Chapter 20
TASHA
Tasha’s heart dropped. She didn’t want to talk about her family with him but sensed he would wonder why that might be if she didn’t respond in some way. ‘Near Chichester in Sussex. I’m an only child and my parents are still very much together.’
She hated that Callum had asked about her family.
His seemed such a large and close family and she was embarrassed to show how disconnected she was with hers.
She thought of all the effort his family had put into giving Keith the best birthday possible, while with her family she was considered disloyal if she didn’t do as her parents thought she should.
She knew she shouldn’t be so concerned about what someone else thought of her family, but this was someone she liked rather more than was probably good for her.
If there was one thing she did know about Callum, it was that he was trustworthy and kind.
Not the sort of man to throw information back in her face or use it against her, as her ex-boyfriend Toby had been prone to do.
‘Sorry, I’ve got so used to being very private that I now find it a bit difficult to open up to people.’
‘That’s fine,’ he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. ‘It’s none of my business anyway.’ He gave her a sweet smile. ‘And it’s not as if we’ve known each other very long.’
‘That’s true, I suppose.’ Feeling a little better, she added, ‘And I’ve only met your family because of the party and staying next door.’
‘There, you see? All perfectly understandable.’
They walked on a little further, then Callum stopped her by gently pulling her hand. ‘I do like you though, Tasha. I know you’re returning to England soon but I would like to stay in touch, if you’re up for it.’
She liked the idea. Very much. ‘Yes, that sounds good. Riley will hopefully be back to film the second series in a few months and if I still haven’t given in my notice I should be accompanying him.’
‘That’s true.’ He laughed. ‘What do you think the odds are that you’ll still be working for him by then?’
She had no idea and said so. ‘This situation isn’t helping either. Although, to be honest, he has been taken aback by it. Usually Riley is carefree and uncaring who he hurts, but this time I’ve seen another side of him and he really is concerned for Erin.’
‘You sound surprised.’
She shrugged. ‘That’s because I am.’ She thought of Brooke, and as much as she didn’t like the woman she couldn’t help feeling badly for her. ‘Although I’m not sure how bothered he is about Brooke’s feelings, so he clearly hasn’t changed all that much.’
Callum frowned. ‘That is a shame.’
Her phone buzzed. ‘Sorry, I have to see what this is about.’ Seeing that the email was from production, Tasha opened it and read.
‘Problem?’
‘I’m not sure.’ She stared at him, wondering if she dare ask Callum for his help. She thought of Riley’s behaviour and how it could all end badly for Callum’s sister. No, she decided, she couldn’t ask him. She realised Callum was giving her an amused, knowing smile. ‘What?’
‘Is there something you want to ask me.’ He laughed. ‘Or, going by the range of expressions that have passed across your face in the last minute or so, maybe you don’t want to ask me.’
She groaned. ‘Has anyone ever remarked on how perceptive you can be?’
‘Many times. I think it’s got something to do with interviewing personalities for my shows. I need to read them to know when to push my questions and when to change the subject.’
She raised her eyebrows. ‘Well, you’ve certainly got a knack of picking up when someone is arguing with themselves about whether or not to ask you something.’
He laughed. ‘Just tell me what it is.’
She cringed. ‘I’m not sure.’
‘Go on. What have you got to lose?’ He grinned at her. ‘I really am happy to help you in any way I can.’
She placed her phone down onto the table in front of them and pointed to the email, explaining as she read.
‘You probably know how tight timing is for this extra filming. Well, there’s now an issue with one of the supporting actors.
It’s only a small part and I know there will be people on the island with experience to step in, but the problem is time. ’
‘I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re asking of me.’
‘This is an email from the producer’s secretary. She’s tipping me off that the actor due to film opposite Riley soon has had some sort of meltdown and can’t face finishing the last scene. He’s only done one so far, so they can quickly reshoot that but still need someone to agree to do it.’
‘Right,’ he said, clearly confused.
She stared at him thoughtfully. ‘I’d like to put your name forward to the director to play the part.
It’s opposite Riley,’ she said, wanting to be transparent and not set Callum up for any nasty surprises.
‘He tends to have a way of making less experienced actors feel anxious, as you can probably imagine.’
She could see Callum wasn’t convinced. ‘And you think he won’t have that effect on me?’
Tasha raised her eyebrows. ‘I’ve seen you with him, remember. You’re always polite but you’re no pushover. You also have experience of shoots with your modelling.’
‘Exactly – shoots, maybe the odd advert but not having a part in a television series.’
She gave him a pleading look. ‘Please at least consider the suggestion for me. It’s a tiny part in two scenes and I know you’ll be fine with it.’
‘I’m glad you do.’
Not wishing to make him panic, she added, ‘Look, I still have to put your name forward. I can show the director photos I’ve found online.’
His mouth slowly drew back in a smile. ‘You’ve been searching for me online?’
Why had she said that? ‘For this.’ It was a fib and she hoped he didn’t realise the email from the producer’s secretary was the first time she had known about the part being vacant. ‘Oh, go on, Callum. Say you’ll do it.’
When he didn’t answer, she tried a different tactic. ‘Fine, then at least confirm you don’t mind me putting your name forward.’
‘OK, I’ll agree to that.’
She picked up her phone to respond to the email before Callum had a chance to change his mind.