Page 12 of Pride
“She’s Press,” Lloyd clipped. “There are other patrons here who might not want a reporter to be in the main area when the performance is on. You know how these things can get out of hand. They wouldn’t want to be quoted saying or doing anything that could damage their reputation.”
“She’s a fucking person first, not just Press,” Alex hissed. “And if someone says or does something they should be ashamed of then more fool them if they get found out.”
Things were started to get heated, and as much as I would’ve liked to sit with Alex and the others, I didn’t want to cause a scene.
“It might be better if I stay in the Press area,” I said, cutting through the tension. “I need to concentrate, make notes, and take photos. I can do that better if I’m with the other reporters.”
Alex flexed his jaw and gritted his teeth. He didn’t like that answer, but Lloyd grinned back at me and said, “That’s settled then. Come on, Emma. I’ll show you where to go.”
I said my goodbyes to Tobey and Ethan, then I turned to Alex, who looked tense like he didn’t want me to leave but didn’t know what else to say.
“It was so lovely to meet you. Thank you for the peony.”
I turned to walk away, and he blurted out, “If you change your mind, you can join us.”
I peered over my shoulder and smiled. “Thank you.”
But as I walked away, the flutters in my belly turned to nerves and I didn’t know why. Maybe it was just the nerves from earlier resurfacing now that I was alone with Lloyd again. Or maybe my female instincts were trying to warn me about something.
“I hope you’re prepared for anything to happen during this performance,” Lloyd announced as he led me through the art gallery. “S.K.A.M. tends to be no-holds-barred when he performs. It can get... dark.”
Or maybe I felt nervous because I had no idea what the rest of this night would bring. Mr Gold had said I’d see things that’d make my hair curl. Now Lloyd was warning me things could get dark. Surely it wouldn’t be that shocking. This didn’t look like the kind of audience to pay money to see something nefarious.
“I can’t wait. I’m sure I’ll love it,” I replied, as we headed through the glass doors at the rear of the gallery and out into a pretty courtyard. “I’ve never seen an art performance before.”
“I don’t know what he’s got planned,” Lloyd turned to face me as he continued walking ahead, “But his art is a little leftfield. It won’t be like anything you’ve seen before.”
I hadn’t seen anything before. I’d already told him that, but I just nodded and smiled politely.
I glanced around the courtyard as Lloyd headed to the far corner where an area had been cordoned off from the rest of the guests. It was so pretty out here. All the trees had been decorated with fairy lights, and there were small wrought iron tables and chairs dotted around, giving it an outdoor Parisien café vibe, for the paying guests, anyway. The press area was more of a pen. No chairs or tables, just a few men and women with cameras and dictaphones standing around, ready to work. All I had was my phone. I’d look like such an amateur.
Lloyd held the rope of the cordon open for me, so I could enter the Press area, and then he hooked it back onto the brass pole once I was inside.
“Would you mind if I left you for a moment?” he suddenly announced. “Only I have to sort a few things out backstage. Will you be okay?”
To be honest, I was relieved that he needed to leave. I’d rather stand on my own.
“As long as I can catch you later for a quick interview,” I replied, trying to be polite.
“Of course.” Lloyd smiled, and then, after excusing himself, he disappeared back into the art gallery and out of sight.
I took a deep breath, feeling more relaxed now that I was safely ensconced in the corner, amongst the other reporters.
The guests were starting to filter into the courtyard, and suddenly, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as someone approached me from the side.
I turned, and there stood Alex Kingston.
“Emma, you can’t stand here on your own and watch this. It doesn’t feel right. I don’t like it.” He looked genuinely concerned.
“I’ll be fine. Honestly. I have a good view, and I can get some amazing photos for my article.”
He didn’t respond right away, just paused and regarded me curiously, before saying, “I’m not going to change your mind, am I?”
I shook my head, and he sighed.
“Well, if I can’t tempt you away from your corner, I’ll wish you a goodnight,Emma. It was a pleasure to meet you. Really, it was.”
He walked away and a little voice inside my head screamed, ‘What the hell are you doing, Emma? Call him back. Go and sit with him’, but I didn’t.
