by Laura Burton
Is this what I’m going to have to deal with?
Suddenly, the idea of being with Harry felt uncomfortable. She wondered what Emily might say when she found out that they received a death threat. She’d go crazy. Probably fly over there and drag her back to New York, forbidding Julie from seeing Harry again.
“Whoever it is, they know where my parents live. I’m not sure going back to my apartment is wise either,” Harry said. Julie looked out the window, watching the traffic pass by. She half-expected to see reporters hanging out of car windows and photographers wrestling with oversized cameras to get a shot at Harry.
“You’re right,” she said, turning back to him. “We need to go somewhere less… obvious.” She bit her lip as she looked around the limousine. “And we need to go incognito.”
“What are you suggesting? I get a pair of glasses and a fake moustache?” Harry quipped back with a smirk. Julie shook her head, her heart racing as a surge of adrenaline bolted through her body.
“We need to ditch the security, rent a cheap car, and—”
She broke off and pulled her phone out of her purse.
“And what?” Harry asked, a mixture of confusion and admiration on his face. Julie looked back at him resolutely and placed a hand on his.
“Time to visit my parents.”
“Julie, this is a surprise––a great one though. You must be Harry? Good to meet you.” Julie’s father shook hands with Harry and ushered them into the small mid-terrace. Julie inhaled the familiar scent of her father’s sandalwood aftershave as he pulled her in for a tight hug.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were the most unlikely people to fall in love. They were opposing lawyers in a particularly nasty divorce court. The process took almost five years and when the proceedings finally reached its bitter end, Mr. Andrews asked the question no one saw coming.
“Will you marry me?”
The story was a family favorite at every get-together. Julie was never quite sure if they loathed each other or loved each other. Most of the time they had polar opposite views and enjoyed debating them. Julie’s mother called it “healthy conversation.” But to young Julie, it sounded like a pair of siblings bickering.
“Is Mum home?” Julie asked, looking around. A heavy bookcase covered the entire wall filled with law books. As a little girl, she looked up at the bookcase as it towered over her, wondering how many lifetimes it would take to read all of the volumes. She looked back at her father, his dark hair was greying on the top now, but his eyebrows were still bushy and jet black. He had a few more worry lines on his forehead. His almond-shaped hazel eyes seemed to smile at her, filling Julie with warmth.
“Sorry, no. She’s in Scotland for work. If we had known you would be in town, we would have made arrangements.” Julie’s dad walked them through to the breakfast room. Comfy armchairs stood in a semicircle facing the large bay window to the front of the house. A beam of sunlight reflected off the mirrored coffee table and a grandfather clock ticked loudly in the corner.
“That’s my fault, Mr. Andrews,” Harry began. Julie’s dad held up a hand and Harry fell silent.
“Please, please. Call me Charlie.” He held a hand to his heart and gave a frank smile as they took their seats.
“Thank you. Well, I didn’t give Julie a lot of notice about this trip.”
Harry and Julie’s dad talked for a while as Julie settled back into her favorite armchair with her feet tucked under her and listened to the low rumble of Harry’s voice mingled with the familiar gentle tones from her father. Before long, the antique chessboard was out, and the two men struck up a game. Julie watched Harry pull off his jacket and roll his sleeves up, as her dad set up the pieces and the two of them exchanged playful banter.
There were no signs of concern on Harry’s face. It was like nothing untoward had happened earlier. Julie, however, couldn’t help but glance out of the window at the constant stream of traffic. Who was behind the threat? Did they follow them to the car rental? Was there any point going incognito? Maybe telling Benjamin and his team to back off was a foolish plan? Benjamin said as much.
The comforting tones of Harry and her dad talking with the rumble of the traffic outside sent Julie into a sleepy slumber. She tried to resist, but jetlag took over and she found herself lost in sickly sweet dreams.
Chapter Eighteen
It’s for Charity
“When we get out, there will be a lot of press. Just follow my lead. We’ll be expected to stand for a few pictures and then move along for the next arrival.”
Harry squeezed Julie’s hand reassuringly. Underneath the bronzer, he could tell her cheeks had paled and the idea of walking out into a big crowd was terrifying.
“What do I say if people ask me who I am?”
“You’re my date,” Harry said quickly. His eyes flickered down to her lilac gown. It had a sheer overlay with embroidered lilies on the skirt. The bodice looked like it was sculpted to fit her form, sitting snug on her shoulders with a soft bow neckline.
“I feel a bit sick,” Julie said. Harry looked deeply into her eyes. They were like topaz, sparkling back at him.
“You look amazing. And once we get inside things will be a lot more relaxed.”
Thomas pulled open the door and Harry stepped out. Screams from the crowd of fans behind the railings flooded his ears. The dark sky illuminated in flashes like bolts of lightning, as the press snapped endless pictures. Harry smiled at the crowd and offered a wave before leaning down to help Julie step out of the limousine.
As Julie came to a stand, her dress shimmered and swished with her movements. Her platinum hair was dazzling, held up in a loose knot with soft wisps framing her face.
She shyly waved a hand to the crowd and Harry guided her to the group of photographers waiting for them.
“Mr. Jackson, tell us, are you planning any more space opera movies?”
“Mr. Jackson, who are you wearing tonight?”
“Mr. Jackson, who is your date?”
The questions came from multiple directions and Harry forced a smile as his eyes attempted to navigate the sea of faces and blink through the blinding lights.
He looked at Julie. She stood poised, with her hand resting gently on her left hip, one foot forward. She turned to the side and leaned her shoulders toward the photographers while offering a coy smile. Julie dealt with the attention beautifully. Harry underestimated her; he thought she was too shy and reserved to deal with fame and attention. Yet, she knew exactly how to hold herself, how to walk, and when to ignore questions.
A staff member instructed Harry and Julie into the building. They were directed to a grand hall with over one-hundred circular tables. To the front was a stand, set up with a live band playing music as everyone took their seats.
“Oh wow,” Julie gushed as she took in the room, pointing to various celebrities and speaking at top speed. She fell silent as a server poured their glasses, giving Harry an opportunity to speak.
“It’s quite simple really, music, a few speakers, dancing….”
“Food?” Julie asked, sounding hopeful. Harry smirked.
“Yes, lots of food.”
“Interesting, because I thought these people starve themselves.”
“Only for special occasions.” A tall Latina woman with long black hair flashed Julie a grin as she settled in the chair beside her.
“Oh my goodness, I know who you are––” Julie began but she stopped talking, holding her hand against her mouth. A flush of color rose to her forehead, and the woman’s dark eyes flew to Harry, then she held out her hand to him.
“Harry Jackson. This is an honor,” she said in a silky voice. They shook hands while Julie remained frozen, her eyes wide and flitting between the two of them.
“Nice to meet you––”
“Valentina,” she purred.
“Rose. Valentina Rose. Harry, how do you not know who she is?” Julie rediscovered her voice and wagged a finger at Harry with a reproachful look
on her face. She turned back to Valentina.
“I’ve watched all of your movies. I loved the vampire one with Luke Edwards. You two had amazing chemistry.”
Valentina pressed her pointed nails to her collarbone as she gave a look of fake surprise. Julie struck up a friendly conversation with her and the two of them bantered back and forth while Harry sat there smiling like a drunk man. Two familiar men arrived at the table, one of whom had Harry rushing to his feet.
“David Marks? I didn’t know you would be here.”
David Marks was an old friend from school. The two of them attended Eton and then roomed together at Oxford. He was an architect and heir to the Marks Hotel chain. Harry liked that David kept out of drama and didn’t treat him like a loser. He did call him Harold, though. Much to Harry’s dismay.
“Hey, Harold, it’s great to see you. Did you not get the email with the seating plan?” He dragged a hand across his jaw, then gave a polite smile and nod to Julie.
“Oh, you remember my brother, Edward?” David said pleasantly. His older brother was taller than David with burly shoulders and darker hair. The two of them shook hands and sat down.
“Have you met Valentina?” Edward asked as he pressed his lips against her cheek. Harry glanced at the empty chair beside him.
“Do you know who else is joining us?” he asked. David’s face reddened as Edward elbowed him in the ribs.
“It was supposed to be David’s plus one. But turns out he didn’t have the guts to ask anyone out,” he teased.
“Oh, that’s too sweet,” Valentina chimed in, clasping her hands together as she fluttered her lashes at Edward.
The band stopped playing music and a gentleman stood at the microphone. The conversations in the room died down as the guests waited for him to speak.
“Welcome to the annual Sponsor a Child dinner.” His voice boomed around the hall. Everyone clapped.
“First of all, thank you all for your generous contributions. Together, we have raised almost two million pounds to our charity.” Further applause. “Please enjoy the food and the music. Later, we will open up the dance floor and there is a room set up with press for you to give your statements. Please remember to mention the charity, Sponsor a Child, and tell the press why this charity is important to you.”
The man went on to give some statistics of all the children who had received support and aid thanks to the charity.
The Sponsor a Child foundation focused solely on supporting children who were born with disabilities. Caretakers, on call nurses, and support workers supported families who needed respite from the full-time care they provided. They also donated equipment and funds for a family holiday for low-income families. Anyone who was anyone booked a seat at this dinner—most likely because it was good for public image. However, David and Harry’s motives were different.
“I can’t help but think about Johnny,” David said, holding a glass, his eyes glistening as he looked at the band.
“Who’s Johnny?” Julie asked. Harry sighed as he turned to her.
“Johnny Princeton. He was a friend of ours at school,” he explained.
“Was?” Valentina asked.
“Johnny was born with a rare genetic disease. His parents gave him the best education they could. He didn’t board like the rest of us; there were too many hospital appointments.”
“What happened?” Julie asked, her voice hushed.
Edward and David shared a look before Harry continued.
“He graduated from secondary school. We all went together to the prom.” He smiled at the memory of Johnny in a wheelchair. “By that point, he was unable to speak, but his smile lit up the whole room.”
Edward took over and explained that Johnny had died just before they started university. He was lucky to have parents with money, but the costs of care and giving him a quality of life had crippled the family’s finances. They set up the foundation Sponsor a Child, and have dedicated their lives to sharing Johnny’s story and helping families in need.
“That is so inspiring,” Julie said when Edward finished. She looked at Harry, tears in her eyes and squeezed his hand. “I had no idea.”
“Why did I not know that?” Valentina asked, troubled. David scratched his chin as Edward rubbed the back of his neck.
“We don’t talk about it, usually,” he said frankly.
“But on the media, you come across as a player,” Julie said. Edward chuckled.
“Harold? A player? David did you hear that?” He raised a napkin to his mouth as he laughed. David shook his head, laughing as well.
“Don’t believe anything you read in the tabloids. They sell stories, not truth,” David said wisely. “Harold is no more a player than I am,” he added. Julie blushed and Harry knew she had her eyes on him the remainder of the evening.
The group of them enjoyed catching up, Julie and Valentina mostly talked to each other. Julie had her phone out and was scrolling through pictures for Valentina to look at.
“You are so talented. I adore this one. You designed all of these?” she asked as she flicked her sleek hair back from her shoulder. “I would love you to make me a dress for the Oscars.”
Julie’s hand flew to her chest as she gasped.
“I would love to,” she said, breathlessly. The two women sealed the decision with a matching smile, when Harry took the opportunity to step in. He got to his feet and offered his hand.
“May I have this dance?” he asked. Julie’s eyes flew around the room. Other people were taking to the dance floor, now that the food had been consumed and drinks were flowing. Julie hesitantly took Harry’s hand and he pulled her up to a stand.
“Harry rested his hand on the small of her back. Rubbing his thumb across the organza material and holding back the grin from taking over his face. All was right in the world. Among all of the supermodels and actresses, he was with the most beautiful woman in the room. Julie was a natural when it came to mingling with people. She had a comfortable presence about her, making people feel at ease. Yet, there was also an endearing shyness that made her even more irresistible to him.
Harry took Julie’s hand and secured his grip on her lower back as they swayed in a circle to the music. Julie’s soft hair draped across her head like veil. A diamante clasp sparkled in the spotlights. The people around them faded away, and for a blissful time it was just the two of them in each other’s arms. Comfortable. Close. Whole. He dipped his head to meet hers and when the song changed, they barely moved, their foreheads pressed together.
“I’m glad you came,” he said softly. He wanted to take her head into his hands and kiss her with every fiber of his being. Being with Julie was so right. So natural.
“Me too,” Julie said quietly. She lifted her head and eyed him with a half-squint. “You’re full of surprises, you know.”
“Hmm. That makes me mysterious. I like that.”
Julie gave an appreciative laugh.
Harry thought this was a good time to say something clever. To show off his outstanding intellect. His mind rooted through all his trivia knowledge, but before he could wow Julie with useless information, a tall man with the broadest shoulders he had ever seen tapped him on the arm. His eyes were as dark as ink.
“Mind if I steal your lady?” he asked in a tone that did not sound like he was expecting a response.
Yes, I do mind.
Harry swallowed as the huge man looked at him with an almost fierce expression.
“Of course,” he heard himself say, though he was sure he didn’t utter the words. It was as if he was working on auto-pilot and he couldn’t help but be agreeable. The man grinned so widely his veneers shone like a flashlight in Harry’s eyes. Blinded, he blinked and looked apologetically at Julie who had a polite smile on her face as he let go of her hand and moved away. The huge man held Julie a little too close for Harry’s liking; he scrutinized Julie’s expression for any sign of distress, primed and ready to step in. Then, a fake cough drew his attention, an
d a mass of red curls flooded his vision as a woman flung her arms around his middle.
“Harold, darling, I need to speak with you. This cannot wait any longer.”
Chapter Nineteen
Surprising Revelations
Julie watched Harry leave the dance floor with Ebony. The redhead wore a black fishtail dress that made her hair look even more fiery.
“You may recognize me from Bad Men.”
Julie turned back to look at the huge man who smelled strongly of ginger. His face had so much hair, she struggled to read his expression.
“Do you mean Bad Boys?” she asked. They side-stepped to the music, his hand was coarse and so large she thought he could break hers if he squeezed.
“No, no. Bad Man is a spin-off from the movies.”
Julie wasn’t sure what else to ask as her eyes scanned the room for Harry. Why did he go off with Ebony?
The song changed and everyone began dancing like they were at a nightclub. Julie took the opportunity to break contact with the man––she didn’t even pick up his name over the sound of the music––and offered a weak smile before making her way to the edge of the hall.
Julie decided that Harry was not the type of guy who would go running back to his ex-fiancé at the first chance. She had nothing to worry about.
Yet, the two of them had only been dating for a week, and when a beautiful redheaded ex returned to Singleville, Julie couldn’t help but worry.
Relax, Julie. He’s just gone with her to… talk.
She thought she was crazy about Harry, but seeing him with another woman further cemented her feelings for him.
The tabloids had made Harry out to be someone he wasn’t. Always photographed with ladies, scandalous stories about breaking hearts and getting into fights at the Oscars. Of course, none of it was true. Harry was the sweetest, most sensitive man she had ever known. Not that she had the opportunity to know many other men. The only male in her life outside of work was Tabby, and until now, she liked it that way.
