Page 16 of Game Changer

“Oh darling you know he'll love that, but you shouldn't be spending all your money on us.”

“Mum I have more money than I know what to do with and you guys have supported me all my life. Please let me do this it's my way of saying thank you.”

“Well thank you sweetheart, I know he'll be over the moon. When is your premiere again?”

“It's on Tuesday. Zara is coming with me.” I look over at Zara who's smiling at me.

“We’ll be in the South of France by then. But you guys will have great fun. Have you been to a Premiere Zara?”

“No but I'm looking forward to it. I was so excited when he gave me the tickets.”

“I'll give you a little bit of advice then, wear comfy shoes. There’s a lot of standing about and walking to do that you'll end up with blisters before you know it.”

Zara smiles at her. “I always carry a pair of flat shoes in my bag. No matter where I go, I always have them. I learned that a long time ago especially working in bars. I used to have to strap my feet up at night when I got home because of the blisters.”

“Ah you're a dab hand then. Are you two staying for dinner?”

“I was thinking we’d stay the night here if that’s okay mum.”

Mum laughs. “Of course it’s ok. It's nice to have you kids here, I've missed you both. We don't see enough of each other these days. Life is hectic”

“Sorted then I'm going to show Zara around. We'll see you back here at five.”

“Wonderful. It's mac and cheese for dinner tonight.”

“With bacon?”

“Yeah, exactly as you like it.”

“I've sure missed you mum.”

* * *

My mum and dad’s estate is a decent size, and as we walk through the grounds I can’t help but smile at Zara’s enthusiasm for it all. Every corner we turn has her gasping and I’ve lost count of the amount of times she’s said wow. We’re now as far out as the boundary will allow us to go and it’ll be a good five-minute walk back.

I had noticed earlier when we were on our way here that there was a darkening to the sky in the distance. Being on the west coast means they get all the weather fronts coming in from the Atlantic first. It’s not long before a spot or two of rain hits my face.

“Oh bugger, we better get back to the house before this gets heavy.”

“Damn that rain, I want to keep exploring this place. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.” Zara shakes her fist comically at the sky.

“We can continue the tour tomorrow. There’s not that much more to see anyway. Most of this place is big gardens and a few outbuildings. The best part of it is the house. There are so many rooms and wee hidey holes I’m actually envious of any kids that grew up here. They must have had great fun running around in those halls.”

“Yeah, it would have been fun. Haven’t you ever wanted to come back to stay in the UK? I mean, I don’t suppose you need to live in L.A, do you?”

“No. But it’s easier. Right now while I’m still a relative newbie, it’s all about being available for auditions whenever they come up.” I don’t want to say anything to her about a potential move back home yet. I can’t get her hopes up in case it falls through. “I’m not at a point in my career where the producers or a director will make a movie with me in mind for the part. Someday though. You never know I could be the next James McAvoy.” I laugh as a huge fat raindrop hits me right in the eye.

“Shit that got heavy fast,” Zara squeals as the downpour starts with gusto.

“Let’s get back to the house before we end up drenched. This looks like it’s going to be torrential.”

I grab her hand and we make a run for it, laughing as the rain gets heavier, the huge drops soaking us instantly. We reach the back of the house and I throw open the door of the conservatory, dragging Zara inside with me. She falls right into my arms, and we stand still, breathing hard after our 200-metre sprint. I hold her tight to me and smell her sweet floral shampoo scent rising from her damp hair. I take a deep breath in, and she looks up at me, her hazel eyes wide and bright against the darkness outside.

“Buckie,” she whispers, her breathing returning to normal.

I can’t take my eyes off her beautiful face and in this moment, I’m struck by how much I have actually missed her. Missed being around her. Missed the intimate familiarity of her. I can’t help myself but kiss her. Those full, luscious lips are exactly as I remember them, and I’m taken right back to where I always knew I should be. With her. The love of my life. My best friend.

We’re soaked to the skin and the rain is belting off the glass panes of the conservatory. But I can’t focus on anything else right now. My mind is in a whirl as Zara kisses me back with the same enthusiasm.

She breaks the kiss, forcing me to stumble a little as I’m brought back down to earth with a thud.

“Buckie we shouldn’t,” she says swallowing hard, touching her lips.

“Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t we have some fun while I’m here? We’re both adults, we aren’t attached. Who says there needs to be anything in it? You know how good we are together.”

“Please don’t do this. I don’t think my heart can take another beating. I missed you too much the last time.”

I relent. Because mine took a beating too and I can’t hurt her like that again.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again. Deal.” I hold out my hand and we shake on it. This is going to be the hardest deal I’ll ever have to stick to in my life, but I’ll do it for her.

---