A Parisian Fairytale

Chapter Thirteen

"Oh god.. tell me more. So you messaged saying you had met Johnny Depp in a bar and then you stopped replying?!" "Jesus Laura you're worse than my sister..... grande Vanilla latte and a grande cappuccino to go please." Annabelle said from the morning queue in Starbucks. "I'm just saying.. it's not every day one of your good friends meets Hollywood royalty. What was he like?" Annabelle smiled. "He was polite, nice. Friendly." "That's it?" Laura asked with her arms crossed and her head tilted. The women grabbed their drinks and began to head out the shop. "Yes... why?" "Why?" Laura asked skeptically and Annabelle blushed she knew her friend was on to her. "I'll tell you why. You are blushing for one, you are wearing a diamond paper clip necklace that up until recently he's been spotted wearing a LOT, your hair has highlights and you were civil to Marlene this morning." Annabelle rolled her eyes. "I always get highlights in the summer." "But not immediately the day after a holiday?" "I've had it booked ages..." "Mmm hmmm.. something happened." Laura said smirking as they jumped in a taxi and gave the address for their meeting.

A good few hours later, the meeting was wrapped up successfully, Annabelle and Laura were heading back to their office. "Let me check in with Abby, and I'll see if we can grab lunch before heading back?" "You're the boss." Annabelle pulled out her phone and saw a few notifications, nothing unusual for her working day though and immediately called her assistant.

"Hello Miss Davidson!"
"Abby what did I tell you?"
"Sorry Annabelle."
"That's better, how's things there?"
"Good. The double page spreads came back for the September issue, they require you're approval. Also, they are waiting for you to confirm the partnerships with the brands for the October cover girl."
"Oh snap I was meant to send them before I left, sure thing, what's in the diary for this afternoon?"
"Nothing, just a call with New York at 3."
"Ok, I can do the media deals after lunch then. Who's the cover for October again?"
"It's the mother daughter shoot, celebrating Chanel. Vanessa Paradis and Lily-Rose Depp. She's 14 now you know."
Annabelle's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure, I think she was born maybe around the time of the third pirates film? Or maybe the fourth."
"Not that Abby.. are you sure it's them?"
"Yes I have the paperwork here."
"Ok.... Look I'll call you when I'm heading back ok? I'll only be an hour or two."
"Oh and Annabelle, a Mr D keeps calling. He didn't leave any information or a number. He said you would know how to reach him?"
"Mr D? Oh... ummm yes thank you."

As Annabelle hung up the phone she let Laura choose a nearby restaurant for lunch whilst she checked her notifications.

Am I right in thinking it's this weekend you move? Have a sublime Tuesday. X x x x

Doll... I'm missing you and can't sleep. Although it's nearly 3am here my thoughts are of you. Xx

You must be a busy woman. I just tried calling your office. Your assistant sounded flustered. Just wanted to hear your voice and surprise you as you're not replying to texts. Catch you later doll. X x

Annabelle smiled at the messages. They hadn't stopped texting or calling since her return to London 48 hours ago, and although she had told Bryony all the details over breakfast yesterday she still couldn't believe this was a thing. She quickly typed a response.

I hope you're asleep now. You never seem to sleep which worries me. Sorry for the radio silence this morning, we had a big meeting with a fashion photographer about upcoming campaigns. I have some good news though, it appears your daughter and her mother are the cover of Vogue's October issue! It does mean I'll be working closely with them at some stage. I hope that's ok. Talk later x x x x

"And another thing the last two days you've been glued to your phone. Not in the usual way either!!" "I am not!!" "You are too. And you bite your lip and act all sweet and innocent." Annabelle rolled her eyes as they began to look at their menus before resuming their conversation about work.

Later in LA around midmorning Johnny awoke in the master bedroom of his house on Sweetzer. He rolled over in bed and groaned pushing the hair out of his face, as he sat up he grabbed his phone wanting to see if Annabelle had responded. She had, he admired her work ethic, he liked how she wasn't afraid to reveal how important her job was to her, he didn't want a woman that was at his beck and call just sat waiting by the phone waiting for him to phone. He smiled at her sweet question. Of course it would be ok, her working with his ex and daughter, I mean why wouldn't it be? Besides they had only spent the best part of a week together so it wasn't anything serious just yet was it?

Good to hear from you my love. Yes I promise I did sleep. Only for a few hours but that's better than nothing. I hope your big meeting went well. If you ever need any further recommendations for photographers let me know, I've met with a fair few over the years. As for the October issue, I'm sure Lily had mentioned it one or two thousand times already, but I didn't even put two and two together. Of course it's ok, I would never get involved in your work.. that being said if my daughter turns into a diva you must let me know, neither Ness or I have ever wanted that!!! What's your plan for this Tuesday evening? I'll be rehearsing later but as always thinking of you x x x

I've just walked through the front door actually. A fun evening of packing boxes for me. Nothing anywhere near as glamorous as rocking out with legends like you. Thank you for your offer about photographers I'll bare it in mind. I know what a keen cameraman you are. I highly doubt your daughter is a diva knowing what I know about you. Xxx

What do you know about me? Xx

I know that you're a very handsome, humble, and a kind man who would do anything for anyone. Xxx

Wow. Your words paralyse me. I'm just me, that's all I've ever tried to be, my kids are hopefully the one thing I've done right. Xxxx

Well just you, you're a great guy, stop the self doubting. Xx

I will if you will. Xx

I think spending a week in Paris with you last week cured me of that. Xxx

Glad to be of service! So tell me, what kinda things are you packing for this new home of yours... more of that black lace lingerie? Xx

Wouldn't you like to know....

Yes that's why I asked. In fact I would like to not just know.. I want to see it again. Soon. Xxx

Well that's a little presumptuous isn't it Mr Depp?

Not at all Miss Davidson, because I think I know you well enough to know you're now sat blushing and wriggling... xxx

I am not.......

Ok I am. Xxx

See. Xxx

Know it all. Xx