Make Believe by Genevieve Smith Read Free Book Online

question. I want to know more about him and his personal life. He’s already asked about my boyfriend history, acting like he didn’t know about it. The words of Hudson flood back through my memory. He seemed more interested in the state of how my relationship was with Henry now than anything else. I lie and tell him we’ve been split for ages. Well, it’s semi-true.
      I decide the best tactic is to follow his lead.
    “So Elliott, who’s the most famous woman you’ve been linked to?”
    “I can’t say, but….. Genevieve Smith”
    “Really? Oh my God!” I can’t contain how shocked I am.
    “Yes, we worked on a film together. She played my boss. She is an amazing woman- beautiful, clever, stunning.” I watch his eyes glisten.
    My heart sinks. How could I ever compete with someone like that?
    He notices my expression and quickly recovers the conversation.
    “But nothing happened; it was just the paparazzi linking me to her. She was already taken by then. It worked brilliantly for my career though. Hudson really pushed it. More wine, Jess?”
    “Yes, please. So do you have a girlfriend at the moment?” I nicely lead in to that question.
    He looks up at me with a wicked smirk on his face.
    “What a question, hey, Jess? Are you asking for any particular reason?”  his phone beeps, breaking his sentence.
      “Oh shit, Hudson’s on the war-path. He wants to know what we’re doing going for dinner,” he frowns.
    “Why, aren’t we allowed to go out for dinner?”
    He laughs, “No, Jessica. It doesn’t work like that.”
    “I don’t understand. Can’t you just be honest and tell him we were hungry?” I suggest, trying to be helpful.
    “No, he would never buy that. He likes to control the people I go out with. It’s all part of the lifestyle! I’ll deal with it in the morning.” He starts to eat again.
    I return to finishing my spaghetti bolognaise. He grabs my hand and looks at me.
    “To answer your question – no, I don’t have a girlfriend. I haven’t been in a relationship for about a year. It’s really hard in this business.  For one, you never know if someone likes you for you, or is it the money and fame. Two, I’ve been burnt a couple of times and will never go back there and three, the most important, it’s hard to trust someone.” His expression softens.
    “I totally understand that. It must be so hard. Well, you are one of the most recognizable men on the planet. I don’t really know how you do it. The pressure of constantly have people following you must be a nightmare, and as for having to be told what to do all the time, I think I would go crazy.” I look into his eyes and there’s sadness in them- I think it’s reality dawning.
    “Yes, Jess, it can be hard, but I’m so fortunate to be in this situation. I will never forget that. I just have to deal with it; it’s all part of the job.” His whole composure changes.
    Why again do I feel like a child being told off!
    “I think we should head off, if you’ve finished. We both have early starts in the morning!” he suggests.
    Elliott rises from the table and comes round and pulls my chair out. We head back through the kitchen to his car.
    He holds the door open for me and before you know it we are both confronted by flash bulbs going off. There must be at least twenty-five photographers outside shouting his name. I try and cover my face with my hands, it’s blinding. He grabs my hand and pulls me through the mass of people. I manage to get into the car but they are relentless.  They stand in front of the car so it’s hard to move; Elliott has to edge so carefully. He manages to make a path and we speed off.
    “You’re right, it is fucking hard sometimes.,” he’s so angry.
    “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come with you. I didn’t realize.” I apologize, not really sure what for though.
    “No, Jessica, it’s not your fault. It’s this fucking job! I just wanted to be normal for half an hour, that’s all