‘Here, take this,’ said Polly, passing her a cup.
‘Thanks,’ Emma replied with a smile.
She was really warming to the actress. Being a similar age and both artists in their own field, they had quite a bit in common. Ever since that cheeky remark about her being ‘the real lady of the house’, Emma had shared a bit of banter back. Together they enjoyed gossip and giggles, particularly about the rest of the cast.
‘He’s got a toyboy,’ Polly had whispered about Brian Chapman, the actor playing her father, Lord Pemberton.
‘No!’ hissed Emma.
This was indeed a scandal, considering the man had been a real lothario in the seventies and was married with four children.
‘Yep, honestly. They have a flat together in London. Lives a double life apparently.’
‘Blimey,’ gushed Emma with wide eyes.
Then Polly had given her a mischievous look. ‘You got any hot gossip?’
‘Me? No. What would I know?’ replied Emma in surprise.
‘Sure?’ Polly said, raising her eyebrow in the same suggestive way she had previously.
‘What are you getting at?’ Emma asked, suspecting she already knew.
‘Oh, come on, you know what,’ retorted Polly with a smirk. ‘I’ve seen the way you look at each other.’
‘Sorry?’
‘You and Felix. I definitely sense there’s something going on between you two,’ said Polly, looking at her through slit eyes.
‘Well, there isn’t.’ Emma laughed even though inside she was pleased that Polly had said ‘you two’ and not just her. Whilst knowing how muchshewas attracted to Felix, it was gratifying to think her feelings could be reciprocated.
‘Hmm,’ replied Polly, clearly unconvinced, but deciding to drop the subject.
Now, seeing them together though, her suspicions could only be confirmed. Theydidseem very comfortable together. She watched how Felix automatically stood next to Emma, chatting and laughing easily with her. Considering he was her employer, he appeared very tentative towards his housekeeper. He involved her, whether it be for drinks or meals, Emma was always included, and he clearly didn’t treat her like a member of staff. Polly liked it, the fact Felix was so down-to-earth and unaffected. Initially, when she’d found out Felix Paschal was directingLady Scarlett Investigatesshe’d felt a little daunted. Like many others, she’d read the media’s portrayal of him. But having now worked with the man, she knew the accounts of him must be lies. Never had she witnessed or experienced any of the shocking anger or rages his ex-girlfriend had accused him of – quite the opposite, in fact. On the occasions she’d forgotten her lines, or missed a particular direction, Felix had shown nothing but patience. He was a dream to work with, always encouraging the team.
She then eyed Emma, who always looked so pretty in a totally unassuming way. Today she wore a cheesecloth, embroidered blouse and denim skirt, and looked amazing. Not the most conventional housekeeper’s uniform, she grinned to herself. Emma’s curls were free, tumbling down her shoulders, and Polly noticed the way Felix kept looking, as though wanting to touch them. Yes, she concluded, there was most undoubtedly a magnetism between the two.
Felix finally finished filming at the end of a very busy day. Although he was enjoying his new role as a director, he found it immensely tiring. As an actor he had breaks in between scenes, but directing meant no rest at all. He was on hand all the time. At least he didn’t have to travel to and from the studios though, he thought, wearily making his way up the stairs. He wanted a well-earned bath before dinner.
Undressing in his bedroom, he remembered the letter which he’d put in his back pocket. He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at the envelope. A sickening sensation hit him in the stomach again at recognising Anika’s handwriting. So, she’d resorted to this, handwriting and posting him a letter, which obviously meant she knew his address. Marvellous. Debating whether or not to actually open the bloody thing, he gave in and ripped the white paper open.
So, Felix,
You’ve had the impudence to block me from your emails, all social media and phone too.
I did warn you that you’d regret your behaviour towards me. Surely the press you’ve been given is indicative of the power I have over you?
That said, I am a tolerant person and am prepared to put the past behind me. I understand playing second best to a world-famous supermodel like me must be challenging – and for this, I forgive you.
I hear you’ve started filming now, well done. Perhaps fulfilling your ambition of directing will massage your ego enough to match my status. Let’s hope so.
I’ll be in touch.
Felix stared incredulously, open mouthed at her words, not quite believing what he’d just read. But it was all there before him in black and white. Anika truly thought she was so superior to him (and everyone else). The girl was delusional. No, Anika was more than that, she was actuallyunbalanced.This was getting scary now. Felix was beginning to feel more than just tired and frustrated with her, he was unnerved. Anika’s texts, calls and now letters were not the actions of a sane, rational human being. Neither were her lies to the press for that matter. She had totally discredited him, or at least tried her damndest to.
He re-read the letter and shook his head, still staggered. More than anything, Anika needed help. Some form of counselling to make her understand their relationship wasover.Her utter refusal to accept he had ended it was frightening. Just what lengths was she prepared to go to? His eyes homed in on her final words, ‘I’ll be in touch’. What the hell was going on in that mad mind of hers? He swallowed at the thought of Anika knowing his every move, plus, more threateningly, his address. Somebody was informing her. There had to be a mole in the camp. But who? He genuinely had no idea. Why would anybody he knew want to tell Anika details about him? None of it made sense.
As much as he wanted to just bin and forget the letter, he knew he mustn’t. It was evidence. Despite hoping she’d tire of tormenting him, he now acknowledged this wasn’t going to happen. Him barring her from his phone had only made her worse. If he believed Anika would simply give up contacting him, then he was as delusional as her. She wouldn’t. If anything, she was going to get worse; he knew how Anika operated. With a sinking heart Felix had to admit defeat. It was time to call the police. Anika’s actions were tantamount to stalking and, for a fearful moment, his thoughts took an even more sinister turn. If she knew where he lived and she intended to ‘keep in touch’, did she plan on showing up at his house? His mind cast back to a previous message of hers, when she’d texted that it was ‘time to visit?’.
