TOYL

Miranda said, reading Emma’s mind whilst handing Edward a small spray canister. Emma bit her tongue as she watched Edward spray into his mouth and breathe deeply.
    ‘The doctor diagnosed it six months ago,’ Miranda said. ‘Edward was getting chest pains when we were out walking. They did some tests and found out he had angina, but it’s manageable with the spray. As long as he doesn’t get too worked up.’
    ‘I’m fine,’ Edward said, noticing Emma’s worried expression. ‘And I know I should have told you about it. I’m sorry.’
    ‘At least I know now.’
    ‘I’m sorry for shouting, too. But I meant what I said. I want you to stay away from that man. He’ll only end up hurting you again.’

    ***

    An hour after she left Edward was still shaking. He paced around the upstairs study before sitting on the bed and staring at the wall.
    What a mess.
    He got up and moved over to the phone. He could hear Miranda clearing up downstairs so it was safe to talk without fear of being overheard. He dialled the number, wondering if he was overreacting. But his instinct suggested that he wasn’t.
    ‘Hi, it’s me. I know you didn’t want to be disturbed, but something has happened: something I need to tell you about.’

39

    ‘Hi Emma, it’s me.’
    ‘Stuart?’ Emma said, as she negotiated the busy main road. ‘How did you…?’
    ‘Guy gave me your number,’ he said, pre-empting her question. ‘I hope you don’t mind. It’s just that I’ve got some news that I wanted you to know about.’
    ‘Go on.’ Emma slowed to a stop on the pavement, fearing what was to come.
    ‘I had a phone call before from a journalist, wanting to know about you.’
    ‘I don’t believe it,’ Emma said, shocked at the continued intrusion into her privacy. ‘You didn’t tell him anything, did you?’
    ‘No, of course not. I told him I had no comment.’
    ‘Good,’ she said, moving to the edge of the walkway, ‘that’s good. Did he say where he was from?’
    ‘ The London Daily News. ’
    ‘They already did a piece on me in today’s paper.’
    ‘I know,’ he replied. ‘I saw it. Who gave them the photo of you and Dan?’
    ‘I don’t know.’
    ‘You think it might have been Dan himself?’
    ‘I really don’t know. How did the journalist know to contact you? We haven’t even seen each other for years.’
    ‘No idea,’ he said. ‘I suppose they have their ways and means.’
    ‘It’s just so weird to have people snooping about,’ said Emma, as a businessman hurried past, busy in conversation on his mobile. ‘I don’t like it.’
    ‘I’m sure it will all blow over,’ he comforted. ‘I wouldn’t want you to be put off going for the film role by the press attention. Tomorrow they’ll have another story and that will be the end of it.’
    ‘I hope so. It was a shock to see the photos, but it won’t put me off.’
    ‘I’m glad. You really deserve your success, Emma. I always knew you had what it takes to really make something of yourself. Someone with your talent was always going to do well – you just needed that lucky break.’
    ‘Thanks.’ Emma felt embarrassed and uncomfortable with the flattery.
    ‘I had a really good night last night,’ he said. ‘It was great to chat with you properly, after all these years of wanting to explain what a fool I’d made of myself.’
    ‘I had a good time too.’
    ‘I’m glad. I didn’t want me being there to spoil your night.’
    ‘No, it was good, honestly.’
    ‘I was wondering,’ Stuart began. ‘There’s this new play that’s just started – it’s had really good reviews. Tragic love story, I think. I wondered if you’d like to come and watch it with me. Otherwise I’ll be just going on my own.’
    ‘What about your girlfriend?’ asked Emma, searching for an excuse to decline the offer.
    ‘She’s not really into the theatre,’ he said, in a disappointed tone that betrayed the fact that he had taken the hint.
    ‘Look, Stuart,’ Emma said. ‘I really appreciate you asking, but I don’t think it’s such a good idea. Not just now, with everything else that’s going on.’
    ‘I understand. I shouldn’t have asked.’
    Emma felt sorry for him. ‘No, not at all. It was nice of you to ask. But I just can’t think about anything else at the moment, not with everything that’s going on. Please don’t take offence.’
    ‘Honestly, I won’t. And I promise, if any more press people call up I’ll tell them to take a running