‘But you haven’t?’
Keeley huffed a breath out between pearly pink lips. ‘Not so far.’
‘And you feel like you’ve given it enough time?’
Keeley shrugged, not meeting her eye.
Lila could see how close her friend was to tears, and she wanted more than anything to help her. But she had to tread carefully. She couldn’t get this wrong; not if Keeley was trusting her to give advice.
‘I can’t claim to know how you feel,’ she said gently, ‘and I would never belittle it or tell you it doesn’t matter, because you wouldn’t be questioning everything if it didn’t. But how long have you got left to go?’
‘A couple more months, including the studio stuff.’
‘So, two more months of this. It’s stifling, and not quite what you were expecting, but you’re with good people, you’re making friends, and at the end of it, think what you will have accomplished. Think of how you’ll feel when your series, the programme you have the title role in, is shown to thousands of viewers. It might be tough now, but don’t you think it will be worth it when you’re snuggled up with Jordan, watching your drama?’
Keeley sipped her drink and her eyes widened in surprise.
‘I added some vanilla essence,’ Lila said quickly, not wanting to lose her thread. ‘Look, God knows I’m not exactly a role model when it comes to blossoming careers. But don’t you think you owe it to yourself to see this through? Don’t you think you’ll regret it if you don’t?’
Keeley peered at her. ‘What is it?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I’ve come here moaning about my problems, and there’s something wrong. What is it, Lila? What’s happened? Is Charlie OK? You’ve not had any news from America—’
‘No, no, they’re fine. It’s all fine.’
‘It is not fine! Did you message Clara? Did you try and speak to her?’
Lila shook her head. ‘Nothing’s happened, and we’re talking about your future here.’
‘What coffee do you like?’ Keeley stood and put Marmite on the seat. ‘I’ll make you one.’ She strode up to the coffee machine and stared at it, flexing her fingers.
‘You don’t need to do that.’
‘Do I just need to put the – this thing, here. And then I can do this …’ She started trying to attach an empty portafilter to the group head.
Lila rolled her eyes and went to join her. ‘You need to fill the portafilter up with coffee, and then press it down, so the grains are flat, like so. And then you can pop it here and press the button, but make sure you have a mug or cup under it.’ She demonstrated, frothing the milk and making a perfect cappuccino, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the air.
‘Cinnamon or chocolate?’ Keeley asked, holding up the shakers.
‘Cinnamon,’ Lila decided. She took the finished drink from Keeley and brought it back to the table.
‘It’s a complicated machine,’ Keeley said.
‘It’s fine once you get used to it,’ Lila replied, shrugging. ‘Obviously, as with everything, that takes time. You can’t be an expert straight away, and that first bit, when you’re just starting out, can be very uncomfortable.’ She knew she was shoehorning the metaphor in, but she was struggling to think of a way to get through to her friend.
Keeley sighed, her narrow shoulders dropping. ‘I’ve given it loads of time. I have thought about this, you know.’
‘Really?’ Lila asked, careful to keep her voice soft. ‘What will happen if you go now? Won’t it destroy the entire shoot? Will they even be able to start again, with someone else in your role, or will the budget be blown? Think of all the people you’ll be hurting if you decide, now, that this isn’t for you. For the sake of a couple of months, Keeley.’
‘Don’t you think that’s all I’ve been thinking about? I’ve started being horrible to people, snapping and shouting, wanting some space. What if I keep pretending everything’s all right, and then I suddenly … explode!’
‘That’s not going to happen. And if it does, then you apologize. Everyone will understand. Won’t they be able to sue you if you back out now?’
‘But what if I lose it with Gregor or Winston? What if I get kicked off the show anyway? Isn’t it better that I go on my own terms before that happens?’
‘You’re too important to the production to be kicked off – and you’re too important to so many people here. What about Sam? Sarah? Don’t you owe it to them?’ Lila sipped her drink nervously.
‘Exactly!’ Keeley said, her eyes brightening. ‘I’m wasting their time, thinking that I’m cut out to be an actor, and it turns out I’m not. It’s not my calling. I should get out while I can, be honest with everyone – including myself.’
‘No, Keeley. You can do this – you’re brilliant at it! You’re just having a crisis of confidence. You need to stop and think—’
‘I need to go. I need to talk to my agent.’ Keeley stood and squeezed Lila’s shoulder. ‘Thank you so much for your advice, for the delicious coffee. This was exactly what I needed. You’ve made everything so much clearer. I’ll let you know how it goes.’
‘Don’t you think you’re being impulsive, Keeley?’ Lila called as she lifted Marmite up and put him in the cab, then followed her friend off the bus. ‘Keeley!’
Keeley turned and blew her a kiss, just as two crew members approached Gertie, rubbing hands red from the cold.
Lila cursed under her breath and led them on board. She made their drinks, her mind whirring. She had been intent on reassuring Keeley, convincing her this was too big an opportunity to throw away, that she was surrounded by friends, she could get through it and, Lila was certain, would be so happy when she had. Instead, what had Keeley taken from their conversation? That by making an early exit, she could avoid disaster.
Lila had got it wrong again, and this time it wouldn’t only be Keeley and Lila that would lose their jobs, but everyone involved in Estelle. What would they all think of her, when Keeley told them that it was Lila who had encouraged her to quit? What would Winston say? Oh God – what would Sam think when the truth came out?
And then there was the reputation of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. Would Charlie and her business suffer the fallout if word got around that it had been Keeley Klein’s visits to Gertie that had led to her dramatic change of heart?
On top of all that, Lila couldn’t ignore the entirely selfish truth that she loved being here, spending her days on the set on board the bus. She didn’t want to lose Keeley as a friend. She tried not to think about Sam, and how she would feel if she couldn’t see him any more. If Keeley went ahead with her plan there would be no winners, just a long list of losers, with the actor herself firmly at the top.
Lila cleared away the used mugs with unsteady hands. She had to do something. There was no way she could let Keeley go through with this. She couldn’t be the reason this beautiful, talented woman gave up her role and, quite probably, ruined her acting reputation for ever. Lila was not going to be responsible for another hideous mess, for someone else losing the trust of the people they cared about. All she needed to do was work out how to fix it.
Chapter Eight
Lila felt a wave of happiness when, pulling up outside Charlie’s house that evening, she saw that the lights were already on. Charlie’s suitcase sat in the front room, and Lila could hear the shower running upstairs. She went through to the kitchen and made a pot of tea, taking out Charlie’s cherished narwhal-shaped teapot that never failed to bring a smile to her face. By the time her cousin came down, she had fed Marmite and arranged the teapot, two mugs and a bowl of arancini balls on the table.
‘Lila!’ Charlie skidded across the living room in her slipper socks and pulled her into a hug. ‘How are you? How has everything been? It’s so good to see you!’ She released her cousin and lifted Marmite into her arms, burying her nose in her dog’s fur while he barked excitedly and licked her face. ‘And you, little guy. I have missed you!’
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�It’s been great,’ Lila said, putting on her brightest smile. ‘Gertie is popular on set, I’ve been experimenting with some new coffee ideas, and we’re on Bodmin Moor now, which is beautiful in a desolate sort of way. But what about you? What about America?’
Charlie put Marmite on the floor, sat down and popped an arancini ball in her mouth. ‘San Francisco is so vibrant, and the street food – Lila, you wouldn’t believe it! I’ve got so many ideas about what we can do here. Daniel’s eco-course was brilliant, too. He’s so inspired.’
‘You went on holiday and both came back desperate to get back to work. That is so typical of the two of you.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Did you have any actual fun, or was it all research?’
Charlie rested her head on her hand. ‘Oh yes. We had lots of fun.’ She smiled dreamily. ‘It was pretty much perfect.’
‘So you and Daniel are even more loved up, then? Where is he?’
‘He’s gone to check in with Lily and pick up Jasper. He should be here soon.’
‘Can’t bear to be apart?’ Lila poured out the tea and added milk, watching the mini whirlpool she had created.
Charlie put a hand on her arm. ‘Are you all right, Lila? Sure everything’s OK?’
‘I’m fine. Gertie and the set – it’s all gone really well. I’m just tired.’
‘I left you with too much,’ Charlie said. ‘I’m so sorry. Has Amanda—’
‘Amanda’s been brilliant,’ Lila rushed to assure her. ‘And you didn’t leave me with too much to do. I just …’ she had an urge to confide in Charlie about her conversation with Keeley, but she wanted a chance to stop her from leaving without anyone else finding out. ‘I’m glad you’re back, that’s all. I want to hear all about your holiday.’
Charlie stood and went to the fridge, smiling when she opened the door. ‘And I need to hear the gossip from Estelle.’
‘I got some stuff in,’ Lila said. ‘I didn’t want you to come back to a bit of dry old cheese and half a lemon.’
Charlie took out a bottle of white wine, poured them each a large glass and took the nibbles to the coffee table, gesturing for Lila to follow.
They sat on the same sofa, facing each other.
‘How has it been with everyone on set?’ Charlie asked. ‘Keeley and Toby. Sam. Cheers, by the way. It’s good to be home.’
Lila clinked her glass against her cousin’s. ‘It’s been even better than I imagined. I’ve spent a lot of time with Keeley, and Toby and Aria. Sam, too. I’ve been an extra – sorry, supporting actor. That’s the technical term.’ She watched, grinning, as Charlie’s eyes widened in surprise.
‘What?’ Charlie screeched. ‘How did you manage that? Tell me everything!’
So Lila told her. Almost everything, anyway. Certain events, such as almost losing Marmite on the beach and Sam turning up in Porthgolow and sweeping her off her feet were too dangerous, or too close to her heart, to reveal.
Charlie gasped and laughed and squealed, and Lila embellished the stories, how over-dramatic Gregor was and her pounding fear, and then elation, when she’d said her one line as Miss Trevelyan. Any time she mentioned Sam she kept her voice neutral, hoping that there would be nothing for her cousin to pick up on.
‘Oh my God, Lila,’ Charlie said, when she finally took a breath and a big gulp of wine. ‘Your month here sounds even more exciting than America!’
‘Rubbish,’ Lila protested. ‘And I need to hear all about that right this moment. I can’t believe I’ve monopolized the conversation. How was San Francisco?’ She settled herself into the cushions, ready to be transported halfway round the world.
The bottle of wine was empty and both Lila and Charlie were all talked out, Charlie stroking Marmite’s ears while he dozed, Lila scrolling through the photos Charlie had taken on her phone, when the front door opened.
Jasper trotted into the front room and sat in front of the coffee table. Daniel followed him in, looking happy and tanned.
‘Daniel,’ Lila said, getting up. ‘Did you have a lovely time?’
‘The best.’ He gave her a tired smile. ‘Jet lag’s going to be a killer, though.’
‘You don’t have to go straight back to work, do you?’ She hugged him.
‘I’ll pop into the hotel in the morning. I need to see what the state of play is. Everything been OK with Gertie?’
‘It was grea—’ Lila started, but Charlie talked over her.
‘She was an extra, Daniel! A supporting actor. She’s basically going to be starring in the series!’
Lila laughed. ‘Charlie’s exaggerating. How was your conference?’
‘Enlightening. But you’ve been kicking back with the stars? I need to make myself comfortable. Hang on a second.’
He went into the kitchen and, as Lila sat back down, Jasper jumped up next to her. Charlie looked outraged. ‘Jasper! Off the cushions! What on earth has got into you?’
Jasper slunk back onto the floor and put his nose in Lila’s lap. She stroked his silky fur, hoping her blush wasn’t too obvious, and was relieved when Daniel sat next to Charlie, opened a fresh bottle of wine and looked at her expectantly. Lila got ready to tell her story all over again, and silently prayed that her cousin wouldn’t work out that she was the reason Jasper thought the sofa cushions were now an acceptable place for him to be.
Charlie came with her to the set the following day, saying she had to stay busy or she wouldn’t beat the jet lag, and Lila felt as if she had a buffer between her and any ill-advised conversations she might accidentally start. She wondered where Keeley was, whether she’d spoken to her agent yet, or if there was still time to rescue the situation.
‘Tell me all about these new coffee variations,’ Charlie said, while they were piling up their sweet and savoury treats on the vintage cake stands. ‘I’m always up for new ideas, and I’d hate to have you here and waste your expertise. Once the filming’s done I want you back in Porthgolow with me as Gertie’s personal barista.’
‘You don’t want me to go back to London?’
Charlie shrugged. ‘Not if you’re not ready.’
‘Even though I’m staying in your house?’
‘There’s plenty of room, and I can go to Daniel’s if I want to.’
‘That would be wonderful, Charlie. Thank you.’ She put her new, scribbled menu on the counter. ‘This is what I was thinking …’
‘Hello, anyone on board?’ Sam looked scruffily delicious in a tatty blue shirt and jeans, his thick hair left to its own devices. His smile was instant, and Lila couldn’t help but return it.
‘Hey.’
‘Hi, Sam,’ Charlie said.
‘You’re back! How was America?’
‘Amazing. About as far from sleepy Cornwall as you can get.’
‘Apart from the food markets,’ Lila said. ‘Apparently they have these bonkers street-food places in San Francisco, and Charlie’s going to use all her new knowledge to make the Porthgolow markets even better. She’s a one-woman whirlwind!’
Sam laughed. ‘I’m going to come to one, once they’re back in full swing.’
‘Porthgolow’s such a special village,’ Charlie said. ‘You’d love it, Sam.’
Sam glanced at Lila and she shrugged. ‘Charlie and Daniel only got back last night, so we haven’t had much of a catch-up.’ She realized that if she didn’t let her know about Sam’s visit, then someone else would. His presence hadn’t gone unnoticed, and she was surprised Charlie hadn’t had a text from Amanda or Stella, passing on the gossip.
Sam nodded, giving her such an intense look that Lila flushed.
‘Actually,’ she said lightly, ‘Sam’s seen Porthgolow.’
‘Oh?’ Charlie asked, her tray of scones momentarily forgotten.
‘It was a weekend, so …’
‘Sunday,’ Sam prompted.
‘Yes, it was a Sunday, and I didn’t have any plans, and—’
‘I decided,’ Sam interjected, ‘to come and see Porthgolow for myself. You and Lila ha
ve mentioned it so often, I was intrigued.’
Lila chewed the inside of her cheek. Charlie was frowning now. Would she mind that Sam had been baking in her kitchen? She didn’t think so.
‘So you spent a day in Porthgolow together?’ Charlie asked, her frown dissolving. ‘Just the two of you?’ Her tone was curious, and Lila tried to think how to change the subject, to get her and Sam out of the spotlight.
‘Have you heard?’ a voice cut in, and Lila sent a silent prayer to whoever might be listening. But her relief faded when she saw that it was crew member Sarah standing in the doorway, and that she looked as panicked as Lila had felt the previous day.
‘Heard what?’ she asked, although she was sure she already knew.
‘It’s Keeley,’ Sarah said, sounding choked. ‘She just told me that she’s going to quit. She’s got a meeting with Winston and her agent next week, and she’s going to give up the role. In the middle of filming.’
Charlie gasped, and Lila felt Sam go completely still beside her.
‘What?’ he said.
Sarah nodded vigorously. ‘I promise you I’m not joking. She just told me. She seemed determined – a bit manic, if I’m honest. How can she do this? Does she have any idea what will happen? How much this will cost her, and not just financially? It’s utter madness! Look, you can’t say anything, any of you. Not to anyone. But—’
‘She’s going to do it next week?’ Lila asked urgently.
The Cornish Cream Tea Summer Page 8