Liam disliked dogs. Hopefully, he was enjoying being woken up every day by ten dogs nibbling on his toes and shitting in his Japanese-inspired garden.
He refocused on his chat with Ellie.
Everything okay with the paperwork Barb sent you?
She replied immediately:
Yes. So relieved they accepted your offer. Only three months until we exchange. Go Barb!
He texted back:
Go Barb! How’s work going?
Urgh, okay. I’m shattered. But only two more days till the Olivier Awards. And then it’s straight to the Bahamas!
Her message was immediately followed by a face-slapping emoji.
Sorry… Bet you’re not excited about that at all. I’m more excited about the time off to be honest.
He smiled and replied:
I get it. Don’t worry, you deserve a holiday. It’s the least I can do for all your help.
And she had helped him, in so many ways, big and small. But the Olivier Awards ‘reveal’ of their relationship was fastapproaching, and he hadn’t stopped checking the alerts on his phone.
The press was becoming more frenzied and ridiculous, each website and gossip magazine claiming to have the inside scoop on his new relationship. Every female cast member in his production had been suggested as his latest fling. There were also several British pop stars and influencers who’d been named as being seen with him. One grainy photo showed a TV presenter holding hands with someone in a baseball cap, and he’d been named as the mystery man and her boyfriend. He’d never even met her.
A woman’s shrill voice brought him back to the present. ‘Oh. MY. GOD!’
He glanced up to see a young woman rushing towards him wearing head-to-toe designer workout wear and wild eyes. He immediately stood up and grabbed his t-shirt from the treadmill. Damn, this was awkward, meeting a fan topless.
‘I knew I’d seen you in the lobby. You’re Alex King!’ she shouted, and her voice echoed around the silent gym. ‘Can I get a selfie?’
She’d already grabbed his arm and taken the picture before he’d had a chance to answer.
