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.’
