Famously Yours - Sequel to A Famous Affair

Famously Yours chapter 12

Blimey! I was totally unprepared for just how long these charity things can go on for. Although the champagne flows freely, on many an occasion, I keep having to stifle a yawn or two. Jonny is being ever the professional, even though our night has been well and truly tainted by Griffin Denley's presence. He's outwardly being his usual charming self, but inwardly he's quietly stewing. With the suavest of smiles tattooed all over his face, he's trying so damn hard to keep a lid on his agitation, but I know that even having to be in the same building as Denley is really starting to piss him off.

So while keeping a careful eye on him, I on the other hand, have to endure meeting all of those who want to meet the infamous married floozy who bagged the national treasure, Jonny Riley.

Of course, I do my very best polite chitchat. Smiling in all the right places and looking enthused to meet such nosey people. They all courteously smile back but are probably wondering why the hell I am even here.

Thankfully, when I'm alone, their interest in me quickly wanes. So whilst Jonny is preparing to be next up on stage, I get a break from the incessant staring and the, "Oh . . . so you must be Jessica," crap.

"Mum, I'm dying for the loo," Lottie awkwardly whispers across the table, just as someone is in the middle of a formal speech on the stage in front of us.

"Can't you wait, darling? Jonny is about to announce the next items that are up for auction," I whisper back.

She grimaces, wiggling about in her seat. "I'm desperate."

I turn to her concentrating sister, who's engrossed with what's happening on the stage. "Lissy, darling. Would you mind going with your sister as I don't want her going alone?"

Lissy gently tuts under her breath. "Come on then, Lottie." Although she's slightly peeved, they both stand and trot off together arm in arm.

I watch the girls quietly leave the room, then glance over at Beef, who is waiting by the side of the stage because Jonny is about to go on. He enigmatically walks with ease under the bright spotlight, bowing to the receptive audience, who show their appreciation by clapping zealously with deafening whistles and "Woo's." It really is surreal to watch him doing his celebrity thing. He looks so sophisticated and handsome up there. I can't help but feel smug, knowing that he's all mine. I sit there just like all the other women in the room, swooning off his every word.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I'm here to announce the next item up for auction. It has been kindly donated by The Shire Golf Club. It's a two-hour tuition session with a PGA professional, including a £300 gift voucher to spend on golf equipment. For all you golf lovers out there, this could be a real treat. In fact it's my birthday coming up . . . hint, hint, Jessica." He broadly smiles in my direction, waving without care at me. I start to laugh and the whole room joins in with my laughter. Just him being playful with me, rewards him with some more appreciative applause, with the odd excitable squeal thrown in for good measure. I'm being witness to just how well-loved he is. He has this audience falling at his feet. It fills me with so much pride, knowing how much they all think of him. I look on in complete awe, so happy to be in love with this wonderful man. He is dignified and funny; although I know, deep down inside, he's still churned up over Griffin Denley. I can now see why all those who know him professionally, respect him and why the public simply adore him.

Lottie returns suddenly. Her panicked, ashen face scares the hell out of me. "Mum, you had better come quick!" she says it as quietly as she possibly can, but her erratic breathing is louder than her actual voice.

I quickly get out of my seat with panic gripping me. "Where's Lissy?" I ask desperately.

Lottie is shaking; her pallid complexion is getting more noticeable by the second. "Just please come . . . now!" She tugs on my arm, needing me to follow her.