Patently in Love Read Free Page B

anyway. Most nice men our age do."
    "You mean you didn't find out if he was single? Jane, you disappoint me."
    "Pol..."
    "This is the first guy you've so much as noticed since you got here. I'm allowed to get
a leetle bit excited." She held up a finger and thumb to show how little. "If nothing else, it
shows that you're coming out of the depressed state you'd got yourself into."
    "I wasn't depressed, I was angry. I still am." She sighed. "I don't think I'm ready to
meet anyone just yet anyway. I mean, my last relationship was a total car crash, I'm not really
looking forward to going into another one."
    Polly clicked her tongue sympathetically. "You shouldn't let it get to you. Ashby's not
worth it."
    Jane held up her hand. "I really, really don't want to talk about it right now."
    Polly gave her a long look. "Fair enough. But if you do..."
    Jane looked at Polly fondly. They had known each other since they were at school
and Polly had always been there for her. When Jane discovered Ashby's infidelity, the first
person she'd told was Polly.
    "You've done so much for me already," Jane said. "I mean, if you hadn't offered me a
place to stay so I could apply for jobs here, I'd still be living with Mum and putting up with
people whispering about me behind my back."
    Polly waved her hand. "Don't be silly. It's fun having you here. Besides, what are
friends for?"
    Impulsively, Jane reached over and gave Polly a hug. "You're the best, you know
that. As soon as Ashby coughs up my share of the deposit from the flat, I'll get out of your
hair, I promise."
    Polly laughed. "Have you had your tea?"
    "I don't really feel like eating. I'm bushed." She pushed her hair back and again was
surprised to find it so short. The new haircut was lovely, but she missed having hair long
enough to flick over her shoulder. "At least the new look is working. No one seemed to
recognise me."
    "It's nice not having to watch for the press all the time." Jane stood up and stretched.
"Let's hope they've lost interest in Ashby and his pathetic little life."
    Polly looked at the magazine in her hand. "Actually..."
    Jane froze. "What?"
    Polly flicked the copy of Spotted! to a page in the middle and handled her to
her with an apologetic wince.
    "Oh no. What's he done now?" The magazine article showed Ashby, looking tanned
and gorgeous, with his arms around two girls in bikinis. Jane felt her heart contract at the
sight of him. He looked well, and happy, without her. Both the girls were draped on him,
sporting super white smiles--and she couldn't help noticing--better toned bodies than
hers.
    She skimmed the text.
SPOTTED! EXCLUSIVE: Pictures of Ashby Thornton with not one,
but TWO bikini clad bombshells.
We have red hot pictures of TripHoppers star Ashby
Thornton on the beach in Cannes with two blondes, reputed to be sisters. Two
months ago Ashby--25--split up with his long term girlfriend Jane
Porter--inset--after Jane caught him in bed with Janelle Shawn from Hollyoaks.
    Ashby is celebrating his newfound singledom whilst on location in France.
Sexy Jane meanwhile, is said to be heartbroken and has left Manchester.
    Below it was a picture of Jane herself, all sleek blonde hair and makeup,
accompanying Ashby to a launch party. The caption said 'Jane,
disappeared?'
    "Shit." Jane sank back down into the chair. "Shit. Shit." She waved the magazine.
"Why do they have to keep going on about me? Bad enough Ashby's tart goes to the papers
about his sordid one night stand."
    She threw the magazine on the floor and buried her head in her hands. "We could
have had a nice dignified split if it wasn't for that. Why does he have to keep dragging me into
these things?"
    Polly slid off the couch and put her arms around Jane. "Oh honey. It's okay."
    "But why me? He's got some new bimbos, why do they have to bother with
me?"
    "Well, maybe it's because you photograph so beautifully." She held up the magazine.
"I mean look at you. You look like a movie star and you're not even