by Karen Aldous
Those kind eyes of his permeated warmth and trust, a sincerity about him she had rarely found in a man before. He genuinely seemed protective towards her. Although Evie was aware he could possibly still need to keep her sweet, with his filming still going on, his concern didn’t feel forced or contrived to her.
‘Yes, fine,’ she said, taking another sip of wine. ‘I feel pretty chilled now actually.’
His lips widened. ‘Then, I’m happy,’ he said as a huge wad of paper held together with an elastic band landed on his lap. ‘Ah, brilliant. Cheers Ethan.’
‘Wow,’ Evie glared at its mass and launched an amused chuckle, ‘that’s a lot of script for a…’ she lowered her voice, leaning into him, almost whispering but then realising she couldn’t sound the word ‘dyslexic‘without sounding patronising. ‘I can see how much this project means to you. That’s amazing.’
‘‘Will this fit in your rucksack?’
‘Unfortunately, no. It’s full of books. It will have to go on Charlotte’s chair, which isn’t a problem if you’re carrying her,’ she giggled, the wine snuggling into her. Examining his face, her admiration heightened to adoration. It was humbling to see the tremendous effort he must have put in, as well as all the visual planning and detailed shots each scene needed when making a film. He really deserved success. Running a hand across her chest, she breathed in, wanting to capture the essence of his world. The satisfaction he must have attained from his achievement. She found herself eager to share that moment with him; when his work was done and he could sit back and watch his film, all those pieces fused together, and capture his eyes – his reaction, his emotion, his reward.
Almost in slumber as she savoured the episode, Evie juddered, suddenly alert to the fact that for several minutes she hadn’t once checked behind her. And neither did she feel inclined. Reaching for her wine, she resumed her mellow state, allowing herself to revel in her new-found friends; Ben’s film crew. She was welcomed and valued – even her opinions and her humour, so she could engage, join in, take and give witty banter as well as listen and learn from their stories. She soaked up their talents, their creativity, how they worked, what and who inspired them. Their plans. This was life and she was partaking. A smugness licked her lips. Ben had made her part of this team, a kind of family she was willing and enthusiastic to belong to.
Chapter 12
Ben admired the way Evie dealt with her child, and observed with interest her attentive response as Charlotte toddled from her prattle with Ravi, announcing her hunger. Evie gently took her daughter’s hands and, caressing them gently with her thumbs, explained to her she would finish her drink and then they would walk home, adding that she would make Charlotte her favourite fish pie. Charlotte began clapping, repeating ‘Pish pie.’ Evie took one last mouthful of the rosé and met Ben’s gaze.
‘Well, as much as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all you guys, we have to go.’
Ben got to his feet. ‘Would it be ok to put Charlotte on my shoulders?’
‘Oh, yes. She’d love that, I’m sure.’ She took her daughter’s hand. ‘Here, Charlotte, would you like a big carry?’
‘Carry,’ Charlotte echoed.
Evie lifted the child, letting Ben take her waist to haul her over his head, sitting her squarely around his neck. Charlotte let out a giggle.
Evie stood in front of him, a sweet perfume floated to his nostrils as she was inches in front of him placing her daughter’s hands tightly into his. Just for a few seconds their eyes locked, pumping his blood.
Evie stood back, ‘Whoa. Look how big you are up there. Taller than Mummy.’ Her eyes then centred on him. ‘Are you sure she’s ok?’
‘Light as a feather,’ He bounced up and down lightly, securely gripping Charlotte’s hands. ‘Are you comfy up there, missy?’
Evie nodded on her child’s behalf and picked up the bag and script. ‘She looks fine. I’ll get the bike.’
He watched Evie as she inserted the script into the child’s seat at the back of the bike, and tightened the child strap, then expertly attached the rucksack to the front rack, securing it with a bungee strap. Steering the handlebars around to face him she waved at the crew.
‘Thanks again. Hope to see you all again soon.’
The crew waved back and Ben felt a triumphant glow prickle his skin. Evie was such a sweet little thing, everyone seemed to adore her, and her daughter. As did he. Such incredible misfortune that she was already’ claimed. If, as he suspected, these two beauties belonged to the singer-songwriter Seb Wilde, who he had seen in the car that day he’d delivered her bike, then Seb was the luckiest man alive. No wonder he hid her away from his wacky, shark-infested waters. This girl was too much of a treasure to be submerged in such sleazy surroundings. In his eyes, she was a Madonna in the purest sense. She oozed not only beauty but also humility, charm, intelligence and clearly didn’t need the attention of the cameras or limelight, not the stereotypical WAG at all.
As they ambled across the square, Ben playfully bumped her with his hips, witnessing her body shudder. ‘You’ve made quite an impression. These guys don’t usually entertain our guests with such enthusiasm.’
‘They’re such a lovely bunch. There’s great sense of humour among them, it must be great to work in such a lively environment. And even Samantha takes a lot of flak from them.’
Ben tittered. ‘She does but she can give as good as she gets. She’s used to it.’
‘Is she hoping to become a director?’
‘Yes, she’s trying to raise some finance to produce and direct one at the moment. A documentary on Mary Wollstonecraft.’
‘Oh, good on her. Now there’s a woman who would have helped her. The pioneer of modern feminism. Such a tragic figure though. Being abused as a child and then her tragic premature death; missing out on seeing her children grow up. Fanny was only about four and Mary, a few days old. She would have been so proud of Mary’s Frankenstein. Why doesn’t she make that a drama?’
‘That would cost so much more.’
‘Why is it so difficult for women still? At the risk of sounding feminist, why do so many films only cater for men’s taste?
Ben loved her energy and although he didn’t have answers, he was aware of Samantha’s struggles. There was still a reluctance among investors and it had been difficult for Samantha to find those with the courage to do so. Maybe Evie had a point. A drama could be a more appealing approach for that audience. Evie and Samantha were so alike in their passion for more diversity in the film industry.
‘It’s changing rapidly. More women are now producing and directing movies for a female audience. Documentaries too. Perhaps it’s the uncertainty? There are many women involved in the industry though; working on costumes, make-up and continuity. But, yes, you’ll often find it’s the actresses with the finance to fund their own projects that get distributed. Angelina Jolie, Jodie Foster and Scarlett Johansson, for example, and I think they may have started with documentaries.’
‘I hope you’re right. There’s an increase in period dramas. I love those. The next best thing to a book. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of good films out there, I’m just fussy. I’m not a lover of violence on the screen – especially when it’s excessive – or superhero sequels. Those drive me mad.’
Ben cackled. ‘You girls are more than capable of creating quality entertainment. What you need is the backers and distributors. Funding is difficult for any production.’ Ben wondered if she influenced Seb Wilde at all in his music. It was strange Seb hadn’t gone public with their relationship, if he was her partner of course.
‘But you got the backing to change yours.’
‘Well. I’ve estimated some costings which the other producers think we should be able to raise.’
‘I can’t wait to read through the script. I imagine you will need to employ more female extras. I haven’t seen many on your sets.’
‘Well, let’s see what you come up with. I may have done them
an injustice.’
‘Not exactly. They could never take any credit for Riquet’s vision or the tenacity and determination he had to make such a monumental project come together. I just think it would be enlightening if we could find details of the peasant women’s contribution. Not only would it add richness but maybe redress the balance. If I’m honest, I think they deserve some recognition for what they did. I just have to discover the exact nature of what they did and the extent and relevance to the project. I need proof.’
‘Did you say you studied investigative journalism?’
Evie churned a mischievous grin. ‘Ha bloody ha! I think I have the book I need now so let me have the pleasure of watching you suck in your teeth.’
Ben, and with him Charlotte, shook with laughter. ‘I would love nothing more than to find something fresh to add to it. Sounds interesting, and a bit of a scoop actually. A story which needs to be told. It’s a smaller world now, what with mass travel. I’m gambling on that for its success and a new slant would be brilliant.’
‘I’m so chuffed we met, you have tremendous passion and spirit.’
He smiled, touched by her words then bit on his lip. ‘Actually, I will also need articles to tie in with the film. Obviously, I’ll pay extra, but could you keep this research under your hat for now? It would be useful just before the film is released.’ He turned to face her.
She nodded feeling an inner glow flicker from his endorsement. ‘Yes, fine.’
They reached the front of Evie’s villa. ‘You don’t have to walk along the alley,’ she told him.
Ben peered along the enclosed passage. ‘No problem. I think we’ll take you down though, young lady, we don’t want you crashing into those trees.’ He eased Charlotte down from his shoulders and carried her in his arms. Evie followed, steering the bicycle between tall lap fencing. As they reached the gates, Ben stood back and waited for Evie to untie the rucksack and dig into one of the side pockets for her keys. All the while, her eyes were darting around her. She appeared nervous, on edge, but just watching the smooth skin on her slender arms sent his loins tingling. Lay off, he reminded himself. She was taken. And anyway, he was too deep in the production to think about anything else. It was a production that he was wholeheartedly determined to protect and nurture. This is why he and Samantha had failed, he reminded himself. He’d promised himself relationships were out – it would be just one-night stands, no fuss, no ties; purely keep his mind on his work without baggage or distraction. That way he could focus. And Evie certainly didn’t need another workaholic in her life, nor any scandal come to that.
After scouring the length of the track behind her, like she was expecting someone to jump out on her, she finally slid the key into the gate lock and opened it wide, holding it back as he and Charlotte walked through. Ben imagined she was jittery in case her partner saw them and got the wrong idea. Perhaps he was due home. It was probably wise not to hang around. He wouldn’t want to make any trouble.
‘Thank you for your help. That wine went to my head so quickly. I’ll just get the bike.’ She slid past him and, still peering around, wheeled it through and closed the gate. ‘I’ll just open the front door and turn off the alarm if that’s ok?’
Ben nodded. ‘Yes, fine.’ Again, she appeared particularly nervous. Maybe she was afraid to be seen with him. He followed her across the shingle to the front entrance and bent down to settle Charlotte back on her feet. ‘There. You’ve been a great passenger.’ he told Charlotte. ‘I haven’t heard her complain once.’
‘No, a real treat for you, wasn’t it Charlotte? Even Daddy doesn’t do that, does he?’
Ben scratched his head as he stood back up, producing a sympathetic smile. ‘My little nephew loves it. He must be about the same age, maybe a little older. I can’t remember exactly – is that bad?’
Evie guffawed, ‘Yes, very. So can you remember whose child, a sister’s or brother’s?’ Evie enquired with a smirk, unlocking the front door.
Ben feigned a laugh, winking. ‘My eldest sister’s son. Freddie. Such a little charmer, he is.’
He watched and waited as she relaxed a little and keyed numbers into a panel behind the door. Glancing up, he stepped back aghast. A CCTV camera stared him in the face, its red light flashing. Shit. The last thing he wanted was a scandal if Seb Wilde made accusations… if it was Seb Wilde. He was only guessing but…
‘Well, happy to see you home safe. I’d better get back.’ He hurried away, turning and waving as he strode off across the shingle.
‘Thank you, again. I had a lovely time.’ She threw down her bags inside the door and dashed out on to the porch with Charlotte, staring after him with a hand held up and, he glimpsed, a look of disappointment on her face.
He waved again, keeping his chin tucked in his chest. ‘Just a quick drink. It’s the least I could do. I’m very grateful for your assistance. Don’t come out, I’ll close the gate.’
Ben lifted his sunglasses from his top pocket and slid them on, heading back to the canal path. It hurt to see her reaction. It was awful rushing off, but if his suspicions were correct, it was also foolish to get entangled in such a deadly web. A possible scandal involving Seb Wilde could quite easily damage and shut down his project. He would have to ensure his relationship with Evie remained professional – refrain from encouraging her, however much he… he had to admit it… was falling in love with her. It was an agonising thought but she didn’t belong to him, however much it felt right. They seemed so easy together, with the same humour, but with a partner and a child there was no way he could run the risk of breaking up a family and ruining lives. Nor could he risk his very first feature-length drama. All those years getting it off the ground, getting himself heard, raising the finance, the crew who depended on him. No, he wouldn’t risk everything for a girl who couldn’t possibly love him back.
Naturally, he was curious about Evie’s relationship. Something was awry. Evie’s face had displayed terror earlier. What was she afraid of? He’d never seen her with a partner. Was she actually in love with her partner, or being managed? No man would leave such a stunning wife and their daughter alone for so long. And it set him wondering if her loyalties were misplaced, especially if it was Seb. Yes, the public loved him, but that persona was all his team’s doing. Seb had made sure he had the right people protecting his image. He controlled every single aspect of his business including what the press could release, or not release – not only because he could afford to, but it was paramount to his branding. He’d made that clear when Ben had’ worked on his music videos. Seb Wilde would be out to protect one thing – himself.
Evie could just be a victim of his trappings. She had mentioned he wasn’t happy about her pregnancy, and Ben, with his perceptive nature, was inclined to think Seb was keeping Evie and her child hidden. Top lawyers were on his payroll, along with goodness knows which other media figures, all charged with maintaining his image and if he wasn’t going public with an engagement or marriage to Evie, that could only mean he had no intention of doing so. Seb was possibly shielding both of them, but mostly himself, from a scandal.
Would Seb care about Evie? Love her like he did? Such a sweet-natured girl. She probably didn’t even realise what she had stepped into, getting involved with Seb. And he probably had the house monitored twenty-four seven. Ben dug under his collar, scratching his neck. So, no, he couldn’t risk it. He knew how the creature operated and it wasn’t nice. Poor Evie was probably tightly controlled by this man and his hired yes-men. He would love nothing more than to help, but it could be such a high risk for his production and the whole team’s’ livelihood. A loud voice broke into his thoughts as he approached the café back in the harbour.
‘Kick you out, did she?’ Gaz, the producer, mocked with a wry smile.
‘You guys have seriously got me wrong. I’m only making sure our project isn’t jeopardised after that incident.’ He tried to sound convincing.
‘Yeah, right. You think we didn’t notic
e you guys drooling over one another?’
‘Leave it out guys, she’s got a kid and a partner.’
Chapter 13
‘Hmm, I must have scared him off,’ Evie muttered, dropping her bag and script onto a chair in the hall. She picked Charlotte up and sat her on her hip, gazing after Ben and soothing the tightness in her stomach with her free hand. Was it something she’d said, she asked herself. She returned his wave as he disappeared. Closing the door, she twisted the key in the lock and bolted both the upper and lower locks before turning and wanting to tiptoe down her own hall. A chilly emptiness, cavern-like, surged through her – reminding her of her vulnerability. She was alone again. A vision of the sleazy glint in the stalker’s eyes when she’d glanced up in the library flashed in front of her eyes. She’d not thought to scream and attract attention to him there and then. She’d not been able to think quickly enough. It might have stopped him following her, might have ended this whole nightmare. If only she’d acted when she had the opportunity at the harbour. Told Ben the guy was following and watching. She had to question whether she should be going to such lengths to protect Seb from scandal, instead of herself and her daughter from danger.
Gazing around her, almost expecting him to show his head at the French doors, she cleared her throat with relief and let Charlotte down in the kitchen.
‘Ok, let’s get your nappy off and get you some dinner.’
Closing the door behind her, she grabbed a nappy from the cupboard and led Charlotte into the lounge, her body stiff with fear and head spinning with confusion; she craved to know where that stalker was and what she may have said to upset Ben. She didn’t expect him to stay, in fact she wouldn’t have encouraged it, but it was unlike him to be so hasty. With a sinking heart, she continued her routine, albeit rather later than she’d planned. It was almost five and Suzanne had texted to say she would be over at seven as Bram was playing pétanque.
Once Charlotte was changed, Evie peeled her a banana and sat her down with some books whilst she prepared dinner. Sliding the tray in the oven, she collected the script and rucksack from the hall then automatically padded across to the French doors, turning the key. She often took Charlotte outside to the garden so she could play and burn off some energy but Evie wavered and quickly spun the key back, standing motionless and staring at the lock. Damn, what was she thinking? Immediately Charlotte ran off to get her pushchair.