Page 49 of Angel

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t help you, but when you are faced with the cold hard facts, I want you to base your judgment on those and not on what you think happened. Those are my terms and conditions.”

“They are fair ones.”

She nods, expelling a deep breath.

“I agree to your terms.”

“Then we begin now.”

CHAPTER 19

SOPHIE

It’s as if a huge weight lifted. I woke this morning a changed woman and I can’t work out why.

Jason Prince surprised me last night. He is different from what I imagined. Cold, slightly aloof, and yet hiding an enormous heart. Don’t ask me how I know, it’s an understanding I have.

He walked me home. That surprised me more than anything. I expected him to call a car, not walk beside me for two blocks and make certain to see me up to my apartment and check nobody was hiding inside.

It meant a lot. As if he cared and it’s been a long time since anybody has.

Today is like the others, filled with the movie. We will spend most of the day at the studio, and the car should arrive at 8:00 AM. I don’t bother with makeup and pull on my usual sweatpants and hoodie I wear for rehearsals. Nobody cares what I look like in the trade. The Sophie Clere the fans see is a mirage, anyway.

My hair is piled in a messy bun and as I grab my water bottle and script, I head downstairs to meet the driver, nodding to the doorman as I go.

The car is waiting, sleek, impressive and rather ostentatious for a woman merely heading to work. I can’t believe my life is this one. I never really expected to be the star rather than a supporting cast member. My rise to fame has been fast; it happens, I guess. Adjusting is a different matter entirely, though.

I settle back in the car for the short journey and pull out my phone.

I’ve received a few texts and I glance at them, my heart beating a little faster when I notice the one I anticipate the most.

I have news.

My heart races as I stare at the screen.

News. What news?

Despite my interest, I can’t ignore the fact I’m more interested in who delivers it. Will it be Angel, or one of the other ones? That night at the beach has altered everything. I can’t shake the memory of his hands on me, those piercing eyes, and his kiss. I shift, my mind spinning as I revisit the memory, hoping like hell he is the one who delivers the news.

When I reach the studio, I head to my dressing room. Another perk of the job that never ceases to humble me.

I am met with freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries, and I’m surprised to find an enormous bouquet. The scent is glorious; filling the entire room and my assistant smiles as I enter.

“Morning, Sophie. You must have an admirer. Look what arrived this morning.”

“They are beautiful. Do you know who sent them?”

“There’s a card I believe.”

Her eyes shine and as I locate the message nestled in the huge display, my fingers shake as I note the same envelope as before. The flowers are different, but the packaging is the same and my mouth dries as I attempt to act unconcerned.

I slide the card out and my vision blurs as I read.

You’re a bitch, Sophie. You cheated on me again and Jason Prince will pay the price for your infidelity. You can lay these flowers on his fucking grave.

Brandy smiles. “Well?”

I tuck the card away and force a bright smile. “Just a fan.”