Page 150 of The Honeymoon Affair

‘Let’s open this first.’ I hand him the bottle. I’ve always allowed Charles to open champagne, even though I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.

‘You said in and out,’ he says.

‘There’s time for a quick taste first.’

‘Good news, then?’ he asks.

‘Yes.’

He doesn’t say any more, but fills two Waterford crystal flutes with the fizz.

‘Congratulations, whatever it is.’

‘Thank you.’ I look around. ‘No Izzy this evening?’

‘She’s at a farewell do,’ says Charles.

In some ways that’s a relief, because it means she won’t barge in throwing wild accusations around the place. On the other hand, it might have been good to have her here tonight.

‘She was promoted,’ he adds. ‘She’s transferring to the airport. It’s a big change for her.’

‘Congratulations to her. I know you said she works hard,’ I say. ‘The reason I’m here is that things are changing for me too. As a consequence, they’ll change for you. But ultimately it’ll be very positive,’ I add as I see his face darken.

‘How?’

I tell him about the offer from Denton-Marr that I’ve accepted and signed, and that the AB Agency will be moving from the mews behind his house to their Mount Street offices. Then I add the most important part – that I’ll be a consultant agent and spending the next six months based in Los Angeles, though making frequent trips to Dublin and London.

‘What!’ He looks at me in disbelief. ‘You’re leaving me?’

‘Not at all. I’ll be getting to know another aspect of the business.’ I take a deep breath before continuing. ‘Obviously these are big changes, but then there have been big changes for both of us in the last few months already. Our divorce will be done any day now, you’re moving on with your life, and I think it would be better to move on with your agent too. Denton-Marr-Barrett gives you the opportunity to do that. One of the senior agents in particular is passionate about your work and would love to represent you. It’s your choice, of course, and you may want to move to another agency, but I honestly think Tristan Marr would be a great fit for you.’

He stares at me. ‘You don’t want to be my agent any more?’

‘I’ve loved being your agent, Charles. It’s been an absolute privilege. But I think it’s best for both of us, and for Izzy, if we’re not involved any more.’

‘But—’

‘Seriously, Charles. Carrying on as we are isn’t a good idea. You must see that.’

‘I know it’s been tricky sometimes—’

‘And it’ll be nothing but trickier when you’re married. And not . . .’ I hold up my hand to stop him interrupting me, ‘not because of any feelings I have for either of you. Simply that I’m your ex and she’ll soon be your wife and you don’t need both of us in your life.’

‘What about the deals you’re working on for me?’

‘I’ll conclude any deals that are currently out there but will liaise with Tristan on them if you’re agreeable to working with him. You’ll like him, Charles. He’s very knowledgeable and has brilliant contacts on the movie side of things, which is a big bonus.’

‘You did all right with adaptations.’

‘He’ll do better.’

‘You think?’

‘I do.’

‘Do you want to set up a meeting with him?’

I nod. I’ve been cool and calm about this until now, but it’s suddenly real. Charles and I are properly breaking up in every sense of the word. I finish my glass of champagne and he begins to top it up, but I stop him and say that I have to go.

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