Sweet Dreams

Chapter 6 - Claire

Edward looked at the girl in front of him. Claire Anderson - new film partner. They met at the casting. Nice, cheerful and looked real. He had to admit she was pretty. Tall, slim blonde. She had blue eyes, milky skin and a few freckles on her nose. Short strands of hair blew slightly in the cold wind. They were almost equal in height. She was the opposite of Evy. He took a packet of cigarettes and a lighter out of his pocket, put the cigarette in mouth, and lit it. Smoke pleasantly filled his lungs.

- Eddie, I hope we will work together well - She smiled at him, showing a row of even teeth.

He nodded in response and smiled slightly. He wasn't sure whether to Claire or to mention Evelyn.

- I also....

New place, new movie, new people. His work was extraordinary - he loved what he did. Once. He lost his former enthusiasm, felt depressed more often, but quickly tried to get rid of this feeling. He was waiting for the technical crew to set everything up for the new stage. Claire was looking through a colorful magazine without reading a single sentence. She stopped suddenly turning pages and looked at the picture.

- You look amazing together, this is your next picture I have seen - She said, nodding her head appreciatively.

- Who?

- You and your girlfriend - Claire said with a smile

- I don't have a girlfriend - He said through his teeth.

- Who is this girl then?

Eddie jerked and curiously came closer, letting another cloud of smoke out of his mouth. He looked at the picture and for a few seconds his world stopped. In the colorful magazine on the whole page, was a picture of Evy at the Vancouver cemetery. He remembered the moment when he could hold her to his chest and how he felt.

- She is absolutely unique - He said quietly, but added louder - This is my friend.

He felt pain under his ribs, as if someone were squeezing him in a vice. Why friendship with this girl was so damn difficult? Why couldn't he talk about it?

- I'm sorry, I thought you were a couple - Claire flushed - I think everyone thinks so.

- it's ok. Let them think - He shrugged and put the cigarette in mouth.

Claire looked at the man surreptitiously. He didn't look like someone he describes as "unique", a friend. She had no intention of delving into the subject, Eddie had the right to privacy, and she completely understood it. She put the magazine away and entered the set.

Evy had the strange feeling that she was being watched. She was walking down the street to the car. She was holding a shopping bag in her hand and couldn't get rid of the feeling that someone was following her. This feeling had accompanied her for several days. She tried to underestimate this but with difficulty. She was just passing a newspaper booth when she suddenly stopped and took a few steps back. She couldn't believe her eyes! On the covers of several gossip magazines, she saw own face! The picture had to be taken a few days earlier. She reached for the newspaper, dropped the crumpled banknote, and headed for Peter's car. She got behind the wheel, put the key in the ignition, but before turning on the engine, she looked at the cover again. Peter and her. They were leaving Eric's house after dinner together. Peter put his arm around her.

- Damn it! - She shouted suddenly throwing the newspaper on the seat next to her

She didn't understand her own reaction. Why are the media interested in the double strength of her life? What sensation is in her relationship with Peter? Yes, she was the daughter of a rich daddy. Peter was a rugby player, but they were not half as famous as the Beckham family. She looked at the newspaper again, this time without curiosity, but with hatred. She guessed she wasn't crazy - someone was following her. Journalists. She turned the key and started screeching the tires. She traveled around the city for a long time trying to mislead the trail, to lose invisible stalkers. She entered the house, slamming the door. Jazz was immediately at her feet, wagging his tail for comfort. Evy patted his shaggy head, put her shopping on the kitchen counter and removed her jacket.