Of course. No Hollywood couple would be allowed to look human in front of the world, now would they?
“Creative reflection is good, but also, I do think it’s important to state that I simply want to enjoy some quality time with my husband. Maybe say that I haven’t had that much time with him since we got married? I don’t know.”
Michelle scrunches up her face. “Have you hit your head or something? Or have aliens kidnapped the real Kendra, and you’re some replica come to destroy our planet?”
Quite the imagination, but with the way things are going lately, it wouldn’t surprise me.
I take that moment to glance at Jack, who’s staring at me in amusement. I know it’s because we’ve had a similar conversation. Maybe I really did hit my head that night. But if I had hit my head, wouldn’t I have woken up wherever I hit it, rather than in my bed? Unless I was found and brought to bed by… someone. Eli did mention that two bellboys had to help me to my room, but I was conscious. Where had I been? Who had I been with? Could I have hit my head, and someone helped to rouse me and call me a cab back to my hotel, and that’s the reason why I was so out of it? So many questions I only wish I had all the answers to.
“I would say I had more of a rude awakening, to be honest. One day, I woke up and decided that I needed to change my ways. I need to for myself and for my marriage. I appreciate that this is going to upset some people, but it’s only for a short space of time.”
Michelle judges me for a moment before speaking. “Okay,” she finally replies, clapping her hands on her thighs. “How long do you think you’ll be out of action for?”
I shrug my shoulders, unsure. “I don’t know. A couple of weeks, maybe more. It’s not something I can put a number on.”
Michelle glances away in thought. “I will move all your appointments to the beginning of next month, but we will need to meet a week beforehand to discuss whether you’re ready.”
I smile and curtly nod my head. “Perfect.”
She’s about to walk off when she turns and says, “But do me a favor, love. Call your mother and tell her, because if I do it, she’ll rip my head off. I quite like my head firmly on my shoulders.”
Wondering how on earth she’s going to be with me if that’s the case, I nod my head.
“I don’t know what’s going on with you,” Michelle continues, “but rescheduling your appointments for the sake of your marriage is definitely something I can work with. Eli’s a good man.”
Smiling softly back, I reply, “Yes, I know. That’s why this is so important.”
“I will do everything I can my end.”
She’s walking off when I shout back to her, “Thank you for everything you’re doing. I know I may not have ever said it, but I appreciate you.”
The only thing I hear is mumbling after that, but I certainly detect the words “crazy,” “cuckoo,” and “nuts.” Words that have a giggle erupting from my chest.
“She’s definitely a character, isn’t she?”
Jack nods his head. “Yep. And the only assistant who has lasted more than a month with you.”
“Oh dear, that much?” He nods. “How long has Michelle lasted so far?”
“Seven,” he replies, looking surprised himself. “And I think the only reason is because she doesn’t cry every time you snap at her. She’s made of thick skin, that one.”
I pick up my phone knowing that I’m going to have to face my responsibilities at some point, but first things first: Michelle mentioned my mother, so I guess she will be my first port of call.
“Serious question: how will our mother take me being out of work for a while?”
“Ha ha,” he responds, shaking his head. “Serious answer?” I nod. “You may want to consider moving out of the country before you make that call. Somewhere she will never find you.”
Oh, crap.