I’ve never seen such betrayal on someone’s face before, but I was betrayed too. Without waiting for her to conjure up another meaningless excuse, I bolt around the corner and run after Francis.
As soon as I leave, regret pools in the pit of my stomach. I didn’t mean any of those horrid things I said to Jess. No matter how deeply she hurt me and my family, she still means a lot to me.
Hopefully, I can get De Haverland to reconsider his offer, and this can all be swept under the rug. Once that happens, I’ll simply make it up to Jess and hope she’ll take me back. It’s a pathetic plan, but it’s the only thing I’ve got.
Twenty-Four
Jess
For awhile, I totally lose track of time. My chest feels like it just got crushed and the full weight of my shock flows through me like a vicious storm. I’m barely aware of Natalie guiding me through the ship, away from Ashley and towards her dressing room.
I don’t really notice the walk there. The world is spinning around me in incomprehensible shapes and colors. I’m totally lost.
I fucked up. I know it. But if Ashley had any feelings for me, she wouldn’t have reacted like that. Would she?
That’s when I realize, I don’t know her that well. I was pinning all my hopes on false evidence. I saw what I wanted to see. It’s my own damn fault that I’m crashing like a fallen star.
Natalie gets me into a quiet corner of her room and pats my shoulder. I can hear her on the phone but I’m not sure what she’s doing. I don’t even care right now.
A few seconds later, Sandy and Alex show up.
I try to compose myself for Alex’s sake, but I can’t quite get there. He runs straight over to me and gives me the biggest hug he can manage with his little arms.
“What’s the matter, Auntie Jess? Don’t be sad.”
I can’t take those big, innocent eyes. He’s so concerned, and I can see he’s getting upset because there is nothing he can do to help me.
I give him a bright smile.
“Its okay, Alex. I’m just a bit sad. I’ll be fine.”
He frowns at me and I think to myself that this kid is too smart.
Sandy watches all of this with a serious expression. Like wizard, he pulls a coloring book and pencils out of his bag.
“Hey kiddo! Want to try out your new book and stickers?”
Alex’s face lights up and like magic, his focus changes. Sandy takes a second to sit down with Alex and get him set up and I’m enormously grateful like that. Alex has been let down so many times, the whole situation just sucks.
I need to do better for him, but at the same time I know I shouldn’t be beating myself up at a time like this.
Sandy comes back, looking between me and Natalie. All I can do is gulp and shake my head.
“Sandy.” Natalie says quietly. “Jess has been acting as Ashley’s girlfriend, while Ashley acts as Robin.”
To my surprise, Sandy just grins.
“I had an idea, honestly. If I had bothered to look into it even a little, then I would have figured it out before now. You know I’ve got an instinct for things like this.”
Natalie nods, still patting me gently on the shoulder.
“I know you do. How’s that book coming?”
“Good, actually.” His grin gets a bit wider. I know he’s not being insensitive to my situation, just happy about his progress. “I’ve gotten a lot of material from being in my position. So many juicy stories.”
He pulls up a chair and sits down in front of me, looking into my eyes.
“Jess, honey, what were you thinking? This situation is just covered in traps. Socialites don’t get into intense relationships with entertainers. Why did you let this go so far?”