Girl on the Run

by Rhoda Baxter

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Mike

  We split up months ago. I don't even know where she is. Can't we just do a charity gig or something instead?

  ##

  From: Mike, To: Ashby

  Doing the regular stuff is important, but the way to the mega popularity is to get you talked about. You don't have to get back together with Jane, just be seen together so that the speculation can start. That way, you're guaranteed to be covered by the gossip press and the mainstream stuff will follow. You said you'd do anything for the band. Well, now's your chance. Get in touch with her. And make it convincing.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Jane

  Babes. I miss you. Come back. Pleeeeeease.　The band's doing really well and stuff, but things aren't the same without you. I tried calling you, but your mum won't tell me where you are!　Missing you loads.　Love you.　Ashby.

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Ashby

  Leave me alone. I'm trying to get back on track after wasting four years of my life with you. Have you sorted out the flat yet? I could really do with my share of the deposit right now.　Jane.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Jane

  I haven't done anything about the flat. I keep hoping you'll come back and everything will be like it was. I guess I'm hoping all this is just a bad dream and I'll wake up to find my beautiful Janie asleep next to me.　A.

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Ashby

  You make me sick.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Mike

  Dude, she's not going for it. I still have no idea where she is.

  ##

  From: Mike, To: Ashby

  There isn't much time left. Launch is next week. I think we'll go to plan B.　Mike.

  * * *

  Jane printed out two more copies of the paper. As she walked back from the print room, she noticed one of the secretaries looking at her. She turned away, telling herself she was just being paranoid. Ever since the debacle with the tabloid photographers, she tended to think she was under scrutiny wherever she went. It had been a while since she'd split up with Ashby and the magazines had moved on to different stories. She really needed to get a grip.

  She had to take a copy of the paper to Marsh. She reminded herself to act casually. Not easy to do when the thought of him made her heart skip.

  She stopped at the door to his office, surprised to see Keith standing at the desk, but no Marsh.

  ‘Hello.’ Keith closed the book he had been looking at. It was Marsh's desk diary.

  ‘I was just checking when Marsh was available,’ he said. ‘I was going to book a meeting for all three of us with Susan to discuss this paper you found.’

  Jane was about to ask why he hadn't used the usual method of booking meetings when Marsh returned.

  He ignored Jane. ‘What can I do for you?’

  ‘I was just telling Jane, I think we should arrange a meeting to talk to Susan about the paper we found.’

  ‘Good idea,’ said Marsh. ‘Do you want to book it, or shall I?’

  ‘I'll do it,’ Keith smiled at Jane. ‘I haven't forgotten that I promised to buy you a drink. What happened last night? I waited in the lobby, but you didn't show.’

  Jane raised a weak smile. ‘I … got delayed. I must have just missed you.’

  ‘Drink after work tonight?’

  ‘I can't tonight, sorry.’

  ‘Perhaps next week then. Better get back to the grind, I suppose.’ He aimed a finger at Marsh. ‘I'll send you a meeting request.’

  ‘You do that,’ said Marsh, equally amiably.

  ‘See you later Jane.’ Keith left.

  Both she and Marsh stared after him. ‘He's up to something,’ Marsh said.

  ‘He didn't take the credit for finding the paper, did he?’

  Marsh frowned thoughtfully at the space Keith had vacated.

  Jane felt a little skip of happiness. He really was lovely, and she was going to see him again.

  Suddenly, Marsh snapped out of his frown and looked at Jane. For a moment, they stared into each other's eyes, and the rest of the world receded. Sharp footsteps in the hallway outside broke the mood and they both looked away.

  ‘Um … was that everything, Jane?’ He sat down and shuffled papers on his desk. ‘Did you need anything else?’

  ‘I just wanted to give you a copy of this.’ She held out the paper.

  He took it, careful not to touch her hand. ‘Thank you very much,’ he said, and gave her a little smile.

  ‘You're welcome.’ She left before the temptation to kiss him became unbearable.

  * * *

  Text from: Polly, To: Jane

  Ok, miss dirty stop out. Tell me EVERYTHING.

  ##

  Text from: Jane, To: Polly

  What do you expect me to say? We were both working late. I found an interesting paper and took it round to show him. Things sort of happened from there. And he is DEFINITELY not gay ;-)

  ##

  Text from: Polly, To: Jane

  That's not an explanation. I want details.

  ##

  Text from: Jane, To: Polly

  You'll have to wait until I see you.　I have tons of work to do. Especially if I want to have any time off at the weekend.

  Chapter Thirteen

  CAUSE CELEB: The Magazine that connects YOU to the stars.

  Cause Celeb has heard that Triphoppers’ star Ashby Thornton is gearing up for the launch of their next album Swagger. But sources say that Ashby's heart is not really in it. Twenty-five year old Ashby is still pining for his ex-girlfriend Jane Porter.

  ‘He feels really badly about what happened,’ band member and close personal friend Lee told our Cause Celeb reporter. ‘He let fame get to him and he let go of what was really important. He has tried to contact Jane, but can't find her anywhere. He's really hurting right now.’

  CAUSE CELEB CAUSE OF THE MONTH: Can YOU find Jane Porter? Contact us on causeofthemonth@causeceleb.comm

  * * *

  To: Marshall, From: Stevie

  Hi Marsh. I've just seen the latest Cause Celeb. Apparently, Ashby Thornton is wantingto get back together with Jane. I know you were going to have dinner with her next week. She might be on the rebound, so please, please be careful.　Just thought I'd let you know.　As you say, it's probably not a good idea to date a colleague anyway. Love Stevie.

  ##

  From: Marshall, To: Stevie

  Thanks for the advice, but I don't really see what that has to do with anything.　Anyway, it's bit too late now ;-)　Marsh.

  ##

  From: Stevie, To: Marshall

  You don't mean …? OMG! OMG! OMG!　That was quick work. Especially for you.I hope you know what you're doing.　Stevie.

  ##

  From: James, To: Marshall

  Lou tells me you've had some progress on the Jane front. What happened to waiting until after the partners’ meeting? Jim.

  ##

  From: Marshall, To: James

  Things took an interesting turn last night … I'm afraid my resolve crumbled. We've agreed that we're going to keep it out of the office. She was very understanding about it. I guess the whole unwanted publicity thing that she had with her ex means she doesn't want to draw attention to herself either. Am I to take it that you, Lou and Stevie have been talking to each other?　Honestly, haven't you people got anything better to do?　Marsh.

  ##

  From: James, To: Louise

  Lou, since you insist I go and see how Marsh is, I have done so. He looks … happy. That's the only way I can describe it. He was humming to himself. Humming, Louise. I haven't heard him humming since … god, not for years. Not since that girl back in the first year … what was her name? The one with the scary teeth.　I'm a bit worried he's risking upsetting the partnership, but he says he's got it under control, so I guess we have to leave him to it.　Please don't ask me to go and talk to him about his feelings. I'm a bloke.
We don't talk about that sort of thing without several pints being involved.　Jim.

  * * *

  Jane wriggled her freshly painted toes. For a moment she thought wistfully of the stylist who used to do her hair and make-up before any big do with Ashby. Technically, the girl had been hired to do the hair and faces of the band, but Triphoppers' manager thought that Jane was an important part of their image too.

  No more.

  It had been two days since her night with Marsh. He kept his distance from her at work, but when they did catch each other’s eye, his small half smile was enough to melt her at the knees all over again. It was safe to say that Ashby was firmly in the past now. She put the lid on the nail varnish and settled back in her chair. Beside her, Polly's landline rang.

  Polly was lounging on the sofa, working, her pen between her teeth as she tapped away on her laptop. She looked up at the sound of the phone but didn't move.

  ‘Shall I get that?’ Jane was already reaching over.

  ‘Please.’

  ‘Jane!’ Her mother's voice came, fast and breathless, as soon as Jane answered. ‘Oh thank goodness. You weren't answering your mobile and I was starting to get worried.’

  ‘Oh, sorry Mum. I've just got a new phone and I haven't got round to sending everyone the new number yet.’

  ‘What happened to your old phone?’

  She hadn't mentioned the mugging to her mother, not wanting to worry her. ‘I … lost it.’

  ‘Oh that is a shame. Did it cost a lot to replace?’

  ‘Not really.’

  ‘Anyway, the reason I've been trying to get hold of you, apart from to see how you are of course, is that Ashby has been calling for you again.’

  Jane rolled her eyes. ‘What does he want?’

  ‘Well, he wants you. He says he's really sorry about what happened and he didn't know what he was thinking and he wants you to forgive him.’

  ‘Huh.’

  ‘He sounded really upset, darling. And he has always been good to you apart from that one time … Perhaps you should talk to him, see what he has to say.’

  ‘No way. Absolutely not.’

  ‘Now darling, are you sure?’

  ‘Mum, we've discussed this. I am not talking to him or forgiving him. Ever. Ok? If he calls again, tell him to take a running jump.’

  There was a guilty silence at the other end of the line.

  ‘Mum? What have you done?’

  ‘Well, I did give him your mobile number.’

  ‘My old number?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘That's dead now, thank goodness. Don't tell him anything more. Ok?’

  ‘But—’

  ‘Mum, promise me.’

  Her mother sighed. ‘Ok. I promise. But if you change your mind ...’

  ‘I know how to get hold of him, if I need to.’

  Her mother sighed again. Jane changed the subject. They chatted about things not relating to Ashby for a few minutes.

  When Jane hung up, Polly said, ‘What was that all about?’

  ‘Ashby's been badgering Mum for my phone number. To apologise apparently.’

  Polly raised one eyebrow. ‘Really? I hope she didn’t give him your number.’

  ‘Only my old one. She thinks I should contact him. You know what she's like. She thinks the sun shines out of his arse.’

  ‘Your mum just wants to be able to invite the Beckhams to your wedding.’ Her smile faded. ‘It is a bit weird though, isn't it? Ashby coming over all remorseful. It doesn't sound like him.’ She typed something into her laptop.

  ‘What're you doing?’

  ‘Just checking something out …’ Whatever she’d read had her frowning. ‘Oh dear.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘We-ll ... You know Cause Celeb has a cause of the month. You remember how they did that “what should Kate Winslet buy her husband for Christmas” one? And the “can you help Chantelle find the perfect shoes for this outfit” one?’

  Jane wondered where this was going as a horrible thought began to coalesce in her mind.

  Polly turned the laptop around, showing her the Cause Celeb blog. Jane read quickly. About halfway through, she started to swear.

  ‘I'm going to kill him. I really am going to kill him.’

  * * *

  From: Jane, To: Ashby

  Ashby. What the hell is going on? You are supposed to be leaving me alone, remember? And now suddenly I'm the Cause Celeb cause of the month!! Or, more to the point, I guess, you are. Just in time for the new album launch. What a coincidence. Look, I meant what I said. I haven't done you or your career any damage. In fact, I helped you as much as I could. Why can't you have the common courtesy to do the same for me? I was just getting on with my life. I have a job I like and I'm making new friends. Now, thanks to you, I have to watch my step everywhere I go, in case there's a photographer trying to get a shot of me. Again.　Haven't you done enough to me already? Jane.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Jane

  Babes.　The Cause Celeb stuff isn't really anything to do with me. We hired this new PR guy, he said it was good for the new album, so I just went along with it. Besides, it's true. I do miss you. You were a stabilising influence on me. And we had some good times, didn't we?　Ashby.

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Ashby

  I don't care whose idea it was. Call it off.　Can't you get one of your little tarts to pretend they're going out with you? You can both get the exposure you need and you'll both be happy. What about that creature from Hollyoaksthat you so famously cheated on me with?　Seriously, if this doesn't stop and soon, I am going to see a lawyer about suing the pants off you and Mike for invasion of privacy.　Jane.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Jane

  Janelle? No way. She hires brain cells by the hour.　Aw come on Jane, don't be like that. Everyone will have forgotten all about you in a few weeks. Where's the harm?

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Ashby

  WHERE'S THE HARM???　I can't believe you. Have you not paid attention to a word I've just said?　I want my life back you selfish bastard.　You'll be hearing from my lawyer.　Jane.

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Polly

  I just threatened to sue Ashby.　I'm not even sure I have a case. It's not libellous to say he misses me.　Besides, I can't afford a lawyer. Help!　Jane.

  ##

  From: Polly, To: Jane

  Jane. Relax. It's just a stupid magazine. No one's going to bother you. They'll forget about you soon enough. It'll be fine.　HUGS.　Pol.

  ##

  From: Jane, To: Polly

  I can't just forget about it, Pol. You don't know how awful it was. Every time I went out of the flat, some guy with a camera would take photos of me. I couldn't even open the curtains without someone trying to get a telephoto lens on me. I had to live in perpetual twilight for days.　Even when I escaped to Mum's house, they hunted me down – although, Mum might have let that one slip. Not sure. People kept wanting me to comment on how I was feeling and what I thought of that woman from Hollyoaks. All I wanted was to be left alone.　I can't go through that again.　Jane.

  ##

  From: Polly, To: Jane

  Try not to think about it, hon. It'll all be Ok. Honest.　Just concentrate on that nice new man of yours.　Love　Pol.

  ##

  From: Ashby, To: Mike

  Dude, Jane says to call off the press or she'll sue. Ashby.

  ##

  From: Mike, To: Ashby

  Let her sue! That's publicity money can't buy!　I've arranged a photoshoot for Tuesday 2 p.m. Tell the lads.　Mike.

  Chapter Fourteen

  From: Sally, To: Ruth

  Hi Ruth. Have you seen Cause Celeb is trying to find a Jane Porter that used to go out with Ashby Thornton. Do you think she's the same Jane Porter as our Jane? I've just been looking at pictures on the web. They look vaguely similar, but it's hard to tell. Celeb Jane is blonde and all air b
rushed. Our Jane is normal looking.

  ##

  From: Ruth, To: Sally

  I see what you mean. There is a resemblance. It is a bit of a coincidence, isn't it, with the same name and Jane being from Manchester. I noticed she doesn't talk about her love life, which would make sense if she wastrying to get away from it.　On the other hand, she's training to be a patent agent – it's hardly a glam job, is it? And Porter isn't that unusual a name – maybe there are a lot of Porters in Manchester.　Besides, Jane's so quiet. She wouldn't say boo to a goose. I don't know. I'm inclined to think it's just a massive coincidence. But I'll keep an eye out for other clues.　Ruth.

  * * *

  Jane was so flustered by being the focus of Cause Celeb that she couldn't concentrate. It was nearly lunchtime, so she grabbed her coat and left, telling Ruth she was going to get a sandwich. There were several sandwich shops nearby, most of which had people queuing. Recalling seeing a soup place not too far away, she walked in that direction. When someone called her name, she turned and saw Keith, running to catch up with her.