Page 60 of Christmas at the Movies
‘I thought Daniel Craig was your favourite Bond,mon amour,’ said Omar.
‘It would fetch a few bob, if you ever want to sell it,’ said Ian.
Sarah shook her head. ‘We could never sell it. James’s father gave it to us as a wedding present.’
Sean split his time between Ealing and the Cotswolds, helping out at the cinema and babysitting Holly, who adored her doting grandfather. He’d recently been diagnosed with COPD – a lung condition caused by years of smoking and wood-dust inhalation. He was on medication and had finally – on doctor’s orders – quit smoking.
As James handed out drinks, Sarah introduced Nora and Simon to everyone.
‘You look really familiar,’ said Simon, shaking Pari’s hand.
‘I don’t think we’ve met before,’ said Pari.
Sarah set Holly down on the floor. She toddled over to the coffee table and stuffed a crisp in her mouth.
Simon snapped his fingers. ‘I’ve got it! We saw you perform at the Edinburgh Festival.’ He turned to his wife. ‘Remember, honey – when we went up for the book festival and went to a comedy show at the Pleasance.’
‘Of course,’ said Nora. ‘You were hilarious. You did a whole bit on what to write in office birthday cards.’
‘And there was a bit where you described taking a boyfriend home to meet your parents.’ Simon smiled. ‘Are you still together?’
‘Oh, he was entirely fictional.’ Pari took the crisp Hollywas holding out to her and popped it in her mouth. ‘I’m single as a Pringle.’
‘You didn’t tell me your best friend was a famous comedian,’ Nora said.
‘I’m hardly famous,’ said Pari.
‘So when can we see you perform again?’ asked Simon.
‘Well … never,’ replied Pari.
Sarah stared at her friend. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘I’m giving up comedy.’
Sarah was shocked. Comedy had been Pari’s dream for as long as she’d known her. She was the funniest person Sarah had ever met – bar none. ‘But why?’
‘There’s lots of reasons. I’m tired of being on the road,’ said Pari. ‘And I’ve got to be realistic – if I haven’t hit the big time by now, it’s probably never going to happen.’
A lot of her male contemporaries, who had been playing the same tiny venues as Pari ten years ago, were now regulars on comedy quiz show panels. Some even had their own shows. They were less talented but had something she didn’t have – a penis.
‘I guess this will make it easier to focus on your work at the BBC,’ said James. Pari was on the production team of a popular sitcom.
‘Actually … I’ve resigned.’
Sarah couldn’t help feeling a bit hurt. How did she not know any of this? Pari had made all these huge decisions – and she hadn’t discussed any of them with her. ‘What are you going to do instead?’
‘I’m going to be an agent,’ announced Pari. ‘I have loads of contacts in the industry, from the Beeb and from the comedy circuit. I’ve been on both sides of the fence – I know what it feels like to be the talent, but I also understand the business side of things.’
‘How exciting,’ said Simon.
‘I’ve already signed a few clients,’ continued Pari, helping herself to another crisp. ‘Some up-and-coming comedians, and a few actors I’ve met through work. I’m excited to help them build their careers.’
James raised his wine glass in a toast. ‘Here’s to new beginnings.’
‘New beginnings,’ mumbled Sarah. She was still trying to process Pari’s revelations. Her initial hurt was beginning to turn to guilt. She’d been so consumed with helping at the cinema and dealing with toddler tantrums, she hadn’t kept track of what was going on in her best friend’s life. The long phone calls they used to share had been replaced with text messages and quick chats while Holly napped.
Nora laughed, catching sight of Holly’s face. ‘Oh my goodness! What have you done, sweet pea?’
