Page 30 of Persuading Penny
Richard came forward and picked Tommy up. “Come on, little man. Let’s get a bit of ice on that and we’ll bring you to see a doctor.”
“I’m sorry for butting in,” I told Reagan. “I mean, you’re his parents. I shouldn’t have...”
“No. No. I’m glad you were there. You seem to know what you’re doing. Not only am I a klutz when it comes to things like this, but, well, when it’s your child you tend to get a little emotional.”
“I understand.”
Following them down the hall to the stairs, we passed by Cliff who stood there, his gaze on me. I met his gaze for a second, suddenly finding myself nineteen again, when he used to look at me that way.
Don’t, I told myself.Don’t start interpreting every little thing to mean more than it does.
“Is everything all right,” Keely said when we got downstairs.
Richard hurried past her to the kitchen with his son in his arms.
“Penny was quick to take action,” Reagan said.
Keely shot me a proud glance. “I’m not surprised.”
“She was the epitome of calm where I was just a bunch of frazzled nerves.
“Everything will be okay,” I said.
Again, I met Cliff’s gaze, and again, I thought I saw something there.
Or did I?
NINE
The time to shoot theseaside scene finally arrived. Keely and I, along with Abbie, the assistant producer, Cliff and the few necessary cast members boarded the train for the pleasant two-hour ride to Southampton.
The crew had left the night before taking the two vans that were filled with camera equipment as well as the wardrobe and other items much needed for the scenes.
I sat with Keely and Abbie, listening quietly to their friendly chatter. While I knew little of Abbie, she seemed very respected and appreciated by Keely, both professionally and personally. They talked about their thoughts of Jane Austen’sPersuasion, the hopes of visiting Winchester, where Jane was buried, and of their past projects.
A short distance from us was Cliff, unsurprisingly seated beside Bridget. While I was just far away enough to not hear their conversation, it was clear the pretty actress had the ability to keep him amused, possibly with tales of the many movies she’d made.
