“Elliot is handling the press tomorrow, Andrew is picking me up. They won’t leave until I go.”
Daniel’s face falls. “So you’re just going to go to him? Just like that, he snaps his fingers and all is forgiven.”
“No, I’m not stupid. I’m getting the hell out of here and he’s the only way I can do it.”
Daniel rolls his eyes.
“Have you got a better idea, Daniel?” I cry. “Because if you do, please let me know it.” I throw my hands up in the air. “If I stay here, tomorrow morning they follow me wherever I go and make up more lies.”
He stares at me.
“Oh, and don’t forget, you are the boyfriend I’m supposedly cheating on, so expect them to follow you too.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “This is a fucking nightmare, Kate.”
“You think I don’t know that?” I cry.
Rebecca comes out of her room, half asleep. “What’s happening?”
“Daniel and I are in a relationship, and I’ve been sleeping with Elliot behind his back,” I tell her in frustration.
Rebecca scratches her head as she looks at us both. “You are?”
“No!” we both cry in unison.
“Oh.” She frowns. “What a relief, thank fuck.”
Daniel shakes his head. “Go back to bed,” he snaps.
“Okay, shut up then, will you both? I’m trying to sleep here.” She walks into her room and closes the door.
I run up the stairs to pack my suitcase and Daniel follows me. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.” I throw my suitcase onto the bed; I already know what I’m doing but I don’t want to tell Daniel just yet, not until it’s done.
This is my decision, and mine alone; I don’t want anyone to cloud my judgment. After Daniel and I crossed the friendship line last night, I know I have to think on my own from here on in. I begin to pack clothes into my suitcase at speed, run into the bathroom and pack my toiletries. I throw in my shampoo and conditioner, hairdryer. I put my hands on my hips as I look around. I take my framed photographs of me and my parents and put them in my suitcase.
“How long are you going for?” He frowns.
“Until things die down.”
His eyes are wide. “How long will that be?”
“I don’t know. I’m going to stay in a hotel or something for a few days. I’ll call you when I know where I’m staying.”
“Okay.”
“Are you working tomorrow?” I ask.
“I think.” He frowns again. “Maybe . . . I might go to my parents’ for a few days too.”
“Alright.” My eyes hold his. “I’m so sorry to drag you into this.”
“Hey.” He smiles as he puts his arms around me. “It’s not your fault.” My eyes search his and he cups my face. “Just be careful with him . . . okay?” he whispers.
“He’d never hurt me.”
“He already has.”
I drop my head. “I know.”
My phone beeps with a text.
Kate, it’s Andrew.
I’m coming around the corner now.
Stay inside until I come to the door to get you.