Girl on the Run (10 page)

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 [email protected]

* * *

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
Hollyoaks
that 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 dow
n
– 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
.
　Lov
e
　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.

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 brushed. 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.

‘
Going out for lunch?’ He was wearing a long black coat and what looked like a university scarf.

Jane considered lying and saying she was going to the bank, but she had a feeling that no matter what she said, he was going to try to join her. She didn't reply.

‘I'll come with you,’ said Keith, as if she'd welcomed his approach. He fell in beside her.

Jane was reminded of leaving the office with Marsh
a couple of nights before. How different an experience that had been.

‘
I know a nice place that does a lovely plate of couscous,’ Keith said, as they turned a corner.

She didn't want to have lunch with Keith. On the other hand, if she got a soup and took it back to the office, she would have to sit in the canteen and listen to the gossip, which she really didn't feel like doing.

‘It'll be fun. A nice hot lunch.’ He looked at her, his expression faintly pleading. It suddenly occurred to her that, for all his bravado, he might be quite insecure. Perhaps his constant invitations to the pub stemmed partially from the fact that he was lonely.

‘
I won't take no for an answer,’ he said.

Deciding she had nothing to lose by getting to know him a bit better, Jane went with him.

They passed the row of high street shops and bagel bars where she normally bought lunch. Keith ushered her past an impressive looking, pink stone building and down a lane. It opened into a crowded street market. There were stalls selling cheap jumpers. A man in a tracksuit shouted his wares, his breath condensing in the cold air. Men and women in suits rummaged through stalls selling imitation designer goods. Stallholders stood around chatting.

‘
Leather Lane market,’ Keith said. He led her past various stalls, and finally guided her through a gap between a man selling jewellery and a dreadlocked woman who was selling dried fruit.

The front of the Moroccan café bore brightly coloured sheets of paper announcing meals for a few pounds. When the door opened to let a group of women out, Jane and Keith squeezed inside.

The shop was beautifully warm and the air was heavy with the smell of cinnamon and cumin. On one side was a counter with steaming tureens of stew. Opposite, plastic tables were crammed together, with people huddled around them, laughing and chatting as they tucked into plates heaped with couscous and sauce. The place was filled with voices and the clatter of cutlery.

Keith leaned close to speak in her ear.
‘What would you like?’

Jane pointed at an appetising looking vegetable stew.

‘I'll get it,’ said Keith. ‘You find us a table. There's more room at the back.’

She headed in the direction he pointed. The back room was small and equally crowded. As she hovered by the doorway, a couple finished their meal and stood up. She immediately grabbed their vacated table.

As she waited she stacked up the used plates and wiped the table. Doing so reminded her of having been a waitress in her student days. Looking round, she felt a wave of nostalgia. This was the sort of place she and Ashby would have gone to for lunch as a treat. He had been fun and interesting, not the self-absorbed pop brat he now was.

Jane imagined Marshall here with her. She could see similarities between him and the Ashby she'd fallen for all those years ago. It was an unsettling thought.

A waiter whisked the stack of plates away. He wiped the table down with a wet cloth, leaving a slippery smear behind. ‘Enjoy your meal,’ he said.

Jane folded her hands on her lap, not touching the
tabletop. She knew she shouldn't compare Marsh to Ashby, but she couldn't help it. She thought about her time with Marsh a few nights before. In some ways, Marsh and Ashby were very different indeed.

She was still smiling when Keith arrived with two heaped plates. She reached for her purse to pay for hers, but he dismissed it with a wave.
‘I know you've got cashflow problems until your new cards come through. So, tuck in. It's on me.’

‘
Thanks.’ Just as she raised the first forkful to her mouth, her phone rang. Marsh's name came up on the display. Mouthing ‘Excuse me’ to Keith, she answered it.

‘
Hi, it's me. Marsh.’ He paused, as though unsure what to say. ‘Um … are you in the office at the moment?’

‘
No.’

‘
Great. Listen, I was wondering …’

‘
Yes …’ Jane prompted.

‘
Would you like to come over to my place for the weekend? We could loaf around town a bit and … do stuff.’

Keith was making a great show of pretending he wasn't listening. She wondered how much of what Marsh was saying was audible to Keith.
‘That sounds good.’

There was a short silence from the other end.
‘Is there someone else there?’

‘
Oh yes.’ She felt oddly guilty that she was out with another man, and reminded herself that she and Marshall weren't really an item yet. And she was only having lunch with a colleague. It wasn't like a date. She knew Marshall and Keith didn't see eye to eye, but that was no reason for her not to interact with Keith. After all, Marshall's dislike could be misplaced.

‘
Ok. I'd best let you go then,’ Marshall said. ‘I'll call you after work this evening and we'll sort out a time to meet. See you later.’

‘
Yes. Thanks for calling,’ she said, trying to sound casual for Keith's benefit. ‘Bye.’

‘
That was the estate agent,’ she said as she put her phone away. She hoped it sounded convincing. ‘I'm looking for a place to stay.’

‘
Really? I thought you were staying with a friend.’

‘
I am, sort of. It's her spare room; she normally uses it as a study, so it's really tiny. There's barely room to walk around the bed. It's a bit like being a student again.’ She picked up her fork and started to eat. The food was surprisingly good. ‘This is lovely.’

‘
Isn't it?’ said Keith. ‘I come here a lot. Although, it's much more fun in company. I usually end up getting a takeaway and having it back at work.’

Again Jane wondered if he was lonely.

‘I bet you don't get this sort of diversity up in Yorkshire,’ he said.

‘
Lancashire,’ she corrected. ‘I'm from Manchester. That's in Lancashire.’

Keith shrugged.
‘Sorry, I've never really got to grips with the difference. I'm a London boy, you see. The rest of the country is just “not London” to me.’ He grinned, as if to take the sting out of his words.

As the meal went on, they talked about work and life. For some reason Keith had stopped trying to make a pass at her. Without the threat of lechery, Jane found he was surprisingly good company. When it was time to go back, she was genuinely sorry.

‘You know Jane,’ said Keith, as they walked back to the office, ‘I think we got off on the wrong foot. I know I can come across as a little … brash. It's like a nervous tick I have when I meet new people. I open my mouth and this horrendous crap comes out. It takes me a while to relax and be myself, if you see what I mean.’

She had suspected as much and felt sorry for judging him too hastily. She was glad she hadn't let herself be influenced by Marshall's prejudices and had taken the time to talk to Keith.
‘That's Ok. I wasn't offended by your anti-Northern stance.’

‘
Oh that was for real,’ he said, grinning. ‘Can't stand Yorkshiremen.’

Jane laughed too.
‘Nowt good never came out of Yorkshire,’ she said solemnly. ‘'Cept road to Lancashire.’

Keith roared with laughter.
‘Is that a real saying?’

‘
Oh yes. We Lancashire folk don't get on with Yorkshire folk. Well known fact.’

‘
What, county rivalry? Like Kent and Essex?’

‘
If you like.’

‘
Brilliant. I shall have to remember that,’ Keith said, as they arrived at the entrance to their building. ‘Now, alas, I have to love you and leave you. I've got to get this opinion written by tomorrow and I haven't read half the documents yet.’ He held the door open for her. ‘It was nice talking to you properly. We should do this again sometime.’

Jane nodded.
‘That would be nice,’ she said. And meant it.