Free Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

arrangements in the information centre slash bus shelter, that was as far as he’d gone.
    ‘ Oh, there it is. Look!’ Betts pointed toward a rolling field with a few rows of tents and curls of campfire smoke rising into the sky. ‘Come on. Let’s say hello. I can’t wait to meet everyone.’
    Willow swallowed hard as she took in the site. People darted between tents and the hum of voices drifted toward them. She could even hear some music – the faint sound of a female voice crooning; Marilyn Monroe, she’d bet. Already, a quarter of the green space was covered and even as she stood there, people were arriving and staking their claim. What would it be like in a few days’ time, when more fans arrived?
    She shook her head, watching the tiny figures in the field. She had to accept it: she’d seen from the pub that people did believe she had something to do with a dead icon. And now, judging by the sight in front of her eyes, it wasn’t just a few overeager punters coming to town, it was a rapidly-expanding colony. Jay was right – Marilyn Monroe did have tremendous sway, and if this whole thing was about to engulf the town anyway . . . maybe she should ride the wave to make things right with the shop.
    When she was done saying hello here, she’d track down Jay and have that chat about just what he had in mind if she signed his contract.
    Willow turned to Betts and threw her a smile. ‘Let’s go.’
     
    *
     
    Jay rubbed his eyes as he sat up on a padded bench in the pub. After telling the owner he was here to help the village cash in and he needed a place to stay, Lordy had handed Jay the keys and said to make himself comfortable. It was spartan at best, but at least he had all the beer he could drink at his disposal.
    Today was the day Willow would sign up – Jay could feel it in his aching bones. He’d played it just right so far: hadn’t scared her with too many details, performed the part of a gentleman to perfection. Now all he had to do was dial up the romance and keep shovelling shit about helping her family and the village, and she’d be his faster than he could say boob job. And when she did sign, life could finally get on track. His mouth twisted with disgust as he picked a bit of chewing gum off his suit leg. After all that business in Edinburgh, the sooner he got a life sorted in London, the better.
    Jay strolled down the high street, eyes honing in on the curvy denim-covered rear of a woman hurrying along in front of him. Now that would be a nice diversion to pass the time in this dump. Quickening his pace, he followed her over to a hair salon, watching as she unlocked the door. With faded linoleum tiles, chairs mended with duct tape, and a beat-up counter, the place looked on its last legs. Judging by the appearance of the village residents, he could see why. It was clear they didn’t go in for many beauty treatments.
    ‘ Hello there,’ he said, leaning his arms on the battered metallic countertop and putting on a mega-watt smile.
    ‘ Can I help you?’ The woman threw a flirtatious grin back at him. With a perky nose and big blue eyes, her face was just as good as her arse. The phone rang and she stuck up a finger. Jay examined it carefully, noting the lack of a wedding band. Not that it had stopped him before, but he preferred women to be at his beck and call.
    Tapping his foot impatiently, h e half-listened as she confirmed an appointment for perm and toner.
    ‘ Now, then.’ The woman turned toward him and winked. ‘What can I do for you, handsome?’
    Jay ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’m new in town and I’ve heard this is the place to meet beautiful women.’ He gave her an appreciative look, pleased to see a smile on her face. Christ, this was going to be easy. ‘And if they’re all like you, I can see I’m right.’
    ‘ I f you find women over sixty attractive then yes, they’re all gorgeous.’ She tossed back her curly hair and leaned closer.
    ‘ W hat do you say you