Trusting Jack

by Hale, Beth

  “How nice.”

  “I’ve told Roger that I’ll be leaving him after we wrap.”

  “But what if you don’t get the part?” Alison asked.

  He looked at her with cold, disdainful brown eyes. “I’ll get it. I’m the only one they’ve called back three times. They want me.”

  He turned his attention back to Emma. “Let me buy you lunch, to celebrate.”

  “Oh. Um. Congratulations, Marcus, really. But Norah’s so swamped right now that I just can’t. I’m sorry.”

  “Right.” His hand tightened on her shoulder, slid to her elbow, before it dropped away. “Another time, then.”

  He walked away and Emma rolled her eyes.

  “He’s got it bad for you,” Alison observed.

  “He can just get over it,” she replied shortly as the crew began filming again.

  Chapter 33

  The next two days were filled with filming, phone calls, and emails. Emma barely had time to breathe, let alone seek Jack out for the promised talk. She would see him from a distance and he would throw his hand up and smile. She’d wave back but continue on with her business.

  She was, she admitted to herself, beginning to wonder if he had been telling the truth.

  Tuesday evening, her phone rang just as she took off her coat. “Alison, hi. Oh, what’s wrong with the baby?” She could hear him crying in the background.

  “He’s got a touch of fever and doesn’t feel well. I need a favor.”

  “What?”

  “I forgot to give Jack some papers today. I just left them lying on my desk at the office. They’re concerning An Ideal Husband, decisions that he needs to look over. I can’t reach him on the phone, Jacob’s not here, and I don’t want to take Jake out. Would you please, please help me?” Alison’s voice was beginning to tremble and Emma knew she was close to tears herself.

  “Of course,” she soothed. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Thank you,” Alison sniffed. “If you’ll come by the house I’ll give you a key. The papers are in an envelope right on top of my desk. Just take them to him and let him know he needs to look at them as soon as possible. Thank you so much,” she said again.

  “No problem. I’ll be there soon.” Emma

  shrugged back into her coat and went outside to hail a

  cab. She got the key, found the envelope, and headed to Jack’s. Since she was going to be there, they might as well have their talk, she reasoned.

  The cab pulled up to the curb and Emma had her hand on the handle when she saw Sarah’s car in the driveway. She stared as Sarah sauntered up the walk, opened the door and waltzed in. Like she belonged there.

  Emma’s heart plummeted to her stomach. So much for that tiny grain of hope she’d been building up. Her throat began to ache and she knew she had to get out of there before she began crying. But she still had to drop off the damn papers.

  She walked slowly to the door and found it open a crack. Shrugging, she pushed it open wider and stepped inside, relieved to find the living room empty. She quickly threw the envelope on the sofa and left as quietly as she’d come.

  ***

  After trying to reason with Sarah for the first few minutes after he’d found her standing in his kitchen, Jack had finally had enough. “I thought I’d made myself clear the last time. Get. Out. Of. My. House,” he told her through gritted teeth.

  “You know you want me.”

  “I stopped wanting you when I realized you were never going to quit whoring around.” His voice grew louder with each word.

  “Don’t talk to me like that!” Sarah’s voice rose to a shriek and she picked up the bowl of apples on the table. It sailed towards his head and broke against the wall.

  “You’ve ruined my life,” he shouted at her.

  “Are you happy? You managed to turn Emma against me.”

  “I did it for you, for us! Why waste your time on here when I’m here for you? The stupid girl believed everything I told her and didn’t even bother to fight for you. I am!”

  “Your lies have ruined the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “Oh, she was eager to believe my lies, Jack. She was probably fucking someone else behind your back the whole time.”

  “Not everyone is like you,” he returned. He spun around and gripped the edge of the counter, trying to keep the slippery hold on his temper.

  “Don’t you turn your back on me!” Sarah screamed. She picked up the salt shaker and threw it against the wall. “I did it for us!”

  “There is no us, and never will be again. I’ve never hit a woman in my life, but you tempt me. I could snap your neck. Damn you, Sarah, you’ve gone too far this time! If you don’t leave right now I’m going to call the police. And to hell with what the press will make of the story.”

  She stared at him and he looked back with icy eyes. She finally realized he wasn’t joking when his hand moved towards his phone. She let tears well in her eyes. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I was just trying to win you back. Please, please forgive me.”

  “Tears won’t work this time,” he replied tersely. “Till the count of three, Sarah. One. Two.”

  “Fine,” she sneered, her tears magically gone.

  “Go back to your precious little nobody. I hope she’ll

  never take you back.” She turned and stormed out of

  the kitchen.

  Jack heard the door slam and went to make sure she was really gone. He heard her car peel away as he locked the door. He noticed the envelope and reached for it. When he pulled out the papers, he realized Alison must have stopped in and heard the argument.

  He dialed her number. “Thanks for-oh, hey, what’s wrong with Jake?”

  “He’s not feeling well,” she answered.

  “Sorry, love. I just wanted to say thanks for dropping off the papers and apologize for the vitriol you must’ve heard.”

  “What?” she replied distractedly. “Oh, I had Emma drop them off; I didn’t want to leave Jake.”

  “Shit,” he snarled. “Shit, shit!”

  “What?”

  “Sarah was here.”

  “Oh. Oh, no.”

  “If she heard…she must not have,” he quickly decided, “or she would’ve stayed. Fuck! I swear the damned fates are against me.”

  “It’ll work out. I’m sure of it.” Alison sounded distracted again and Jack rang off, not wanting to bother her any longer.

  He was up most of the night, wondering how the hell he could make Emma believe him.

  ***

  There were shadows under Emma’s eyes the next morning and new pain clouding them.

  She didn’t offer any explanations and Norah didn’t want to pry. Emma would tell her in time.

  When they reached the set, Emma went straight

  to her spot and began her usual routine. She barely

  glanced up when Jack dropped into the chair next to her.

  “We need to talk. Now.”

  She raised her eyes to his. “Let’s not start this again,” she replied dully. “Once was enough.”

  “You didn’t stay long enough,” he told her. “If you had, you’d have seen me throw her out.”

  She gave a bitter laugh. “I’m sure.”

  “I’m beginning to tire of begging,” he muttered. “I’ve told you the truth, Emma, I swear.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  “Damn it,” he swore. “Maybe Sarah was right.”

  “Excuse me?” she asked stiffly.

  “She said you were ready to believe her lies. I think she’s right. You’re so damned afraid someone else will fuck you over like Ryan that you refuse to see reason.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “I’ve been there since the day you walked out of my door,” he said softly and left her staring after him.

  Marcus fell into step beside him. “Lover’s quarrel?” he asked, a gleam in his eyes.

  “Piss off,” Jack snapped.

  �
��You know, she hasn’t acted all that happy that you’re back. Maybe it’s because she can’t be as chummy with your buddy James.”

  Jack stopped in his tracks. “What did you say?”

  “I saw them out one day. They seemed awful close, if you know what I mean.” Marcus winked and smiled thinly. “Maybe, if you’re through with her, you could put in a good word for me.”

  Jack grabbed a fistful of shirt and spat,” Shut your mouth. You’ll never be good enough for her.”

  Marcus broke free and laughed. “Jealous, are you?” he mocked.

  Jack shoved him back and walked away, disgusted.

  ***

  Jack downed half his beer in one gulp, then stared morosely at the bottle.

  “Still no luck, huh?” James asked sympathetically.

  Jack shook his head. “She won’t listen. She never will.” He eyed James. “You spent a hell of a lot of time with her while I was gone.”

  “Because you asked me to,” he reminded him.

  “Still. You two seemed to become real close real fast.”

  James sat his beer aside. “Just what are you insinuating, mate?”

  “Maybe Emma doesn’t feel the need for me anymore because you were right there to console her.”

  James stared, shocked. “That’s a damn fool thing to say,” he replied evenly. “I would never do that to you. Neither would Emma, for that matter. I believe I’ll go; I’ve been insulted enough for one evening.”

  He stood and Jack grabbed his elbow. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know you’d never. God!” He scrubbed his hands over his face and frowned. “I just don’t know what to do anymore. She’s driving me crazy.”

  “Women will do that to a man,” James said and finally got a weak chuckle out of his friend.

  Chapter 34

  “You’re a damn stubborn woman.”

  Emma looked up, surprised by the anger in Alison’s voice. “What?”

  “He loves you, and you’re going to throw that away because of some stupid whore.”

  “Whoa. I thought me and you were ok. Where is all this coming from?”

  “I’m watching Jack’s heart break because of you. I’m tired of it.” Alison tossed her blond braid back over her shoulder and stared daggers at Emma.

  Emma returned the stare. “Well, ain’t you Miss Devoted all of a sudden,” she replied sarcastically. “So much for being loyal to all your friends.”

  “I find it difficult to be friends with stupid people,” she returned before stomping away.

  “That was pleasant.” Norah came to stand beside Emma.

  Emma shook her head. “It’s like everyone’s making me out to be the bad guy.”

  “I can understand why they think that,” Norah responded quietly. “I’m going to tell you something and I’ll only say it once. You’re my friend, and I’ll support you no matter what you decide. But Jack deserves more than what you’re giving him. You told me you love him, yet you were quick to believe the worst. You need to ask yourself why. Now,” she continued in a more cheerful tone, “it’s time to film.”

  Emma watched her walk towards Thomas, confusion swirling in her eyes. She kept her eyes on Norah and Jack as they began.

  “My wife says you insult her. I agree.”

  “Are you so besotted with her, my son, that you

  would forget me?”

  “Never, Mother. But neither will I allow Philippa to be hurt any longer.”

  There was a beat of silence, and then another before Thomas yelled, “Cut! It’s still your line,” he told Jack.

  “What? Oh, yes, I’m sorry.” He shook his head and the crown he wore bobbled. He put up his hand to steady it. “I’m afraid I can’t remember the line,” he admitted.

  “You’re to tell Isabella that Philippa is going to be crowned in a week,” Norah supplied.

  “Right, right. Could I see the script, refresh my memory?”

  “We’ll break for lunch,” Thomas decided. “After, we’ll run lines before filming again.” When Jack nodded, Thomas continued in a low voice only he could hear. “Don’t become distracted like you were in Germany. I tolerated it then, but we’re down to crunch time here.”

  Jack nodded again and, satisfied, Thomas headed for the buffet table.

  ***

  Emma went straight to the fridge and pulled out the bowl of leftover spaghetti. Without bothering with a plate or the benefit of microwaving it, she stuffed a forkful in her mouth.

  Norah shuddered. “How the hell can you eat it cold?”

  “I’m starving,” she answered around a bite of meatball. “I skipped lunch.”

  “Only because you were too much of a coward

  to face us.”

  Emma pointed her fork in warning.

  “OK, I’m through. What time is the press conference tomorrow?”

  “Eleven. I thought you could wear your birthday blouse, pair it with that black pencil skirt and the Choo heels you bought the other day.”

  “Sounds good. Now I’m hungry. What else is there?”

  After poking her head back into the fridge she replied, “Chicken salad, raw eggs, and water.”

  “Chicken salad,” Norah decided, “even thought I’d like some fish and a baked potato.”

  “I’ll go shopping after the press conference and pick some up. I’ll cook it tomorrow night, before we have to be on set.”

  “Perfect. When I’m done licking this bowl clean, I’m taking a hot shower and going to bed. I’m beat.”

  “I’ll be right behind you.”

  Emma opted for a long, indulgent soak instead of the shower. Sinking down into the steaming water, she let out a sigh of appreciation. She’d just wallow a bit, she told herself, and reached for the face mask gel she’d sat on the side of the tub.

  While she waited for the mask to harden, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. There was some truth in what Norah had said, she admitted to herself.

  She had believed Sarah but not completely, not

  until she’d gone to Jack’s. And she had acted like a

  coward, hiding in the dressing room while everyone else

  ate lunch. Another thought crossed her mind. If Jack

  loved her, shouldn’t he have told her and not everyone

  else?

  She was beginning to feel like an outsider, with everyone flocking to Jack’s side.

  Well, she’d just have to deal, she thought as she leaned up to wash her face.

  Emma lingered until the water began to cool. She stood and quickly wrapped herself in a towel. She scrubbed herself dry and smoothed lotion over her skin. She donned a nightshirt and sat on the edge of the bed while she ran a brush through her hair.

  And thought.

  ***

  “It’s all about her hatred for her husband, and her driving ambition for her son,” Norah told the press. “I’m thrilled I get to portray such a vibrant, strong female from history.”

  “Have you enjoyed working with Thomas Cullam, and the rest of the cast?”

  “I have. He’s fantastic, they’re fantastic. The cast has gotten close; we’ve become almost like family.”

  “Norah’s right,” Jack said into his microphone. “It’s been a great film to work on. I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone.”

  “Jack this is your first film. Has it inspired you to do more?”

  “I’m certainly willing to consider it. It’s a very different experience from theater.”

  “Rumor is you’re somewhat of a klutz, Norah. Is that true?”

  “It is,” Richard, who’d flown back for the conference, confirmed. “Always tripping over her gowns, forever crashing into tables.”

  “That period clothing is heavy,” Norah

  defended herself as the journalists and camera crews laughed along with the cast. “And hot. I don’t see how women back then handled it. Besides, I’m not the only one. Roger ranks right up there with me.”

  “I do,” he agreed. “I’ve
the bruises to prove it.”

  “Richard, we heard you took lessons so you could handle a sword better.”

  Emma stood off to the side and watched with a smile on her face. There was a family atmosphere on the set. Current problems aside, she’d enjoyed the time spent here.

  After another half hour of answering questions, the actors took their leave. They made it to the quiet of the back room and stood talking for a few minutes. Emma stood apart, talking on her phone to David.

  Jack brushed by her without so much as a glance. It stung a little, she realized, to think he had given up.

  Jack kept walking. It nearly killed him, but he managed not to look back, not to ask her one more time to believe. He was hurting, too, he thought. The woman he loved didn’t care enough to have faith in him.

  Chapter 35

  Emma decided to wander in and out of a few shops before heading to the market. She’d been in a shoe store for several minutes, studying some gorgeous black boots—did she need another pair—when she felt someone watching her.

  She turned her head and found Sarah’s deep brown eyes trained on her. “Can I help you?” she asked with frozen politeness.

  “I don’t know what the hell you did to trap him, but you can be sure I’ll make him mine again.” Sarah kept her voice low, a small smile on her face. To anyone glancing their way, they would look like friends having a pleasant chat.

  There was nothing pleasant about the look in her eyes.

  Lowering her voice to match Sarah’s, she replied, “Why do you insist on seeking me out and harassing me?”

  “I just want you to know that I will win. And when I do, he’ll forget you like the nobody you are.”

  Emma studied her for a second, and then went with her sudden gut instinct. “Is that why you staged your little show? A pathetic attempt to win him back?” she asked.

  “So you figured it out, did you? No matter,” she said, malice dripping from every word. “I’ll have my way in the end; I always do.”

  “You’re welcome to try. It won’t work. We’re happy and in love and you’re nothing but an annoyance.”