Page 38 of Hollywood Games
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It took Rory and Fiona half an hour of telephone calls to track down fresh guava, finding it in a town miles from Kinloch. Jamie was working closer to the shop than they were and Fiona persuaded him to add another two hours to his day to pick it up. By the time he arrived at the castle to meet Rory, it was clear what kind of mood he was in. ‘Here you go.’ He thrust the bag at Rory. ‘Fresh fucking guava.’
Rory stepped back. ‘Cheers, Jamie, but you’re taking credit for this. I don’t want to be in Kirsten’s good books, and Brad’s asking after you.’
Jamie slumped. ‘Mate, I can’t be arsed,’ he said wearily. He followed Rory into the castle, to the dining room, where Brad, Kirsten and Vlad were eating. Brad leapt to his feet.
‘Hey, Jamie, right? Good to see you.’
Jamie gave him a nod. ‘Hey, Brad, how’s it going?’
‘Just awesome! Guys, this is Jamie, he’s the dude that makes the sweet music.’
Jamie held out the shopping bag towards Kirsten. ‘I’ve brought your guava.’ Kirsten licked her lips, took the bag, and opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Brad, who came around the table and grabbed Jamie’s hand.
‘You’ve got to play for us before the shoot ends. Man, your music is sick!’
Jamie blushed. ‘Well, I—’
‘Awesome! I’ll get Crystal to sort it. You want to stay for dinner?’
Jamie shook his head. ‘Thanks, but I’ve got to get going.’ He backed out of the room, followed by Rory.
‘Thanks for doing that,’ Rory said. ‘I tell you, they’re a strange lot these film types.’
Jamie puffed out his cheeks. ‘I’ll happily leave you to it. I want to get home, have a hot shower, stuff my face with whatever Mum’s got in the oven and crash out with a beer.’
‘Good luck with that.’
‘What?’
‘Did you forget? Zoe’s best mate Sam arrived this afternoon. The actress. Zoe says she’s “a bit loud and dramatic.” By now they’ll be neck-deep in Prosecco and have broken the sound barrier.’ Jamie’s shoulders slumped. ‘Do you want some of the drugs we use to knock out the deer? Take the edge off a bit? Or maybe just borrow the ear plugs I use with the chainsaw?’
Jamie shook his head again. ‘Fuck my life.’
Sam had arrivedin Kinloch earlier that afternoon, meeting Zoe at the library car park where she parked her hire car. She looked like she’d stepped out of a fashion magazine, wearing a vibrant yellow pencil skirt, knee-high tan leather boots and a big fluffy green jumper over a tight black polo neck top. Her wavy blonde hair blew about her pretty face in the wind as she barrelled herself at Zoe, squealing with excitement. The two women hugged each other and jumped up and down, then laughed at themselves.
With Duncan back from his stint on the rigs, Fiona was living at her home, so Sam was staying in Fiona’s childhood room at Morag’s. Morag was tickled pink to meet another famous person, and the four women had spent the afternoon cooking, drinking and persuading Sam to show off her acting skills. Zoe, being the least drunk, was the first to spot Jamie lurking behind the back door.
‘Jamie! Jamie!’ she shouted. A chant began, with Zoe, Morag, Fiona and Sam chanting his name and banging their fists on the table. As he entered the kitchen, they cheered. He stared, frowning at the three empty bottles of Prosecco and a fourth halfway gone.
‘All hail the guava king!’ yelled Fiona, toasting him with her glass and sloshing Prosecco over her hand.
‘Ma wee boy!’ cried Morag. ‘Meet Sam! She’s my new celebrity friend!’
Zoe got up. ‘Take my seat. You need to meet Sam.’
Jamie inched his way around the table, trying to make it to the stairs, looking at his feet. ‘I need to jump in the shower.’
‘Son! Sit down and have a drink,’ said Morag steering him into a seat. ‘Whaddya want?’
‘I’ll have a coffee thanks,’ he said stiffly.
‘Ooh!’ Fiona yelled, grabbing the jar of Connoisseurs coffee and giving it to Sam. ‘Do it! Do your advert!’
Sam took the jar and leaned across the table, her nose almost touching Jamie’s. He swallowed. Sam stroked the jar of coffee. ‘Hey, Jamie, I’m Sam.’ Her voice was sultry and smoky, full of late nights and velvety promises. ‘If you’re looking for a deeper experience, there’s only one choice, one taste…’ She lowered her voice. ‘Choose the Connoisseur label, and drink richly.’
