Page 46 of Game Changer

“I think if you’re comfortable in your own body then your confidence comes through. It makes scenes like that less awkward. We’ve both done these types of scenes before, so we knew what we were doing before we even started filming.” Annalise continues her inappropriate arm rubbing. She giggles and makes doe eyes at him when he turns to smile at her.

I’m glad there’s no one else here right now because I’m seething right now.

“Are the rumours true that you both got closer than just being co-stars after the cameras stopped rolling?”

Oh, good Lord.I’m about to have a fucking coronary here. Buckie looks up to me like a deer caught in headlights as Annalise answers for them.

“That’s a very personal question. Nosey gets you nowhere,” she coos, touching the end of her nose.

“For the record, no, the rumours are not true,” says Buckie, trying to diffuse the awkward situation. He squirms in his seat, and I can see how uncomfortable he is.

When Buckie said I should be careful around her, I can see what he meant.

* * *

The Q&A session lasted almost half an hour, and we have arrived at the after party. I’m now wondering if this is going to be such a good idea. I was looking forward to meeting Annalise, but now I want to knock her lights out. She knew exactly what she was doing on that stage, but then maybe she does carry a torch for Buckie. No one apart from Shelly knows we are together yet so it might very well be innocent.

“You okay Zar?”

“Yeah. She’s a bit over the top that Annalise isn’t she. I mean she was all over you like a rash.”

“Look I’m really sorry about that. I didn’t know they would ask those questions, but I think I should have been better prepared for it. I don’t know where those rumours came from. I hadn’t even heard of it until tonight.”

“I could see that. You did look very uncomfortable up there. The best thing you can do is warn her off. Obviously, she doesn’t know about us, so maybe it’s just infatuation.”

“Hmm could be.”

“Why don’t we go in and show face at the party, have a drink, and go. At least you’ve turned up and it won’t look so bad. Anyway, I’d like to spend as much time with you as possible before I head home tomorrow.”

He smiles at me, his worries obviously put to rest a little. “Deal.”

We make our way into the Savoy by the VIP entrance and emerge into a grand ballroom. It looks as though it’s been sprayed with glitter. Everything is sparkling and the silver and black decorations are stunning.

“Wow they went all out here. This is gorgeous.”

“Ah this is what they always do to the venues. Premieres are big events and these after parties are good for networking with other actors and directors. Let’s get that drink and do a bit of schmoozing.” He winks at me as we make our way to the bar. He chuckles as he orders our drinks. A Hendricks and tonic for me and a neat Macallan for him.

“I’m going to go and find Shelly. She texted to say she was here already. I need to speak to her about that question that was asked about me and Annalise. That needs nipped in the bud right now.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for the drinks, and I’ll come and find you.”

The bartender makes the drinks so fast that I don’t have time to watch him. I didn’t see him leave the bar either. He plonks the drinks up on the counter with as much enthusiasm as a moody teenager.

“Excuse me. Can I ask you something?” I say as I stare at my drink that has too much ice in it and no cucumber slice.

The bartender lets out a grunt and nods his head.

“Is that gantry back there for show?” I ask motioning along the huge line of bottles and optics behind him. “I didn’t see you leave this bar to get these drinks, and I know you don’t have every one of those bottles under there.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “How the hell would you know?”

Ah a fellow Scot. I cock my head and raise my eyebrows at him. “Do you think that because this is a celebrity party, they don’t deserve the same treatment as a regular punter? Are you working here tonight for free?”

“Eh no,” he answers with a sheepish look on his face, and I feel bad for him. I’m taking my frustrations of the evening out on him, and I know it’s not fair.

“I’m sorry,” I lean in to read his badge, “David. I own some bars in Glasgow, worked in loads years ago too, and I know what some of the shady practices are by those in charge. So, I’m quite confident that what you’re pouring behind there isn’t what we ordered. And I’m also equally as confident that this wasn’t your decision to use cheaper alternatives.” I take a sip of the drink he poured me. “Yup, not a Hendricks.”

“No ma’am,” he says under his breath, his face softening.

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