The One You Love (17 page)

‘You’re kidding. Miles Macadam? That guy’s acting was more wooden than a matchstick factory.’

Emma laughed.

‘I’m surprised you weren’t on good money,’ he said. ‘Is that why you left?’

‘Not really. I just wanted to try something different. Come down to London and try some stage acting.’

‘Cool. So what have you done then?’

‘You ask a lot of questions,’ she said, smiling.

‘I’m practising,’ he said, ‘want to be a journalist. So come on then, what have you done since leaving the show? And it’d better be good – I was gutted when you left. Thought you were the best character in that show by a mile.’

‘Thanks,’ said Emma, blushing.

‘Don’t mention it.’

‘Well, I’ve done quite a few stage shows. And I auditioned for a movie recently.’

‘Wow. Emma Holden on the big screen. So when’s the movie out?’

‘Oh, I didn’t go for the second reading. Couldn’t make it.’

‘That’s a shame,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it’ll come right.’

‘Thanks, you’re very kind.’

‘So can I keep the photo?’ He smiled. ‘You don’t want to destroy the film or stamp on my camera, or punch me in the nose?’

‘You’re okay… this time,’ Emma joked.

‘Cool,’ he said, holding out his hand. ‘My name’s Eric, but you can call me your number one fan.’

28

‘He said that?’ asked Lizzy.

Emma nodded. They were sitting backstage at the Lyceum Theatre, wedged between various props and clothes, tucked away where no one else would bother them. Emma had come over and had caught the final few minutes of rehearsals of the musical Lizzy was now starring in, before they had taken a break.

‘Just a co-incidence?’ Lizzy offered.

‘Oh, I’m sure it was,’ Emma replied. ‘But just for him to say that, well, it freaked me out a bit. I was already on edge, really, after he took the photo.’

‘Sounds like another weirdo. You didn’t encourage him, or anything? You don’t want another stalker.’

Emma thought back slightly guiltily on how she had laughed at his joke and allowed herself to be flattered. ‘No, I didn’t – well, not really. But he didn’t seem like a weirdo. He was funny. And I’m sure it was just a coincidence that he saw me there. I’d only jogged up there at the last minute, so he wasn’t following me. You think I should just have blanked him?’

‘No, not really – it’s not your style, Em. You’re far too nice. And you shouldn’t let bad experiences in the past change you for the worse.’

‘You’re right.’

‘But surely he must be a little crazy to have watched
Up My Street
every day,’ Lizzy added. ‘I mean, it was a terrible show, wasn’t it?’

‘Yes, I guess it was,’ Emma smiled.

‘Those wobbling sets were a classic.’ Lizzy laughed. ‘And when that character got mauled by the bear that escaped from the zoo? You could tell it was just a man in a suit – you could see the zip running up its back!’

‘I forget how bad it was.’ Emma also laughed.

‘It’s good to see you smile again. It really is. I know it’s not going to be easy for the next few months – maybe longer – but I’m going to help get you through this.’

‘Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Lizzy.’

‘Ah, don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for – it’s just part of my job description.’ She glanced over her shoulder. ‘We’ll be getting the call to go back any minute. Herr Fuhrer doesn’t like us to get too comfortable.’

‘I thought you were fantastic up there,’ Emma enthused. ‘Absolutely brilliant.’

‘Well, thank you.’ Lizzy smiled. ‘I try my best.’

‘Seriously, Lizzy, you’ll be great. You’ll wow the crowd with your…’

‘Ample cleavage?’

‘Well, I was going to say your voice, but now that you mention it, that outfit is quite revealing! Isn’t this supposed to be a family show?’

‘Most families will be up in the Gods,’ Lizzy said. ‘From that distance, they’d need binoculars to see anything. Actually, there might be binoculars available up there… just for the dads… I can’t remember.’

‘I know it sounds horrible,’ Emma said, ‘but that leading lady breaking her leg might just be the big break you needed.’

‘Boom, boom,’ Lizzy replied. ‘Actually, you’re right. I like Jessica, and I wish she hadn’t broken her leg, but it did work out well for me. That’s if I can remember all my lines. It’s much harder than I imagined.’

‘You’ll be fine. I didn’t notice any fluffed lines when I was watching.’

‘That’s because I hide it well. I’m a professional,’ joked Lizzy. ‘Unfortunately I can’t hide it well enough from the boss, and he gave me a bit of a roasting earlier. Said if I didn’t get my act together, I’d be lucky to be singing in the chorus line.’

‘Ouch.’

‘Ouch indeed.’

‘Is that my fault? You know, dragging you off to Stephen’s parents, and getting in your way at home?’

‘Don’t be silly. Anyway, we’re supposed to be thinking about the future.’

‘Yes,’ Emma said, ‘you’re right.’

Just then the call went out for cast members to return.

‘Better go.’ Lizzy jumped to her feet. ‘And pray I can remember all those lines this time. You can stay and watch for as long as you want.’

‘Thanks.’

Lizzy went to move away, then stopped. ‘Oh, yeah. Do you fancy going out tonight? A few of the cast are going off to a salsa club in town. I wasn’t sure if I was going, but I’ll come if you will.’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘C’mon,’ Lizzy encouraged. ‘It’ll do you good. You don’t want to be hanging around the apartment, just thinking about things.’

‘It’s just that I was thinking of spending the night with Will. I don’t know how long he’s going to be away for. And I don’t like the thought of leaving him alone on his last night in the country, especially the way he’s feeling right now. I feel terrible already for not noticing he was suffering so much.’

‘See if he wants to come along,’ Lizzy suggested. ‘The more the merrier.’

‘Okay,’ Emma said. ‘If he says yes, count me in.’

***

Emma sat at the back of the theatre, hundreds of empty seats ahead of and above her. In two weeks’ time, when Lizzy debuted in the musical, all those seats would be filled. The musical had sold out for its first few months from advance bookings, and the press were already talking about it as the possible saviour of the West End. This really was Lizzy’s big break. And she deserved it. She had worked so hard to get to this point.

Emma watched her friend belting out one of the show’s closing numbers, a cast of dozens moving around her with military-like precision. Even without the full set and costumes it was impressive.

Lizzy was just coming to the end of the song when Emma’s mobile shrilled, seeming to echo all around the theatre.

‘Oh, God.’

Emma scrambled for her pocket and just before she switched the phone off she noted that it was reading an unknown number. She moved out of her seat, face flushed, and hurried up the aisle, not waiting to hear any chastisement. Fortunately, it seemed as if the rehearsal was carrying on uninterrupted.

She had got into the main foyer when the mobile called out again. It was the same number as before.

‘Hello,’ Emma said.

‘Emma!’ blasted a familiar voice, nearly bursting her eardrum with enthusiasm. ‘It’s Guy here, Guy Roberts.’

Guy Roberts: the casting director. Emma nearly dropped the phone with shock.

‘Oh, hi,’ she said.

‘Look,’ he said. ‘I won’t beat around the bush. We had our second reading the other day, as you know. And I’m afraid to say that, although the people we had were very good, they just weren’t right for the part. Do you know why?’

‘No,’ said Emma, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

‘It’s because no one came close to touching what you did in that first reading. When I saw you read I thought you were perfect for the part, and it was really unfortunate you couldn’t make the second reading. I know you had your reasons.’

‘I’m sorry, too.’

There was a pause.

‘Emma, are you still interested in this movie – in this role?’

‘Well, yes, I suppose so.’

‘I want to see you,’ he said, suddenly sounding extremely business-like. ‘Can you come over to my place, say, tomorrow around lunchtime? We can discuss everything then.’

‘Discuss everything?’

‘Of course,’ he said, ‘if you’re taking this part, then there’s a lot to discuss. Your fee, for instance, which I can assure you will be more money than you’ve ever earned in your life.’

29

‘Shouldn’t you be getting ready?’ said Lizzy, watching as Emma sat on the sofa reading a book, her legs tucked under her body. ‘We’re meeting Will in half an hour.’

‘Is it really that late?’ Emma got up, still focussed on the book.

‘Yes, it is. What are you reading, anyway? Must be engrossing – you’ve been glued to it for an hour.’

‘You don’t want to know.’ Emma closed the book.

Lizzy peered at its red cover. She’d assumed it was a novel but on closer inspection it looked like a notebook. ‘I’m intrigued,’ she said, grabbing the cover.

Emma released the book from her grasp and watched as Lizzy flicked through it.

‘What the hell?’ Lizzy looked up. ‘This is his diary?’

‘I took it before we found out he had died,’ Emma explained. ‘It was in his room – when you and Mrs Myers walked out I grabbed it and stuffed it into the waistband of my trousers. I thought it might give us some clues.’

‘You shouldn’t be reading it,’ Lizzy said. ‘It’ll just upset you.’

‘It’s okay. I just wanted to try and understand him. I thought if I read this, then…’

‘I don’t think it’s a good idea, Em,’ Lizzy interrupted. ‘And what’s this?’ She held up a photograph – the photograph of Emma that had been taken outside Lizzy’s flat.

‘A bookmark?’ Emma offered.

Lizzy placed the photograph back in the book and handed it to back to Emma.

‘Promise you’ll throw this away.’

‘Okay,’ Emma agreed, ‘I’ll deal with it.’

***

‘He looks like he’s having fun,’ Lizzy said, as she and Emma watched Will salsa dancing with one of the girls from the musical.

They had been in the salsa club for over three hours, and with over two of those hours spent on the dance floor it felt as if they’d burned off enough calories to last a lifetime.

‘Yeah,’ Emma said, watching as Will laughed and joked with the girl.

‘You’re not convinced?’ Lizzy said.

‘Not really. He looks like he’s trying too hard. And he’s had quite a lot to drink.’

‘Do you think he’ll be all right in Canada?’

‘I hope so.’

‘I don’t understand it,’ Lizzy said. ‘He always seems so happy and carefree. I’d never guess that something was wrong.’

‘I should have known,’ Emma said. ‘He’s my brother.’

‘But he hid it well.’

‘He did.’

‘And he didn’t say that there was a reason for him being depressed?’ Lizzy took a sip from her drink.

‘No. And I didn’t want to press him on it.’

‘How do you think he would feel about your dad’s news?’

‘It would probably tip him over the edge,’ Emma said. ‘I couldn’t tell him. Not yet, anyway.’

‘I understand. And anyway it’s your dad’s responsibility. So have you decided yet about tomorrow?’

‘Tomorrow?’ Emma was still watching Will, who looked to be getting unstable on his feet.

‘Yes, tomorrow!’ Lizzy nudged her playfully. ‘You know, Guy Roberts, famous casting director…’

Emma continued watching her brother. He was leaning against the girl. ‘I’m not sure.’

‘But you said you’d go.’

‘I know, but now I’m not so sure.’

‘Go,’ Lizzy demanded. ‘Or I’ll never speak to you again, Emma Holden.’

‘Okay,’ Emma said, ‘if you put it like that, Little Miss Bossy, I’ll go.’

***

It was well into the early hours when Will staggered over towards Emma.

‘I’m going.’ He turned and headed off through the crowds, not waiting for Emma to reply.

‘Wait,’ shouted Emma, pursuing him.

She caught up with him at the top of the stairs.

‘Will,’ she said, pulling at his shoulder. ‘Hang on a minute.’

‘Time for me to go,’ he said, straining drunkenly against her grasp.

‘I’ll come with you.’

‘Why?’ he said, turning around. Up close it was clear just how drunk he was. His eyes were fiery red and his face was flushed.