‘Why?’ he said again. ‘Unless you want me to invest instead? I’ve got savings. Please, let me invest instead.’
Bridie thought about it for all of two seconds. She couldn’t accept his offer. For one thing, she doubted he had enough money to cover the extensive building repairs, never mind the interior refurbishment of the auditorium.
But even if he did have the money, she would not let him use all his hard-earned savings on a venture that was bound to fail financially. In fact, if she was honest, it felt like a vanity project.
She didn’t know why the previous owner wanted her to stage a play – perhaps to give her a headache while trying to fulfil their wishes. But whatever the case, she wasn’t just doing it because she felt she owed it to her secret benefactor to try. It was more than that. She saw it as her way back to the London stage. With Jack investing, she really had nothing to lose. Oliver didn’t have money to lose.
‘If you’re worried about me investing money and the venture failing, you could sell and pay me back. Jack will buy you out and give you a good price.’
‘I thought you didn’t want Jack to get his hands on the theatre,’ she said, having a bit of fun with him at his expense.
‘Well, no, I meant …’
Bridie place a hand on his arm. ‘It’s all right, I know what you meant. And I do see your point. I could sell up and pay you back, but I’d rather you didn’t invest your money in the first place, in case something goes horribly wrong and you lose it all.’
‘But you don’t mind Jack investing his money.’
She lowered her voice, glancing at the theatre door, although she guessed he was still in the auditorium. ‘Because from what you’ve told me, Jack can afford to back a bad investment and lose money.’
Oliver frowned. ‘Jack never makes a bad investment.’
‘That gives me every confidence, then, that things will work out.’ She knew that was not what he’d meant, and it wasn’t what Bridie thought either, but she didn’t tell him the other reason she was letting Jack invest; he might just be her secret benefactor. Bridie was feeling increasingly convinced of this; what other reason would there really be for him to get involved?
‘You remember I told you that he’s always wanted to get his hands on the theatre?’
Bridie nodded.
‘I would be very wary, Bridie, very wary. You could find yourself losing the theatre if you’re not careful.’
‘I own it. How could that possibly happen?’
‘I don’t know, Bridie, but I’ve heard stories about how ruthless he can be in business to get what he wants.’
‘Ruthless?’ Bridie scoffed. ‘He’s my friend.’
‘Is he?’
The door flew open behind them, startling Bridie. She felt a hand on her shoulder. ‘There you are, Bridie. Everything all right?’
‘Um … yes. Why wouldn’t it be?’
‘Good, good. Let’s start working on some plans – shall we?’
‘Oh, yes, great idea.’ She threw Oliver an apologetic look. ‘Rein-check on the coffee?’
‘Actually, I think I’ll stay.’
Jack did an about-turn. ‘Why?’
Oliver shrugged. ‘Keep an eye on things.’
‘You mean, keep an eye on me.’ Jack shrugged. ‘Whatever.’ Jack held the door open for Bridie as Oliver opened the other double door. Bridie stepped inside, looking from one to the other as they stepped inside too.
‘Takes me back,’ said Jack, ‘the three of us here.’
‘Certainly does,’ agreed Oliver.
Jack smirked. ‘Race you!’
