Untitled so far

Who else can say their job is arousing?1

She felt the tease of his breath on her top lip. She wanted to push into his kiss, but like so many others before her, found she was unable to move in his presence. 2

“I want you,” he said throatily. She studied his face: light brown hair with grey eyes. He had smooth, almost soft, features and skin that was neither too pale nor too tanned. Delicious medium lips made his already world-shattering appearance even more divine. Something almost like reserve emanated from his eyes, and the world around him seemed as cool as an evening summer. “I wish our situations were different.” The perfect scene shattered and she felt someone stab her heart. The world around no longer seemed cool, it was scorching. She raised her hands and pushed him hard in the chest. He faltered and staggered backwards. 3

“So nothing has changed then,” She hissed, the venom spewing from some unknown wound. 4

“I’ve already told you. I cannot leave my wife. I wish it were different, but I have to make my marriage work,” he pleaded his morals.5

“You left your wife when you invited yourself into my bed,” She said bitterly, turning on her heel and walking away towards a blue jeep.6

“Emily, please!” He called after her. “I don’t want to end it like this! Emily!”7

She ignored him, started up the engine, and began driving. He ran to his car. He intended to follow her.8

“And Cut!” The director shouted, hopping down from his chair and clapping his hands once to indicate he was pleased. 9

Tiffany heard the air horn indicating the director had called a halt. She turned the jeep around and parked it back on the set. Trying to contain her excitement with a cool and collected expression and body language, she got out of the car and threw the keys back to the man who had been tentatively watching her every move whilst she was in the vehicle. Hearing the second car return she turned and saw the other actor getting out of the car and moving towards her. She looked at the Adonis whose lips had been millimetres away from hers just moments ago and felt the smallest of flutters in her stomach.10

“Good work people, we’ll pick it up tomorrow. Have a rest this afternoon,” The director was shouting to the film crew. He turned to Tiffany and the actor next to her. “Fan-fucking-tastic! Best performance yet I’d say Christian. Now go home and take it easy. We’ll start again early tomorrow!”11

The director turned and marched away, followed at his heels by the mousy PA who was talking into her hands-free and scribbling in a diary.12

“See you later,” Christian said dismissively to Tiffany and headed off in the direction of the dressing rooms. 13

Tiffany watched him leave. Christian James. God he was fine. He was the up and coming new actor in Hollywood and the directors loved him – not to mention every female who’d ever set eyes on him. His talent was versatile, allowing him to develop his characters easily and fast. He always brought something new to the scene, and therefore, he was extremely sought-after. Her heart ached.14

At twenty-two Tiffany Lewis was tall, dark-haired and tanned, with jade green eyes and cheekbones to die for. She knew she was beautiful but she didn’t like to make a big deal about it. She was only a small-time actress doing the odd extras job here and there but she liked to make it seem more important, and swore to everybody that she was just picky about the jobs she took, not wanting to hit the spotlight too quickly. So it was a surprise when she landed this role in a film where she wasn’t just the extra whose lines were ‘dya want milk with that?’ or ‘Mr. Smith your wife is on line 3.’ She was actually playing a fairly decent role: even if she did have to be the ‘other woman’ to an on-screen character.15

Tiffany raced to the dressing rooms where three people proceeded to remove her outfit. Even though it was a loose fitting shirt tied with a belt over a short skirt, the costumes department on this set were extremely damage-conscious and insisted on dressing and undressing every actor and actress who had to wear an outfit more than once. Tiffany reached up to remove a hairclip and an assistant tapped her hand away and took it out herself. When they had removed every item that belonged in the wardrobe Tiffany was allowed to pull on her jeans and flowing pink strappy top. She took her bag out from a locker and removed her phone and overly-large sunglasses that seemed to be extremely popular among the fashion world at the moment. The sun was amazing as she stepped out of block of apartments where they had been filming. Tiffany shoved her sunglasses on, swept her hair onto one shoulder and pressed the speed-dial on her Blackberry. Stephanie Newman picked up on the second ring.16

“Hey babe!” Stephanie sang, her relaxed British accent refreshing after the continuous mono-tone of the rest of the staff on-set.17

“I can’t survive this any longer!” Tiffany groaned. She was of course referring to the undying infatuation she had for Christian James. It was so unfair to have to kiss someone so beautiful every day, but to have no passion in it.18

“Oh babe, stop torturing yourself! If he hasn’t even taken a second look at you after eating your face on-set then he’s either gay and hasn’t come out or he’s just an asshole.”19

“But he’s always in the tabloids with another woman!” Tiffany wailed as she made her way to the car sat in the parking lot.20

“Tiff, babe, that’s another reason to stay away from him!”21

Tiffany loved Stephanie’s over-use of the word ‘babe’ and the way they always related to each other. Since she had moved to Brighton she had made many friends and met many people but never got on with them as well as she had done with Steph. She always teased Tiffany about her American accent and her perfectionism, but it just made both of them laugh instead of aggravating her as other people did. 22

“Yeah I know. He’s just so darned amazing. Anyway, are you at your place or mine?” Tiffany asked, changing the subject before she got obsessed.23

“Erm, I’m at yours. I ran out of espresso and then there was some cool debate on TV and...”24

“You don’t have to explain,” Tiffany laughed, interrupting her. “Do you want to eat in tonight or shall we get together with Amy and eat out? I really want to go down to the Marina and see all the pretty boats again.”25

“Yeah let’s eat out! I’ll call Amy straight away. I have a surprise for you anyway so it will be amazing to all get together.”26

“Neat. Ok I’ll be back in like ten minutes and we can chat.”27

“Ok babe, I’ll stay here. See you soon!” 28

Tiffany hung up and started up her small Renault Clio. She loved the fact that it was small, yet comfortable and stylish. The perfect city car, and in blue. The drive back to her apartment was short and uninteresting. It wasn’t a fantastic apartment, situated above a shop down an alley near the seafront, but it did its purpose. Tiffany pulled the car up to the curb and parked it behind an old Ford Fiesta. She got out and locked it before running up the stairs outside the flat to the door leading into the upper floor. Unlocking the door into her small but comfortable place she immediately felt more relaxed. She’d lived here for five years and in that time learnt how to make a fairly plain living space more appealing and homely. Nice but modern posters were dotted around, shag-pile rugs were in the lounge and throws covered the sofa’s. It was clean, and fairly uncluttered despite Tiffany’s knack for collecting junk. The lounge joined onto the living room. There was a bathroom and a double bedroom that was nicely decorated.29

Stephanie was spread out on the sofa watching the television and barely looked up as Tiffany came home. 30

“Hey babe,” Stephanie said without taking her eyes away from some strange documentary about cults that she was watching.31

“Hey sweetie,” Tiffany said kissing her best friend on the forehead before dumping her bag and slumping into an armchair. “What you watching?”32

“Oh some programme about this crazy guy who thinks he knows when the end of the world is. There are all these people who believe him.”33

“I love it. The human race is officially crazy.”34

“So how was filming?” Stephanie asked sitting up and switching the TV off.35

“Arousing. As per usual! That Christian James: now he is a real man. I can’t help myself, I just turn to jello as soon as I see him.”36

“You and every other red blooded woman on this planet Tiff! God, who else can say their job is arousing!” Stephanie laughed. “So anyway, to take your mind off it I have a surprise I mentioned earlier.”37

“Oooh are you taking me on holiday?” Tiffany squealed.38

“No. Better than that. As you know, my roommate just moved out. Thank god, the crazy bitch was driving me mad! So... I have a room I need to rent out.” Stephanie smiled knowingly.39

“What are you suggesting?” Tiffany said, raising an eyebrow.40

“Well, we’re always around each other’s places and this place is fairly small. So I was thinking that maybe you’d like to move into my apartment and we could share?”41

“Oh my god, Steph I don’t know what I should say! Do you think it’s a good idea?” Tiffany said with a hand to her mouth.42

“I think it’s a fantastic idea! It makes perfect sense. I mean we have our own keys to each other’s apartments already! We’re always at one place or the other, so why not make it the same place? Besides, I can’t be dealing with the whole interviewing for a new roommate.”43

“I’d love to! I’ve always wanted to share with a best friend! It would be so neat!” Tiffany squealed.44

“I know!” Stephanie grinned. “When do you want to move in?”45

“Oh my god! As soon as possible! It’s my last day on-set tomorrow so we could start moving me out on Saturday! I have to give thirty days notice but I really don’t mind paying for thirty days and moving straight in! That’s if it’s ok with you? I wouldn’t want to impose!” Tiffany gushed.46

“That’s fine babe. The sooner the better! Right, I’m going to go home and give Amy and Russell a call. Where shall we go tonight? Strada?”47

“Strada sounds fantastic. 8 o’clock?”48

“I’ll book it then. It’ll be in my name. See you at 8 babe!” Stephanie said getting up and kissing Tiffany on the cheek. She left the apartment and Tiffany went straight to the CD collection.49

She pulled out Melissa Etheridge’s greatest hits album and put it in the CD player. Doing that she danced through to her bedroom and opened the closet. Trying to decide what to wear to Strada would be the difficult bit! 50

“If it’s extortionate you’ll wear it more!”51

Tiffany strode into Strada and straight to the waitress who was waiting near the door to show people to their tables. 52

“Hi, I’m with the Newman party,” she said, giving a winning smile.53

“Hello. Yes, the rest of your party isn’t here yet. If you’d like to take a seat at the bar I will come and get you as soon as they arrive,” the waitress smiled politely. “Fantastic dress by the way.”54

“Thank you. It’s Dolce & Gabbana.” Tiffany beamed. “Far too over-priced but far too beautiful to resist!”55

“I can imagine!” The waitress grinned.56

Tiffany made her way to the bar and ordered a whiskey on the rocks. The waitress was right. The dress was fantastic. A deep lime colour with straps at the shoulders and ruffled but fitted around the bust. It was casual enough to be a party dress, but formal enough to be smart at the same time. It was definitely a good addition to her wardrobe Tiffany congratulated herself. She noticed the bartender throwing dazzling smiles at her every now-and-again. She graced him with a stunning smile and indicated she’d like another drink.57

“Another Jack on the rocks please, Gray,” She said, reading his name badge. 58

“Coming right up,” he grinned. “Waiting for someone?”59

“Yes, a few friends are meeting me for dinner.”60

“Sounds nice,” he said placing the whiskey in front of her. “I don’t know many women that drink whiskey you know!”61

Tiffany’s Blackberry alerted her to a message and she clicked it open while listening to the bartender talk about how he had only met one other woman in England who also drank whiskey. He was starting the whole story as Tiffany read the message. She felt the colour rising in her cheeks and shivers electrify her spine. She stiffened.62

‘We should really meet for some alone time when we’ve finished filming. I’d love to do all those things to you that we have to pretend to do on set. CJ.’63

Images raced through her head and she felt her breathing become restricted. Could Christian really have sent her that? It had to be a practical joke due to the onset of far too much alcohol. The thought caused her skin to burn and she shoved the phone back into her purse, trying not to appear flustered. The bartender was mentioning something about where he grew up and Tiffany tried to catch on to what he was saying. This man needed some serious training on the ways to talk to women. There was a general commotion from behind her and suddenly she was saved from the situation. Stephanie threw an arm round her shoulders and interrupted the bartender. 64

“I’d love a gin with soda water please Tony!” She smiled to the bartender. “You’ve met my friend Tiffany then!”65

“Yeah, we were just talking about...” Tiffany faltered. What had Tony been talking about? She suddenly realised she had no idea, and how rude that seemed. The colour rose in her cheeks again, but it wasn’t due to excitement, it was shame that she hadn’t heard a word Tony had said.66

“Tony’s lovely you see. Always looks after me when I come here,” Stephanie beamed, accepting her drink from Tony.67

Saved again.68

“Yes, he’s a doll. Serves whiskey like an expert!” Tiffany smiled, hoping that her compliment would make up for her rudeness.69

“Thanks ladies. Got to dash though. Other less beautiful people to chat up at the other end of the bar.” He made his way to the end of the bar to the other group of women who were trying to flag him down, spinning glasses and bottles as he went. 70

“Come on babe, Amy and Russell are waiting at the table,” Stephanie grabbed Tiffany’s arm and pulled her off the bar stool towards a table right at the window.71

“Great table Steph!” Amy Costello grinned, her cute button nose scrunching up as she did so. 72

“I always ask for this table. It’s a really nice view,” Stephanie said motioning out of the window to the incredible view of the Marina. 73

“Darling you look fabulous!” Russell raved, admiring Tiffany’s dress. “D&G definitely suits you! It goes hand in hand, like me and that god that you’re working with!”74

Russell was gay. There was no questioning the fact. He was sweet, kind and gentle, when he wanted to be, but he was also full of criticism and quite cynical too at times. He was everything a friend should be, and Tiffany would have dragged him up the aisle and put a ring on the man’s finger already if he wasn’t completely and 100% interested in men. The girls loved it. It was refreshing to have somebody evaluate last-night’s affair with a critical and honest eye, and Russell favourite motto was that you have to be cruel to be kind. It wasn’t the morals that were criticised however. Russell worked as a designer for the fashion industry, and he knew how to dress for every occasion. There were never any clothing disasters where the girls were concerned. Russell was well licked himself. Immaculate black hair combed into perfection, with dazzling brown eyes and the straightest jaw one ever did see. He was always adorned with the designer labels and found an excuse for always dressing up, and never dressing down. 75

Amy, the blonde haired woman next to him was a similar story. Amy was in a long-term relationship with Louise, a tall, slim woman who was a little too sharp around the edges. They were very committed to each other but insisted there would never be any civil marriage ceremony or adopted children. They swore that their relationship was purely based on common interest and comfort: They wanted no quiet house in the country, or kittens or even matching coffee mugs. Amy was extremely down-to-earth in that beautiful way that made you long for the skin that meant you could wear no make-up, and wake up in the morning looking fresh-faced and fabulous. She wore lot’s of earthy colours and big, unique jewellery. With only a hint of eye-shimmer on tonight, she looked stunning in a moss-green halter neck dress. 76

“Thanks Russell. But we all know you only complimented it because you made me buy it! My bank manager still hates you for it!” Tiffany laughed out loud as she recalled the argument she’d had with Russell in the shop as to whether she could afford it. Russell’s view was ‘If it’s extortionate you’ll wear it more.’77

“Well what would you girls do without me hey?” Russell grinned smugly and sipped his wine.78

“Speaking of the god; how is the filming going?” Amy asked twirling a piece of bred in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar left by a waiter.79

“Well. You will never believe it, but the last act of the day, which starred me by the way, was filmed once. He didn’t change it or anything. Mr. Perfect got all the praise though,” Tiffany said with a slight frown.80

“That’s great though Tiff! If you’re down to filming scene’s once then we’ll be seeing you in the next star role on screen!” Russell grinned clapping his hands.81

“Yeah that is true! It’s only a matter of time before they realise they’ve got an A-list star on their hands,” Amy beamed.82

“And how exciting will that be!!” Steph gushed. “You could be the next Angelina. Just don’t forget your three ordinary friends when you’ve reached the top!”83

“Call yourself ordinary babe! This beauty has nothing ordinary about it,” Russell said pointing to his face.84

“Yeah, it is quite exciting,” Tiffany said smiling. What would she do without these guys?85

“It’s all very exciting I know darling, but can we hear the update on the Christian James situation please? Including all of the gory details,” Russell said, placing a hand on her arm and pursing his lips.86

Tiffany quickly weighed up her options. “Nothing’s changed. He’s still ignoring me as much as usual!”87

“Take Russell with you tomorrow. Nobody can get away with being invisible with that diva around,” Amy said rolling her eyes and laughing a little.88

The evening passed quickly and they all had immense fun, laughing at the stories of on-set disasters that Tiffany told them, grimacing at the satisfying horrors from the Plastic Surgery centre where Amy worked, wincing at the moronic authors Steph dealt with at the publishing house and boosting their ego’s over the stories of the fashion disasters Russell had dealt with that day. When Tiffany got home at midnight it seemed as though she’d barely been out for half an hour. She was dying to discuss the text message with her friends but knew that the unanimous vote would be to avoid the bastard. It would be agreed that only an asshole would send a message like that.89

Tiffany leant against her front door and reread the message. It was very clear. She wouldn’t be able to spend hours discerning hidden messages, because there weren’t any. It was embarrassingly honest and something about that honesty disgusted her. She’d never liked men who spoke crudely or behaved in an animalistic way. She liked her relations with men to remain mysterious and have an air of class. Along with her disgust though she felt something primal: something almost violent had awakened inside her. The kind of feeling that made one rip off clothes instead of carefully removing them. The kind of feeling that included teeth and nails, instead of butterfly kisses and caressing touches. She felt disapproval at her feelings and the need to shower, as though she was filthy. She hovered over the delete button. Should she keep it and ask him about it tomorrow? Or should she ignore it and pretend it had never been sent?90

Deleted.91

She let out a sigh. No class was definitely not her scene. She showered quickly, pulled on some over-sized pyjamas and climbed into bed. She was asleep within minutes but her sleep was restless and want-full. When she awoke the next morning she felt frustrated. She skipped her morning jog and breakfast and jumped straight in the car towards the set. It was the last day she was needed for filming and she hoped the director would be quick about her death scene. As the character’s ‘other woman’ they inevitably needed a way for the sordid affair to end. So instead of a quick and quiet departure after a heated conversation about morals, the writers had insisted on a nasty car accident to ensure the main character could portray his remorse and grief to win over the audiences worldwide. This was a clever plan, as Christian’s rehearsals had ensured that most of the female on-lookers bawled, proving the plan to create a heart touching scene was needed, (their tears were of course for Christian instead of the dead character- a point which annoyed Tiffany as her performance so far had been spectacular in her opinion).92

Whilst in her car she had time to think and decided that if Christian James was going to start playing games with her, she would play the games better. She smiled, knowing that it would drive him nuts to be ignored. With this thought in her head she waltzed onto the set and went straight to hair and make-up. They had already shot the scene of her driving away angrily in a car. All they had to do today was make up her as a dead crash victim and shoot the scene of her dying in a car as a fire crew tried to break her out. Christian of course would be there and he would be distraught to see his mistress dying after an argument where he rejected her for his marriage. 93

Tanya, the woman who always did Tiffany’s hair and make-up set about paling her face and lips. She put a greyish tint to her cheeks, tangled her hair and smeared the mascara and eyeliner slightly to give the panda eyes look all too common of the teary girls who inhabited the set’s restrooms. A few fake cuts and scratches, and a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth and Tiffany was ready to die. The effect was brilliant and Tiffany marvelled at the fact that she looked so awful. 94

“It’s amazing!” Tiffany laughed with Tanya.95

“That’s my job!” She sang. “Now, go out there and give them a death they’ll never forget!”96

“I will!” 97

Tiffany made her way to the set where stage-hands were flecking the broken windscreen of a twisted jeep with mud. The whole set looked so real and it made her shiver to think that she was going to pretend to die in just a few moments. The director was already bustling about ordering extra lights on-set.98

“Ah! Tiffany welcome back. Ready to die?” He asked with a nasty grin.99

“Let’s just get on with it then,” she laughed. She noticed Christian hanging around the coffee machine with a script. He glanced at her and her stomach fluttered. She pretended not to see him.100

The scene flowed well. Tiffany wailed a few long, drawn out “why”’s, cried a little, groaned with pain and finally, when Christian turned up on set, she became angry. The fire crew acted perfectly, trying desperately to break her out of the twisted wreck, shouting to each other, having hushed tense discussions about the situation. It was magnificent. 101

“I’m so sorry,” Christian was saying, acting distraught. She knew the camera’s were focussed on his tear-stained face, red with angst and twisted with grief. 102

“You’re not sorry for me... you’re sorry for yourself,” Tiffany spat, taking a strained breath. “I wish I’d never laid eyes on you. I’ve never met anyone so set (gasp) on destroying their life. Just get away (gasp) from me. Go back to your wife!”103

She broke the capsule of fake blood and it trickled out of her mouth. A little gasp, and that was the end of it. She stared lifelessly at the dashboard. Christian gritted his teeth and let out a pained noise. Tears soaked his face. A paramedic leant through and checked Tiffany’s pulse. Turning and taking a few steps away from the scene she grimly looked at her partner and shook her head. Christian saw it. 104

“I never meant it!” He screamed. “Emily I never meant it!” He reached through the broken window and gripped her lifeless shoulders. Shaking her he continued to shout. “Wake up! Wake up and listen!” He stood up and kicked the side of the jeep. Collapsing onto the side of it he pounded the metal with his bare fists, shouting and sobbing hysterically.105

The male paramedic rushed forwards and pulled him away. “Let her go,” he said as they fell to the floor. Christian struggled but the paramedic held him back as the firemen got back to work trying to free the body from the wreck. The violence seemed to escape him completely and the gravity of the situation fell on the audience. Christian gripped the front of the paramedic’s uniform and cried silently, watching the firemen cut his lover from the wreck of the jeep.106

When they got the roof off the twisted jeep the female paramedic stepped forward to assess the situation. When she returned, with a grave look on her face, something golden dangled from her fist. The necklace Christian’s character had bought her for her birthday.107

The scene ended, zoomed into the necklace’s pendant; a gold letter E for Emily, clutched in Christians hand, covered in her blood.108

The director yelled “Cut!”109

He bounded off his chair straight up onto the set and clapped his hands. “Tiffany that performance was stellar. Absolutely incredible. I don’t think anyone has died on set like that for years.”110

Tiffany felt pleased. She hadn’t had to even try for that scene and yet the director was raving over it like it was Oscar material. She grinned and spat out the empty capsule. Pulling her body from the car, one of the extra’s stood her on her feet. She beamed at the director who clapped her, followed closely by the rest of the set. Tiffany put her hands in the air and laughed. 111

“Go get cleaned up Tiffany. Fantastic work today.” The director applauded. 112

“Thank you sir,” She nodded. She ran off-set and chatted excitedly as the wardrobe staff removed the outfit. She felt pretty darned good for a dead person! She chuckled as she thought of her success. There really was nothing better than doing something really well. She could hear her phone ringing and grabbed it out of her bag as she finished pulling her top on and tying her hair back. 113

“Hello? Tiffany Lewis speaking.”114

“Hey Tiff, babe it’s Steph. Sorry I’m on a pay phone. I’ve left my phone at home and went shopping and now I’ve got too much to carry back. Could you give me a lift?” Steph asked.115

“Hey, yeah sure. Meet me at work! I have to get this make-up removed but that shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes. Just wait for me in the lobby and I’ll pick you up.”116

“Thanks babe! You’ve saved my life!” Stephanie gushed.117

Tiffany hung up and headed straight to Tanya who was holding a bottle of industrial strength looking make-up remover. She grinned as Tiffany approached her, obviously having seen the filming.118

Ten minutes later, Tiffany emerged from the set and appeared in front of Stephanie in the lobby. She was stretched out on a seat in khaki pants and a tank top, surrounded by shopping bags. Her blonde hair was tied back in an elaborate twist and her usually pale skin seemed to glow.119

“Come on then girl,” Tiffany called, stooping to pick up some bags filled with shopping. “Jesus, what have you got in here Steph?” 120

“You’re going to love it! I’ve just found the most amazing things today.” Stephanie picked her bags up, grabbed the keys, beamed and shrugged her shoulders before prancing through the doors. 121

Tiffany was about to follow when someone called her name. She turned and saw Christian walking towards her, still dressed in the wardrobe’s clothes.122

“Tiffany hey, a few of us are getting together for drinks tonight at Sarah’s apartment. Are you coming?” He asked, staring her straight in the eye, obviously not embarrassed by the message sent the night previously.123

“Yeah I might do. Email me the details and I may turn up. I have to run. Bye!” She said without smiling or breaking his gaze. She wanted him to know that she was not intimidated as everybody else was around him.124

“Sure,” she heard him call after her as she left quickly. She grinned to herself. She’d just been invited to her first celebrity party. Not bad work for one day! As Tiffany approached the car she saw Steph cramming bags into the back. Most of it would have to go on the back seat. 125

“Steph, the director just went nuts over my acting. Again, one take and I did it!”126

“Oh-my-god! Well done babe!” Steph raced to hug her and they jumped up and down. 127

“And, Christian just invited me to a party. So, I’m going to need a wing-man.”128

“Are you suggesting that I come with you?” Steph said leaning back enough to look Tiffany in the face.129

“Of course!”Tiffany laughed.130

“Oh-my-god!” Steph started jumping again.131

The girls jumped in the car, giggling and chatting about outfits and make-up. They shoved the new Scouting For Girls album in and jacked the volume up as high as was humanly allowed. Singing as they went, they first drove to Tiffany’s apartment to pick up clothing, and make-up, and then made their way to Steph’s apartment. Bundling through the doors carrying outfits in hanger-bags they excitedly began trying on the entire contents of Tiffany’s wardrobe. 132

Steph’s phone rang and she hurried off to take the call. Tiffany collapsed on a sofa. She loved Steph’s apartment. It was all wooden floors and cream walls. Every picture frame was in the same tinted wood and the rugs were all earthy colours, giving a country feeling which was refreshing in a massive city. Tall, green potted plants graced the corners of all the rooms, creating a beautiful oasis of calm. The floor in the centre of the room was sunken slightly so you stepped down into a carpeted square which had three large gold coloured sofas. It wasn’t a glitzy gold; it was more of a dull, brushed gold colour which matched the rest of the room perfectly. Steph earned a lot of money as an assistant to the plastic surgeons, and she had designed and created the apartments look from scratch, improving it as she could afford to do so.133

Steph appeared in the doorway looking ashen. “My grandma’s passed away, Tiff. I have to go up to Scotland immediately.”134

“Oh-my-god!” Tiffany leapt off the sofa and grabbed Steph into a hug. “How?”135

“She’s been sick for ages. She was very old. She had a heart-attack last night and didn’t recover.”136

“Honey are you ok?” Tiffany released Steph and looked at her best friend.137

“Yeah. Yeah I’m fine. I didn’t really know her that well. It’s just weird you know! I have to go up there for my Mum though. She’s really upset.”138

“Of course. Take my car and get up there as soon as possible. I’ll help you get your stuff together.”139

“Are you sure? Don’t you need your car?” Steph asked.140

“No. I’d rather you got up there as quickly as you can. 141

“Alright. Promise me you’ll take Russell or Amy and go to the party tonight. Don’t worry about me,” Steph looked concerned.142

“You’re always worried about other people. I will go as long as you call me as soon as you get there,” Tiffany insisted. They moved through to Steph’s bedroom and began pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. Tiffany went through to the en-suite and pulled cosmetics and toiletries into a wash-bag.143

“Yeah I’ll call you. Can you look after the apartment for me? I have no idea how long I will be gone.”144

“Of course sweetie.”145

Steph was ready to leave within fifteen minutes. She grabbed a bottle of water and her phone charger. Tiffany handed over the key to her Clio and kissed Steph on the cheek. 146

“Drive safe honey, remember to call. I’ll let your work know.”147

Tiffany watched her friend leave and felt sad as she saw how her shoulders were slumped instead of high and proud like normal. Death was a strange thing. It was almost as if everybody had a massive clock on their life but never knew how far down the countdown they had reached.148

With a big sigh she dialled Russell’s mobile number.149

**********************************************************************************150

“I’m a terrible smoker when I’ve had a few drinks!”151

The atmosphere was fantastic. Glamour and gloss emanated from the entire room. Everybody was eyeing up everyone else, deciding who was fuckable and who needed to be avoided at all costs. Tiffany entered the room on an immaculately groomed Russell’s arm. His face was impassive, although Tiffany knew that on the inside he was soaking up all the turned heads and impressed looks. Tiffany was wearing a sleek, silk dress in a very light pink that complimented her browned skin. Her hair was curled gently and draped over her shoulder, thanks to Russell’s expert styling techniques. She stood out tremendously against the other guests, who had stuck to their favourite black ‘shag-me’ outfits, (the one’s guaranteed to work every time). Russell had opted for the same effect, wearing a pale pink shirt beneath his grey (but very sexy) suit. His hair was once again combed to perfection and he oozed confidence.152

Members of the cast nodded to her, and some waved, as Sarah (the host and leading lady of the film), moved towards her.153

“Welcome!” Sarah beamed, showing pearly white teeth beneath scarlet lips. She had deep brown hair, cut into an elegant bob. Sarah was tall, and extremely skinny which always earned her the approving looks of men. 154

“Thank you, this is a beautiful apartment!” Tiffany smiled. “Russell this is Sarah Jessop. Sarah, Russell Jackman.”155

“An honour miss Sarah,” Russell said with a smile and a nod of his head. “And may I say, that is definitely an Armani I shall be looking up!” he said indicating her beautiful knee-length black Armani dress. 156

“Please!” Sarah exclaimed, blushing. “Just call me Sarah. Do you work in fashion then?”157

Russell rolled his eyes and raised his hands. Gripping her arm he led her to the drinks table, gesturing wildly about fashion. Sarah just laughed and laughed, clearly already in love with his humour and fabulous style. Tiffany grinned, imagining the conversations they would have about the party later on. Somebody waved to her and she opened her mouth to respond but before her brain could tell her mouth to spit the words out, somebody caught her eye. Christian was watching her from across the room. Dressed in an immaculately pressed white shirt and black trousers he looked delicious. He was talking to a woman in a low-backed black dress. Tiffany couldn’t see her face but knew that the woman would be red-faced and breathless, trying desperately to retain his attention long enough for him to really notice her.158

Without faltering, she strode toward the lady who had waved to her, beaming brightly and graciously accepting praise on her dress. As she chatted she found herself very aware of her posture, the way her hair lay comfortably over her shoulder, the way her leg gracefully bent at the knee slightly. She could feel his eyes burning into her back. She shivered slightly and Russell, who had joined their group with Sarah, put an arm round her shoulders, noticing her shiver. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Christian surrounded by three women now. He seemed to be listening intently to what they were saying, but as she looked away, she saw him shoot a look in her direction.159

Tiffany had drunk a few glasses of champagne as she saw somebody remove a packet of cigarettes from their pocket and indicate that they were going downstairs to smoke. She excused herself and materialised in front of the man as he was leaving. 160

“Excuse me. Could you spare me a cigarette? I’m a terrible smoker when I’ve had a few drinks!” She offered him a dazzling smile, warm enough to melt the heart of even the coldest person.161

“Of course. Greg Thomas,” He said, offering his arm which Tiffany took as they made their way down the stairs. 162

“Tiffany Lewis.”163

“Yes, I know. I saw your acting today. I have to say, it was fantastic!” Greg grinned. He was nicely dressed in a regular suit, but it didn’t take a genius to see that his arm’s chest, stomach, hell all of him was perfectly toned. 164

“Thank you,” Tiffany said taking the proffered cigarette. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. The wonderful harshness of the smoke on her throat relaxed her greatly. Exhaling, she looked at Greg and said “So what do you do then?”165

“Stunt work,” he laughed at her surprised expression. “I’m the one who drove your crashing car.”166

“Oh my god! I was wondering who did that! It was brilliant,” Tiffany exclaimed excitedly.167

“Cheers!”168

They chatted for a while, Tiffany discovering that he had worked on some pretty amazing films. Greg couldn’t believe that this was Tiffany’s biggest role and he told her that he had seen famous actors and actresses with far less talent that Tiffany. He was sure she would make it big.169

“That man you arrived with: Boyfriend?” Greg mused.170

“Oh, no. He’s one of my best friend’s. Completely gay,” Tiffany said.171

“Oh really,” he stamped out his cigarette and shuffled uncomfortably. “Listen, could you do me a favour?”172

“Of course!” Tiffany smiled. 173

“Could you introduce us?” Greg stammered, his air of confidence suddenly forgotten. “I mean, I don’t really have much luck meeting people, and you never know, we could get on really well!”174

“Oh Greg of course I can! Don’t be so silly! Actually I think you two would get on extremely well!” Tiffany smiled encouragingly. 175

At that exact moment Russell burst out of the doors, looking left and right.176

“Oh my god. There you are! I thought you may be smoking you dirty little cow!” Russell gasped, putting a hand on his heart and shaking his beautiful head.177

“Russell you are really silly,” Tiffany laughed loudly. “This is Greg Thomas. Greg this is my friend Russell Jackman. He’s a fashion designer.”178

“Nice to meet you Russell said bounding forward and shaking Greg’s hand enthusiastically. 179

“Yes! You too! Fashion hey? Tell me more!” Greg smiled, showing his straight white teeth.180

“Greg, honey. Another cigarette per chance? I must phone my friend, so you two head back upstairs and I will catch you up,” Tiffany said pulling a cigarette from the proffered packet.181

“Are you sure you’ll be ok?” Greg asked hurriedly.182

“Yes, yes. I’m sure the lovely door-man will make sure I’m not stabbed to death or anything as gruesome,” she laughed and the door-man smiled and nodded.183

“Fantastic,” Russell said opening the front door. “Drink Greg?”184

Greg nodded and looked over his shoulder at Tiffany, mouthing ‘thank you’ as he went. Tiffany winked at him. They went back inside and left Tiffany to her thoughts. She sparked the lighter that Greg had left with her, and took a deep drag on the cigarette. She heard the front door of the apartment building open and turned her heard to see Christian walk out of the building. She quickly looked away and blew a trail of beautiful soft smoke out through her lips. He drew near, sparked a cigarette himself and looked at her.185

“Good evening?” he offered as his first line.186

“Yes, and you?” Tiffany responded. She was sure he could sense the heat prickle across her back.187

“Hmm.” He inhaled on his cigarette. 188

They smoked in silence and Tiffany was impressed when he suggested getting a drink and socialising.189

The evening went by in a blur of dizzying perfection. The music was good, the company was outstanding, and the alcohol kept flowing. Christian guided her from group to group introducing her to some very influential people. She studied him as he smiled at a joke told by some hotshot director and realised that he was charming, sensitive and friendly towards people. By the end of the evening she also knew this was fake. He charmed his way into people’s praises, but the real Christian was never on show. Tiffany noticed Russell and Greg still talking animatedly, hours after their first introduction. She was pleased to see this and felt happy to see her friend so excited about everything. Christian caught her eye and she stared at him. He placed a hand in the small of her back and guided her across the room. His fingers sent thrills through her pelvis and she fought to keep her balance. They disappeared down a landing and he shoved her against the wall, staring into her eyes brutally.190

“What is this spell you have on me?” he growled, tracing a finger across her lips. She shivered. Suddenly he was kissing her with such force she thought she might explode. Pushing her fingers into his hair she pulled him closer as he began kissing her neck, still pinning one arm to the wall beside her. His lips felt like fire on her skin and his tongue seemed to brush away all shame at her animalistic hunger for him. She let our her breath in short, sharp little gasps and felt the heat rising through her body. 191

Suddenly he stopped.192

She looked at him desperately, but he just wiped away her smeared lipstick with his thumb. “Later,” he promised.193

He left and walked back to the mass of people who were just around the corner. Tiffany clenched her fists and leant her head back on the wall behind her. She felt frustrated and angry that he had left her feeling this way. She couldn’t believe the audacity. The ball, it seemed, was in her court. Feeling the courage lift her, she straightened her hair, and moved back into the party, sinking into the crowd like a lion sinking into grass. She located Christian listening to a conversation between a group of people she hadn’t met. Gripping his firm arm she raised her eyebrows at him and said, “Cigarette. Now.”194

He moved through the throng of people with her. Most of them were far too drunk to notice them leaving. She gripped his arm all the way to the front door. He opened it and she pulled him outside. A hundred metres down the street was an alley. It was dark at this time of night. Tiffany pushed him down the alley and followed. The power was hers.195

She pushed him against the wall, pulled his head down and kissed him fully. His tongue entwined with hers and she felt an aching in her breasts: she pushed them into his chest. He broke away and grinned at her in the dark. “Someone’s ditched the timid act,” he laughed. “But you’re in the wrong position here.”196

“What position do you want me in?” Tiffany cocked her head sideways and stared at him, he laughed. 197

He picked her up and turned on the spot so it was her back against the wall instead. He kissed her desperately, running his hands down her body and bringing them back up again, along with the dress. With the dress round her waist she unzipped him and bit his lip playfully as she pulled him out. He gripped her thighs and pulled her up, leaning her against the wall. Kissing her hungrily he made her wait. And then, without warning he entered her.198

Electric energy surged through her body.199

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