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Callum frowned. ‘Can’t it wait until later?’
‘Not really. You see I finish my shift in an hour.’
‘Yes?’
‘And … well I thought, I wondered, after you’ve visited your dad, you might like to well … go out for a drink … with me.’
Callum stared at her. He didn’t want to ask her how old she was, but he bet she wasn’t even twenty. He knew she’d dismiss the age gap, if he brought it up, but it wasn’t just that. He had a rule: no dating fans. He wasn’t being condescending, as though people who weren’t in the industry weren’t worth his time. That wasn’t it. The issue was that they most probably wouldn’t differentiate between the character he played and the person he really was. They wouldn’t be dating him; they’d be going out with a fictional character, with Fergus MacGregor, the Scottish laird.
‘I appreciate the offer, I really do, it’s just that it’s not a good time. I’ve got a lot going on in my life, what with my dad, and the show being cancelled.’ It was no lie. Callum knew he wouldn’t date anyone right now.
‘It’s only a drink.’
Callum detected a hint of annoyance in her voice. He looked at her. But it wasn’t just a drink. She was saving face.
‘I know.’ Callum decided to play along. ‘I just don’t know how long I’m going to be here today. As I said, I’ve got some things to sort out with my dad.’ He quickly added, ‘And it looks as though I’ll be going on a trip.’
‘Really? Is it to do with work? Are you going back to Hollywood?’
Callum shook his head. ‘Afraid not. No, it’s a personal matter. I have to travel to Suffolk.’
‘Want some company? I have some annual leave coming up.’
Callum stared at her. She really wasn’t getting the message.
‘That’s very kind of you, but as I said it’s a personal, family matter, so best done on my own.’
Her face dropped. ‘Oh, okay. Well, I’m not going anywhere, so I’ll still be here when you get back.’
Callum smiled tightly. ‘Of course. Thanks.’ He shut the door behind him and breathed a sigh. When he turned around, his father was no longer sitting on the bed. ‘Dad?’
He turned around with the watering can. ‘I’m watering the potted plans.’
‘Oh, no not again. Dad you’re watering the carpet!’
Henry looked down. ‘Oh, dear.’
Callum stepped forward and took the watering can out of his hands. He placed it back on the window shelf. ‘Now, Dad, about the girls.’
‘What girls?’
‘You know the girls in the photo outside the bookshop.’
‘What bookshop?’
Callum sighed.
‘What are you doing here, Callum? Shouldn’t you be in Hollywood – or has the series wrapped up?’
Callum sighed again. He was back where he had started with the conversation that morning. This could go on all week. On the other hand, if he left now, he could be back in a few days’ time, having carried out his father’s wishes – if he could find those girls. He could also put the bookshop on the market, although he might refrain from telling his father about that part of his plan.
‘Dad, I’m going away for a few days. Perhaps when I get back we can resume the conversation we were having about your note and the photo?’
Henry turned around and picked up the watering can.
Callum sighed as he packed the stuff he’d brought with him back into the bag. He walked to the door, opened it, paused and turned around. ‘Bye, Dad. See you in a few days.’ He watched as Henry put the watering can down and turned to face him. He said, ‘Who are you?’
‘I’m your son.’
