Part 3 (1/2)

The table for lunch had been booked at an Italian restaurant in the Strand. In my eagerness I arrived too early. Anxious not to appear too keen, I disappeared into the ladies' and lost some time reapplying my lipstick and fussing with my hair. When I decided I was just late enough to appear relaxed yet not impolite, I gathered up all my courage and made my way to the bar.

I spotted them at once and sighed with relief. At least they had turned up. Pausing, a little out of their line of vision, I a.s.sessed them both. They looked an unlikely pair; bald, bespectacled Harry in his usual formal dark-grey suit and tie; Paul in jeans and a black roll-neck sweater, his dark hair longish and flopping slightly over his brow. I took a deep breath and breezed in.

'h.e.l.lo, you two. I'm so sorry I'm late. I had such a job finding a taxi.'

Paul stood up and offered his hand. 'How nice to meet you again, Louise. What can I get you to drink?'

I hardly tasted my lunch. In fact I can't even remember what I ordered. I was too busy a.s.sessing Paul's thoughts and wondering if he still felt the same about offering me the part. As soon as the dessert had been served, Harry made his excuses.

'I hate to eat and run but I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you two now,' he said, getting up from the table. 'I've got an important meeting at two. But I'm sure you can manage without me.' He smiled. 'Let me know how your meeting goes,' he whispered in my ear as he bent to drop a formal kiss on my cheek.

'I'll be in touch.' I smiled up at him.

When he'd gone Paul asked if I'd like a liqueur. I shook my head. 'I won't, thanks. It's a bit early in the day. But don't let me stop you.'

'I don't want any more to drink either,' he said. 'I prefer to keep a clear head.' As he glanced at his watch I wondered if, like Harry, he was about to make an excuse to leave, but he looked at me enquiringly. 'Look if you're not doing anything else this afternoon, would you like to come back to the flat with me? I could play you some of the numbers I've written for the show and you could have a copy of the script to take home and read. What do you say?'

What did I say? I was absolutely thrilled. He hadn't written me off after all. 'That would be lovely,' I said, trying not to appear too keen. 'I'd love to hear some of your music.'

His flat was on the top floor of a fas.h.i.+onable block in Kensington. He opened the door into the living room, which contained a grand piano and a couple of black leather sofas. I tried not to let him see how impressed I was. Going over to the piano he picked up a copy of the music, complete with words, and handed it to me.

'Have a seat. I'll run through a couple of songs and then perhaps you'd like to try them out.'

My heart was thumping as he ran his fingers over the keys. If this was an audition it was the most unusual one I'd ever had. He ran his hands over the keys and then broke into the first theme. I don't read music so I tried hard to memorize the tune. Luckily, it was quite a simple melody and the words seemed to fit well. When I got up to stand beside him at the piano, my knees were trembling but I got through the first verse without stumbling and he looked quite pleased.

'That was great, Louise. Shall we try another? There's a nice duet between Elizabeth and Darcy. I'll take Darcy's part if you like, though I warn you, I'm no Pavarotti.'

The duet was pleasant and although I was nervous it seemed to go quite well. When it was over Paul smiled up at me.

'I know it's early days but I've got a really strong feeling that we're going to have a hit on our hands.'

My mouth was dry as I asked, 'Is this an audition, Paul?'

He looked surprised. 'I think we've pa.s.sed that stage. I already knew you could sing. The part is yours if you want it, that is. I thought that was a foregone conclusion.'

I felt my colour rise. 'I see. Well, of course I want the part.'

'Right, that's settled, then.' He got up from the piano. 'Shall we break for a cup of tea?'

'I'd love one. Can I do anything to help?'

The kitchen was very modern and minimalist with every labour-saving gadget imaginable. While he put the kettle on I found cups and saucers and laid a tray.

'This is a beautiful apartment,' I remarked.

He nodded. 'It's nice and central. It suits me very well.'

'I love the songs,' I said. 'What I've heard so far, that is. Have you gone very far with the casting?'

'It's almost complete,' he told me. 'I'm producing myself as well as being musical director, naturally. I do still have to get a director but I have a very good one in mind. I can't tell you who yet. It's always difficult to get a big-name director when you don't plan to put a big star in the leading role.'

I looked at him. 'Yes, I was going to ask you about that.'

'You are going to be my star, Louise,' he said. 'If the show really takes off, as I believe it will, your face is going to be on the front of all the magazines.' He left me for a moment to absorb this heady prospect and for a second I wondered if he could hear my excited heart drumming from across the room. Then he asked casually, 'Did I tell you that I've arranged a read-through for next week?'

'No,' I said, my mouth dry. It was all gathering momentum even faster than I'd expected.

'I hope you'll be free to come.'

'Of course I will. Just tell me where and when.'

Over the tea and biscuits he asked me about myself and I outlined my career, trying to boost it up and make it sound better than it actually was. He asked me about my family too, which surprised me. I told him how my mother had walked out when I was very young and how I intended to try to find her again. He was sympathetic.

'Well, once you're a West End star I've no doubt she'll want to know you,' he said with a smile. As he poured a second cup of tea for both of us he asked, 'Louise there was some mention of you putting some money into the show ...'

I nodded. 'Yes. I'm not wealthy but I could manage a little.'

'The rest of the cast are chipping in,' he went on. 'It's because at the moment I don't have a backer. Again it's the start thing, but I hope to get someone interested very soon. It's just to get the ball rolling and the loans will all be paid back as soon as possible with interest of course.'

'Naturally.'

He paused, biting his lip. 'I hate to ask, but have you any idea how much your input might be?'

I did some quick sums in my head. 'I take it there'll be no salary during the rehearsal period,' I said tentatively.

'Well, no, I'm afraid not.'

I gave him the figure that was in my head. 'Don't take that as positive,' I added. 'I'll have to work out what I'll need to live on. I'll do it later this evening when I get home.'

He looked pleasantly surprised. 'That or something like it would be very generous,' he said. 'But think of it as an investment. Once we get into the West End the cash should start rolling in.'

I couldn't wait for Di to get home. I was longing to tell her that all her misgivings were unfounded and that the new musical was going to be a hit. The moment she got in I began.

'I've had the most exciting day,' I told her. 'It was perfect. After lunch, Paul took me back to his flat. You should see it, Di. It's in Kensington; the last word in luxury and it ...'

'Great,' she interrupted as she took off her coat. 'So what did you get for tea?' She shook the raindrops off her coat and hung it up without looking at me. 'I'm starving. I didn't have time for lunch and ...' She turned and caught my expression.

Tea! I'd completely forgotten about the supermarket. I bit my lip. How could she expect me to think about mundane things like food after the exciting day I'd had?

'Oh I'm sorry, Di,' I mumbled. 'I forgot.'

She stared at me. 'You forgot! Oh, really, Lou. Surely it's not asking too much for you to pop into Tesco on your way home for a few bits.'

I was shocked at her response. 'I said I'm sorry. Surely you can rustle up something just for tonight.'

'Well, no, I can't actually. The fridge is completely empty, thanks to you and your constant snacking while I'm out at work. Perhaps you could pop out now and get something. I don't care what, just as long as it's edible.'