Persona (The 'Professional' series)

by Ceri Bladen

  Did she take her clothes off? She looked for them. They were neatly folded over the back of a chair. She heaved a sigh of relief. Well, obviously nothing passionate had occurred, otherwise they would be flung everywhere! She gave a giggle, it could have been fun though! The pounded started again, karma for her thoughts.

  She spotted the tablets and water on her side table. She gulped them down, hoping to get the pounding to stop before she had to get up or before Daniel came back. She wanted to be up and dressed before his return. She heard a noise in the corridor. Oh no, too late. She watched as Daniel struggled through the door carrying a breakfast tray.

  So, she was awake. He was hoping she would have been out of bed before he returned. But he did not have that much time before having to get to the studio. He placed the tray, full of pastries and the all-important coffee, on the table and opened the curtains. He saw her wince in his side vision. So she did have a hangover. He turned and gave her a big smile. “How are you feeling this morning? Nice sore head?” He gave a little laugh when he noticed she touched her head as though it was made of glass.

  “Mmmm. Yes, a bit. I didn’t… I didn’t do anything embarrassing last night did I? I can’t remember anything after the flight.”

  He stared at her and shook her head. Something about the look he gave her made her shiver. She clutched the bedspread closer to her chest.

  “No, no you didn’t do anything embarrassing.” His seemingly lazy gaze moved to an exposed bra strap. He recalled her body last night. He needed a cold shower. “I’m going for a shower before I go to the studio. You take your time to get ready. I will send a car for you in about two hours.”

  “Oh, alright,” she replied. She would love to go with him, but she was too embarrassed to get out of bed with him there to get ready. She didn’t want him to see her normal body after he was used to those perfect ones. She watched as he picked up some clean clothes from his suitcase. “What about the pastries and coffee you brought up? Aren’t you going to have any?”

  “What?” He was trying to ignore her sitting in bed, looking all lonely, he wanted to take that lonely look away. He concentrated on closing his suitcase instead. “No thanks. I had mine earlier with Scarlett.” He walked towards the bathroom without looking at her.

  Oh, she felt disappointment. Of course he had had breakfast with Scarlett. That was most probably where he spent the night too. She had to get back to see Jeff. Her urges were getting out of control.

  She folded her knees up and held them with her arms. The pounding and swirling were starting to retreat slightly. She realised the irony of the situation. If her heart and pulse weren’t pumping so hard, perhaps the pounding in her head wouldn’t be so bad.

  She grabbed a pillow putting it over her head and lay back down. The breakfast and coffee could wait.

  ~~~~

  Ella awoke with a start. The room was empty, Daniel must have left. She looked at the clock. She must have gone back to sleep for an hour. Even though Ella knew the coffee would be cold by now, her body still craved the caffeine it would give. She also needed the sugar boost of the pastries.

  She got up tentatively and noticed that her headache had gone. Looking at the plate, she chose her favourite, a Danish pastry. She took a huge bite, wiped the icing that had stuck to her lip, and enjoyed. She looked around. Perhaps a shower would wake her up? She put the half eaten Danish back on the plate, she would finish it after her shower.

  Looking at the clothes in her suitcase, she decided upon her old comfortable jeans and a fitted top that she had brought. It was the weekend, she didn’t need to dress in her usual work clothes. Anyway, she felt comfortable in jeans and the top gave enough glamour not to feel untidy. Ella knew she would be meeting that gorgeous woman, Scarlett, and wanted to feel a little confident and relaxed within herself.

  As she stepped into the shower and went to switch it on, she noticed it was on cold. Funny, the hotel room wasn’t that hot to need the water on cold. Another difference she though between her and Daniel, she turned it back onto hot.

  After blow drying her hair and applying a subtle amount of make-up, Ella stood back and looked at herself in the long hotel mirror. Not bad. Not as good as Scarlett, obviously, she could never compete with her. She was… what was the word? … normal, that was the one. She turned her head back around for one more look before leaving. Yes, she felt as confident as she would ever be with herself. She picked up her bag, notebook and tape when she left the room.

  Chapter 14

  Daniel knew when Ella had entered the room. He felt the tingle in his spine. He was getting more used to these reactions when she was near. It didn’t seem to be anything he could control, or want to control really.

  He had just finished acting out the major love scene with Scarlett, to see if they still had chemistry. The chemistry still shone for the camera. He had to virtually peel Scarlett, or Ava as she would be known on the film, off him. It unnerved him slightly to recognise that he had more of a reaction to Ella walking into the room, than he had with Scarlett straddled over him - he must be going crazy!

  He was thankful that Ella hadn’t been there to see the love scene. He knew it was only for the cameras, but watching something like that wasn’t always easy. He shook his head again to chase away those thoughts. For goodness sake, she was a reporter, reporting on his life as an actor, not his girlfriend, someone who might be embarrassed or jealous of the scenes he had to do.

  Great, great! boomed the voice of the Director. Ella watched the small, rotund Director make his way over to Daniel and Scarlett. He said something to make Scarlett smile and then he walked away. She then watched Daniel whisper something into Scarlett’s ear. She threw her head back and gave a very sexy laugh, playfully hitting Daniel on the arm. All of a sudden, Ella felt a blush rise on her checks. She just realised that Scarlett was straddling Daniel. Scarlett was fully clothed, but the scene still looked too intimate to watch. For goodness sake, they most probably were up to the same thing last night, without the clothes. Totally embarrassed now, she walked over to the water dispenser to get a drink, her headache suddenly pounding again.

  Daniel’s voice came from behind her. It made her jump guiltily, she nearly splashed the water everywhere. She hadn’t heard him come over, too absorbed in her own thoughts. He laughed at her startled reaction.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” He thought he would scare her if she asked for his! “Hey, we are off to lunch to celebrate. It has just been confirmed that we have the parts. Will you join us?” He noticed her pale face. “Or do you still feel ill? We can go back to the hotel, if you want?” A protective instinct surged through him as he grabbed her elbow to steady her. She looked as though she was just about to faint.

  Initially, she was pleased for him, he had a major part in a film! Then, she felt the colour drain out of her. She realised that he would be spending months getting up close and personal with Scarlett. More blood drained out when she realised that there was not a single thing she could do about it.

  She felt him grab her elbow to support her. She fathomed in one quick moment that she was jealous of Scarlett. Oh no, she was in love with him! What on earth was she going to do now?

  Chapter 15

  The buzz in the restaurant had increased ten-fold since Daniel, Scarlett and Ella entered. Even though Daniel and Scarlett seemed oblivious to the stares, it made Ella uncomfortable to be under so much scrutiny. Well, okay, she reasoned that they would not be looking at her anyway.

  They were shown to a fine-looking table which had stunning views through the wide windows, but was still slightly shielded from the rest of the prying eyes in the restaurant.

  Ella noticed Daniel making eye contact with her, while he pulled a chair out for her. As she made her way over to the chair, Scarlett sat in it, right next to Daniel. Daniel lifted a brow behind Scarlett, while Ella waited for the waiter to finish pulling her chair out. She sat down opposite them. As she looked at the two of them opposite her, she
suddenly wished Eric was there with them too, she felt such a gooseberry.

  Small talk was made, mainly by Daniel and Scarlett, while the wine was ordered and poured. Ella tried to study the menu. It all looked so good, and so expensive. She didn’t think that her expenses would even cover an entrée. Never mind, she would worry about it later in the month.

  “Are you ready to order?” The waiter stood posed for their answer.

  “Ella?” Daniel prompted as her menu was still firmly in her hands.

  “Oh yes, sorry. I will have the soup of the day to start, and then the rack of lamb, with red current sauce, please. Medium.”

  “Would you like any side orders with that, Madam?”

  “No, I think that is fine. The lamb does come with potatoes, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, Madam, duchess potatoes with spinach.” He smiled at her before turning to Scarlett.

  Scarlett gave him a striking smile. “Grilled chicken, hold the dressing. Green salad instead of…” She looked straight at Ella. “…the potatoes.”

  Ella wanted the floor to swallow her up. Why hadn’t she ordered after Scarlett? She looked gluttonous. No wonder she wasn’t a stick insect.

  “Sir?”

  Ella looked at Daniel, and caught him grinning at her over the menu. He put it down on the table and replied, while indicating to Ella, “The same as the lady. Thank you.”

  Daniel leaned back in the chair, his stomach nicely full. Ella was looking as though she was still enjoying her meal. Scarlett, on the other hand, had hardly touched her meal, sipping the bottled water instead.

  Daniel observed Ella again, while she was preoccupied eating. It hit him suddenly, it was like a breath of fresh air to be lunching with someone who enjoyed their food. He realised that he was fed up watching women pick at their food, he got pleasure watching Ella. Just at that moment, she looked up at him, sensing that he was looking at her.

  She had a drop of gravy on her chin. Daniel discreetly pointed it out to her, Ella wiped it away with her napkin, a blush rising in her cheeks. He hadn’t wanted to embarrass her, Daniel cursed under his breath, if they weren’t in a crowded restaurant, he would have found another way to get rid of it!

  Daniel felt Scarlett’s perfectly manicured hand run up his leg again, under the table. That’s was it, time to wrap lunch up.

  He decided there and then that he wanted to show Ella some of the sights, without Scarlett, before they had to catch the plane home.

  Chapter 16

  Ella was glad she was in her own apartment. She needed some space to get her emotions back on an even keel. She had been feeling emotionally out of sorts, struggling for the last week, knowing that she had fallen in love with someone that she would never be with, not in a million years. They were in two different leagues, two different worlds. He could never love her, not when he could be with anyone he wanted. The thought depressed her. But she was still in love with Jeff too, wasn’t she?

  Eric had noticed and remarked, when they had returned from the airport, that she looked pale. She had told a white lie, saying that all the sightseeing had made her tired. Nevertheless, Eric had insisted that she went home for a couple of days to revive herself.

  She didn’t think Daniel had looked too pleased with the suggestion at first. Perhaps he would get another journalist in to do her job instead? No, that was silly, her car was still up there along with most of her clothes. She recalled that Daniel had kindly arranged to have a car bring her all the way back, saying he didn’t want her driving such a long way on her own. What she didn’t know was, Daniel had desperately wanted to drive her back himself, but he didn’t trust himself in the close confines of the car with her, and he certainly did not want to meet Jeff.

  Jeff, slightly out of character, had been lovely and caring since she had arrived back. Well, a little stifling to be truthful, but least he had shown some interest. Ella had felt really guilty at first. She was in this state because she realised she was in love with Daniel, not because she was ill. She was still confused, as the love she felt for Jeff was solid, calming and what she felt for Daniel was hot, toe curling. Perhaps she was confusing love for lust? She was determined to work out her big case of lust on Jeff. Surely then her lustful feelings towards Daniel would go? One problem there though. Since she had returned, Jeff had been treating her like she would break, tucking her into bed early for rest. She would have to put a stop to that, she was not an invalid. She was his lover who he hadn’t seen in a while. Her silky nightdress it was then.

  Chapter 17

  She hadn’t seen him around for a while. Where was he? Her breathing increased. She was agitated. She was working herself up.

  She had just found out he had gone away with the reporter for a couple of days. She bet they had spent every waking hour having passionate sex. It should be her!

  She crushed the knife she was holding into her palm. She watched as the blood dripped off her hand onto the white floor. It looked so nice.

  Perhaps it was time to introduce herself. Soon, before that reporter got her claws too deeply into him.

  Chapter 18

  Daniel was in a foul mood. He slumped back into the chair, looking solemnly at his whiskey, as he spun it around the glass.

  Eric decided it was time for a heart to heart. He walked over, switched the television off, sat back down and put his crossed legs onto the table.

  Daniel did not notice. Boy, he’s got it bad thought Eric. “So, come on spill the beans. You got the job. Your partner is Scarlett. Life is good. Yet your chin is still dragging on the floor. Come on spill.”

  Daniel levelled a hard look at his friend, his whiskey long ago losing its appeal. “‘It’s nothing honestly.”

  Eric raised his eyebrows, returning Daniel’s look for a couple of seconds before speaking again. “Come on Daniel. I have known you long enough. You don’t need to play games with me.” He took a break before delivering the bulls eye, which he knew would get Daniel’s attention. “You’re in love with Ella.”

  Daniels eyes shot up from his drink. He then he wiggled his shoulders, slightly uneasy with Eric’s observation. Trust his friend to know him better than himself. “To be honest, I have got no idea how I feel about her.”

  He looked at his whiskey again and started talking, as though to himself. “I fancy her like mad, but who wouldn’t? I really, really want to get her into bed, but could that just be lust? I get a twist in the stomach whenever she mentions Jeff, as though I am jealous, for goodness sake! My heart and stomach take a punch when she walks into the room. But does that mean I love her? I don’t know?”

  Eric sighed, yes, his friend had it bad, but Daniel hadn’t worked it all out yet. “You realise that she is living with someone, don’t you? They live together. You can’t interfere with that. I’ve known you for a long time and you have never poached off someone else.”

  Eric did not like his friend looking so low. “Look, you have only got a couple more weeks of her trailing you. Perhaps you need to get back out there? Do whatever you do with all those women. You can then concentrate on your film. Life can go back to before. Just a couple more weeks.”

  Eric was crossing his fingers, but he could see that his friend was in love with her. He just felt so helpless that it couldn’t go anywhere. Eric liked Ella and thought she would be good for Daniel, but facts were facts, she was already taken.

  Daniel didn’t dare tell his friend that he didn’t feel like doing whatever he does with anyone other than Ella. Then he definitely would be admitting that he had it bad.

  Chapter 19

  Ella smiled at the security guard. If felt like she was coming home. She hadn’t realised how much like home it had become, until she re-entered the building.

  She recalled her couple of days in her real home, which hadn’t gone entirely to plan. She was hoping that being in her own environment, with Jeff, would remind her of what her priorities were. She was here to do her job and after it finished, she would be back to he
r normal life.

  Unfortunately, her trip back home had the opposite effect. She realised that there were gaping holes in hers and Jeff’s relationship. She was unsure where it all went wrong, when had their feelings changed into…into….apathy was the only thing she could think of. Jeff was steady and kind, but even when she dressed in her silk negligée, he had insisted that she went to bed – alone! Surely a lover would want to be in bed with you, ripping off the scrap of material? No, he continued to watch television.

  During the times that there was no television to distract them, he seemed to be constantly on his phone, sending texts to goodness knows who. The frightening thing was, Ella didn’t particularly care.

  Yes, she was glad to be back. She took a lungful of air as she walked up to the door, unsurprised that it was open. The security guard had mentioned that the carpenter was there fixing some doors. She could hear the scraping of wood tools.

  Ella came through the door and made her way straight to her bedroom to dispose of her smaller bags, leaving the heavy suitcase by the door. Perhaps Eric or Daniel would help her with it after?

  “I’m just finishing up here. Just a quick tidy and I will be out of both your ways,” smiled the carpenter.

  Ella smiled back; surely he was too young to be a carpenter? Suddenly, Ella felt old. She laughed, she was only twenty five, not old at all. She placed her bags on the bed and suddenly realised what the carpenter had said, both your ways. Perhaps Daniel was back? Her heart slammed into her ribs. She placed a hand on her stomach to calm the fluttering and walked back into the sitting room.

  “Sorry, I missed you when you came in. I was in the kitchen fixing a coffee for myself and the carpenter. Would you like one?”