So I Married a Rockstar

Chapter Nine

Ch.9: The Pancake Shack

Don answered on the second ring, assured me he was on his way, and arrived outside the building within ten minutes. Despite what Elle had said about Jude's reasons for having a driver, there was a definite luxury in having people at your beck and call like this. Maybe that was why so many celebs turned into divas.

The second we left the building, Elle turned sharp and brisk, grabbing my elbow and pulling me to the car at a near-run. She bundled me inside, like I'd done to Jude the first time we met, then climbed in after me and slammed the door.

The car started moving.

"What was that?" I asked, rubbing my elbow where her fingers had dug in. Elle was stronger than she looked.

She slumped in her seat and gave a little sigh. "Sorry, but I saw a sneaky bastard with a camera hanging around. If you and Jude want to keep this secret, we need to keep you out of the papers."

I twisted around to peer through the tinted window. "I didn't see anyone."

"That's because you don't have years of experience sniffing them out."

But if I stayed married to Jude, that was something I might have to learn.

As Don drove us to Brentford, my chest started to tighten and my stomach felt heavy. Once again, the two halves of what my life had become were drawing together, only this time it felt as though they were clashing into each other.

I didn't want to see Jake.

I didn't want to see Kelly.

I didn't want to come back to this place, especially so soon after everything that had happened.

But my only other option was to abandon everything I owned, and I wasn't prepared to do that either.

Suck it up, buttercup.

Don parked close to the block of flats where Jake lived, and my stomach dropped even further. I'd never live here again, I knew that, but even if I found my own place, it would be just as small. I wasn't spoiled, and I didn't think I deserved things that I couldn't afford, but a couple of days in Jude's loft had already changed so much for me. It would be very hard to return to reality after the glittering taste of his world.

"Do you need me to come in with you?" Don asked.

"Thanks, but we've got this," said Elle breezily.

"You don't have to come," I said.

"Why wouldn't I?" Elle said.

"Because . . ."

Because she didn't know me?

Because this wasn't her problem?

"Camden, I'm not letting you face the fucknugget who cheated on you, without backup," Elle said. Her eyes glinted fiercely.

We climbed out of the car and walked, side by side, into the block of flats. Even though her tailored clothes and high heels made her look taller, Elle was only a slip of a woman, definitely not the kind of person you'd think of as backup, and yet something about her was strong as iron.

It wasn't just her clothing, I realised. She had a presence, an energy that made her seem larger than life. As we entered the dingy lobby – no potted plants and suited doorman here – she looked like a butterfly, bright and beautiful against a backdrop of grey.

"Which floor?" she asked.

"Seven. Sorry, the lift doesn't work so it's a bit of a hike."

Elle gave me an oh please look. "Do you have any idea how many squats my personal trainer makes me do in one session? Seven flights of stairs isn't even a warmup for these buns of steel." She slapped her own butt.