‘What would you like to drink?’ she asked Callum as she clicked on the kettle. ‘We have cool drinks. In fact, I think we’ve got everything here.’
‘I’m fine, thanks. I’m still recovering from my grandfather’s birthday celebrations.’ He went to fetch the milk from the fridge while Tasha took out a cup and saucer for herself and set them down onto the granite worktop. ‘I wouldn’t want to be the property manager having to set this place up for someone like Riley. I bet his expectations are higher than most people’s.’
She spooned tea leaves into the fine porcelain teapot and poured boiling water onto them. ‘They certainly are. Shame he doesn’t behave as well as he supposes other people should.’
Her tea made, Tasha led them onto the terrace and sat next to Callum. ‘I’m glad you’ve come.’
‘I’m happy to be here. Hey, you don’t think Brooke could still be out there somewhere?’
Tasha shook her head. ‘She had a car waiting. If you didn’t see it, maybe it was parked a little further down the driveway.’
‘Good.’ He looked at her for a moment. ‘Do you think she really will sue Riley?’
Tasha shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea. Those two are always suing someone, so it’s possible, I suppose.’
‘But what would she sue him for?’
Tasha gave a tired laugh. ‘Who knows. And to be honest, I’m past caring. Riley has the backup and the funds to defend himself in a court of law, so he’ll be fine whatever it is.’ She decided to change the subject. Then thinking of a way to see Callum again, recalled receiving an email from the director’s secretary just before Brooke’s arrival. ‘It seems they liked the recording I sent in of you delivering those lines. You’re on a shortlist of two actors to take over that small part I put your name forward for.’
‘Really?’
She smiled. ‘Don’t look so unhappy about it. Who knows, it might be fun.’ She wasn’t sure that was possible trying to act for the first time opposite Riley but didn’t say so.
‘Anyway, why don’t you come and watch the filming?’
He frowned. ‘I didn’t know that was an option.’
‘Would you like to?’ she asked, thinking it would be a good idea if he wanted to be chosen.
‘I suppose I would, yes. I mean, I haven’t ever seen a TV series filmed before, so it’ll be a new experience.’
Tasha didn’t bother hiding her delight that he had agreed. ‘Great. I’ll have your name added to the list of guests. I’ll give you more information about times when I have them.’
‘Thank you, that’s very kind of you.’
After the evening she’d had with Brooke it cheered her up to know she would have another opportunity to spend time with him. ‘It’s no problem at all. Anyway it makes sense you being there as you clearly know the place well.’
Tasha’s phone pinged. ‘Sorry, I should see what this is about.’ She took her phone from her pocket and looked at the screen. It was a message from Riley’s manager, Dale.
Heard about B coming to the cottage. Have arranged another rental, which should take you through to end of filming. Will send through address soon. Moving lunchtime tomorrow. Dale
Her mood dropped.
‘Bad news?’ Callum frowned, looking concerned.
She turned her phone for him to read the message.
‘Ah, so you’ll be off in the morning then.’
She felt a little better to see Callum’s obvious disappointment. ‘Seems like it.’
He stared at her for a moment. ‘I was enjoying you staying so close to the house.’
‘Me too.’ She smiled. ‘But it can’t be helped, I guess.’
He shrugged. ‘We only have a couple more days at the manor, so us being neighbours was due to come to an end soon anyway.’
Tasha sighed. ‘I’ve never lived so far away from neighbours in my life as I have at this place.’
