The Hollywood Effect by Marin Harlock

Author:Marin Harlock [Harlock, Marin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Amazon: B01AVWFSTY
Published: 2016-04-19T23:00:00+00:00

“So when’s Dan get in?” I asked. We were sitting out on the deck, overlooking the pool and gardens. It was late afternoon, but the sun was still shining brightly, lighting everything with a nice afternoon glow. I’d had a wash and a nap and felt very refreshed. There was a bowl of chips and dip in between us, and a couple of beers. Music was playing softly from somewhere. I couldn’t figure out where exactly the speakers were.

“In a few days. I need to confirm the exact date with him, actually. Thanks for reminding me.” And with that, he whipped out his phone and stared intently at it for a few minutes, tapping away.

“Don’t worry, you’re definitely both here for the same few days. I triple checked. We’re gonna have so much fun. I really want you to meet my friends.”

“I thought I did, last time.”

Liam shrugged dismissively. “They were mainly Holly’s friends, to be honest.” He stared into the bowl of chips for a moment. “She didn’t like many of my mates.”

“Oh. Why not? Are they all like Mike?”

Liam laughed. “Nah. Well. Yeah. Some of them. But… I dunno…”

“Do you still talk to her?” I asked, and then held my breath. I’d never be able to compete against Holly Monroe. Wait, where did that thought come from? Liam was my friend. Friend, friend, friend, I reminded myself. Nothing more. I didn’t need to be competing with anyone, let alone Holly Monroe.

Liam sighed. “A couple of times. Not really.”

“Ah…” I didn’t know what to say. I’d ever been very good at knowing what to say when someone was upset. I think I took after my dad in that. Mum had always seemed to know what to say.

“At first she wanted to get back together, but I think she’s moved on now. At least that’s what she wants me to think. I think.” He frowned into his hands.

“Sounds complicated,” I said after a moment.

“Not really,” Liam shrugged. “I’m done with her. I mean. I wish her well, and I don’t hate her or anything… but I don’t want to get back together. You get it, right? I mean, you and Evan? You said you got over that pretty quick.”

I thought for a moment.

“Yeah. I was a bit shocked at first - I wasn’t expecting him to break up with me, especially not on the first night of an five night holiday up in Queensland, but in hindsight it was the right thing to do. Being up there gave us time to work things out without real life butting in, and by the end of the trip I agreed with him. We’re not right for each other. He’s so materialistic it’s not funny, and… well, it just would have been a lot of heartache and arguments if we’d stayed together and had kids or anything. He’s a total snob as well. He thinks teaching is a stupid career. He wanted me to become a lawyer, did I ever tell you that?”

Liam snorted.

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