‘Don’t cry,’ he advised her.

‘I’m not crying,’ she said fiercely, although tears were streaming down her cheeks.

He didn’t waste time arguing, just took out a clean handkerchief and dabbed her face gently.

‘People kiss each other all the time,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t mean anything, not in this place. Kissing is just like saying hello.’

She knew that what she’d seen was far more than that, but he was trying to be kind, and she forced herself to be calm.

‘Yes-yes-thank you. I’ll stop bothering you now-’

‘You’re not bothering me. I just don’t like to see you upset. Do you know him?’

‘I thought I did-I mean, yes-no-’

He nodded, as though fully comprehending her confusion.

‘I can’t say I like him much myself,’ he admitted. ‘Are you one of his fans? You sound English. Did you follow him here?’

‘No!’ she said fiercely. ‘Of course I didn’t. What a thing to say!’

‘Sorry, sorry. No offence. So you haven’t lost your heart to him?’

‘No!’ she said violently. ‘That would be just silly-mooning over a pretty face just because he’s an actor.’

‘It has been known,’ he murmured wryly. ‘But if you haven’t, that’s good. This is no place for people with hearts. What’s your name?’

‘Charlene Wilkins. Who are you?’

She sensed, rather than saw, a tremor of surprise go through him. ‘What did you say?’

‘I just asked your name. Have I seen you before somewhere?’

‘Evidently not. My name’s Travis Falcon. I work here.’

‘Oh, yes-you’re in the show, aren’t you?’

His lips twitched with something that might have been amusement. ‘That’s one way of putting it. Now, let’s get out of here. We’ve got time for a coffee before I start work.’

‘No, I’m fine…fine-honestly-’

It was a lie. Appalled, she could feel herself on the verge of hysterics as the truth crashed in on her.

‘Come on,’ he said firmly. ‘I’m not leaving you on your own in a strange place. Not given the state you’re in.’