Chapter 6 - Freedom

The meeting with the solicitors went well and the file for divorce was submitted, he hadn't a leg to stand on as the two remaining houses were in my name and his infidelity cancelled any rights he had on my estate according to the pre-nup we'd signed. He was royally fucked. No wonder he'd begged me for my forgiveness! They said it should be settled swiftly, seeing as no children were involved. I only had my career and the lord to thank for that.

A few days later I sadly had to say goodbye to Tasha. She had been my rock through this mess and I hated to see her go home. I was so grateful for her dropping everything to be with me. I mean how many friends would grab a flight to be by your side halfway across the globe at the drop of a hat? Not many I can tell you!

I left my hotel that day too and traveled back to my house in New York to pack up Greg's things. I needed closure. I needed to pack him away in a box, seal it and ship out my memories. I was a strong, single woman, with a great job that others would kill for.

I could do this on my own, couldn't I?

I had my homes, I had my health, and I had my age all in my favour. He may have screwed with my personal life, but he wasn't going to get his hands on my happiness. Never.

Pulling into my drive, I had to admit it felt so good to be home and it would feel a damn site better once his stuff was gone. I planned to ship it all out to his Paris home. This is all he had left from our many years together. I no longer cared what he did with it; he could deal with it there.

It took best part of four days to pack up all his belongings, every piece of our history together that I didn't want was now sealed in cardboard boxes. It felt good. I felt cleansed. Like the best detox program, I was clean. I called the courier company within a few hours I sent them on their way. I was rid of the man that broke my heart, just for the sake of a cheap fuck.

As my filming was now done too I set about rebuilding my life and as every day passed I began to feel stronger about where I was headed. It may have also been helped by the fact I was aided by a few Valium, a great friend and a wonderful manager. I was now finally on my way.

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.

.

With my divorce now through, today four months on I was traveling to the press conference for 'Vegas or Bust'.

Donning my favourite sleek, figure hugging royal blue dress with matching shoes, I checked my reflection one last time before I set the house alarm and pulled my front door closed. Dropping my Gucci glasses over my eyes I slid into the back seat my waiting car.

"Thank you Paul!" I said as he gently closed the door behind me. He was my favourite driver in New York. He always seemed chirpy and happy to see me. It made all the difference when you were having a bad day. As he slid in the driving seat he called back to me. "You're very welcome Ms Austen"

Returning to my maiden name felt great. Trent wasn't sure it would be great PR but I didn't care. If it meant I had to rebuild my career from scratch; so be it. That man no longer deserved to be associated with me. Nor I with him. Thankfully everything seemed to be working out so far. Nobody seemed interested in my story any more, only what movie I had in mind next. I sometimes got scared of being lonely, never feeling warm arms around me ever again, but as long as I had my career; my friend and my family. I didn't need anyone else.

I, as usual was the last to arrive. A few press snapped my picture as I stepped out my car. Today was a good day, I was happy to be alive and promoting my new film to the public and industry. A few called me by my old surname, to which I ignored. Hell, it took me a while to get used it. So I expected it for a while yet from the press.

I made my way inside and spotted Trent speaking to some of the conference organizers. I scanned the room and saw the main cast members but didn't get time to chat as we were called in straight away. Our names were called by this big chubby guy, I assumed worked there. We all filed in, in order and sat down to the long table, behind our name cards. Cameras clicked away as we settled. I exchanged glances with Trent as he made his way to his seat.

Brian Stanley introduced us all and opened the floor for questions. After been to a few of these conferences now, I sort of knew the questions that would be asked, they were always a lot of the same. After a few questions to Brian about casting a gentleman shot up his hand, someone handed him a microphone. "I have a question for Ms Austen?" My ears pricked up. I smiled politely at him awaiting my probably boring question.

"Ms Austen? Seth Greenway from Brooklyn Agency. As we've heard before in your previous interviews we know you aren't a fan of sex scenes. So how did you find the ones in this movie? Are they getting any easier with time?"

"Um, remember that score I owe you Jen!" Tim muttered into his microphone, causing a ripple of laughter around the room.

"Yeah, I suppose they do a little." I pinched my finger and thumb together leaving a small gap to represent my words. "When I first read the script and it said Selina rips off Charles' clothes, I thought hmm. This just may be a good movie to do. Yeah?!" I nodded frantically in jest as another titter filled the room. "Nah! It's always easy when working with a great cast and crew; it puts your mind at ease. It was OK I suppose, so I guess the answer is yes." As I glanced beside me at Tim, who nudged me on the shoulder playfully.

Thankfully that was the only question I got asked today. I was secretly dreading the subject of my marriage cropping up.

Maybe Trent had been pre-warning them when he was chatting to that fella when I came in?

The rest of the hour dragged as they all did, but promotion was a key part of the movies success. So no matter how much we hated them. They needed doing. With thanks from us all the conference came to a close, and as we were dismissed a few people came forward for signatures. All had great comments for me which was really uplifting, given my recent circumstances.

Returning backstage we all posed for official cast pictures. I'd smiled so much my face hurt, and what's more I thought I was getting another headache.

"You look great Jen..." Tim said handing me a water bottle. "..Really you do!" He had one of those smiles that lightened his whole face. I couldn't help thinking he looked rather dashing himself today in his best navy suit.

"Oh thank you Tim. You look dapper yourself today, and we co-ordinated." I relayed a hand between us, reflected we were both in blue.

He chuckled. "I noticed. Least the pictures will look good this time. My last press conference I came straight from my little sister's school play. My agent wasn't impressed."

"Oh lord, I bet her wasn't!" I sipped some of my water.

"I'm really sorry to hear about that asshole you were married too, I really don't understand how men do that when they have beautiful women at home!" My cheeks flushed automatically.

"Yeah, well. Some don't know about the green grass, they always think its better on the other side!" I shrugged my shoulders.

Tim shook his head in disgust. "That sucks! He's a dick! You are way better off without him. You look much happier as well."

"Aww. Thank you Tim! I actually am feeling much happier. I never thought I'd say it. But I do."

"I mean it too Jen. Never blame yourself! He's a prick!" He toasted his drink and walked away, leaving just his aftershave smell behind.

Mmm! What was that?

"Jen!" Brian called from behind me, snapping me out my daydream.

"Yes!" I swiveled round to face him.

"This is my leading lady." He introduced me to some bigwig in the industry. He did say his name, but I wasn't really listening. I could still feel Tim's eyes staring at my bottom in my figure hugging dress from across the room. So I just nodded and smiled politely. I was an actress after all.

Once we'd finished promoting, I caught up with Trent and said goodbye to everyone. I took some numbers and we all said we'd catch up another time. Tim gave me the biggest hug. He gave me his number and said he definitely wanted to work with me again someday. I think I'd like that too.

Formalities done I headed home again, kicked off my heels once inside and pulled the pin from my hair, letting the long curls fall around my shoulders.

Flumping down onto the sofa, I heaved a sigh. I was shattered. That headache had disappeared and just left me exhausted.

I groaned as my phone began to ring.

What now? Why did I get no peace?

Slouching forward I found it deep within my bag. It was Tasha. Taking the call I smiled.

"Hey Babes!" I was just happy it wasn't work related.

"Hiya! How did it go?" She knew my schedule better than me sometimes.

"Yep, fine. All done and promoted!" I sighed.

"Was the dashing Tim There?" She used that childish tone, like friends at a school disco.

"Tash! You know he was." I rummaged in my bag again for a ciggie lit up. A habit of mine I had whilst I spoke on the phone.

"Did he smell gooood!" We both giggled at her expression.

"You know what? He did actually!" I took another long drag.

I never did find out what he was wearing!

"You are so damn lucky, hot young actors draped over you on a daily basis! Damn girl!"

"Meh! It's just work!" I shrugged it off.

"Just work! You are spoiled, you know that!" I knew she was teasing.

"No I'm not!" I played along.

"He is sooooo into you, you know!"

I wish she'd stop saying that. He was not! Besides he was very married.

"No, he's not. He's got a very beautiful wife Tasha."

"Well I think he likes you, he was alllll over you at that party, and didn't you chat after the conference?" She exhaled, I guessed she was smoking too.

"I don't care if he likes me, he's married and yeah of course I spoke to him!" I drew back on my ciggie again.

"Spill then! Come on!"

"There's nothing to spill. He just said how much of a dick my ex was." I said honestly.

"See! He's smart as well as hot and talented." She giggled.

"Tash!" I groaned.

What was it about men that turned to fully grown women into hormonal teenagers?

"Anyway..." I continued and drew the last hard pull on my cigarette before blowing out the cloud of poison and stubbing it out. "I have some news for you!"

"Ooo what? What, what?" She pleaded excitedly.

"I'm coming to London on Wednesday for a while, I have to pack up some things and send them to Paris. His lawyer requested it. Do you wanna meet up?"

A/N: Hello? Is there anyone out there? Please stop by my PM and leave some reviews. I want to see what you think?

So Jen's free. Good ridance to bad rubbish, that's what I say. x

Enormous thanks to my beautiful beta. Twihard till I die. love OOOoooo.

Next!

DeathToBeReborn xx