‘So, what have you done?’
I told him about the Santa baby image because quite frankly that seemed the least of my problems.
‘Oh missus. You big numpty!’ He jumped up, oblivious to the cupboard door which dropped another inch, and then gave me a fleeting hug before whirling over to the fridge to help himself to another beer. ‘I wouldn’t worry about it,’ he grinned.
‘People get those virus things all the time. It’s no big deal. That’s what you have virus protection for. It’ll be fine. I think half the time, the IT bods just use the fear of a possible virus to frighten people, so that you think you need them.’
‘Well we’ve got a new one. An IT Director. He’s a bit of a stiff. He caught me yanking the plug out of the computer.’
‘Director eh? Big title. I’m sure he’s got more important things to do than worry about that. Next.’
I closed my eyes, remembering the flutters of panic when I thought I might not get Pietro to go on stage. ‘Much worse … the absolute worst. Pietro delayed curtain up.’
‘Blimey.’ Even Felix knew how serious that was. He squeezed my arm with an immediate show of understanding. Felix really did get how important my job was to me.
‘It wasn’t even my fault but AK immediately assumed it was. She didn’t even give me a chance to explain that Pietro got a call and the press … He’s being blackmailed.’
‘Ooooo what’s he done? Been caught in a compromising position with a rent boy in the box office?’
‘Felix! Don’t be so horrible.’
‘What’s he done then? Something worse?’ His keen-eyed curiosity had me hesitating for a second, I could almost hear him smacking his lips in anticipation.
I sighed. ‘He was so upset. When he was younger, his family didn’t have the money to pay for singing lessons. He got a part in a porn film to earn the money.’
‘I can’t wait to tell Kevin that one.’
‘Felix! You can’t tell anyone.’
‘Just joking. So, what’s happened?’
‘Pietro’s sleaze-ball of an ex-brother-in-law has threatened to contact the press unless Pietro is nice to him. Shorthand for give him a big hand out.’
‘Can you imagine it? If the press get wind the film will be all over the internet. At the moment if he can keep a lid on it, it’s unlikely anyone will track it down.’
‘Blimey. What a boy.’
I shook my head and sighed. Poor Pietro. ‘He told me a bit about it, sounded quite racy. Very Lady Chatterley. Apparently, he played the young gardener seduced by the Contessa. Pietro said it was called Il Gardiniere.’
‘Doing her lady’s garden for her,’ giggled Felix. ‘Classic. Go Pietro. Someone would pay good money for pictures.’
‘Felix, you shouldn’t say that.’ I shook my head. ‘It’s not funny. I feel so sorry for him. You didn’t see how upset he was. He almost couldn’t go on.’
‘You’re too soft. He’ll get over it,’ dismissed Felix. ‘No such thing as bad publicity.’
To: Wig, Hair, and Make-Up Team
From: Director of IT
All members of staff are reminded that under no circumstances should attachments from unauthorised sources be opened or any unapproved material downloaded.
M Walker
Director of IT
London Metropolitan Opera Company
Dreams of heart-shaped doodlebugs, reducing London to rubble, while AK handed me an Air Warden’s helmet, filled my head all night leaving me feeling blurry around the edges by morning. Stuffing my corkscrew curls into a hasty ponytail, I secured it with a silk paisley scarf pinched from the wardrobe department and glared at my anaemic reflection before poking unhappily at the bags under my eyes. All the tricks of the trade weren’t going to be able to disguise those babies.
I shot the computer in the workroom a quick look. I was staying clear of that thing today. Vince, who was just arriving, smiled as he caught me.
‘Morning our Tilly. Want me to check your emails for you, lovie?’
‘Don’t. I’m jinxed. I’m not touching it again unless I absolutely have to.’
‘That reminds me, you’ve had a few deliveries.’ He nodded towards my work area with a sly smile.
‘Ha blinking ha!’ I scowled at the pyramid tower of loo rolls which had appeared on my worktable. ‘Maybe we should be starting up a comedy club.’
Judging by the number of them, I guessed every last member of staff in the building had received my email yesterday. Blinking marvellous. Alison Kreufeld would just love that.
As I got my materials out to start work, Vince wandered over. ‘Can I borrow … ooh those bags still need some work sweetie.’
‘Thanks a ton,’ I muttered. ‘I’ve used half a tube of concealer. I didn’t get much sleep.’ I did a double take, his skin positively glowed. ‘Whereas you, you look all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Have you been at the Beauty Flash Balm again?’
‘Me darling? I swear by it, especially when you get home with the larks.’
‘Larks? Late night, early morning?’
‘All work and no play would make Vince a very dull boy darling. Bit of drinking and dancing, you know how it is.’
Behind him, Jeanie sighed. ‘Drinking and dancing? I don’t know where you get the energy.’
‘High on life, me. High on life,’ chirped Vince.
‘Oh God,’ groaned Jeanie. ‘Who is it this time?’
Vince pouted and sniffed. ‘Who says there’s a man involved?’
Jeanie and I exchanged grins. ‘There’s always a man involved.’
Vince swallowed hard. ‘Not this time.’ Even trying to sound brave, he managed to be dramatic. ‘We’re just good friends.’
‘Aw Vince,’ I reached out and patted his arm. He seemed destined to be unlucky in love and it would be lovely if he could find the perfect partner.
Jeanie rolled her eyes. ‘You mean he’s straight.’ She shook her head. ‘Vince. Vince. Vince. What are we going to do with you?’
‘He’s not straight.’ Vince’s words spewed out in a brief burst of anger. ‘He’s in denial.’
‘Really?’ I reached over and patted his hand. ‘Maybe he’ll come around.’
He snatched his hand away. ‘Easy for you to say.’ His mouth flattened into an unhappy line. ‘Smugly engaged.’
The sharp words hit like unexpected hailstones and I flinched. It was unlike Vince to be snippy. Jeanie’s jawline tensed.
‘Sorry Tilly. Sorry.’ He gave me a sheepish look. ‘I– I sh– I didn’t mean to take it out on you.’
She gave him an approving look.
Wary of touching him again, I nodded. ‘Don’t worry Vince. I understand. If you ever want to talk about it.’ I encompassed Jeanie in the look but her face was closed. It struck me that she’d been drawing back more recently.
‘Thanks, lovie, but no one can help this time.’