Hoax

Chapter eight

Estelle Adler 

Never in a million years did I think I would be in an orchestrated relationship with a man I met less than 24 hours ago.

But here we are.

The world of Hollywood and showbiz is like a dystopian future, where the relationships are based on contracts, not love – and the contracts have just been signed.

The meeting was dismissed less than twenty seconds ago; Harry practically marched out of the door as quickly as his legs could carry him – probably to get to bed in order to sleep off the rest of his hangover.

I can't lie, a feeling of disappointment settled in my stomach as I watched the door close behind him.

I wanted to talk to him for a plethora of reasons; firstly, to make sure we're both on the same page with this whole dynamic and secondly, to ensure there's no bad blood between us – though, I don't know why there should be.

Acting on impulse, I quickly stand up and tell Lucy and Maria that I want a quick word with Harry.

I half-speed walk out the door and into the corridor, spotting Harry stood alone at one of the elevator shafts, waiting.

I power-walk towards him, trying to formulate what to say – "Harry!" I call, trying to get his attention.

I'm a few metres away from Harry, when he turns around; sunglasses still on, his hair looking messier than ever, and that familiar gormless expression stuck on his face.

"Hey, sorry – I just thought I'd catch you before you go...can we talk?" I ask, slightly breathless but trying to keep my voice steady.

Harry continues to look at me, but his lips don't move – so, I try to fill the silence.

"I just wanted to check that there's no hostility between us" I start, trying to meet his eyeline behind his black sunglasses' lenses. Before continuing, I let out a slightly awkward, breathy laugh – "What happened last night...I know it puts us both in an awkward position, but whether we like it or not, we have to work as a team for the next few months...so, um...I guess, I'm sorry for the role I played in causing this-"

"As you fucking should"

My stomach drops.

"Uh...I'm sorry?"

"You fucking should be apologising" Harry spits, his voice laced with a level of malice I've never heard anyone use towards me before. "If you hadn't kissed me, we wouldn't be stuck in this mess"

I'm completely taken aback by Harry. His tone, his words, and his body language is confrontational.

My heart feels like its thundering in my chest as I try and process his words.

He's blaming me?

In spite of his intimidating stance, I've learnt over many years in this profession, how to deal with assholes.

"Excuse me?" I start, feeling the sudden urge to rip those god damn sunglasses off his face, so I can properly hold his gaze. "You're seriously trying to pin all of this on me?"

"You bet I am, princess" Harry responds, a particular, sarcastic emphasis being put on the latter word. "You initiated the kiss!"

"What, and you just stood there, unwillingly?" I snap back, feeling the fury fill my body. "From my recollection, you were just as willing as me! Also, you provoked it with that whole cigarette, sharing business!"

"Oh, fuck off" Harry lambasts, as he turns his back on me and slams his index finger against the elevator button. "You've ruined everything! My career, my relationship-"