Page 79 of Last Christmas in London

‘Pim!’ I waved my arm so that she spotted me and began to walk towards me. ‘We have someone joining us today.’

Pim frowned. ‘Who? I didn’t ask you to invite anyone?’

‘Her name is Alison, and she’s interviewing to be your new assistant.’

Pim froze as she reached me, less than five metres from the table. She said nothing. I could see her tongue working its way across her teeth in consideration while she stared me hard in the eyes with her own owl-like gaze.

‘Alison?’ she repeated quietly. Tasting each syllable.

‘Alison.’

Another pause.

Without warning, she clicked her cheeks and sighed, walking around me to the table, and speaking a hundred miles an hour as she did so.

‘Do they have that jasmine tea I ordered last time? I would like that again, but not in that cup they used before. It was too close to a mug. No, I’d like a teacup and saucer, preferably china. And no biscuits, too many crumbs. They get in my pleats and then Gerald sniffs them out and it’s most unbecoming to have a dog sniffing around your lady garden. So unrefined. You’re Alison?’ Pim sat down without extending a hand and Alison nodded politely.

‘Lovely to meet you, Pim.’

‘So,’ Pim began, putting her small clutch, which only contained her phone and a single tissue, heavily on the table. ‘Evie tells me you’re going to be my new assistant.’

‘If you think I’m a suitable match.’ Yes, Alison! She knew exactly how to pander to Pim, reminding her it’s her decision, not mine. I retook my seat, my heart still pounding heavily in my chest.

Pim made a hmm sound and picked up her menu.

‘Have you seen many of my films?’ she asked.

‘I recently caught Wuthering Heights on the BBC. They were playing it ahead of your show.’

Pim pursed her lips. ‘And what did you think?’

‘You made a powerful Heathcliff.’ Alison carried on confidently, placing down her menu and leaning interestedly on her elbows. ‘An inspired choice of casting, especially given the times.’

Pim nodded, still not looking up from her menu, though her eyes remained focused on one spot, so she clearly wasn’t browsing through it.

‘It was. The director was initially quite insulting, saying I cut a boyish figure, but I showed him. Having masculine and feminine energy is no bad thing; in fact, it helps to get things done.’ She dropped her menu and lifted her hand in the air to gain the attention of a waiter who had previously served us and knew to be ready to fly to Pim the moment she walked in the door.

‘I’d like the jasmine tea and a scone. No fruit. And you?’ She turned to Alison, completely ignoring me. So far so good.

‘Any recommendations?’ Alison asked Pim, who rolled her eyes, so Alison requested an Earl Grey. ‘And would it be possible to have all three drinks served in china teacups? With saucers?’ she added for good measure.

I smiled, but covered my mouth to hide it, before finishing with my order. ‘I’ll have a decaf coffee,’ I said to the waiter, who nodded and walked away.

‘It’s an afternoon tea, dear,’ Pim pointed out, never once acknowledging Alison’s memory.

‘I have a lot to do this afternoon,’ I replied.

‘Though you ordered decaf?’ Alison said.

‘And then I need to sleep,’ I finished with a light laugh. ‘Tomorrow’s going to be even busier. We have a packed schedule ahead of the show.’

‘I’m very much looking forward to it,’ Alison said, as the waiter returned at lightning speed with our requested drinks.

‘Oh, you’re coming, are you?’ Pim asked Alison, but looked at me as if I had planned it.

‘I bought tickets,’ Alison explained. ‘After meeting with Evie a few weeks ago.’

‘I could have got you complimentary ones,’ I began but Pim flicked her hand.