Page 41 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I’m not very big on social media,” Deb admitted, “so I’m not usually recognised. But there’s been so much publicity since filming began. One reporter seems to be tailing me, trying to get me to respond to all these leaks.” She sighed and dried her hands on some paper towels. “But thank you for telling me you like my books. You’d be amazed by how many people rubbish romance.”
Guiltily, Jess wondered if she’d heard Robert earlier. But it was a busy restaurant and it’d be difficult to overhear individual conversations.
Robert looked up expectedly as she came back and she tried not to react when she saw he’d ordered a crème caramel. She hated custard-based desserts, but it was her own fault for letting him choose.
“You’ll never guess who I bumped into just now,” she said, slipping into her seat.
He looked amused. “You’re right, I’ll never guess.”
Jess started to speak when a movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention, and she turned to see Deb Considine sit down, just one table across from them, and pick up a book. She winced, wondering if she’d heard Robert criticise the movie earlier. Although technically he’d just mentioned that he didn’t like romcoms or think much of the two leads. Idly, she wondered why. Whatever about Spencer’s recent dip in ratings, Afric’s star was on the rise.
Robert handed her a spoon. “Dig in, this is really good.”
Jess stared at the dessert. “I think I’ll have a coffee instead.”
CHAPTER 21
Hollywood actor Spencer Torres flew back from London to the west of Ireland early this morning and went straight to Mayo’s Linford Castle where he’s making his new movie.
Spencer was spotted at the weekend in a popular Soho nightclub with friends – dancer Ben Colbert and model Megan Wilson with whom he’s been romantically linked.
The American actor – whose previous movies includeNot Right Now, andWhy Don’t We Do This?– took a break from filmingAn Irish Inheritancewhen Afric Brooks was rushed to hospital after burning her hand during filming.
Emily was in Jess’s office when she arrived in the following Monday. She jumped up a bit guiltily from Jess’s chair, as Jessmade her way into the room, put her coffee on the desk and let her bag slide off her shoulder onto the floor.
“Sorry, I hope you don’t mind. I knew it’d be quiet in here but I can go now.”
Jess waved her back down. “Don’t go! If I’d known you were here I’d have brought you a coffee. What’s the news about Afric? I was just about to go and see Anthony.”
“He’s on a day off,” Emily said. “But I heard Afric’s still in a bit of pain so they won’t be filming again until tomorrow. And they’re having to change the script because her hand is bandaged.”
Jess nodded. “I was reading something in theGazettebut I’d say it’s all over the media. I was talking to Anthony over the weekend. Apparently he got an emergency electrician in to replace some cable and check everything else is safe. Some of the insulation had got damaged.”
“Yeah.” Emily sighed.
Jess sat down in the other chair. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Emily twisted her hands together in her lap. “You probably have loads to do, I should go.”
“Or you could stay for another few minutes and talk to me.”
Emily was silent for a moment. “Have you heard people calling me names?” she blurted out.
“Like what?” Jess stared at her.
“Some of the staff call me Barbie.” Colour flashed to her cheeks. “And I don’t think it’s just because of my hair.”
A memory of Robert’s slightly unkind description of her slid to mind. Emily could be a bit ditzy, but he’d seemed somewhat contemptuous. On the other hand, Jess knew she’d been quite protective of the younger woman when she’d worked in head office, so she could be reading way too much into Robert’s peroxide-blonde comment. Still, she knew Emily was right – peopledidjudge her by her appearance.
“So, I get that my hair is really blonde now, and that I spend, like, a good bit of money on clothes and makeup and manicures.” Emily shrugged. “That’s just self-care, right? And I can’t help it that I’m tall and skinny. I take after my dad. Well, except for the bald bit. And not being a man.”
Jess hid a smile.
“Maybe they’ve given you a nickname because they like you?”
Emily shot her a disappointed look. “It’s not just the nickname, you see.”
“Did something happen recently?” Jess asked. Maybe some of the young staff were jealous because of Emily’s part in the movie, she thought.
