Felix was pacing the marbled hall like a caged tiger.
‘Jennifer!’ he bellowed anxiously.
In she came, looking her usual calm and efficient self.
‘Yes, Felix?’ she said, straining to keep the impatience out of her voice. It had been a very long and tiring journey from London up to Lancashire and she hadn’t stopped since her arrival.
‘Is everything in place? They’ll be arriving any minute,’ he asked, lines of worry furrowed on his forehead. The pressure of holding the pre-production meeting was getting to him. Not only was it his first as a director, but he was host too. Although he had to concede his PA had done a sterling job so far in preparation, and the cameras dotted about the house and grounds meant they were secure. She’d even contacted a local catering company and the kitchen was full of buffet food, ready to be displayed in the dining room, though Jennifer had made a comment on lack of assistance in carrying all the plates and dishes up the stairs from the lower ground floor. Not to mention she’d made up all the beds, stocked the fridge and cleaned the place – the poor woman was shattered. And, as she kept reminding Felix, she was ‘no spring chicken’.
‘Yes, Felix,’ Jennifer sighed, ‘the bedrooms are ready, as are the refreshments, and the library is set up for the meeting.’
‘Brilliant, thanks, Jennifer, you’re a star.’ He gave her one of his winning smiles, only this time it didn’t win Jennifer over. This time, quite frankly, he’d taken liberties.
Jennifer was still smarting over having to give up her weekend. She hadn’t particularly enjoyed driving for five hours down the motorway. It left her tired and anxious. When she had finally arrived at Samphire Bay the tide was in, rendering the road unfit to drive. She’d had to sit and wait for bloody hours for the passageway to clear. Time that could have been well spent elsewhere.
Finally pulling into the gravel driveway and seeing the place up close, instead of being impressed with its grandeur and beauty, all she could do was wince at the size of it and the dreaded task of cleaning it. All down to her. It was ridiculous. She was expected to not only do her proper job of administrating the meeting, but also act as scullery maid, butler and housekeeper. And for how long? Would Felix be expecting this level of service in future? Supposing he made a habit of entertaining in this spectacular home he’d acquired? She sincerely hoped this pre-production get together was a one-off, all part of the novelty of buying his new house.
Despite Jennifer already looking dog-tired before the weekend had even begun, Felix didn’t notice. He was way too wrapped up with the impending meeting. A lot was hinging on it. He was out to impress. Secretly, he was also brooding over Anika’s latest malicious text message.
His head turned sharply at hearing the screech of brakes on gravel.
‘They’re here!’ he shouted unnecessarily, as Jennifer was inches away from him.
She jumped in shock then rolled her eyes. ‘Yes, Felix,’ she said witheringly.
Andy was the first to arrive.
Felix threw the front doors open. ‘Andy! Good to see you.’ He pumped the man’s hand then ushered him inside. Keen to gauge his reaction, he examined Andy’s face, which appeared to be suitably impressed.
‘Some place you got here, Felix,’ he whistled, eyes darting around the hall.
This was exactly the response Felix wanted.
‘Right location then?’ he asked.
‘Absolutely.’ Andy homed in on the sweeping staircase, the grand piano, then to the huge chandelier above them, casting its glass shadows on the high ceiling. ‘Perfect. Exactly what we want,’ he affirmed with a nod, making Felix’s shoulders relax.
‘Wait till you see the rest of the house.’
‘And grounds,’ Jennifer chipped in, determined that her efforts of hiring a gardener were acknowledged.
‘Yes, of course, the gardens are pretty amazing, even if I say so myself,’ agreed Felix, then upon seeing Jennifer’s stern look quickly added, ‘all thanks to my wonderful PA who had the foresight to get them tended to asap.’ He gave her another winning beam. This time she at least acknowledged it with a stiff smile in return.
‘Shall I take Andy’s coat while you give him the guided tour?’ she asked.
‘Yes, marvellous, thank you, Jennifer,’ replied Felix.
Just then the doorbell chimed.
‘I’ll get it,’ said Jennifer coolly, hiding a sigh.
The casting director, Mel, arrived with the associate producer, a rather timid looking lady introduced as just ‘Flo’. Mel flounced in wearing a grey woollen pashmina and felt hat.
‘Good Lord, Felix, we’re in the back of beyond here!’ he announced, whilst taking his hat off and arrogantly giving it Flo to carry.
Felix froze, not sure how to answer. Jennifer, as ever, came to the rescue.
‘Yes, that’s its charm. Out of view, enabling you all to get on with the job.’ She chuckled softly, taking the edge off any awkwardness.
