I called and texted him back to let him know I was willing but haven't heard anything since. I'm wishing I hadn't bothered now. I know he's in the middle of negotiations for his new film and still promoting Brigadoon but if he wanted to get in touch with me he would. I read an interview he did in Alison's magazine; she asked if I was his girlfriend and he replied that we were 'good friends' and I was still his trainer. A couple of the interviews in other magazines were with his co-star, Lena Hayworth, who said in one interview, and I quote, 'Love scenes with Ethan are the easiest part of my job.'
He's on The Red Carpet tonight, a celebrity magazine-style programme, so Rolo is coming over to watch it with me.
When Rolo arrives, I have a huge bowl of plain popcorn, wishing it was caramel coated, and some lean chicken goujons with salad and garlic bread. He arrives carrying a pack of light beers and a bottle of red wine."So what time's your boy on?" he asks before popping his beers in the fridge.
"The show starts in ten minutes."
"I take it you haven't heard from him again?"
"Nope; don't expect to. He's so busy at the moment I doubt he would have time even if he wanted to."
Rolo stops and looks at me his face crinkled. "Are we making excuses for him now?"
"No, of course not."
"You told me you were happy for him and it worked out for the best as you've just begun to be successful in your career too."
"I know what I said."
"But you didn't mean it."
I sigh before pouring myself a large glass of red wine.
"How about we watch something else," Rolo says.
"No, it's fine. If he's going to become a star, I'll have to get used to seeing him on TV."
"BTW Elise thinks he's totally in love with you; he just needs to own up to it."
"Oh my God, you told Elise about the bonking incident and everything?"
"Yeah, sorry was it a secret? She asked how you were."
"No it's fine I suppose."
"That's the spirit, now pass me a beer."
When the programme begins, I can't help feeling nervous; my mouth is so dry the popcorn is acting like a sponge sucking up the last of the moisture and I begin choking violently. Rolo jumps up to help by attempting the Heimlich manoeuvre, which consists of him standing behind me and reverse punching me in the stomach. I manage to hold up a hand of surrender before he does any damage and make it to the kitchen for a glass of water.
"You alright Wand'?"
I nod and wave him away before he decides to whack me on the back with a mallet.
"I'm fine now. Let's just watch the show shall we?"
The presenter is Lennie Deven, a funny, bespectacled chap who is good at filling in with humour if a celeb is rude or boring. I'm about to swallow some water when I notice Ethan's blond fringe bouncing up and down as he walks towards the cameras. Lena is attached to his right arm like it would drop off if she let go.
Lennie shoves his microphone in Ethan's face. "It's Ethan Caldwell and Lena Hayworth, the stars of the latest blockbuster, Brigadoon. You both look fabulous by the way."
Ethan smiles and looks like he's about to say something but Lena steps forward, all bony arsed and shiny in a red sateen gown. "Thank you so much, Lennie, my dress was designed especially for me by Delphine Alba." She turns for the cameras to show the back of the dress—what there is of it.
"And it looks amazing. Now, Ethan ..."
Lena leans in to the microphone. "And Delphine made Ethan's shirt too. So we could complement each other on the red carpet."
I watch Ethan's face; he is looking at Lena and nodding.
I turn to Rolo, "Is it me or does Ethan look like a twat in that bright red shirt?"
"It is a bit 'showbiz'."
Lennie makes another attempt to talk to Ethan but someone ushers them further along the carpet as more stars arrive and he ends with, "It's been great talking to you both ..." before turning to the camera."So are the rumours true? Has Ethan Caldwell, the latest Hollywood heartthrob, gained a girlfriend in his new co-star?—I think the matching outfits say it all." He winks at the camera before turning back to catch his next victim.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Rolo staring blankly straight ahead because he's not sure what to say.
After about a minute, Rolo jumps up. "Anyway, that was boring. More wine?"
I can't speak so I nod my head before downing the contents of my glass.
"You know ..." Rolo begins from the safety of the kitchen, "... nobody really watches that show."
I really want him to go home so I can finish the bottle and cry into the popcorn but I respond with, "Don't worry, I know he's talking out his arse."
Rolo hands me my wine. "You know he's only got the hots for you don't cha?"
"Maybe; the trouble is, the sensible part of me can see Louis' point. I mean when I started putting posters of Tom Cruise on my wall, the last thing I wanted to hear was how he was in love with some ordinary girl. Plus my career is taking off. I know I extended the truth about the job with Madeline but it could happen and I've got the whole Tiger Training thing to develop so it's not like I have any time for a relationship."
"Do you want a hug?"
The TV screen blurs through the tears threatening to fall if I don't gulp a whole glass of wine down instantly—so I do.
"Nah, but thanks Rolo; how about we get pissed instead?"
Rolo raises his glass, "You had me at pissed."