A Famous Affair

A Famous Affair chapter 16

Sure enough, there's a hungry bunch of journalists eagerly waiting for us as Simon pulls up to Jonny's magnificent home. A whole media crew jostles around; all trying to outdo the photographer next to them, so their picture is the one that gets onto tomorrow's front page. It's complete and utter mayhem.

Beef is waiting on the path, trying to hold them all back with his large and muscly frame. The Don't-Fuck-With-Me expression on his face is more than enough to stop any pushy pap from trying to get past him.

Jonny checks the pashmina is securely wrapped around my head and slides my sunglasses on. "You ready?" I nod with a faint, afraid smile. "Listen to me, Jessica. When we get out of the car, don't rush to get inside the house. I'll be beside you and we'll go really slow, okay? I don't want you falling and giving them a bloody picture they would love to have."

"I'm scared, Jonny."

"Don't be, Dimples. I'm right here." He grips my hand tight, and with my face and head hidden, he eases me out of the car like I'm made out of the finest bone china. As soon as my feet touch the concrete, the desperate flashes illuminate where we stand. All kinds of questions are being thrown from every direction, but Jonny ignores them; supporting me with his arm draped defensively around me. I can't see his face, but I can feel how tense he is; his vice-like grip on my hand is steely and possessive. Regardless of how slow we walk, the press continue to besiege us. The relentless and repetitive flashes of the incessant photographers are blinding me even with my dark sunglasses on. Just don't fall Jessica . . . you have to make it inside of the house without falling! Walking the small distance makes the pain rip through my entire body, but I keep on walking. I'm holding on for dear life to Jonny, trusting in him to help me make it inside his home.

Slowly, but surely, I make it inside. The press is left pissily unsatisfied with what little pictures and information they get, but I'm relieved when the front door is closed on them. The silence wraps itself around us all. It's only broken by Simon's heavy sigh as he presses the lift button. As soon as we are in the lift, I pull down the pashmina, looking at a tired and flustered Jonny, who is tapping the side of the lift with an irritated, pissed off kind of tap.

Beef rests a knowing hand on Jonny's shoulder. "That went better than I thought actually." Jonny pats Beef's hard, muscular arm; a silent 'thanks for everything' pat.

"You're right, Beef. I thought one or two may get a bit pushy, but they were actually okay." He runs his perplexed hand through his hair, a million thoughts running through his exhausted mind. When his preoccupied eyes fall upon me, they change in an instant from dull and defeated to bright and affectionate. As much as I'd love to stand here and look into those captivating eyes all day long, my body is hit with painful exhaustion. "I'm aching, Jonny. I think I would like to have a shower and then a lie down if that's okay?"

"Of course it is, darling." As soon as the lift doors open, Jonny takes my arm. "Come with me. I'll get you all settled in my room."

Beef shouts to us, "Mary has made a leek and potato soup for you both. Would you like her to bring it up, Jessica?"

"That would be lovely, Beef. Thank you." I smile at the man who used to make me feel so uncomfortable. We seem to have turned a very big corner now.

Jonny holds my hand, wrapping his arm around my waist at the bottom of the daunting stairs. The steps leading up to the bedroom seem to take a lifetime to climb. My sore body begins to slow down, unable to take anymore. Every lift of my foot makes it hurt even more. Jonny notices how hard it has become for me. Halfway up, he sweeps me delicately up into his strong arms. I rest my head onto his shoulder, breathing in his intoxicating scent.

When we reach his room, Jonny carefully places me onto his bed. I look around, familiarising myself with it once more. Its crisp white linen, mirrored wardrobes, and luxurious rugs are still the same since I was last here, yet so much has indeed changed in our lives. I get distracted from my thoughts when I catch the aroma of the calla lilies, which sit beside my side of the bed, their sweet scent filling the room. That is certainly Mary's thoughtful and welcoming touch; bless her.