Chapter 38
CALLUM
Callum made his way to Mike’s trailer, glancing over his shoulder to check Tasha seemed to be OK.
It was probably a good thing she had asked him to go, because as much as he wanted to remember his place and let Tasha deal with her own boss, it had taken all his determination to resist thumping Riley.
How dare the little snot speak to Tasha in that way?
And to embarrass her in front of all those people too.
It was unacceptable and he wished he could teach the nasty piece of work a lesson.
He walked up the few steps and knocked on the door.
‘Come in.’ Mike sounded snappy and Callum wondered if he had been expecting Riley. He opened the door and leant inside.
‘Sorry, I’m not sure whether you did mean for me to follow you here, or if you were just wanting to speak to Riley alone?’
Mike waved for him to get inside. ‘Close the door behind you, will you?’
Callum did as he was asked and took a seat that Mike indicated.
‘I’m sorry about that scene out there, Callum. How he gets away with the public believing he is such a sweetheart, I’ve no idea.’
Callum wanted to try and placate the director, aware the extra couple of weeks’ filming was adding pressure onto everyone involved.
‘I’m sure Riley will realise what he’s done and make amends.
’ As Callum spoke, he knew that was not nearly enough and that Riley needed to learn not to behave in such a disgusting way in the first place.
‘Right, before Riley arrives, I want to ask you what you think about the promotional photos, videos? Will you be in agreement about taking part? Do you have an agent I can discuss this with?’
Callum was taken aback that Mike still wanted to proceed with his idea.
‘I would love to do it,’ he said, deciding on the spot that there was no harm in doing it.
He thought there was no problem in seeing if something came from him being in that spotlight and what it might do for his career.
It would also be a metaphorical clap for Riley to pay him back for his behaviour towards Tasha and others.
Mike immediately cheered up.
‘I don’t have an agent, but if you have someone you can introduce me to, I’d happily speak to them.’
‘Great.’
There was a knock on the door before Riley opened it and walked inside. He glared at Callum before ignoring him and taking a seat next to him. ‘You wanted to speak to me, Mike?’
Callum enjoyed Riley’s irritation when Mike ignored him but continued to address him. ‘Thanks, Callum. Leave everything to me. I’ll sort a few things out and give you a call tomorrow, if that’s OK?’
‘Perfect.’
Without saying anything further, Callum left the trailer. He stopped at the bottom of the steps, trying to come to terms with what had just happened. He wondered where Tasha could have gone, so he returned to the set, but after a few minutes without seeing her, he walked up to one of the runners.
‘You don’t know where Riley’s assistant Tasha went by any chance, do you?’
The girl pointed towards the alleyway between the two barns. ‘Through there, the last time I saw her. She called for a cab and that’s where the cars are parked.’
He thanked her before running to the car park to see if she was still there.
As Callum exited the alleyway, he scanned the field where various cars and lorries were parked but couldn’t immediately see her.
Damn. He had wanted to make sure she was OK and check there was nothing he could to do help her.
‘You looking for me?’
Hearing her voice, he spun round, relieved. ‘You’re still here. I thought I’d missed you.’
She frowned. ‘I was waiting for you to come here, actually.’
He was unsure why for a moment, then it dawned on him. ‘You want a lift?’
She smiled, looking relieved. ‘I’d love one, if that’s OK with you.’
He put his arm around her shoulders. ‘Now that’s something I can do very easily,’ he said, leading her back to his car. Unsure how to broach the subject of what had happened with Riley, Callum just walked back to the car with her.
Once inside, he carefully drove out of the field and down the driveway. Tasha hadn’t spoken since they had got into the car and he was concerned about her. ‘How are you feeling?’
She sighed heavily. ‘Angry, embarrassed. Aware that I really have no choice but to leave my job now.’
He looked over at her and seeming to sense his eyes on her, Tasha turned to look at him.
‘I’m so sorry he caused that scene. His behaviour was deplorable.’
She looked away and out of the window. ‘I agree. He was horrified when I told him I was resigning, but surely even Riley can see how he’s left me little choice. I have my own self-respect to think of.’
Callum let her speak, not wanting to say the wrong thing. He concentrated on the lanes.
‘The only positive is that he did that in front of people who have more than likely been on the receiving end of his nastiness themselves. I won’t be the only one, that’s for certain, but I have worked for him for three years and enough is enough.’
Unable to help himself, Callum asked, ‘Has he been that rude to you before then?’
‘Not quite. Oh, don’t get me wrong, he’s been insufferable many times, but not to that extent. And not to put me in my place so pointedly, or in company.’
‘Stupid man,’ Callum replied, not meaning to voice his thoughts. ‘Sorry.’
‘No need. You’re right. By being this rude to me he must know I won’t put up with it and will need to leave him.’ She groaned. ‘Anyway I don’t care whether he knows it or not. I’ve had enough and I’m leaving him. Tonight.’
Callum was shocked. ‘You mean you’re not working out your notice? Or don’t you have to?’ he added.
‘I’m past caring what I should or shouldn’t do.
If Riley can speak to me in that tone, then I can react how I damn well please.
I’m appreciate you giving me a lift to the apartment.
’ He felt her hand rest on his arm. ‘And if it’s all right with you, I’d be grateful if you could wait while I quickly pack my things, so you can take me to a hotel, or guest house, somewhere to spend the night. ’
‘You can stay at mine,’ Callum said without thinking.
‘Sorry?’
He looked at her and saw she was shocked. Then, realising that Tasha might take his offer the wrong way, added hastily, ‘I have two bedrooms and you’re more than welcome to move into the spare room for as long as you like.’
‘Really?’ she sounded surprised and, he noted, a little tearful.
‘Of course.’
‘That’s so kind of you. Thank you.’
‘No need for thanks, Tasha. I’m only too glad to be able to help you after what you’ve been through today.’