Page 84 of Be More Lucy

‘Go on, then.’ Lucy wasn’t that keen after the glimpse of the toilet brush.

Em panned around the cruddy bathroom, then walked onto the landing, showing off the muddy marks up the stairs.

‘What’s that phrase? Take only memories, leave only footprints,’ Lucy said.

‘We’ll they’ve certainly done that. I think you win for most luxurious FaceTime location this week.’ Em grinned. ‘How are things going with Mark?’

‘Fast.’

‘What does that mean?’

‘He’s selling up his business so he can come back to England and live with me in Birmingham.’

‘Seriously. When?’

‘Hopefully, in the next month or so. He’s found a buyer already. ‘

‘Wow! A man who’s willing to commit.’

‘I know. It’s a bit of a shocker. A complete first for me. That’s why I phoned.’

‘How do you feel about it?’

‘Surprisingly ok. Ecstatic even.’ She sniffed.

‘Luce. Are you crying?’

‘I might be.’

44

‘I’m sure you told me this was going to be fun,’ Em said as she pulled her coat tight around her body, trying to win her fight with the wind to keep the hood in place. ‘When I agreed to be your assistant, I had visions of sunny days sitting under a parasol watching you film in southern Europe with blue skies and calm seas. And here we are in a force nine gale 40 minutes drive from home. Why did I say I’d do this again?’

‘Because you were worried Clara would want to get naked with me,’ Jack said.

‘I‘d admire any woman who’d take her clothes off in this weather.’

Em, Jack and the crew were standing on the end of a harbour in Devon grimacing in the driving wind and rain.

‘Where is Clara?’ Em asked.

‘She’s back in the hotel. She’s got a bad headache.’

‘That’s convenient.’

Jack scowled at her. Probably not very charitable but Clara was in a warm dry room, not feeling like she could be swept out to sea at any moment. Right now she was in the better position, even allowing for the headache.

‘Jack! We’re ready for you,’ Ian, the director shouted.

‘How is anyone going to hear you in this wind?’ Em shouted.

‘It all helps to conjure up the sense of peril that seafarers have to endure.’ Ian shouted.

Em turned to Jack again. ‘As your assistant, I think it’s time I got you a coffee.’

‘But the cafe’s five minutes walk away,’ said Jack.

‘It’s probably only three minutes with this wind blowing me along. And it will be warm and dry.’ She didn’t wait for a reply.

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