Chapter 22 #2
‘If you think I’m a suitable match.’ Yes, Alison! She knew exactly how to pander to Pim, reminding her it’s her decision, not mine. I retook my seat, my heart still pounding heavily in my chest.
Pim made a hmm sound and picked up her menu.
‘Have you seen many of my films?’ she asked.
‘I recently caught Wuthering Heights on the BBC. They were playing it ahead of your show.’
Pim pursed her lips. ‘And what did you think?’
‘You made a powerful Heathcliff.’ Alison carried on confidently, placing down her menu and leaning interestedly on her elbows. ‘An inspired choice of casting, especially given the times.’
Pim nodded, still not looking up from her menu, though her eyes remained focused on one spot, so she clearly wasn’t browsing through it.
‘It was. The director was initially quite insulting, saying I cut a boyish figure, but I showed him. Having masculine and feminine energy is no bad thing; in fact, it helps to get things done.’ She dropped her menu and lifted her hand in the air to gain the attention of a waiter who had previously served us and knew to be ready to fly to Pim the moment she walked in the door.
‘I’d like the jasmine tea and a scone. No fruit. And you?’ She turned to Alison, completely ignoring me. So far so good.
‘Any recommendations?’ Alison asked Pim, who rolled her eyes, so Alison requested an Earl Grey. ‘And would it be possible to have all three drinks served in china teacups? With saucers?’ she added for good measure.
I smiled, but covered my mouth to hide it, before finishing with my order. ‘I’ll have a decaf coffee,’ I said to the waiter, who nodded and walked away.
‘It’s an afternoon tea, dear,’ Pim pointed out, never once acknowledging Alison’s memory.
‘I have a lot to do this afternoon,’ I replied.
‘Though you ordered decaf?’ Alison said.
‘And then I need to sleep,’ I finished with a light laugh. ‘Tomorrow’s going to be even busier. We have a packed schedule ahead of the show.’
‘I’m very much looking forward to it,’ Alison said, as the waiter returned at lightning speed with our requested drinks.
‘Oh, you’re coming, are you?’ Pim asked Alison, but looked at me as if I had planned it.
‘I bought tickets,’ Alison explained. ‘After meeting with Evie a few weeks ago.’
‘I could have got you complimentary ones,’ I began but Pim flicked her hand.
‘Get her to come backstage,’ Pim suggested, trying to appear blasé. ‘You might as well get the full experience. Have you ever seen an “in conversation” live? Or a theatre show come to that?’
‘I’ve attended the opera and the ballet, but I will admit that theatre was never my favourite,’ Alison said, never once slipping into being sheepish as she stirred her Earl Grey.
I poured out Pim’s jasmine tea, filling the cup to the brim as per her preference, before nudging over the saucer to the edge of the table.
Alison’s eyes were keen and watching everything.
I saw her make a quick shorthand note in her notebook as Pim sipped the boiling tea.
‘I’m surprised you would want this job,’ Pim began shortly after. ‘Not having been to the theatre. Never seeing a production of mine until recently.’
Here we go. The first of probably many nit-picking complaints of Pim’s against Alison.
‘I thought it better to hire a person who would perform the role of your PA without pandering to your…’ I stopped myself short of saying ‘ego’.
‘Past successes. We all know – you especially – that you’re a wonderful actress, Pim, but that doesn’t mean the production value is always of the highest quality.
Alison here can ensure that level of quality. ’
Alison beamed at me. Pim took another sip of tea.
‘What are your credentials?’
‘I’ve been in personal administration for over twelve years, across multiple firms dealing with high-end, white-collar clients across the media and advertising sectors.’ Alison was fluent in speaking ‘impressive’.
Pim still refused to even look at Alison as she stared ahead at a lovely display of winter roses. ‘Any firms I’d be aware of?’
‘Plenty. I worked for a CEO of a media agency that handled VOD advertising and worked very closely with a recent client of yours to produce the trailers of your latest show.’
Pim said nothing. ‘And you handled their diaries, travel arrangements, and finances?’ I added instead.
‘Anything that they needed me to handle,’ Alison finished expertly, sipping her Earl Grey calmly as I held my breath.
‘Hmm,’ Pim said, finally looking away from the display. ‘Where is my scone?’
‘Alison is very qualified and very discreet,’ I said, glancing at Alison, who nodded. ‘Not to mention, a fast learner.’
‘I like to think so.’ Alison laughed.
Pim said nothing but tapped her ring-adorned finger against the handle of her teacup. For one moment she looked at me, holding my gaze for a few seconds before sighing with defeat.
Placing down her teacup, she turned to face Alison.
‘I’m thinking of spending January in New Mexico. What do you think about that?’
Alison took a second to pull back her grin. ‘Which airline would you like to fly? I’ll book a first-class ticket for you and economy for me.’
With urgency Pim shook her head and placed her hand warmly over Alison’s.
‘No dear, two first-class flights.’
Knowingly, I looked to Alison to see the confusion and slight excitement appear.
Wait for it, I thought.
‘I need a seat for Gerald,’ Pim finished.