‘Yeah, right. Do you miss Pippa?’ she asks, giving me a reproachful look.
‘I— Wait, are you cross with me?’
‘No. Yes – a little. But not for me – forher.’
‘What?Why?’
‘Because you’ve been stringing her along.’
I recoil as if she’s struck me.
‘I beg your pardon – I havenotbeen stringing her along. I’ve never once cheated, I’ve flown back to London at every opportunity to spend time with her, and I’ve even tried to schedule film shoots around the school holidays.’
‘Oh, how verygallantof you.’
‘Why are you so pissed off all of a sudden?’ I demand.
‘Because! You should hear yourself. Behold the noble boyfriend – no, sorry,fiancé. You’re making out like it’s a huge sacrifice.’
‘Likewhat’sa sacrifice?’ I ask, more perplexed than ever.
‘Allof it. Being faithful. Spending all your free time with her. Having to rearrange your schedule. Do youhearhow resentful you sound?’
‘Isound resentful? Have you been listening to yourself?’ I retort.
‘Excuse me?’ she growls, her voice dropping an octave. ‘How dare you turn this back on me. I’ve doneeverythingto keep my relationship with Nicholas going – and I bet Pippa feels the exact same way about you.’
It’s a glimpse into another side of Delaney – and it’s somewhat terrifying. Unlike her typical affable self,thisDelaney could put the fear of god into any idiot who crosses her path – something that must happen with alarming regularity on a filmset.Andis happening right now.
‘I’m sor?—’
‘Why else would she plan a surprise wedding?’
It’s hard to say which of us is more shocked, and we gawp at each other, stock-still, mouths agape.
‘You knew about that?’ I say after a long beat.
She bangs her palms on her forehead, anger visibly draining from her body. ‘Stupid, Delaney,’ she says, berating herself.
‘How long have you?—’
‘Pretty much the whole time,’ she admits. She starts pacing.
‘Why didn’t you say anything?’ I ask.
‘Because it wasn’t my place to. Why didn’tyoutell me instead oflying? A couples’ trip? Really?’
‘I wasn’t— I didn’t?—’
‘Hello?’
She’s facing me now, feet planted, hands on her hips and scowling. The anger’s back and this time it’scompletelyterrifying.
‘I hated how it made me feel,’ I say quietly. ‘How badly I’d let Pippa down –havebeen letting her down. For years. I was ashamed and I didn’twantto tell you. I was worried you’d think I’m an arsehole and that you wouldn’t want to?—’
‘Make your movie?’
‘No – well, yes, that’s part of it, I s’pose. But it was more about you and me – us connect?—’