Felix looked amused, pleased he’d managed to take the wind out of Perry’s sails.
‘She hasn’t refused me, Perry, you may be pleased, or not, to hear. But she’s asked for time. Time to make it in the music industry as Emma Scholar, not as Felix Paschal’s wife.’ He sat back somewhat smugly at seeing how shocked Perry appeared. ‘So, you see, it’s me dancing to Emma’s tune. She’s the one in control,’ he finished.
Game, set and match to Felix Paschal, thought Perry. He had to hand it to the man, he had poise – but then he would have, every word he said being true. Emmawasgrounded, independent and now, after hearing the way she’d postponed Felix’s proposal, a very prudent woman. He felt humbled. Extremely humbled.
‘Well, it seems I owe you an apology,’ he said in a quiet voice. ‘I’ve clearly misread you Felix, and for that, I’m sorry.’
Felix gave a smile. ‘No need to apologise, Perry. Just glad I’ve set your mind at rest.’
He nodded. ‘And you have, definitely, thank you.’
‘So, you’ve plenty of time to work on your speech,’ joked Felix, keen to ease the tension. Christ knows how that’s going to pan out, he thought. Looking at Perry now, he was clearly anover-emotional father. Or maybe that was normal? He’d never really known his dad, having lost him when he was very young. As for his mother, well, she was a no-nonsense French woman who called a spade a spade, no sentimentality there. She was, however, fiercely protective of him, so he did understand Perry’s point of view.
‘When’s Emma back?’ asked Perry, changing the subject.
‘Tonight. I’m collecting her from the station at seven thirty.’
Perry hesitated for a moment. ‘Maybe let her tell me about the record contract? Don’t let on you’ve already told me?’
‘As you wish,’ agreed Felix with a nod of his head.
‘Right… I’ll be on my way then.’ Perry stood and offered his hand. Felix shook it firmly. A fresh understanding had been formed.
Later that evening, as predicted, an extremely excited Emma rang Perry with her news. He smiled proudly at hearing of her up-and-coming record deal and all the trappings that would bring. Good for her. His girl, his little Emma, had finally made it in the music world. She was about to fulfil her lifelong ambition.
Bunty was also delighted to hear of Emma’s success. ‘Oh, Perry, that’s amazing! Emma’s about to become a star!’ she exclaimed.
‘She’s always been a star to me,’ he choked.
