TOYL

somewhere, sharing a drink with a beautiful woman?
    It really didn’t sound like Dan at all.
    She looked around the hill and suddenly wondered why she had chosen this place to come to. It was full of happy, smiling couples – some playing with their children, others just enjoying each other’s company.
    And there was a man with a camera.
    Pointing it right at her.
    ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ Emma shouted, jogging over to the man. He had brought the camera down now.
    ‘It’s okay, I’m not paparazzi,’ he said, holding his hands up. ‘I was just taking one photo, that’s all. You are Emma Holden, aren’t you?’
    ‘I might be,’ Emma said, ‘but what the hell are you doing taking a photo of me in the first place?’
    ‘I’m sorry. People don’t usually mind, really. I come here most days, to spot some movie stars and take their picture. I don’t sell them or anything; I just do it as a hobby. Got a snap of Madonna the other day… although she’s not that special anymore now she’s a local. Tom Cruise was round here last week! He was in London for the premiere of his new film. Even gave me an autograph.’
    As Emma watched him explain she realised that he was quite young, maybe not yet twenty.
    ‘I’m surprised you recognised me,’ she said.
    ‘You’re joking! I used to watch Up My Street every day. Once I was off school with glandular fever for about three months and it’s all I used to watch. When I got better and went back to school I got my mum to tape it for me so I could watch it when I got home. Never missed an episode for about two years. I’m not saying it was the greatest programme. Sorry… what I meant is that it was a bit budget, wasn’t it? Not like an Eastenders or Coronation Street. The walls used to wobble. I guessed they must have been saving money on the set so that they could pay you guys loads of money.’
    ‘I wish,’ Emma said, softening. She felt bad about overreacting – he seemed harmless enough. ‘You’d be surprised how little money you get doing a show like that. Apart from the guy who played Miles; he was on a fair bit.’
    ‘You’re kidding. Miles Macadam? That guy’s acting was more wooden than a matchstick factory.’
    Emma laughed.
    ‘I’m surprised you weren’t on good money,’ he said. ‘Is that why you left?’
    ‘Not really. I just wanted to try something different. Come down to London and try some stage acting.’
    ‘Cool. So what have you done then?’
    ‘You ask a lot of questions,’ she said, smiling.
    ‘I’m practising,’ he said, ‘want to be a journalist. So come on then, what have you done since leaving the show? And it’d better be good – I was gutted when you left. Thought you were the best character in that show by a mile.’
    ‘Thanks,’ said Emma, blushing.
    ‘Don’t mention it.’
    ‘Well, I’ve done quite a few stage shows. And I auditioned for a movie recently.’
    ‘Wow. Emma Holden on the big screen. So when’s the movie out?’
    ‘Oh, I didn’t go for the second reading. Couldn’t make it.’
    ‘That’s a shame,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it’ll come right.’
    ‘Thanks, you’re very kind.’
    ‘So can I keep the photo?’ He smiled. ‘You don’t want to destroy the film or stamp on my camera, or punch me in the nose?’
    ‘You’re okay… this time,’ Emma joked.
    ‘Cool,’ he said, holding out his hand. ‘My name’s Eric, but you can call me your number one fan.’

28

    ‘He said that?’ asked Lizzy.
    Emma nodded. They were sitting backstage at the Lyceum Theatre, wedged between various props and clothes, tucked away where no one else would bother them. Emma had come over and had caught the final few minutes of rehearsals of the musical Lizzy was now starring in, before they had taken a break.
    ‘Just a co-incidence?’ Lizzy offered.
    ‘Oh, I’m sure it was,’ Emma replied. ‘But just for him to say that, well, it freaked me out a bit. I was already on edge, really, after he took the photo.’
    ‘Sounds like another weirdo. You didn’t encourage him, or anything? You don’t want another stalker.’
    Emma thought back slightly guiltily on how she had laughed at his joke and allowed herself to be flattered. ‘No, I didn’t – well, not really. But he didn’t seem like a weirdo. He was funny. And I’m sure it was just a coincidence that he saw me there. I’d only jogged up there at the last minute, so he wasn’t following me. You think I should