Reach for a Star

by Kathryn Freeman

  His mind hadn’t been able settle since he’d left her. He felt on edge, torn over what to do. Put their encounter down to an incredible, but once in a lifetime experience?

  Or pursue it further.

  The latter would be total madness of course. They wouldn’t even be in the same country for the next eight months. She had a family and a life a world away from his. Having met the star she’d fancied from afar, why would she want to repeat the experience?

  With a huff of frustration, he jumped to his feet. Staying in this hotel room was driving him crazy. He’d go to the gym, work off some steam.

  His phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen.

  I’m heading for the airport. See you in LA Georgie xxx

  With a groan he turned the phone off. Emojis, kisses. He was worried Robert was right; Georgina was after him.

  Damn it. For once in his life, why couldn’t the woman he wanted, want him?

  Quickly he donned shorts and a light training vest – Los Angeles was bloody hot. He was heading out of the door when his phone set off again, only this time with a call.

  With a sigh he stepped back into his room and answered. ‘Hello, Robert.’

  ‘Someone sounds grumpy.’

  ‘Yeah, well someone got shoved on an overnight flight and then dumped in a hotel room.’

  ‘Blame the publicist, not me.’

  ‘I’ll blame my manager, thanks. He’s the one who’s supposed to be looking out for me.’

  ‘Always, mate. Always. I was right about the show, wasn’t I? You’ve had some great publicity from it. Your UK tour dates have sold out already. Got to admit, even I didn’t expect you to go and win the bloody thing.’

  Michael closed his eyes and lay back on the bed. ‘Thanks for your vote of confidence.’

  ‘Come on, Jessie was a terrible singer. You really shouldn’t have won. The viewers must have been charmed by those vibes the pair of you were giving off. The press is full of speculation that something happened between you.’

  Michael groaned and rubbed his eyes. ‘So they’re not talking about my singing, but my love life. Great.’

  ‘Hey, it’s selling tickets, don’t knock it.’

  ‘You know what, I don’t give a shit about the bloody ticket sales. If Jessie’s being hounded by the press—’

  ‘She isn’t,’ Robert cut in. ‘The show have released a statement from her which has basically put the lid on it all.’

  He stared up at the ceiling. ‘What did it say?’

  ‘It said, and I quote. Wow, I can’t believe some people seriously believe Michael Tennant would be interested in me. I’m hugely flattered, but I’m sure you realise how silly that is. I had a fabulous week and I couldn’t have wished for a better partner. It’s because of Michael’s amazing talent that we won but now he’s taking his incredible voice on a world tour. And I’m back in my pharmacy.’

  Michael blinked a few times, a lump forming in the back of his throat. It sounded so much like her. Self-effacing. Big-hearted. ‘I’m guessing she ripped up the bland studio press release she was given.’

  Robert chuckled. ‘She was right to. This has stopped the speculation in its tracks.’ There was a pause, which was unusual for Robert. ‘Are you going to contact her?’

  The million dollar question.

  And Michael didn’t have an answer to it.

  ‘Go on you lot, out into the garden. Play nicely together and don’t come and disturb us unless someone is dying.’ Annabel shooed the boys – her two, plus Luke and Jack – out of the door.

  ‘What if Alex breaks his leg?’ Luke asked, looking over at Annabel’s youngest son.

  Annabel rolled her eyes. ‘What do you think, Jessie? Is a broken leg serious enough to interrupt you spilling the beans about your week?’

  Jessie laughed. ‘Yes, broken body parts count as serious enough, Luke.’

  The door shut behind them with a resounding bang, and Jessie picked up her cup, ready for the grilling. She’d been expecting it ever since Phil had brought her and the boys home last night after the party. ‘Come on then, let’s get this over and done with.’

  Annabel looked offended. ‘I waited until ten this morning to phone you.’

  ‘A fact my alcohol-soaked brain appreciates. Now fire me the first question.’

  ‘Did you sleep with him?’

  As Jessie had predicted, Annabel had gone straight for the jugular. With deliberate slowness, Jessie eyed up the biscuits. If she was going to eat calories, they had to be worth it. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her tall, slender, blonde friend tapping her foot with impatience.

  ‘Well?’ Annabel prompted.

  ‘First the press, now you. What is it with this fascination over my love life?’

  ‘Hey, you can’t lump me with the press. I’m your best friend. I have a right to know.’

  Jessie put her hands up in surrender. ‘Okay, okay. The answer is yes.’

  ‘Oh my God.’ Annabel – cool, unshockable, gaped. ‘What was it like? Did the earth move?’

  ‘The whole damn universe moved.’ Jessie placed a hand over her heart, which still ached at the memory. ‘It was wonderful. He was wonderful.’

  Annabel gave her a long, searching look. ‘Please tell me you didn’t go and fall in love with him.’

  ‘Of course not.’ Emotions that she’d put on hold since last night came rushing back and she had to look away. Love was probably too strong, but certainly her heart felt bruised.

  Silently Annabel reached into the drawer behind her and pulled out a pack of tissues. ‘I think you’d better start from the beginning. I’ll put the kettle on again.’

  An hour, two cups of tea and four biscuits later, Annabel gave her a sympathetic smile. ‘Maybe he’ll get your number from the studio and give you a call.’

  ‘If he’d wanted to see me again, he would have let me walk him to the car.’

  ‘But you said Georgina was there. Sounds like that bitch wouldn’t have given the pair of you a moment alone.’

  ‘She works for him. He could have told her to leave. I’m not convinced about the whole change of flights, anyway. Maybe it was a clever way to extricate himself from the situation.’ She shook her head, hoping it would shake out the memories. ‘Let’s change the subject. How are things with you and Edward?’

  Annabel smiled sadly. ‘If you were hoping to lighten the mood, you’ve failed. My darling husband admitted he’s been having an affair. I told him I’m leaving him.’

  ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry.’ Jessie felt a wave of shame. ‘Why did you let me prattle on for so long about my foolish crush? What can I do to help? How are you feeling? Do you need somewhere to stay?’

  ‘Hey, calm down.’ Annabel brushed away her concern. ‘You know what, I’m actually feeling okay. Much better now that I’ve made a decision. It feels like a positive step. I’m going to find somewhere to rent for a while to give me space to think on what to do next.’

  Jessie sighed. ‘We’re a right pair, aren’t we? Whatever happened to our young love?’

  ‘We grew up.’ Annabel smiled. ‘But love second time around is probably better. Let’s hope we both get the chance to find it.’

  Later that evening, Jessie went to say goodnight to the boys.

  ‘It’s good to have you home again, Mum,’ Jack murmured as he shut his eyes, surprising her.

  ‘It’s good to be home,’ she replied gently.

  Luke was more chatty. ‘Are you going to sing with that Tennant guy again?’

  She smiled, kissing his cheek. ‘I think I’ve probably done enough singing now to last me a lifetime.’

  Her son giggled. ‘Bet he thinks so, too. He was proper serious. Not like Dad.’

  ‘No.’ But where once she’d fallen for Phil’s ready laughter, now his inability to take anything seriously irritated her.

  Now she wanted a man with depth and substance. A man who thought before he spoke, before he smiled. And whose small smile was infinitely mo
re precious than an easily given one.

  Damn you, Michael Tennant. How am I ever going to forget you?

  She kissed Luke goodnight and trudged back downstairs. On impulse she turned on some music, then snapped it off again when Michael’s voice filled the room.

  Great, now he’d ruined that for her, too.

  As tears filled her eyes she lay on the sofa and gave in to them. This was absolutely the last bloody time she was going to cry over what had been, in essence, just a one-night stand.

  The sound of the phone shattered her misery fest and she lurched to her feet, grabbing the handset.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘Jessie, is that you?’ She was so shocked to hear his voice that the receiver slipped out of her hands. ‘Jessie, are you there?’

  Panicking, her fingers not working properly, she snatched the phone up from the floor.

  And accidentally pressed call end.

  ‘Shit, shit, shit.’ She stomped in frustration. She’d cut Michael off. What if he didn’t try again? She didn’t know his number.

  She stared at the phone, willing it to ring again.

  Just as she was about to give up, it rang. Heart beating wildly, she snatched it up. ‘Michael?’

  ‘Yes.’ His usually deep voice sounded strangely small. And so remote. ‘I hope you don’t mind me phoning you.’

  ‘No, of course not,’ she admitted breathlessly, trying not to read too much into the fact that he’d phoned. Trying not to hope.

  ‘I wanted to apologise for disappearing in such a rush.’

  That’s why he was phoning. Of course it was. ‘That’s good of you, but there was no need.’ She struggled to keep the disappointment out of her voice. ‘It must be a relief to finally focus on your tour, instead of trying to teach me to sing.’ Though she tried to laugh, her emotions were running so high she sounded like she was being strangled.

  ‘I enjoyed teaching you to sing.’

  Her eyes fluttered closed and she tried to picture his face. Was he being kind, or serious? ‘When is your first show?’

  ‘Tomorrow. I’m on my way to the theatre for a rehearsal. It will seem strange singing without you.’

  Her heart gave a frenzied jump. ‘Strange, but tuneful.’

  ‘Let’s hope so.’ A pause, and she imagined him frowning as he considered what to say next. ‘Are Jack and Luke glad to have you home?’

  ‘For the moment, yes. It will all change when I start nagging them to tidy their rooms.’ Another pause and she clutched at the handset, wondering why he was putting himself through a conversation he clearly didn’t want to have. ‘I know you must be busy. Was there anything else—’

  ‘I’ve got a few shows in the US and then I’m in Europe, starting in Rome at the end of next week.’ His words came out in a rush, as if he was afraid he wouldn’t get them out otherwise. ‘Would you come to meet me in Rome?’

  There was a rushing sound in her ears as her heart went into free-fall.

  He wanted to see her again. In Rome.

  A few days in Rome, with Michael Tennant.

  ‘I don’t mean to put you on the spot.’ He sounded strained. Hesitant. ‘I understand it would be difficult with the boys, and with work. I’m probably stupid to even ask. It’s just… I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your company. How much I’d like to see you again.’ He exhaled sharply. ‘God, I hate phones. I can’t see your face.’

  She realised he’d taken her silence as reticence. ‘If you could, you’d see me grinning like an idiot. There’s shock there too, but mostly I’m grinning.’

  ‘Would you consider coming then? You could fly out Friday afternoon and back Sunday evening so you don’t have to take time off work. I’d buy the ticket.’

  Her heart was racing so much she couldn’t think. She could barely take a breath. ‘You don’t have to do that.’

  ‘I do.’ His tone held enough force for her to understand there was no point arguing. ‘Think about it. Let me know.’

  ‘I will.’ Because she sensed the phone call hadn’t been easy for him, she added. ‘If I don’t make it, it won’t be because I didn’t want to.’

  This time his breathing was softer, slower. ‘I hope you do make it, Jessie. I really do.’ Just before he said goodbye he gave her his mobile number. ‘Call me, message me. Even if you can’t make it, I’d like to hear from you.’

  She remained where she was on the sofa a long time after he’d ended the call, the phone cradled against her chest. Her mind thousands of miles away.

  Probably it was crazy to even think about going.

  Shaking her head, she let out a sad laugh. Definitely it was crazy. She was a working mum, for heavens sake. She had responsibilities. She couldn’t just pack a bag and fly off to Rome on the whim of a man she didn’t really know.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Michael knew he was obsessively looking at his phone, but he couldn’t help himself. It had been three days since he’d called Jessie and he’d yet to hear back from her. He kept seesawing between confidence that she’d come out and crippling insecurity that she wouldn’t.

  If I don’t make it, it won’t be because I didn’t want to. The truth, or a neat way to let him down gently?

  ‘Michael?’

  He glanced up to see Georgina frowning at him. ‘Sorry?’

  ‘I asked if you wanted anything from the bar? I’m going to get myself a glass of wine.’

  They were sitting in the business lounge, waiting for a flight to Vegas. He’d done two back to back shows in two days in LA, his next was at Caesars Palace. If American Airlines ever managed to pull their damn finger out. Their flight was already an hour late.

  And he was already fed up with touring.

  ‘I’ll take a beer. Thanks.’

  He watched as she trotted off, trying to work out why she felt the need to wear her clothes so tight. Didn’t she realise men were more attracted to curves than a skinny frame? Or was that just him?

  And why was he thinking about Jessie again?

  With a sigh he thrust his phone back into his pocket. Let’s face it, asking her to meet him in Rome had been a moment of madness. He should have left their brief flirtation as a sweet memory, not hankered after more.

  ‘Here, this will cheer you up.’ Georgina waggled a glass of beer in front of his face. ‘Seriously though, why the glum expression? You’re on your way to Vegas.’ She smiled provocatively. ‘Sin City.’

  He straightened his shoulders and took a gulp of the beer. ‘Yes, sorry, you’re right.’ No more moping. After Paula he’d vowed not to let a woman take over his life again. It meant sometimes he was lonely, but it also meant he was always in control. Uncomplicated relationships had served him well over the last ten years. A divorced mother with a warm heart wouldn’t fall into that category.

  Inside his trouser pocket, his phone buzzed. Forgetting his internal pep talk he snatched it out so quickly he almost spilt his beer.

  If the invitation is still on, I can make Rome. Jessie xx

  A smile spread across his face that he was powerless to stop. Immediately he typed out a reply.

  The invitation is still very much on. I’ll send you the plane tickets and details of the hotel. He hesitated, unsure how to sign off. Kisses – at least the non-physical type, weren’t his style. Ciao, Michael.

  He tucked the phone back in his pocket and looked up to find Georgina watching him. ‘Something’s made you happy,’ she remarked.

  ‘Yes. Jessie’s going to join me in Rome for the weekend.’

  Georgina’s blonde eyebrows arched into her hairline. ‘Oh. That’s quite a surprise.’

  He frowned, not sure whether he wanted to pursue this conversation. ‘Is it?’

  ‘Well, yes. She didn’t strike me as the travelling type. More the type to stay in and watch the television with her kids.’ Georgina swung her big blue eyes in his direction. ‘Unless she’s bringing the boys?’

  Michael recalled the painfully stilted conversati
ons he’d had with her sons and winced. ‘No. It’s just Jessie.’

  Georgina didn’t reply. She didn’t have to. Michael knew what she was thinking. It was the same thoughts he’d had many times since he’d made that phone call. Why bother to invite Jessie over to Rome when he knew there was no future in it?

  But for all that, his heart felt lighter than it had done an hour ago. And suddenly touring didn’t seem so bad.

  It was just over a week since Jessie had told Michael she’d join him in Rome. Since then she’d received a plane ticket, together with details of the hotel she’d be staying in. There had been no note, so she assumed Georgina had been the one to organise it.

  Michael had texted once, to check she’d received the ticket and to tell her a chauffeur would take her to the airport and to the hotel.

  And now the day had arrived for her to leave. To say she was nervous would be a misleading use of the word. She was bloody petrified.

  Finally she caught sight of Phil loping up the drive, as if he had all the time in the world. ‘You’re ten minutes late.’

  ‘Keep your hair on, there’s plenty of time.’ Phil greeted her with a casual peck on the cheek and wandered inside. ‘Hey, boys, Dad’s arrived. Time for a fun weekend.’

  ‘Hi, Dad,’ they chorused from upstairs.

  ‘Looking forward to your romantic reunion?’ Phil teased, waggling his sandy eyebrows.

  ‘Of course.’ And she was, she told herself. Or she would be, if she wasn’t so worried that in the two weeks since they’d last seen each other, the magic might have disappeared. Their week had been surreal, but they were no longer two people forced together through circumstance. Now he had a choice, and she was terrified he would regret choosing to see her.

  ‘Are you sure this is the right thing to be doing?’ Phil gave her a concerned look, obviously picking up on her doubt.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I mean, let’s be honest here, this fling with Tennant isn’t going to go anywhere, is it? I can’t imagine you married to the guy, living in a big castle while he trots around the globe. And gorgeous though you are, you’re heading towards forty with two sons in tow. You’re probably not what he’s planning to settle down with.’