Behind the Scenes

by Anita Notaro

  ‘I like the bathroom, that’s about all.’

  The bathroom was indeed one of the better rooms. It still had its original claw-foot bath and more of the wood panelling, as well as a huge airing cupboard. ‘There’s also a small utility room out the back that you haven’t seen,’ the estate agent was quick to point out, ‘and there’s a small downstairs toilet.’

  The old lady who owned the house was sitting on the veranda.

  ‘Hello, my dears. I’m Eleanor.’

  Libby and Annie shook hands with her and they chatted for a few minutes.

  The garden wasn’t huge, but it had a vegetable patch, a tiny greenhouse and some mature fruit trees and a south-facing raised patio.

  ‘This garden gets the sun all day,’ Eleanor told them. ‘I’ll be sorry to leave it.’

  The estate agent had told them that she was going into a nursing home because she had no family and had never married. Both Annie and Libby took to her instantly.

  ‘Are you that girl off the telly?’ Eleanor was staring at Libby intently.

  ‘Yes, I am and Annie here is also on TV.’

  ‘Oh my, what programme do you do, my dear?’

  ‘I’m in Southside, actually.’ Annie was mortified.

  ‘Oh.’ She sounded disappointed. ‘I’m afraid I never watch that rubbish.’ Both women collapsed with laughter.

  ‘So haven’t you a big palace and plenty of money?’ She was only interested in Libby. ‘What would you want with my little house?’

  Libby sat down beside her. ‘My husband died earlier this year so I’m selling and looking for a smaller house just for myself.’

  ‘Do you like this one?’

  ‘Very much.’

  ‘Would you look after my garden, keep the vegetables going and feed the roses?’

  ‘Yes.’ Libby had no idea how, but she knew she would.

  The old lady nodded but said nothing.

  They wandered around for a while and promised to ring the estate agent later.

  ‘It’s mingin’,’ Annie said as she got into the car. ‘I can’t get that awful musty smell out of my nostrils.’

  ‘That’s just stale air, no windows open.’

  ‘Libby, it’s damp. Did you feel that mattress in the spare room?’

  ‘I think it’s just right for me.’

  ‘I can’t believe you. How can you consider moving from one of the most beautiful houses in Dublin into that heap of shite?’

  ‘It’s like a doll’s version of my house. It’s perfect. A cosy sitting room, a big kitchen, a—’

  ‘A big, manky kitchen.’ Libby ignored her.

  ‘A pantry that will house all my cooking stuff. A really good-sized bedroom, room for a study and a decent bathroom. All that plus a great garden that gets the sun, somewhere to park my car and a view of the sea when I wake up each day.’

  ‘You are stark, raving mad. You could buy a six-bedroomed detached house closer to town for what they’re asking here.’

  ‘But I couldn’t live in one of those. This has character.’

  ‘Woodworm.’

  ‘Interesting shapes . . .’

  ‘Dry rot.’

  ‘It’s like a little cottage from a storybook. I could do lots with it. And the location is superb.’

  ‘It would cost almost as much again.’

  ‘No, you’re wrong. Structurally it’s good, from what I can see. The roof looks fine. It’s been rewired and done properly. All it needs is central heating and a new kitchen and a big clean-out and redecorating. It’s full of clutter. You can’t see its true potential. Even empty would be a better way to sell that house. Anyway,’ she grinned nervously, ‘I kind of like that it has a history and that I met the old woman and that I’m sort of carrying on, like a relative or something.’

  ‘You’re losing it and I feel it my duty to stop you making a big mistake, just because of some stupid, romantic notion.’

  But it was too late. Libby laughed and took out her phone and dialled John Simpson. She told him all about the house and he suggested they put in a considerably lower offer, given the state of the property.

  ‘OK, but don’t lose it on me. I want it. And I don’t want to do the old lady out of a fair price,’ she surprised herself by adding.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  THE DAY OF Annie’s awards ceremony was drawing closer and she was growing nervous. The newspapers were getting miles of headlines out of the event and she’d been interviewed four times. She’d spent more than a month’s salary on a stunning dress and a matching bag and shoes that Libby had insisted she buy as well. Jewellery was courtesy of her new friend and when she’d tried it all on Annie didn’t recognize herself.

  Her only regret was that she didn’t have a partner. She’d agonized over it for ages. Mike Nichols was a possibility and Annie knew he’d have jumped at the chance to go with her but she was afraid of giving him the wrong idea. Then she’d considered asking John Reynolds. Libby had approved of this, they’d had a long conversation about it. Annie felt safe with him but she didn’t really fancy him. They’d had a drink together once or twice and initially she thought there was a spark. The trouble had started when he’d kissed her in his car the second time they were out. Annie wasn’t prepared and found herself tensing up as soon as he came close. It felt like he was lunging at her, but she knew this wasn’t so. She’d overreacted, he’d been embarrassed and she’d said good night quickly and gone inside. The incident had troubled her ever since. She kept thinking of the night she’d been attacked and now she was worried that she was frigid. So far she hadn’t told anyone this.

  A couple of days before the event she asked Libby to go with her. They were eating, their favourite occupation since Libby had started on the lessons. Tonight it was Thai fishcakes with lime and coriander, fried until crisp and golden and served with parsley and watercress salad and a tangy sweet chilli dipping sauce. Annie was eating them as fast as Libby was taking them out of the pan.

  If Libby was surprised by the invitation she didn’t show it. ‘I’d love to come, if you’re sure? I won’t know many people there so I might be more of a hindrance than a help to you.’

  ‘No you won’t. Please come.’

  ‘OK, I will.’ After they’d eaten they wandered around the house. Libby had asked Annie to take some furniture and there were so many beautiful things that she was paralysed, not wanting to appear greedy.

  ‘Libby, all this stuff cost a fortune, I can’t take it for nothing.’

  ‘Nonsense, all the good stuff has gone to the auction house, you really would be doing me a favour. And I have a load of kitchen stuff for you, most of it samples, all new. So, at last you’ve no excuse not to be making your own food every evening.’

  Annie hugged her and said thanks. ‘Will you be sorry to let all your stuff go?’

  Libby was determined not to get maudlin. She’d shed enough tears to last a lifetime. ‘I’ve taken everything I want for the cottage into storage. All that’s left are some bits and pieces that won’t fetch much so I want you to have anything you like first,’ she said, and looked at her friend sadly. ‘I have so much, let me share it, please.’

  ‘OK then.’ Annie had never known such generosity.

  ‘Now, there are two small sofas that would be perfect in your front room, along with a lovely little table I bought in Italy. Then I kept back a rug that I thought would suit the room as well. And I think you should take that bookcase over there for all your files and scripts.’

  Annie was speechless. ‘I can’t—’

  ‘Yes you can. Now make a list of anything else you want. I have a van coming in a few days’ time and they’ll deliver to you and take away any stuff you want to get rid of.’

  ‘That’s everything in the house, basically. Most of it was bought in junk shops.’

  ‘Well then, start again. You’re going to be moving house shortly anyway, so think of a big apartment and take things you can bring with you. And–’ Libby gra
bbed her hand and dragged her into another room – ‘I want you to have that picture. I kept it back specially.’

  It was a small child on a beach and it reminded Annie of herself. ‘It’s probably worth a fortune. I can’t possibly take it.’

  ‘Yes you can. You’ve loved it since you first saw it. I’ve always hated it.’

  The kindness was too much for Annie. She burst into uncontrollable sobs and Libby, who’d known for days that something was wrong, let her cry. Eventually, it all came out.

  ‘I don’t like anyone touching me. Men, I mean. They all remind me of . . . him. I’m afraid I’m frigid. I don’t know what to do.’

  ‘Oh darling, all this is normal. How could you not feel this way? You had a horrible, traumatic experience.’ Libby felt like her mother as she held Annie and comforted her. ‘I promise it will all be fine once you meet a guy you really like that way. And it will be someone you can talk to about it, and he’ll understand and be gentle and it will all just fade away. Trust me.’ She lifted Annie’s face up and dried her eyes. ‘I promise.’

  ‘Thanks. I don’t know what came over me just then. I suppose I’ve been bottling it up for days. I’m sorry, I haven’t even asked you how you’re feeling. This must be very hard for you to do.’

  ‘Actually, it’s not too bad. The toughest thing will be cleaning out the last of David’s personal stuff. But in a funny way, I know it’s time. And meeting Andrew made me realize what a sham my life had become. Now I want to simplify it.’ She smiled. ‘Also, I need a project. I’ve had no offers of work, very few invites out and I know I have to get my eating and drinking under control again.’

  ‘I see a difference already.’ Annie meant it. ‘You’re not comfort-eating like you used to. And you’re definitely not a lush now.’ She was teasing again.

  ‘No, and I have lost a bit of weight too. And I have cut back on drink, although I haven’t had a day yet without one. Speaking of which, let’s not start being good tonight, you look like you could use one.’

  ‘No, I’m fine now. In fact, I think that what I’d like is a big mug of drinking chocolate.’

  Libby knew she was looking for an excuse to drink herself. ‘I have some gorgeous stuff from Fortnum and Mason, 70 per cent cocoa solids. I’ll show you how to froth it and float marshmallows on top. But only on condition that we drink it while you make that list. Then I’m sending you home to get organized. The van could even be with you tomorrow.’

  Five minutes later they were giggling again. Each of them gave silent thanks for the presence of the other one in their lives and neither said anything.

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  ANNIE HAD NEVER felt so good about herself and it was all down to a few pieces of furniture. The stuff from Libby had completely transformed the place and made her finally decide to move. Now that her little house reeked of good taste it gave Annie a longing for a place of her own, with freshly painted walls and a real bath and a shiny, new kitchen. Libby had thrown in masses of other things she thought would suit a new place and there were bits and pieces stacked everywhere. As soon as tonight was over, Annie decided, she was going to start looking seriously. She’d also booked a course of driving lessons, her first real extravagance.

  The phone rang. It was her brother Tom from Australia, calling to wish her luck. Ever since her attack they’d all taken to phoning her occasionally, just to see how she was. It pleased her.

  The programme had arranged for Annie to stay in a hotel beside the complex from where the awards show was being televised live. As she got ready she marvelled at how much her life had changed for the better. Even the events of that awful night were beginning to fade.

  She hardly recognized the vibrant face and shining eyes that stared back at her from the mirror.

  There was a knock at the door and Annie opened it eagerly.

  ‘Wow, you look fabulous!’ It was Libby, clutching several bags. ‘I brought along my entire jewellery collection, but I see you need very little. You’re stunning.’

  Libby dived in, rummaging through exquisite beaded chokers, long earrings and magnificent pendants and crosses.

  ‘Here’s what I thought.’ She handed Annie a pair of the most amazing diamond earrings and a long, heavily beaded cross that nestled between Annie’s breasts. The result almost made her cry.

  ‘No, please don’t. You’ll spoil your make-up. You look fabulous, darling.’ Libby was being deliberately theatrical. ‘Now let’s go down, and to hell with our diets and my sobriety – we’re having a glass of champagne.’

  The evening passed in a blur. There were photographers everywhere and Annie was much sought after. Libby stayed well in the background and few people paid her any attention. She knew it was because the series had bombed and people were embarrassed and were pretending not to see her. She sipped her drink and watched, feeling distant from the world she’d inhabited for so long.

  The ceremony itself was a dazzling affair and as the Best Newcomer category got closer Libby became more and more nervous for her friend. They were seated at one of the Southside tables in a prominent position. Annie was the star of the evening, their great white hope.

  When the award for Best Newcomer was announced Libby reached under the table and squeezed Annie’s arm. No-one saw but Annie shot her a grateful glance as she swallowed hard and tried to smile. As the list of nominees was read out, the cameras swung around to get all the close-ups. The others had told Libby that the likely winner was a young man from a top British police drama and she cursed herself for not watching any of them, to size up the competition. The programme then cut to excerpts by each of the nominees. Annie’s was the famous scene with Marc Robinson and Libby had tears in her eyes. When her clip ended Annie got the most defeaning cheer from the hall. When the camera cut to her for a reaction she was biting her lip and trying not to cry. It was an endearing shot and Libby wanted to hug her, but she also wanted to stay out of the way.

  The award was being presented by the Best Actress winner from last year. Libby knew none of the other nominees but she applauded with gusto. Opening the envelope seemed to take five minutes.

  ‘For her sensitive . . .’ – a woman, anyway ‘. . . portrayal of a difficult character . . .’ – could that be a prostitute? ‘. . . and for bringing warmth and passion to even the most harrowing scenes . . .’ Libby’s eyes were darting around the table, waiting for a reaction. Annie’s head was firmly down. ‘. . . For the first time this year the judges’ decision was unanimous . . .’ A three-minute pause, at least: ‘This award goes to Annie Weller!’

  All hell broke loose. Everyone jumped up and tried to grab her but Annie headed for Libby and the two hugged till they bruised each other. It was the shot that made the front pages of the three leading newspapers the following morning.

  Annie’s speech was the shortest of the night.

  ‘This means more to me than anyone will ever know. Thank you to my family, especially my dad, and my best friend Libby.’ She fled the stage as flashes went wild, ‘’Cause I could feel the tears starting,’ she later told a jubilant Libby.

  Marc Robinson’s congratulatory kiss startled Annie. It was full on the lips and quite possessive, Libby thought, watching carefully. She’d decided she didn’t like him the instant they were introduced. There was something very false about him. He came and sat beside Annie while Libby was in the loo and when she returned he made no effort to move, assuming Libby would use the next available chair. She was having none of it, and stood between the two of them just to thwart him. It took a while but he got the message in the end. ‘I’ll see you later,’ he said. He had eyes only for Annie.

  ‘If you go back to him I’ll throttle you.’

  ‘He is very cute, isn’t he?’

  ‘He is the biggest fake I’ve seen tonight, and there are quite a few here.’

  ‘You really think so?’ Annie was intrigued.

  ‘I really think so.’ Libby laughed. ‘You can do much better for yourself I t
hink. I like Mike Nichols, though, and he really likes you,’ she whispered later.

  ‘I know, but it’s not happening for me. Pity, he’s a dote and a great friend and I owe him a lot.’

  ‘Don’t even think about it. Life’s too short. I know.’

  When the ceremony was over they all adjourned to the upmarket hotel next door for the party. It took nearly twenty minutes to make the one-minute journey, as Annie was stopped by almost everyone they met. Libby beamed like a mother hen.

  As they made their way in through the swing doors Libby stiffened, causing Annie to glance sharply in her direction. Four people were waiting to come out. It took a minute for Annie to recognize him.

  ‘Hi, Libby.’

  ‘Andrew, how are you?’

  He smiled at her. ‘Fine, thanks. You?’

  ‘I’m good. Annie’s just won the Best Newcomer award next door. It’s huge, and now so is she. Annie, you remember Andrew Harrington.’

  ‘Of course. Hi Andrew. Nice to see you again.’

  ‘Congratulations, Annie. I’m so pleased. I remember you telling me how difficult it was to get recognition as a new actress.’ Annie was surprised he’d remembered. His eyes were twinkling at them. ‘My God, there’s a pair of you in it. I’d say you’re dynamite together.’ All three of them laughed.

  Andrew introduced his parents. She could see where he got his smile.

  ‘Libby, hello, I’m a great fan of yours,’ his mother told her as she shook hands with both girls.

  ‘And this is a friend of mine, Andrea Stephens.’

  ‘Hello.’ She smiled at Libby but Annie was her focus of attention. ‘Congratulations. I love you in Southside. Bobby is a great character. She’s one of my favourites.’ Annie smiled, mortified and didn’t say anything, determined not to spoil Libby’s moment.

  ‘So are you celebrating?’ His smile was warm and he looked interested.

  ‘We certainly are! No man is safe tonight.’ Annie wanted to let him know that he wasn’t the only fish in the sea, but looking at him tonight, she could see why Libby had fallen so hard. He was wearing expensive black jeans, a lightweight, beautifully cut jacket and his pale shirt was open at the neck. He was tanned and his hair was still tousled and still too long and he looked way too trendy for a cardiowhatever.