The Skye Collection, page 37
A thought struck her. ‘Oh shit, I forgot to sort breakfast out for the security guys.’
Tyler scowled and clenched his teeth. ‘Ruby, honey, please don’t curse. You know I hate that. And I took care of it already.’ He smiled again. ‘The next shift is outside now. You’ll be perfectly safe. Call Valerie and check on what she’s doing to sort out this godawful mess, okay? I don’t care that it’s Saturday, she works for you, remember. Bye, honey.’ He kissed her on the top of her head, grabbed his jacket from another chair and dashed out of the door.
‘Bye,’ she said to the empty room.
Ruby sat by the window on the phone with Valerie as Tyler had advised. People on the streets below were bustling around, going about their normal routines as Ruby watched from up above.
‘I’m trying to deal with it, Ruby.’ Valerie sounded exhausted and exasperated. ‘Believe me, this is not something I would usually be doing on a Saturday. I should be at a house-warming lunch at my friend’s new place, but clearing your name is important to me too. I have a tech guy onto it, Shelby recommended him, but he’s talking about VPNs and IPs and all I can think about is how it’s like he’s speaking a foreign language. And isn’t VPN what you get when your pants are too tight, and your underwear is visible?’
Ruby stifled a giggle. ‘That’s VPL, Valerie. So, is he any closer to resolving things? Is there anything I can do to move things along? Should I contact some people and try to get on TV?’
‘No!’ Her answer was immediate and loud. ‘Please don’t do anything right now. Just wait it out, okay? The last thing we need is you being shot down in flames by TV journalists. We have to consider your current contracts. We need to ensure that nothing breaches those. And we have to wait until we have definitive proof that you didn’t have anything to do with those tasteless posts. We’ll resolve it. We will. But you have to be patient.’
‘It’s just so hard. I know how awful this must look from the outside. If people think I have such vile opinions, then they’ll continue to hate me, and we can forget them queuing up to see my films. This is why I’m so eager for this to be dealt with now. Surely in this day and age it should be easy enough?’
‘And it most likely is, if you know what you’re doing. Now, where are you going to stay?’
Ruby scowled and rubbed her forehead as she got up and paced the floor in the plush suite. ‘Stay? What do you mean? I’m going to go home. Tyler is only in town a couple of days, so I’ll be heading back to my apartment as soon—’
‘I’m afraid you won’t. Philippe checked in there again. There’s been a graffiti attack overnight. The building manager wants you out of there, at least until the dust settles.’
‘Oh, my word. But my clothes? My belongings?’ Ruby slumped down onto one of the gold tapestry armchairs.
‘It’ll be fine. I’ll get Shelby over there to collect your stuff after her audition. We can have her take it to another location.’
‘Audition?’ Ruby was surprised to hear that the dour-looking girl was auditioning for anything. She could’ve given April from Parks and Recreation a run for her money.
Valerie paused for a moment. ‘Uh, yes.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Everyone’s a budding actor. Look, I’ll book you into the Four Seasons.’
Ruby’s heart sank and took her stomach with it. The thought of needing to have her possessions collected by Valerie’s assistant was just too painful. The fact that she couldn’t simply walk up to the doorman, Cuthbert, and have her usual chat with the elderly gentleman, made her insides knot. He was such a sweet man; somewhat of a grandfather figure to her. Had he heard about these awful comments too? And worse still, had he been caught up in the foray? She presumed he must know now, considering the graffiti and protests. She only hoped he hadn’t been hurt or verbally abused in any way. What he must think of me.
‘Yes, okay,’ she eventually replied, reluctantly. ‘I’ll write her a list.’ She was surprised at how quiet her own voice sounded. ‘I’ll have her collect my mail too. I was waiting on a parcel from home. My mum’s apparently been knitting again.’
‘That’s nice. Now go and relax. Enjoy your time with Tyler.’
Tyler was a former client of Valerie’s but had been snatched up by a bigger agency since he hit the big time. Luckily, Valerie wasn’t one to hold grudges and still took credit for his star status.
‘I will. And, Valerie… thanks for sticking by me. I really do appreciate it.’
‘Pfft. No thanks needed, Ruby, dear. We’ll get through this, you’ll see.’
Ruby ended the call, stood and stared out at the hustle and bustle of the New York street below. People wrapped up against the cold, dashing from work, hot coffee in takeout cups gripped in gloved hands. She wished she was out there too, going about her business without a care in the world, instead of being weighed down by the troubles on her shoulders.
She hated herself in that moment for being so passive. Kitty’s words rattled around her head once more and she grabbed her phone. Valerie expected her to be happy to wait for things to just happen, but that wasn’t Ruby’s style. Perhaps it was time to use some of her own connections, save Valerie more hassle. She dialled the number of someone she knew would lap up the scoop of her first post-apocalypse interview.
‘Ruby Locke? Not a call I was expecting to receive but one I hoped I would. How are you, darling? In hiding I presume?’ Veronica Lucas’s voice dripped with syrupy sweetness. She had been the editor at the New York Star for around the same length of time that Ruby had been a well-known actor. Unlike Ruby, Veronica was a spoiled brat who had allegedly had her mind set on Tyler Harrison before Ruby met him. Veronica’s father, media tycoon Archibald Lucas, gave her anything her heart desired, including the editorial role at his top tabloid – nothing like a little nepotism for keeping things in the family. But even he couldn’t make Tyler see past the plastic, surgically enhanced exterior of his beloved, spoiled daughter. And even though she wasn’t exactly keen on Ms Lucas personally, Ruby was very much aware that she had great connections and was a sucker for a good, breaking story. In addition, out of the people Ruby knew in the media, Veronica was the best of a very sour bunch.
‘Oh no, Veronica, I’m not in hiding. Far from it,’ Ruby lied. ‘But I did wonder if you fancied a shot at helping me clear my name? Being the first point of contact for anyone wanting news on the stars, I thought I would give you first dibs on my story.’
Veronica scoffed. ‘Clear your name? After the posts you put out on social media? How would that work exactly?’
Ruby sighed and rubbed at her temples. ‘Come on, Veronica. I think you know me well enough to be aware I would never say those things. I was hacked. Valerie has a team working on things just now and the truth will out, but I thought you might like to get my story before anyone else. Of course, if you’re not interested I can always—’
‘Darling, I’m so glad you came to me first. I knew you couldn’t possibly have said those terrible things. You’re more shrinking violet than bigoted exhibitionist.’
Ruby scrunched her brow; was that a veiled compliment? ‘I wouldn’t say I was a shrinking violet… Anyway, we’re digressing; I want people to know my truth. I want people to see me for who I am. To know how I feel about the things that were put out there as me, and how this has hurt me as much as the people it appeared to be aimed at.’
‘Well, I can understand that, darling. I mean this could completely ruin your career, your relationship with Tyler, you could lose everything.’
Ruby clenched her teeth when she thought she noticed a hint of pleasure in Veronica’s voice and she questioned her sanity in contacting her. But she was the person with the most clout, the biggest influence and longest list of contacts. ‘So, do you want the interview or not?’
‘Darling, give me five minutes and I’ll video-call you. We’ll do it properly; I’ll record it and I’ll use my connections to get the interview aired everywhere as soon as possible.’
4
Ruby was jolted awake by the slamming of a door, finding herself shrouded in darkness. For a moment, she was disoriented but quickly remembered where she was, and more importantly, why.
Her video interview with Veronica had been emotional and mentally draining. Ruby had almost believed that Veronica cared about her, rather than the scoop. Deep down, she hoped she was right and that it did the trick. She just had to wait for Veronica to let her know when the video would go live on TV now, and maybe then things could go back to some kind of normality.
Her neck was stiff from falling asleep, fully clothed, on the small couch by the window. The daylight outside had evaporated, giving way to the bright multicoloured lights of billboards, club signs and traffic.
‘H-hello?’ she called nervously into the space around her.
‘Hey.’ Tyler’s response was terse. ‘I’m going to take a shower.’
She picked up her phone from the coffee table, hit the home button and glanced at the illuminated screen. It had been a daytime event, so why was he back way past midnight? She put the phone down again and stood to walk towards his voice, flicking on the lamps as she made her way through the rooms. ‘Is everything okay? You’re so late.’
He laughed drily. ‘Is everything okay? Hmm… let me think.’ He tapped his chin, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. ‘So… I was at a charity event to promote my movies and to spread the word about the fundraiser. But guess what?’ He glared at her.
She swallowed hard and wrapped her arms around her body. ‘What?’
He grinned, but the expression was rage-filled. ‘Did they want to talk about my movies? Hmm? Did they want to know the details of the fundraiser? Erm… nope! All they cared about was you!’ He jabbed a finger in her direction, and she flinched. She’d never seen him like this before. ‘Oh yes, questions like, was I shocked at your behaviour? Were you usually hideous and bigoted, or was this new? What caused you to rant on social media? Had you done it to sabotage your own career or mine too?’ He sighed heavily, a whooshing sound from his mouth. ‘God, I have never felt so humiliated. The way people were looking at me. Me! Tyler Harrison, philanthropist goddamit. The chairman of the charity asked if I wanted to step down! I was asked if I would still be featuring in the next Spielberg movie or had I been dropped in light of this incident? How do you think that made me feel? Huh?’ She could smell alcohol on his breath and there was a distinct red mark on his collar that looked remarkably like a lip print.
She stepped back. ‘Oh Tyler, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think—’
‘No! That’s the issue here, isn’t it? You didn’t think to use passwords that were difficult to guess. You didn’t think to not leave your goddam phone lying around where someone could glean your information. You. Didn’t. Think.’ He punctuated his words by hitting his head with his index finger as his wide, unblinking eyes focused on her. ‘And now, you’re dragging me down with you! Jesus, Ruby, I didn’t work this hard for this long to have my career trawled through the shit by my so-called girlfriend,’ he shouted and ran both hands through his tousled auburn hair before staring at the ceiling.
She glanced down at the ring on her engagement finger. It glinted in the artificial light as if mocking her. Not one to give in easily, she stood her ground. Keeping her tone firm, she said, ‘I did have strong passwords, Tyler, and you know I never leave things lying around. It’s unfair for you to say that. I’m not an idiot, so don’t make me out to be some brainless bimbo. And I never wanted any of this to affect you; it’s not as if I asked for any of it. Oh, and for the record, last time I knew it, this ring meant I was your fiancée not your girlfriend.’ She held up her hand.
His nostrils flared as he lowered his head to glare at her once more. ‘Yeah? Well, whether you wanted it to affect me or not, it certainly damn well has. And I can’t have that happening, Ruby.’
‘What did you say to them? Did you tell them it wasn’t me?’
He scowled in incredulity as if her suggestion was preposterous. ‘What? No. No, I was too busy trying to salvage the event. I had more important things on my mind, Ruby. My career is way more important than…’ He clenched his jaw as he pointed at her.
She widened her eyes. ‘Way more important than me? Is that what you were going to say?’
He rolled his eyes. ‘I can’t have this conversation with you. I think…’ He hadn’t addressed the engagement issue and that, above everything else, really got to her. He closed his eyes and rested his hands on his hips but didn’t look at her. ‘I think maybe you should go and stay somewhere else. I’ve called Valerie’s driver, the French guy.’ He waved his hand. ‘Francoise or Pierre, or whatever the hell his name is.’
Annoyed at his random calling out of French names when he knew the driver, she pointed out, ‘Philippe. His name is Philippe.’
‘Whatever. Anyway, he’s outside waiting for you. I tried Valerie, but she’s not answering. So… just go to another hotel or whatever. But just… maybe don’t contact me until things calm down, okay?’
Her lip trembled and she placed her hand over her hammering heart. ‘Are you breaking up with me?’
He exhaled through his nose and shook his head. ‘I’m not… It’s not… Ugh! I can’t answer that question just now. I care about you; of course I do, but this… It’s just too much. It’s… it’s too damning.’
Heat rose in her cheeks and her blood pressure seemed to increase until there was a swooshing noise in her ears. He cared about her? But where was the mention of love? ‘So much for the whole for better or worse crap. The first sign of trouble and you dump me. And it’s not even something I perpetuated. I did nothing wrong.’
He gazed up at the ceiling once again but made no move towards her. ‘I’m not dumping you… I’m just… I need some space, that’s all.’
She nodded as her eyes blurred with tears. ‘Just admit it, Tyler. We’re over.’ She shrugged. ‘Let’s face it, if you need space from the person you proposed marriage to, then it’s pretty clear what your intentions are. Why bother skirting around it?’ At this point, she knew she was pretty much pushing him to break up with her, but anger got the better of her. And she wanted some kind of reaction from him that would show his true feelings.
He snapped his head towards her. ‘Okay. Fine. We’re over. Is that what you want to hear?’
Tears spilled over, but on the inside, it wasn’t sadness she was filled with, it was disappointment. The man she thought she could count on, the one she thought loved her, the one who said he wanted to grow old with her, had just betrayed her. She had done nothing wrong, yet he couldn’t stand by her. And all because he was worried about his reputation. He hadn’t defended her. He hadn’t held up his hand and said, ‘My fiancée is completely innocent, and we will fight this together because I love her, and I believe in her.’ He hadn’t given her any time to prove her innocence. Like everyone that had protested in ignorance outside her apartment and the people who had scrawled the graffiti, he had been judge, jury and executioner.
And she was done.
Without responding to his stupid question, she walked, calmly, back to the bedroom and gathered her bag and coat, picked her phone up from the coffee table and slipped her feet into her snow boots. She paused before him, where he still stood in the arched hallway of the suite.
‘Thanks for showing me your true colours, Tyler Harrison. I wish you all the very best with your future endeavours.’
And with those harsh, emotionless words, she left, closing the door softly, her dignity hanging by a thread.
But at least there was a thread.
5
‘Mademoiselle,’ Philippe said with a sad smile as he held open the rear door of the car.
Shivering both from anger and the cold, she placed her hand on his arm. ‘Thank you so much for rescuing me again. I’m so grateful and I’m sorry for the late hour.’
He shook his head. ‘Please, no apology, it is my pleasure. Now, where can I take you?’
She frowned and glanced at the asphalt beneath her feet. ‘I… I actually have no idea.’
Philippe’s brow crumpled. ‘He did not book you a hotel?’
‘No… well, he didn’t say he had. Just… just asked me to leave.’ She cleared her throat, determined not to waste any further tears on the shallow man she thought she would be spending her life with. ‘Valerie mentioned booking me into the Four Seasons, so maybe I can bring that forward. Failing that, I can phone around and find something else. Can you wait whilst I do?’
He shook his head. ‘Non. Absolument pas.’
Her heart sank for what must have been the hundredth time in the last twenty-four hours. ‘Oh… I see. I know it’s late, please forgive me. Just drop me at a motel and—’
‘Sorry, non, you misunderstand. You will come home with me. My wife is happy to meet you.’
She gasped. ‘Oh, no, Philippe, I couldn’t intrude.’
‘C’est bon. No one will expect you to go there, so it’s safe, yes?’ He smiled and she wanted to hug him.
‘Thank you so, so much. I’ll find somewhere for tomorrow, I promise. I’ll check what Valerie has arranged. I won’t outstay my welcome,’ she insisted as she climbed into the car.
‘You will stay as long as you need. Ce n’est pas un problème… It is no problem to me. Excuse me, I have been speaking to my mother at home in Lyon today and I slip into French all the time.’ He rolled his eyes and laughed before climbing into the driver’s seat. She didn’t mind the French at all; she could’ve listened to him all night. She settled back into her seat and as the car pulled away, she felt her muscles relax for the first time in twenty-four hours.
After around forty minutes, the car came to a halt on the driveway of an attractive suburban home, on a wide treelined street. The tree branches were weighed down with the recent snowfall, making the image look too festive for the month of February, but beautiful all the same.
