‘Oh.’ I felt stung. Why had they lied?
‘And I’ve been struggling to get responses for jobs for you ever since.’
‘That’s so weird. I was only there a couple of days?’
‘I know!’
I thought back to my time onMoonmen. To Lucy and Danny and Blake and Travis. It hadn’t been the best experience, but I certainly hadn’t done anything wrong.
‘Unless there was a problem with Blake Thomas?’
‘Blake Thomas? Why would there be a problem with him?’
‘Umm… it’s a long story. The short version is we had a bit of athing– but in my defence, he was using another name and I didn’t realise who he was. Until somebody told me. On set.’
‘What???? Abi, you little vixen! When? Where? How the hell did you manage that?’
‘I was in the sauna at The Langham – minding my own business. You know how these things can sometimes go.’ My delicious memory of that night had been soured by my last encounter with Blake. The whole ‘family man’ performance with his wife and kids after he’d tried it on with me had made me sick.
‘Sadly, Ido notknow how these things go, Abs. Men leave the sauna when I arrive, and men like Blake Thomas are not to be found in any sauna I’ve ever been to.’
‘Anyway – let’s not worry about him. Tell me about the job!’
‘YES. Well, it’s almost unbelievable really,’ she gabbled. ‘I got a call this morning from Sparkle Productions who said you’d been recommended for the… wait for it…’ I held my breath – Phoebe never got excited, ‘…Venice Film Festival.’
‘What??? To do what?’ This made no sense. The crème de la crème of the acting world would be there. Why would they want me?
‘To assist on make-up for the awards ceremony and wrap party. The guest list has just been sent through. Hang on, I’ll have a quick scan…’
My heart was thumping in my ear.
‘Hmm… ah yes! Here he is. He’s on the list.’
‘Who is?’
‘Blake Thomas, you idiot – keep up! Now that you’ve told me about your, little, er… dalliance, I’m wondering if he requested you as some sort of long-game apology. If he did get you the boot fromMoonmen. It’s tenuous, but at least it makes sense. If it’s not him, then you’ve got friends in high places, because I didn’t get you this one – although I will still be taking my fifteen per cent.’
My brain was overflowing – the Venice Film Festival? My dream job landing right in my lap. Getting the boot fromMoonmen? Blake Thomas trying to apologise?
‘Do you think…?’ I frowned. I couldn’t stand the idea of seeing Blake again. Or having to grovel and thank him for putting me forward. But I couldn’t deny it was amazing to hear I’d be working at the Venice Film Festival, however it had come about.
‘There is one slight downside,’ Phoebe said, as my thoughts tumbled into one another.
‘Go on…?’ I groaned.
‘They need you there on Friday. I know you said you’re back in London tomorrow, but I’m thinking you cancel that flight and get the train direct to Venice instead. Have you got all your make-up stuff with you?’
‘No. Well, some of it, but not everything.’
‘OK, welllll, it’s a dirty job but someone’s got to do it.’ Phoebe sighed. ‘I’ll get your kit and fly out and meet you in Venice. That way we can both arrive on Thursday and you’ll be ready to go on Friday.’
With Phoebe it was always easiest to say yes and go with the flow.
‘Really? Thanks, Phoebs, that would be fab. My brother is flat sitting, so I’ll give you his number to liaise. My kit is by the front door – all washed and ready to go – still sitting there, postMoonmen.’
‘Alright, sweetheart. I’ll send the details through – they’ll book your hotel, obviously, so I’ll confirm where you’re staying once I know. All you need to do is get yourself to Venice and I’ll see you there.’
‘Thank you so much, Phoebs – this is a total game changer. New career – here I come!’
