It sounded more like an order than a request.
Nearing the entrance, the director turned her attention to Flick. “We still have a lot of setting up to do and the last thing I want is for someone to trip over a rogue cable.”
“I understand. I’ll keep her out of your hair.” Flick tried to give her mum a gentle push towards the kitchen, but much to her embarrassment she refused to budge.
Thankfully, the director didn’t notice. Instead she held out her hand as she introduced herself. “I’m Claire, by the way.”
It was a gesture Flick was happy to accept.
“I don’t know what it is about this band,” the director continued. “I’ve never known fans like them, talk about obsessive.”
“Iamstill here,” Flick’s mother said.
Flick had to admit that she didn’t get the fascination either, forced to laugh when, as if on cue, the club photographer suddenly appeared snapping on his camera.
“And here’s another one,” said the director, fixing a smile on her face as he took yet another photo.
“Don’t worry,” Flick said, when the young chap had moved on. “I’ll lock mine in if I have to.”
Her mum opened her mouth to protest again, but Flick didn’t give her the chance to speak. She lowered her voice and leaned in. “We’re supposed to be creating a good impression, remember,” she said, her eyebrows raised.
Brenda may have got the message, but she refused to hide her disappointment. Instead, she let out a long hard sigh as she turned, dragging her feet like a wronged teenager as she headed down the hall. Flick rolled her eyes. “Anyone would think I was the parent.”
“I don’t mean to be awful,” said Claire, trying to hide her amusement. “But the quicker we get set up, the quicker we can get done.” She checked her watch. “Although it looks like we’re not the only ones running late.” She looked at Flick. “What is it they say? Never work with children, animals and old school rock bands.”
“I’m sure they’ll be here soon,” Flick said. “As for Mum, no doubt, she’ll get over it.”
Claire looked up at the building. “It’s a gorgeous place you have here. I’m actually quite envious.”
Flick smiled in response.
“In fact, I can’t wait for the party when I can have a proper, more relaxed, look around. Anyway, I better leave you to it.”
As Flick watched Claire get back to work, she felt a warm glow in her tummy. She let out a nervous giggle. Who’d have thought it? A bona fide video director feeling envious of her.
29
Nate stood at his living room window staring out at the lake. He half expected to see a few die-hard Argon Fire fans sneaking past to get nearer to their idols. Instead, everything was as it always was. Peaceful, quiet, uninterrupted – just the way Nate liked it.
His gaze settled on the rear of the chateau beyond and he imagined the activity taking place within its walls. It might still be early, but he knew from experience these things took a lot of setting up. The work that went in to three minutes of video footage was inconceivable to the average Joe. Sat in front of their screens, all most viewers wanted to do was enjoy the end product that came with their favourite band’s latest release.
Nate wondered how Flick was coping. Was she revelling in the new experience? Or struggling with the intrusion? After all, according to Lenny video shoots were nowhere near as glamorous as some might think. He recalled when, back in the day, Lenny would complain about having to reshoot scene after scene until the director was satisfied, to the point that come the end of filming, he was sick of hearing his own song. Nate shook his head and sighed. Lenny seemed to have no idea that he’d been part of the problem. A make-up artist might have the skills to cover up the visual impact of too much sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but he or she certainly couldn’t improve a star’s resulting performance.
It felt weird to think that Lenny was just across the lake. It would be so easy to pop over and say hello, long time no see. Nate scoffed at the very idea. Despite any curiosity, it was something he had no intentions of doing. That part of his life was over. It ended the day Lenny walked out.
Nate’s frustration over the whole situation rose, although he knew he only had himself to blame. He should have found another way to meet Brenda’s demands. Turning to Bruce for help had never been the answer. He thought back to their last conversation about Argon Fire and the day’s event.
“Does this have anything to do with Mum and that documentary?” Nate had asked. “Are you hoping to get us playing happy families again?”
“Of course not. What do you take me for?”
Bruce’s denial came as no surprise.
“If you must know, it was all Lenny’s idea. Argon Fire needed a location and you had one. That’s all there is to it.”
Why couldn’t the man just be honest for once?
“You didn’t exactly give me much notice, Nate. What was I supposed to do? Wait around in the hope that someone else came forward?”
