Hoax

Chapter seventy-three

Estelle Adler 

I have never not wanted to be spotted by a fan, so much in my entire career.

I've taken so many precautions to prevent that issue from arising, that I would be in total shock if someone manages to spot me. In fact, my neck is already aching from my gaze constantly being lowered, as I walk down this street.

Luckily, it's a cold February evening, so my disguise of a massive, hooded puffer jacket is hardly inconspicuous.

I've also opted to wear a baseball cap underneath my hood, whilst my eyes remain averted from any passers-by I may encounter. However, I do feel some form of solace when I reach the sign for 'Riverside apartments' – also known as Jessie Lowe's residence.

Today is the first of February.

An important date in many ways.

Harry's birthday and also, the day of my meeting with Jessie Lowe – the latter, I'm on my way to now.

This morning was full of sporadic shooting and plenty of rehearsals this afternoon.

I must admit, my head was hardly in the game today, which I partly expected. I tried my best to remain collected and calm, but internally I was panicking.

Panicking about today.

I've also felt rather melancholy too, which is in relation to Harry's birthday.

I'm so upset that I'm missing out on his twenty-fifth, that it's really put a dampener on my day.

I sneakily called him this morning, between takes, to wish him a happy birthday which was nice but hardly fulfilling.

"I just wish I was there with you, to celebrate..." I mutter into the receiver, feeling an emotional bubble build in my throat.

"You're a sweet girl, but honestly, I'm not a big birthday person..." He tries to console me; his tone soft, as he talks.

I let out a tiny guffaw – "That doesn't matter," I respond. "I still wish I was with you...this absolutely sucks-"

"It might suck now, but we've got plenty of birthdays to celebrate together, in the future." Harry coos.

"That's only if the plan works..." I sigh heavily against the receiver, feeling like my melancholy mood is making me the complete antithesis of optimistic.

"Don't think like that, baby," Harry responds, "the plan will work..."

Before I can undoubtedly contradict his argument, Harry adds – "And anyway, we've got an insurance plan now..."

Harry recently informed me of another aspect of the plan which he's going to enact.

"So, you're doing that, this afternoon?" I query.

"Mhm" Harry responds.

I won't lie, I feel a little nervous about Harry's new aspect of the plan.

It will be absolutely brilliant, if it works, but it's pretty dangerous.

It also involves walking into the lion's den – namely, Ana's house.

He will literally be fraternising with the enemy.

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't feel nervous about the idea of him willingly spending time with Ana again, even if it's all for the benefit of us.

Maybe I'm deeply insecure after James cheated on me, but the idea of my 'boyfriend' (if you can still call Harry that), spending time with his overtly horny ex-girlfriend, is one which makes me feel quite nauseous.