Chapter 43
The next day left all three ladies with horrendous hangovers. Perry, who found it most amusing, announced he was going to visit his daughter.
‘I’m off to Emma’s. You OK?’ he asked, smirking at his wife.
‘No, and I don’t think Emma will be either,’ came Bunty’s flat reply.
However, when he reached the house on the peninsula, it was Felix who answered the door to him.
‘Perry, this is a nice surprise.’ He welcomed him inside the hall, before telling him, ‘I’m afraid Emma’s in London.’
‘London? Why is Emma in London?’ he asked with a frown.
‘I’m sure she would’ve wanted to tell you herself… But Laurence Willis, the music director for the drama, is introducing her to a record producer he knows, with the proposal of a record contract.’ Felix gave a dazzling smile.
Perry’s eyes widened. ‘Really?’ he gasped. Both men stood staring at each other for a moment, then Felix ushered Perry into the drawing room.
‘Come through, I’ll make us both a drink. Whiskey?’
Perry followed him and sat down awkwardly. Had he known Emma wouldn’t be around, he’d never have visited. Being alone with Felix made him feel a touch uneasy.
‘Whiskey would be great, thanks.’
As if reading his mind, Felix turned from the drinks cabinet to face him, looking like he needed to address something.
‘I’m pleased we have this opportunity alone, Perry,’ he said, passing him a cut-glass tumbler.
‘Oh yes?’ Perry took a sip of the ochre fluid and let the sharpness hit the back of his throat. He was glad of it.
‘Hmm,’ replied Felix taking the seat opposite him. He crossed one leg and looked frankly at him before continuing. ‘Because I get the distinct impression that you don’t really like me.’ He stared him out, then added, ‘And I’d like to know why.’
‘It’s not that I don’t like you, Felix, but I’m unsure of you.’
‘Unsure?’ Felix frowned. This reply puzzled him.
If there was one drawback from being in the public eye, it was the media attention he received.
His personal life had been plastered all over every tabloid going.
The world and its wife knew everything about him.
He’d no secrets whatsoever. As far as Felix was concerned, he was an open book.
What you saw was what you got, and surely he’d made it blatantly clear how much he cared for Emma?
‘I mean… I know all’s well with you and Emma at the moment, but you’re a rich and famous actor, Felix, you could easily move on—’
‘Move on?’ cut in Felix incredulously.
‘Yes. Emma’s not as savvy as you. You’re a good ten years older than her, with much more life experience… and…’ Perry trailed off, not knowing what else to say, or how to express himself. He took another gulp of whiskey.
Felix sat forward intently.
‘Listen, Perry, I may be a little older than Emma, but believe me, she’s a very grounded, independent young woman. She knows exactly where she’s going and what she wants. I’m here to love and support her in any way I can.’
Perry sat silently listening to him. Felix made good use of the chance to continue.
‘Emma’s in London today, about to sign a record deal, her life’s ambition. I like to think I’ve played a part in that.’
Well, Perry couldn’t argue with that, could he? If it wasn’t for Felix’s drama, Emma wouldn’t have sung the theme tune, and she certainly wouldn’t have been meeting a record producer today. It was all down to Felix.
‘And as for moving on,’ Felix almost spat the words, ‘let me assure you, Perry, I’ve absolutely no intention of going anywhere. I’m here to stay, with Emma.’ He stared him full in the face once more, almost challenging.
Perry rose an eyebrow. ‘Fine words, Felix, but are you actually going to propose? Put your money where your mouth is?’ It was time for some straight talking, to cut to the chase.
Felix didn’t flinch. ‘I already have,’ he replied bluntly.
‘But…’
Felix looked amused, pleased he’d managed to take the wind out of Perry’s sails.
‘She hasn’t refused me, Perry, you may be pleased, or not, to hear.
But she’s asked for time. Time to make it in the music industry as Emma Scholar, not as Felix Paschal’s wife.
’ He sat back somewhat smugly at seeing how shocked Perry appeared.
‘So, you see, it’s me dancing to Emma’s tune. She’s the one in control,’ he finished.
Game, set and match to Felix Paschal, thought Perry.
He had to hand it to the man, he had poise – but then he would have, every word he said being true.
Emma was grounded, independent and now, after hearing the way she’d postponed Felix’s proposal, a very prudent woman. He felt humbled. Extremely humbled.
‘Well, it seems I owe you an apology,’ he said in a quiet voice. ‘I’ve clearly misread you Felix, and for that, I’m sorry.’
Felix gave a smile. ‘No need to apologise, Perry. Just glad I’ve set your mind at rest.’
He nodded. ‘And you have, definitely, thank you.’
‘So, you’ve plenty of time to work on your speech,’ joked Felix, keen to ease the tension.
Christ knows how that’s going to pan out, he thought.
Looking at Perry now, he was clearly an over-emotional father.
Or maybe that was normal? He’d never really known his dad, having lost him when he was very young.
As for his mother, well, she was a no-nonsense French woman who called a spade a spade, no sentimentality there.
She was, however, fiercely protective of him, so he did understand Perry’s point of view.
‘When’s Emma back?’ asked Perry, changing the subject.
‘Tonight. I’m collecting her from the station at seven thirty.’
Perry hesitated for a moment. ‘Maybe let her tell me about the record contract? Don’t let on you’ve already told me?’
‘As you wish,’ agreed Felix with a nod of his head.
‘Right… I’ll be on my way then.’ Perry stood and offered his hand. Felix shook it firmly. A fresh understanding had been formed.
Later that evening, as predicted, an extremely excited Emma rang Perry with her news.
He smiled proudly at hearing of her up-and-coming record deal and all the trappings that would bring.
Good for her. His girl, his little Emma, had finally made it in the music world.
She was about to fulfil her lifelong ambition.
Bunty was also delighted to hear of Emma’s success. ‘Oh, Perry, that’s amazing! Emma’s about to become a star!’ she exclaimed.
‘She’s always been a star to me,’ he choked.