Taking in the excited faces looking back at her, Flick knew she’d been a fool not to have realised. She glanced at Dee, who flushed red. Of course, the poor woman wouldn’t be able to keep something like that to herself. Not if the band involved was as famous as everyone seemed to claim.
“Sorry,” said the estate agent. “I couldn’t help it. I mean come on, it is Argon Fire.”
“And you’re probably also wondering what that has to do with any of us,” Julia carried on. “Let me start by saying that we understand what a big opportunity it is for you and that we’re all here to help.”
Flick could see the willingness amongst the group and she appreciated the offer, despite not knowing why an offer had been made in the first place. According to Rob’s emails, the video crew and band would arrive, do their thing, and then leave. If all went to plan, it should be over and done with come evening time. Even Flick didn’t have a role in the event, a position she’d positively welcomed. The people in front of her, however, seemed keen to get involved and Flick felt terrible at having to let them down. “That’s very kind of you all, but completely unnecessary. According to the location manager there’s nothing for me or anyone else to do.”
“Under normal circumstances I’d agree,” Julia said. “But in this instance, I think there’s a lot we can do.”
The group eagerly nodded in response, telling Flick they’d obviously put a lot of thought into this. She, however, simply sat there confused. She looked to her mother, hoping for some enlightenment, but rather than clarify, Brenda silently encouraged her to listen. With no other choice, Flick turned her attention back to Nate’s aunt.
“I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this video shoot could be the start of something big for you. Which means, you need to milk it for all you can.”
“Okay,” Flick said.
“That means showing them what a wonderful venueChateau D’Enchantementis.”
“And not just for bands,” Jess joined in. “But for film and television too.”
“Even advertising,” Pete said.
Flick’s mother gave her an enthusiastic nudge. “Remember what you said? Today Argon Fire, tomorrowDownton Abbey?”
“But that was a joke, Mum.” Flick couldn’t believe anyone had taken that seriously.
“It doesn’t have to be,” Dee said.
Flick admired their commitment but doubted any of them knew what they were talking about. “So how do you all suggest we do this then?”
“By providing them with a great wrap party,” Julia said.
“Like they do in Hollywood?” Flick asked. Talk about getting ahead of themselves.
“Exactement!” Gigi said. “You provide great food, fine wine, everything France is famous for.”
“Then they go back and tell everyone what a great time they had and what a great hostess you were,” Julia said.
“And we all know that the film industry isn’t about what you know, but who you know,” Brenda said.
“Do we?” Flick wondered where her mum’s sudden expertise had come from.
“And everyone’s trying to hit the big time,” Julia continued. “Music directors, advertising directors. In fact, some of them already have. Do you know how much money directing a commercial can bring in?”
Flick shook her head, half expecting her mother to come up with the answer.
“A lot, I can tell you. They might say they just want to keep busy when they’re in between films, but it’s really about the cash.”
“Is it?” Flick asked.
Julia nodded. “Remember the Chanelad for their Coco Mademoiselle perfume? That was directed by Joe Wright who also didPride and PrejudiceandAnna Karenina. Baz Luhrmann did one for Chanel No.5and David Lynch did an ad for Clear Blue pregnancy tests, can you believe?”
“Really?” Flick said, incredulous. “How do you know all this?”
“I’m not the only one who reads the gossip columns,” Brenda said.
“Which is why between us, we can putChateau D’Enchantementon the map,” Jess said.
“Exactement!” Gigi said again.
