Page 126 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘You are indeed,’ Anna said, ‘but without staff you really can’t expect me to do everything? Tell you what, you cook and I’ll clean.’

‘But not every day? We’ll be going to some restaurants, won’t we? And one day we should go to the beach, just for a break… Oh, by the way, on Tuesday we’ve been invited…’

‘Now listen, Sophie,’ Anna interrupted, ‘you have a week to create the illustrations. You’re being paid royally and I expect you to do a fabulous job. Because, if you don’t, I won’t use you again, even if you are my sister. Do you understand?’

There was a steel glint in Anna’s eyes that Sophie hadn’t seen before. It made her anxious.

‘Is that clear?’ said Anna. Her voice had an unpleasant sharpness.

It set Sophie’s teeth on edge like a squeaky chalk on a blackboard.

‘Well, we’ve been invited by the Grants to have dinner at their house on Tuesday… and of course they would love you to come too,’ she added, giving Anna her best smile.

‘Are you mad?’ Anna replied. ‘Why on earth would I dine with someone who double-crossed my husband? Have you lost your mind, Sophie?’

‘Well, I’m going,’ she said defiantly.

‘No, you’re not.’

‘Yes, I am. And tell you what, if you don’t like it, I’ll go and stay at a hotel.’ Sophie started to cry – and couldn’t stop.

Anna softened. ‘Okay, okay, calm down. I know it isn’t easy being alone.’ Anna hugged her. ‘This is a great opportunity for you. You’re a very gifted artist and you’ve been playing at it for too long. Now stop your tears and let’s get something to eat.’

When Damien rang, Sophie was on the balcony, drawing.

‘Shall we FaceTime, or are you still in bed?’ he said.

‘You must be joking. I’ve been up since seven, working. Go ahead.’

He flipped over from audio to visual. ‘That’s better. So, no fun?’

‘Well, had a little trip to the art shop in Vence, but that’s about it.’

‘I thought you were meeting the Grants?’

‘Nope. Anna went apeshit so I thought I’d better give it a miss. Anyway, how’s you?’

‘Just fallen in love again.’

‘Oh, who?’

‘With myself.’

‘How are you doing, Sophie?’ Anna called from the stairs. ‘I’m bringing up your coffee and croissant.’

‘I’d better go,’ said Sophie hastily.

‘Why the rush?’

‘The prison guard is bringing up my tray of vittles.’

‘Oh dear, is it that bad?’ Damien said.

‘Not great. She doesn’t want me to have any distractions. Especially you.’

‘But why?’

‘Because she seems to think that we’re having an affair.’

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