Shelby always set two alarms in case one failed to go off. She had a fear of being late and missing her call. Not that she had a call today, but she did have to be at the airport in time to catch Merrill's plane. He'd told her yesterday that he might be on it. She didn't mind. After all, it was his plane.

She'd finished packing the night before, so after dressing in a comfortable tracksuit, she was ready to go. All she needed were her sunglasses and carry-on bag.

Downstairs in the kitchen, her housekeeper had fixed her a plate of scrambled eggs.

'I'm not hungry, Lupe,' she said apologetically.

'That's all right, Miss Shelby.'

'Is my car here yet?'

'It's outside.'

'Thanks. I'll see you in three days,' she said, walking out the front door.

Standing in the driveway was Pete.

'What on earth are you doing here?' she asked, perplexed.

'Driving you to the airport,' he said, with a big friendly smile.

'You're doing what?

'Driving you to the airport,' he repeated.

'And why would you be doing that?'

'I know you're nervous about flying,' he said, pulling up the collar of his weathered leather jacket, 'so I figured it would be a nice thing to do.'

'Uh, listen, Pete,' she said, quite taken aback, 'it's a thoughtful offer, but I can't take you up on it.'

'Why not?'

'I don't know quite how to put this,' she said hesitantly, 'because I do think you're a great guy. Only here's the thing - Linc would not be happy about this.'

'He wouldn't?'

'No, he wouldn't. And-'

'Shelby,' Pete interrupted, his rugged face quite serious, 'there's nothing going on between us. We both know that.'

'Yes, we both know it. How about everyone else?'

'I thought it would be a gesture you'd appreciate,' Pete said, managing to look hurt.

'I do appreciate it, Pete, but I can't risk upsetting Linc'

'I don't see him anywhere.'

'I'm honest with my husband, I wouldn't lie about anything.'

'You mean he'll ask who drove you to the airport?'

Shelby frowned. Pete might be a great guy, but this whole scene was getting to be too much of a good thing and she had no desire to lead him on. 'Where's my car and driver?' she asked, deciding she'd better put a stop to it before it went any further.

'Now you're really going to be mad,' he said sheepishly.

'Why?'

"Cause I sent your driver away.'

She was silent for a moment, trying to remain calm and not get too angry because she knew that Pete meant well. However, he'd now crossed the line, and it was time for her to do something about it.

'You're giving me no choice, are you?' she said evenly, aware that if she didn't go with him she could miss Merrill's plane.

'That wasn't my intention.'

'Look,' she said, taking a deep breath, 'when I get back, the only place we should see each other is on the set. Unless you and Linc resume your friendship, that's it. I hope you understand.'

'Got it, Shelby,' he said, suitably abashed.

'Good.'

Chapter Twenty-Five.

Friday morning Cat awoke late. They were night shooting, so she had the luxury of not having to get up at dawn. She'd got home around one a.m., turned off her phone and settled in for a long sleep.

Spending time with Nick and his friends had been interesting. Nick had not been all over her as she'd expected. Instead he'd practically ignored her, chatting up a couple of girls at the table. One of them was Petra Flynn, a busty blonde who starred in her own TV series. The other was a sultry brunette, currently appearing at a small theatre in Santa Monica. Nick was obviously into actresses.

Cat spent the evening getting to know some of his other friends - a mixed group of writers and actors. When she'd left, Nick barely seemed to notice her go. Not that she cared: he was the star of her movie, that was all. Yes, he'd been paying a lot of attention to her on the set, but that was only because there was nobody else around except Shelby for him to flirt with. And Shelby had made it very clear up front that their relationship was strictly professional. Nick understood. He wasn't into chasing married women when they were still with their husbands.

Cat yawned and checked her voicemail. There were several messages from Jump.

'I'm flying to New York,' he said, sounding angry, 'an' if you refuse to talk to me, I'm throwin' every freakin' thing of yours out on to the street. Got it?'

What a jerk-off. Why couldn't he accept that they were over?

She picked up the phone and reached him at his hotel.

'What?' he mumbled.

'It's me.'

'Knew you'd finally call.'

'I got your charming message. You know I don't have time to go to New York right now.'

'You'd better,' he threatened, "cause I mean what I say.'

'You can't throw my stuff out.'

'Who's gonna stop me?'

'My lawyer says it's to your advantage if you co-operate.'

'Fuck your lawyer.'

'What happened to your Australian tour? Why are you back?'

'The tour's finished. If you weren't so busy with your own selfish crap, you'd know that.'

'There was a time I used to worry about you,' she reminded him. 'Don't forget that I flew to Australia to surprise you. And didn't that turn into a memorable night?'

'Here we go again.' He groaned. 'Same old shitty song.'

'The lease on the loft is all yours if you want it,' she said abruptly. 'Send me the papers to sign.'

That's all you're into now, isn't it?' he scoffed. 'Papers and freakin'

lawyers.'

'You know what, Jump. Why don't we try to be civil about this?'

'Take civil an' shove it,' he said, slamming down the phone.

He was not handling this well, which wasn't fair because it was all his fault.

If she hadn't caught him dicking around, none of this would've happened.

She padded into the kitchen and put on the coffee. Her mind flashed on Nick. If she was truthful she'd have to admit that she was attracted to him.

Hmm... Nick Logan was not a good idea. He was a heartbreaker who'd probably make Jump look like an amateur, and that was exactly what she didn't need.

Besides, she had no time to get involved.

She called Jonas and asked him what he was doing.

'Working,' he said, sounding cool.

'I thought you might want to get together for breakfast. We could go over our notes from last night.'

'Now?'

'What's wrong with now?'

'Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you ask me to keep you away from Lover Boy?'

'Who's Lover Boy?' she replied, fully aware who he was talking about.

'You know who.'

'Jonas,' she said lightly, 'if I wasn't sure you were straight, I'd definitely think you fancied him.'

'That's not even remotely funny.'

'Can we go get something to eat? I'm starving.'

'We're on location at Paradise Cove today.'

'I know, so I was thinking about brunch at the Ivy at the Shore. Then we can go over to the location early.'

'I'll meet you there.'

'Can't you pick me up?' She couldn't resist a small dig. 'That way I won't be tempted to go off with Lover Boy, will I?'

'Fifteen minutes.'

'Make it ten.'

'You're impossible.'

'See ya.'

'Get me the Post and the Daily News,' Lola ordered Big Jay over the intercom.

'Now, please.'

Big Jay immediately took off.

She couldn't wait to see what the morning news would bring. She was lying in bed thinking about the previous night's dinner with Linc. He'd been so drunk. She'd heard that he was a drinker, but it wasn't until last night that he'd exhibited his addiction.

She stretched and leaned over to switch on the phone. It started ringing right away.

'There's a Miss Margolis on the line,' the hotel operator informed her.

'Put her through.'

'Have you seen the papers?' Faye rasped.

'No, Faye,' she said faintly. 'I only just opened my eyes.'

'Your picture's on the front pages again.'