Page 76 of The Actor and His Secret

Shame I left it - and her - back in the dressing room.

‘Looking for something?’ I asked.

‘Well, I was. actually.’ She drops my hand, leaning back in her chair in a mock stature of comfort. ‘The streets are talking, Nikos. Those little birdies you are so frightened of are chirping about a potential engagement. Anything you want to share?’

‘I told you those birds are a nightmare.’ I go for a wink, but it falls flat. It takes everything I have not to focus on the empty chair beside me.

She laughs again, this time sicklier than before. It’s fake, as is everything here. And I can tell that she’s just worked out that I didn’t read through my script.

‘Nikos. We’re friends here, aren’t we? Between me and you, have you got anything you’d like to share?’

I lean forwards, wondering if those watching from the comfort of their own homes can see the sweat beading on my temple. My breathing is uneven, my chest constricting as though a python has tangled itself around me.

‘Actually, yes. I’ve been keeping a secret from you all, but clearly not very well.’

The interviewer claps her hands together. ‘What a way to start a boring Thursday morning off. How thrilling. Now, I have my speculations, as does all of social media apparently…’ She gestures to the large screens behind me, where the photos of me and Oli have been circulating. Of course, they don’t show his face. I admit, the excuse of him being Michelle’s relative works - no matter how the lie makes me ill. To my relief, the photos fade into something new. Screenshots of social media comments flash up, each one as irritating as the next. I see Michelle’s name next to mine, the mention of marriage, the talk of on-screen chemistry spilling over to real life.

I stare at it, dumfounded and frozen.

‘So…’ She drawls out, tapping those nails on the side of her chair, the sound grating through me. ‘What have you got to share with us, Nikos?’

I turn away from everything, unable to focus. This is the moment I secure my future, but at the cost of taking the power away from my past. From Oli. I search the dark shadows of the set for Selina, hoping her encouraging nod or smile will help me through this next lie.

But what I find has my body and mind shutting down.

Oli stands to the side, concealed by shadows, but even in the dark I would be able to find him. I blink - not once, but four times, wondering if the ghost would disappear. But he is real, very real, all sun-blond wavy hair, wide eyes, and a heart-shaped face that my fingers and mouth have memorised.

He is holding large cards in both hands, so big they cover his torso. And on it, written in black ink and rushed handwriting, is a few words.

He can never hurt you again. You’re free.

Time seems to stretch on, but perhaps only milliseconds have passed. I don’t know. I’m not aware of anything but the words he’s holding up. Selina shadows him, nodding as if offering the confirmation of what my thoughts are piecing together.

Oli reaches into his pocket, making the card hit the ground with a thump. I watch him, his every movement, and see him withdraw a watch. My watch. The one my father had taken from me.

He can never hurt you again.

He - my father.

You’re free.

‘I’m sorry to the folks watching, but it would seem that Nikos is teasing us with his big announcement,’ the interview says from next to me. She jabs me in the side playfully with a fake nail, but I can tell she’s getting irritated.

Before I take my eyes off Oli, I’m certain he mouths three more words to me.

I love you.

‘Nikos? Earth to Nikos?’ When the interview taps my knee again, it’s with a harsh bite. Clearly, I’m embarrassing her. But I don’t care. I care about nothing but the fact that Oli is here.

My ears are ringing, my head an empty space of disbelief. I can hardly think straight, but somehow that pressure on my shoulders has eased.

‘I’m sorry,’ I say, unsure who my apology is for.

‘Are you ready?’ she encourages, waving her hands impatiently at me. ‘We are all bursting to know what Nikos Ridge’s secret is.’

A small laugh bursts out of me. One little bark, followed by another.

‘Where do I even begin?’ I reply.

---