‘That’s right,’ Erin agreed. She laughed. ‘And when we do it’s usually about our brothers and what they’re doing. Zak is a sound engineer for bands and is away on tour, isn’t he?’
Lettie nodded. ‘He is. I believe he’s in Germany at the moment.’
‘That’s right,’ Callum said. ‘He was looking forward to it.’
‘Brodie, will you bring a couple more plates and cutlery for our new guests, please?’ Lettie asked.
He gave her a knowing wink and did as she asked.
Tasha watched the scene play out in front of her as Riley immediately began talking about his career and the morning’s work. If she did have to spend her lunchtime with Riley, she supposed that at least she was also doing it with Callum, and eating her new friends’ delicious offerings.
She lowered her hands to her lap and felt Callum gently take hold of her hand nearest to him. He gave it a gentle squeeze and looked at her.
‘You OK?’ he whispered.
She nodded. ‘I am.’
36
CALLUM
He let go of Tasha’s hand so she could eat her food. How kind, yet how typical of Lettie to read the situation and immediately invite Riley and Erin to join them. She was a natural host and he supposed it was probably helped by growing up with a mother like Lindy who always had enough food to cater for any unexpected guests.
Callum smiled at his sister and swapped amused glances with her. She seemed happy and he wondered whether it was because her morning had gone so well, or because she was enjoying spending time with Riley. Riley’s eyes kept returning to Erin and resting on her face for a few seconds before he seemed to remember he was in the middle of talking about himself.
Callum enjoyed seeing his sister happy but wished it could have been with someone other than this actor who was so very satisfied with himself. He wondered if older siblings always had a sense they should look out for their younger brothers or sister. Probably, he decided.
‘Have you enjoyed filming this series, Riley?’ Brodie asked before eating another forkful of pasta.
‘I’ve enjoyed being on this beautiful island,’ Riley answered, shooting a bright smile at Erin. He raised his eyebrows at Tasha, who Callum felt tense next to him.
As if Riley sensed Tasha’s tension, he turned his attention to her. ‘I couldn’t do any of this without Tasha’s help.’ He smiled at her.
‘It’s my job.’
‘And you do it very well, if I may say.’
‘Thank you,’ Tasha said, sounding grateful, but Callum didn’t miss the undertone of irritation in her voice.
Lettie took a sip of water from her glass and set it back down on the table. ‘Well, we’ve loved having the crew here and watching you all filming. It’s a new experience for all of us, isn’t it, Brodie?’
‘It is,’ he agreed. ‘And thankfully the animals don’t seem fazed by any of it.’
Riley seemed delighted. ‘Thank you. I’m glad it’s all going well and that you, or the animals, haven’t been too bothered by us being here.’
Callum began eating his food until he realised Riley was talking to him. ‘Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.’
‘I was asking how you enjoyed your part this morning.’
Callum decided not to dwell on his mistake. ‘I enjoyed it, as a matter of fact. I wasn’t as nervous as I’d expected.’
Riley nodded. He seemed to be waiting to say whatever was on his mind. He grinned. ‘Tell me, what were you thinking about when you smiled and we needed to go for another take?’
Callum wasn’t surprised Riley wanted to draw attention to his mess-up. He had no intention of admitting his real thoughts to Riley though.
‘I’m not really sure I was thinking of anything,’ he said vaguely. ‘I suppose I had a momentary lapse of concentration – probably thinking how much I was enjoying myself.’
‘Hmm.’ Riley didn’t seem convinced.
