Chapter 26 - Paps.

When we returned downstairs the dishes were done and Sam was sat reading a newspaper I'd had delivered.

"Hey Jen!" Sam exclaimed. "There's a great shot of you in here from last night and another of us at JFK."

"Yeah? Any reviews?" Any great pictures were good promo, but a good review would help get future work too.

Sam read it out.

"Who's Jen's Ken? Newly divorced Jennifer Austen 28, star of the new blockbuster movie 'Vegas or Bust' appeared to arrive alone for her premiere last night at the Waldorf Theatre, Florida. Stepping out of her limo (pictured) she looked stunning in her long emerald green Gucci gown, that cut low at the back to reveal her sumptuous curves.."

"Ugh!" I groaned slightly embarrassed.

Sam continued.

"..but when spotted leaving after the screening hours later she made her way to her waiting limo, hooked on the arm of an elegant mousey-blonde male, who sources have now confirmed as no other than the lead singer of the U.K's top band Trenchcoat, Marcus Perdy. Perdy, 31 of Kensington London gentlemanly opened Austen's door for her and helped her inside, before joining her. Guess we all now know who won the jackpot! Way to go, Perdy!"

"Well I guess we all knew it would get printed huh?" Tasha said mournfully.

"I think it was perfect." Marcus shrugged. "I've not really been a fan of the press, but they got it all right, so it could have been worse."

"I agree." I nodded. "But I didn't know you were 31?" I smirked at Marcus.

"Hmm, what's wrong with the older man?" He squinted his eyes up accusingly.

"Nothing! I just didn't know!" I pleaded innocently.

"OK, Sam, time to go!" Tasha tittered.

"Do you want me to call for a car?" I offered.

"Nah! We'll get a taxi" She grabbed her bag and headed for the door. "See you later!"

"Bye!" I called after her "Stay safe!"

"Yes Mum!" She called back making me giggle.

"Bye guys!" Marcus called out.

My phone began ringing. Looking at the display I could see it was Mum.

"Ha! Speak of the devil, and she shall appear..." Taking the call I greeted her cheerfully. " Hey Mum! Was just thinking about you!"

"Hello dear, were you? How strange!" She sounded merry.

"Yeah! How you feeling?" I turned to notice Marcus had made his way out the French doors and into the back garden.

Mum pulled my mind back to the conversation. "Oh I'm fine, enough about me, how did it go?"

"It was great actually. They pulled it together brilliantly. I'm very proud."

"Sounds great! You seem a little happier now." She could tell that with just a few words?

"Mum, actually, I have something to tell you."

"Please tell me you are not pregnant."

"No Mum, I'm not pregnant!" I scoffed.

"Did you sleep with Tim?"

"Naao! Why does everyone think I fancy Tim?"

Cos you did?

"What then?"

"It's Marcus." I grinned watching him squat down and swish his hand around in my pond up the top end of the garden.

"Did he turn up? Oh Hunny! I hope he didn't spoil it?" She sounded concerned.

"No, he didn't. He came to surprise me. he's amazing Mum!" I swooned.

"Oh my days! How romantic?" She sounded as happy as I did.

"I know! We are working things out slowly, but we got papped leaving the theatre. So expect it to hit there today sometime."

"Whoops!"

"No, we wanted to be seen, we're tired of hiding."

"I know it hit you hard when he left, you sure you are in control Hunny?" Her motherly tone was comforting.

"Yes! I know now that he's what I want. He told me he loved me, so I guess we're an item. He even told his band mate today I was his girlfriend!"

"Wow! I'm really happy for you Dear."

"So am I Mum, I can't wait for you to meet him!"

"He hasn't got a single father has he?" She joked.

"Sorry Mum!" I laughed.

"OK well I couldn't sleep so I wanted to make sure it all went well for you."

"Yes I'm fine. Get some sleep. You'll get better quicker." I chastised her.

"I'm fine. Shame I couldn't fly. Nevermind, there will be more I can attend."

"Yes, there will."

"When do you start filming on the next one?"

"In about three weeks I think. October sometime."

"OK, well I'm glad everything's worked out, but please be careful Dear."

"I will Mum."

She yawned audibly into my ear.

"Go get some sleep Mum. I'll speak to you soon."

"Fine.." She relented.

"Bye! Love you!"

"Love you too." And she was gone.

.

I hopped off my stool and went to join Marcus in the garden. He looked round as I approached.

"Everything OK?" He squinted up at me in the autumn sunshine.

"Yeah. She's very eager to meet you!"

He retuned his gaze mournfully to the pond.

"I'm not ashamed of you Marcus." I spoke softly.

"I know!" He stood slowly. "I guess my name will be on many lips today."

"So? I don't care. I love you and I don't care who knows?" I folded my arms stubbornly.

"What are we going to do today then?" He wiped his damp hand over his jeans.

"Well you need some stuff, so shopping?" I offered.

"Sure?" He winced.

"I'll ring Steve!" I said with no doubt in my mind whatsoever.

.

Our first official outing went well. New York was a big place, but we enjoyed our stroll along the avenue, we were dropped downtown and walked for miles, he didn't hold my hand but on occasion he placed a protective hand on my lower back in the crowded parts. Security were always near, dressed in plain clothes to give us some protection and were never a few feet away at all times.
Marcus bought lots of clothes and accessories to use while staying with me, right down to a toothbrush. He also bought a designer suitcase as well to travel home with when the time came.
We shopped till we dropped and had lunch in a cute little cafe we stumbled upon. Of course press were sneaking about as predicted; not that we cared, but we had lots of headlines in the coming days. Pictures of us shopping and a cute little picture of us sharing a joke in the cafe we ate at.

"Jen's new man."
"Jen's Ben."
"Austen goes Boston!"
"Jen's A lust"
"Jen's one man band"
"Perdy is the wordy"

Three days later Trent called.

"Sullivan wants the official scoop, you ready?" He said happily.

Ted Sullivan was a top chatshow host in New York. It ran live and was an extremely popular show to be asked on.

"Hang on Trent, let me check with Marcus." I strolled out the piano, where he was playing. "Trent wants to know if I'll do the Sullivan show."

"I guess it's out there so why not? Do you get paid for it?" He grinned.

"Yes."

"Was that a yes to me?" Trent said in my ear.

"No, not you Trent, but I think it is a yes. Yes, I'll do it. For a good price?!"

"Always!" He promised. "He says he will slip you in tomorrow night, if that's ok? Short notice I know, but it's up to you?"

"Tomorrow?" I mouthed to Marcus. He nodded.

"Yes that's fine Trent."

"Car will be there about seven."

"Sure. O.K Trent ...Bye" I hung up and looked reassuringly at Marcus.

"Do I need to go?" Marcus asked still playing. "Cos I'll have to cross it with Jimmy."

"You don't have to. But I spose he should know anyway." I shrugged.

"K" He simply said and carried on playing.

I wandered off upstairs to find something to wear.