‘Then that’s what we’ll do,’ Calvin had agreed.
Ollie needed an extra layer of assurance. ‘You’re positive?’
‘I am. And I want it noted that this is the only time in my career that I’ve ever advised an actor to say no to a bloody great big wedge of dosh. I must be going soft.’
So that was that. Decided. Done.
Now, a couple of hours later, he hadn’t changed his mind. He’d get in touch with his management team in LA and let them know his decision. They’d be shocked and more than a little pissed off that they were losing the commission on the deal, but he’d just have to deal with that too.
He’d just pulled his phone out of his pocket to make the call to his agent. It would disturb his 6a.m. personal training session with the latest big name in LA fitness circles, but Ollie wanted to get it over with.
He was about to click on the contact when the phone rang in his hand. Stevie.
‘Hey, babe, I was just thinking about you,’ he told her truthfully. ‘In fact, I’ve been thinking about you all day.’ Again, not a lie. ‘Listen, there are a couple of things I want to talk to you about. What time are you going to get here tonight?’
A pause. At first, he thought there was a problem with the line, but then he heard her sniff.
‘Erm, that’s why I’m calling. I’m not going to make it tonight.’
‘Aw crap, has something happened at work? Are you okay? Stevie, don’t tell me you’re staying to cover for someone because, come on, babe, tonight is going to be great. I don’t want you to miss it.’ It was only a half-truth. The other half was that he was desperate to share his decision and his plans for the future. Fortheirfuture.
‘No, it’s not work. I’ve just left there and I’m heading home.’
‘Then I don’t get the problem. I’m at the Academy now. Just come over…’
‘Ollie, I don’t want to come tonight.’
‘Is it because of the press? Look, I promise I’ll keep my distance and won’t drag you into it. No one will even know we’re together.’
This had been her thing right from the start – her aversion to being labelled as his ‘girlfriend’. To people intruding on their private lives. To being the centre of attention. And this was exactly why he couldn’t commit to another five years onThe Clansman.
‘That’s the issue though, Ollie – at some point the world will find out and I’m just not ready for it. I’m sorry.’
‘Okay, I get it. Look I’ll come over after the screening…’
‘No.’ Her reply was so sharp, it startled him. Stevie was the most laid-back person ever. She never raised her voice, didn’t get dramatic. ‘Please don’t.’ Her tone was softer now, but just as firm.
‘Stevie, what’s going on? I don’t get any of this. This morning, everything was okay. Or did I miss something?’ He tried to rewind, but his confusion over this call was blocking his brain.
‘No, it’s just… I realised today that I need some space.’
She sounded so defeated, exhausted, he immediately went into ‘fix’ mode.
‘That’s okay. We can go away for a few days. Somewhere remote. I’ll wear a balaclava. No one will even know it’s me.’
‘I don’t mean that kind of space, Ollie. I mean space from… from… us. I just need time and space to think about what I want. I’m sorry. I really am.’
And that’s when the phone went dead.
14
NETTA
‘Mandy, what’s wrong? What is it, pet? What’s happened?’ Netta tried to keep the panic out of her voice.
‘It’s nothing, Mum. Honestly, it’s fine.’
Netta slipped into the seat opposite her daughter, reached her hand across the café table and put it on Mandy’s arm.
