Chapter 6
6
The rest of Monday was hectic to say the least. Esme was quite distracted with thoughts of what she could do with the pretty room at Garden Cottage and furthermore how she would go about breaking it to her mum and dad that she was leaving again.
After her viewing, Olivia asked for her help with paperwork for the distillery project, and after that she was tasked with being on call for the film crew as a point of contact for local knowledge. She was able to advise on the best shopping spots, the best Indian takeaway, her favourite drinking establishments and what there was to do in Inverness, the city she had called home since birth. By the end of the day, she was exhausted but no sooner had she arrived home and showered the day off her skin than she had to leave to meet Parker in the city for drama club auditions. Her dad was staying in for the evening, so she borrowed his car and set off with only seconds to spare to ensure she would arrive on time.
Esme arrived and parked at Eden Court theatre, the venue for auditions that had been secured by Sylvia MacNab, the director. She was a stereotypically flamboyant character and a little eccentric with it – think Ms Darbus from High School Musical . She was strict on punctuality, loved her colourful kaftans and, even though she was in her sixties, she had long, perfect, grey-streak-free chestnut-coloured hair – ‘A box dye if ever I saw one,’ Parker had said on their first attendance. Sylvia tended to go overboard with the winged eyeliner and her mascara was always clumpy on her lashes and she usually had more lipstick on her teeth than on her lips. To add to her eccentricities, she spoke with a pseudo-posh English accent that only gave way to her native Scots when she was annoyed. To top it all off, she often inserted into conversation that her nephew, Charlie, was a famous actor but would never divulge his full identity, which was irritating and led most people to believe she had nothing but a vivid imagination. Esme felt a fondness for the woman in spite of her foibles, simply because of her passion for the craft and that she knew how to get the best out of her actors.
Esme had never auditioned for a main part before, feeling that as a relative newcomer to the group it would be rather presumptuous of her, but tonight she was auditioning for the role of Juliet. It was a part she had played in high school so she was already familiar with the lines. She had refreshed herself over the weekend and was going to perform the monologue scene from Act 2, Scene 2.
The modern theatre was an interesting array of angular shapes and modern materials including glass and metal, in juxtaposition to the adjacent wing, a purple granite Victorian Bishop’s Palace that had once been the home of Robert Eden, the theatre’s namesake. Esme had seen many a film, play and panto at the Eden Court and it held plenty of happy memories for her.
Parker was waiting outside the main entrance doors and as she approached he placed the back of his hand on his forehead and croaked out, ‘Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.’
Esme giggled. ‘Very good. How can she not cast you?’
The two friends hugged, and Parker held her at arm’s length. ‘In the words of Taylor Swift, aka Mother, “Ready for it?” I mean could they have chosen a more Taylor Swiftesque play to put on? It’s perfect! I think we should try and convince Sylvia to get the rights to “Love Story” to play at the end or something.’
‘Hmm. I wonder if Miss Swift gets as nervous as this before she performs,’ Esme replied, holding up a visibly shaking hand.
‘Our mother is a strong independent woman whom nothing fazes. But if it makes you feel any better, I’m pooping my pants too. Come on before “Ms Darbus” gives us detention,’ he said, making air quotes.
Esme laughed. ‘She reminds you of her too?’
‘Scarily so. Come on.’ He linked his arm through hers and they entered the building.
Once inside, they were greeted by the other members of the group. Bryce was dressed in a frilly shirt reminiscent of something Simon Le Bon wore in the eighties – Esme knew this because her mum had been a huge fan, and still was. Parker was trying not to laugh and in doing so made Esme want to laugh too. Bryce was a bald man in his late fifties who had lost most of his teeth, allegedly when he used to be a boxer. Although to Esme he was far too skinny to have had any success, which could explain his lack of teeth, of course.
‘Good evening, darlings,’ Sylvia said with a flourish of her hands from her position at centre stage. ‘And welcome to the Highlands home of performance. It’s an honour to be treading these hallowed boards once again. The last time I acted here was in the eighties in a performance of A Streetcar Named Desire when I took on the role of Stella. I was quite the looker back then.’ She patted her hair and paused as if waiting for a response.
‘Aye and you’re still a looker now, Sylvia,’ Bryce piped up.
Sylvia smiled and waved her hand. ‘Oh, Bryce, you’re too kind. Well, we should begin. Now, who are my wannabe Romeos? Let’s be having you!’
One by one the members of the group took to the stage to recite their lines. Esme was impressed by the calibre of the auditions and her nerves ramped up. She decided her main competition was a teenage girl called Chelsea who had just left school and was trying to make a living as a TikTok influencer. She had clearly studied the play for her exams too and had selected Juliet’s death scene.
Esme had her turn and then Parker, and before she knew it Esme was returning to her car.
Parker walked beside her. ‘You’ve got it in the bag. You smashed it, Esme,’ he told her.
‘Thank you but I get the feeling Chelsea is a firm favourite with Sylvia.’
‘Hmm, I think it would be a bit creepy to cast her if Bryce is going to be Romeo.’ He stopped in his tracks and grabbed her arm. ‘Or maybe… maybe Sylvia’s famous nephew “Charlie” will make an appearance and take the part.’ He put the name in air quotes and rolled his eyes, a clear indication that he didn’t exist.
Esme pursed her lips. ‘Yeah, but if he exists and he’s that famous why would he come and take a role in an am dram show?’
Parker’s face crumpled and his lips curled downwards. ‘I suppose. If he exists… which I’m almost sure he doesn’t.’ He started walking again.
Esme was the one to grab Parker’s arm for a change this time. ‘I almost forgot. I have exciting news.’
Parker tapped his chin. ‘Let me guess, you’ve been having a secret affair with Kerr MacBain and you’re carrying his love child?’
Esme scoffed. ‘Er, nope! You know that I’ve been looking for a place to live?’
‘You’re moving into the castle!’ he blurted.
‘I wish. No, I’m moving into Garden Cottage in the castle grounds though, so not far off the mark.’
Parker stopped again. ‘Since when? And where is Judd moving to? I thought that’s where he lives.’
‘He isn’t going anywhere. Olivia suggested me as a housemate for him and he agreed to me moving in.’
Parker’s eyes widened. ‘You’re moving in with Judd ?’
Esme began walking again and smiled. ‘I am. Although I have to tell my folks and I’m not sure what they’ll make of it.’
‘But Esme, it’s clear he fancies you. Do you think it’s a good idea?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘He does not fancy me. And as I said before, even if he did, I’m sworn off relationships. I want some independence and it’ll be good to stand on my own two feet for once.’
‘Well, I suppose it reduces your commute,’ Parker said. ‘And if someday you fall in love with each other you’re already living together.’
Esme laughed. ‘You don’t give up, do you?’
Parker twirled on the spot. ‘What can I say? I’m a sucker for a love story.’
‘You’re something. Anyway, see you at work tomorrow. Maybe we can meet at lunch and I can tell you how my announcement went.’
Parker cringed. ‘You’re telling them tonight then?’
Esme opened her car door and paused. ‘I think it’s probably just better to rip off the band aid.’
Parker hugged her. ‘Happy ripping. Call if you need me.’
* * *
‘How was the audition, pet?’ Colm asked as he walked into the kitchen where Esme was sitting on the floor with Betty, giving her a belly rub.
‘It was good, I think.’
‘Did you get the part, sweetie?’ Sally asked as she joined them.
‘I won’t know for a few days. Sylvia is going to look back at the videos she took and make a decision. She takes these things very seriously. And with it being something as complex as Shakespeare she wants to get it right,’ Esme replied without looking up. Her stomach was already churning with guilt about telling them her news.
‘Oh, well, I’m sure you’ve got as good a chance as any of them.’ Her mother’s reply was a little dismissive and proved that they still didn’t take her love of acting seriously.
She got up from the floor and pulled out a chair at the table. Betty jumped up, begging to sit on her lap, so she scooped up the pug and stroked her. It had a calming effect, and the nerves began to dissipate a little.
‘Guys, could you sit down for a minute? I have something I want to talk to you about.’
Colm chuckled. ‘Now that doesn’t sound ominous at all.’ They both pulled out chairs and sat.
‘What is it, love?’ Sally asked, a crumple of concern etching her brow.
Esme took a deep breath and released it slowly. ‘The thing is… I’m… I’m going to be moving out.’
Both of her parents widened their eyes and leaned back in their chairs simultaneously. They had been together so long, Esme joked that they shared a brain.
‘I just think it’s the right time. And I’ve found somewhere perfect. Well… it’s not quite perfect yet but it will be.’
Sally’s eyes welled with tears. ‘Oh… right, I see.’
Colm reached for his wife’s hand. ‘It’s okay, pet, we knew this day was coming. So, where’s the place you’ve found?’
Esme straightened her back. ‘It’s a cottage in the castle grounds. Very pretty and obviously handy for work. Means I won’t have to rely on lifts so much. I’ll save up for a car too once I’m settled. I’ll need to decorate as it hasn’t been done in a long time but maybe you guys could help?’ she said in a hopeful tone. ‘The wee garden is something extra special. It used to belong to a couple who worked on the grounds and the garden was their pride and joy.’ When neither of her parents spoke, she added, ‘I’m excited about this. I hope you can be too, for me.’
‘How can you afford to live in the castle grounds? Surely you don’t earn enough for a whole house to yourself?’ Sally said in a wobbly voice.
‘I’m moving in with a colleague,’ Esme replied, giving as little information as possible.
Colm smiled. ‘Oh, aye? That’s nice. Is it that Paisley lass?’
Oh, good grief . ‘Erm… no, it’s Judd. He’s one of the groundskeepers.’
Her mother gasped. ‘A man? You’re moving in with a man ? But… how do you know he’s safe? He could be a monster. He could have a criminal?—’
‘Sally, it’s fine. You have to remember our Esme is a smart young woman. She’ll know what’s best for herself.’ Her dad turned his attention back on Esme. ‘And I’m presuming you do know this man? How… how old is he? Are you and he…?’ Colm waved his hand around.
Esme widened her eyes. ‘No! We’re just colleagues. Not even friends, really. But he’s a nice man. Very kind and respectful.’ She heard Olivia’s words falling from her lips and hoped they convinced her parents as they had convinced her.
Colm smiled at his wife and then at Esme. ‘Aye, that’s good.’
‘You didn’t say how old he is,’ Sally snapped.
Esme couldn’t help the sigh that escaped. ‘Mum, please stop worrying. I’m an adult. You have to let me go and make a life for myself sometime. And he’s around my age. Maybe a little older but not much. Not that it makes a difference as we’re just going to be housemates.’
‘Right, well, I think I’m going to have an early night,’ Sally said as she stood abruptly and left the room. It was only 9.30p.m.
Esme was relieved that there hadn’t been more protesting but wished her mum would loosen the apron strings a little. It was stifling being so overprotected.
‘Don’t mind your mum, pet. She’s just worried about you. She only wants your happiness and doesn’t want you to get hurt again.’
Esme carried on stroking Betty. ‘But the thing is, Dad, you can’t protect me from hurt forever. Sometimes to be hurt is to learn. And I’ve learned so much about myself, and relationships in general for that matter, from my situation with Rhys. Not all great but I now know I have to not leap headfirst into relationships like I did with him.’
Colm smiled. ‘You’re a wise one, Esme Cassidy. Your mum’ll come around. And I think she’d probably love to help you with the decorating. She’s far better at wallpapering than I am, as you already know.’
Esme smiled. ‘Thanks, Dad. I will be okay, you know.’
He nodded. ‘Aye, I know, pet. Come on, there’s a rerun of Monty Python and the Holy Grail showing. We always loved watching that together when you were younger. What do you say?’
She placed Betty on the floor and they both followed her dad into the living room.