Page 56 of The Typo

‘Amy Cameron, a little word if you please.’ Ian’s distinctive tones carried down the staircase.

A couple of months ago, I would have frozen in position, then reluctantly done as I was told and gone back up the stairs to face whatever dressing down the boss was clearly about to deliver. But now I accelerated out of sight, telling myself that if he confronted me later, I’d say I’d had my earbuds in and hadn’t heard him call my name. I needed to find out what was wrong with Leonie before I dealt with Ian.

I hurried to the lighting booth where I found Leonie nervously pacing.

‘I see Ian has made an early return,’ I said in lieu of a greeting.

She grimaced. ‘Drat. I was hoping to warn you before you found out for yourself. Is he still in a foul mood?’

I fiddled with the strap of my violin case. ‘To be honest, I didn’t hang around long enough to see. I fled as soon as I heard the dreaded, “a little word”. But it can’t be good news though, can it? He’s still meant to be living it up in the Caribbean surrounded by deluded fans.’

‘This is it. He’s come back to tell us it’s all over,’ said Leonie, slumping down onto a chair, the worry etched on her face. ‘How will I be able to explain to Seb that we can no longer afford his ice hockey sessions? I’ll have to sign up at the job centre.’

I could tell she was trying to hold back the tears. I wanted to give her a hug but sensed from the way she was holding herself rigid that that particular kindness would be her undoing, so I settled for fixing on my most reassuring smile, even though I felt anything but relaxed myself.

‘If the worst comes to the worst, you’ll get snapped up by another theatre within minutes. Of that I have absolutely no doubt. But let’s try to be optimistic. Maybe Ian’s early return is because he couldn’t wait to share good news with us.’ The words sounded hollow, even to my own ears.

Leonie didn’t look convinced. ‘Do you think I should call Malcolm? He’s got good contacts at the union who might be able to give us some advice.’

‘We don’t know it’s come to that yet,’ I said. ‘And perhaps it’s best not to worry Malc before we know for sure there’s something to worry about.’

I glanced at my watch. Just over an hour until the meeting with Cameron was due to happen. ‘At least this is keeping my mind off other stuff,’ I said.

‘How so?’ asked Leonie.

‘Ignore me, it’s not important,’ I said. Given the circumstances, it felt petty to be worrying about guy problems when people’s livelihoods were at stake.

Leonie frowned. ‘Nice try. Tell me what’s on your mind. Maybe I can help?’

‘Honestly, I really don’t want to burden you with my silly issues, especially not at a time like this.’

‘It wouldn’t be a burden. That’s what friends are for. And you might as well tell me. I need something else to focus on while we’re waiting for news from Ian.’

She settled back in her seat and looked at me expectantly.

I reluctantly told her the potted history of how Cameron and I had got to know each other online, making sure not to omit my own bad behaviour, and my concern about what his secret might be.

‘That is so romantic,’ said Leonie. ‘It’s like a film.’

I forced a laugh. ‘Yes, only in romance films you know that you’re guaranteed the happily ever after ending. In real life, sadly things become much more complicated.’

‘Why don’t you go and see if he turns up?’ said Leonie. ‘What’s the worst that can happen? I can keep watch from round the corner as backup. I can be pretty stealthy when I need to be. I’ll wear a hat or something.’

‘My neighbour was of a similar opinion, although he didn’t go quite as far as offering to run surveillance. Look, it’s very sweet of you, but the truth is, I let my imagination get carried away, and even if Cameron does turn up, the whole situation is ridiculous. We don’t have a clue about what each other is really like. The sensible solution is to steer clear and forget the whole thing.’

‘And have you told him you’re not going to show?’

‘Yes. It’s only polite.’ I paused, then confessed, ‘Well, actually the truth is, I’ve written the email, but I’ve not sent it.’

‘Ha, I knew it,’ said Leonie.

‘Let me finish. I’ve not sent ityet. I wasn’t sure how to word it.’

‘Let me see,’ she demanded.

Against my better judgement, I passed my phone over to her.

From: [email protected]

---