Skinner's festival

49

When Skinner returned from the Friday press conference, he found Alex waiting in his office. As he entered the room, she jumped up and rushed across to him. s 'Hi, Pops.' i He took her into his arms and hugged her. I 'Pops, I'm sorry. You're under all this pressure and I behave like a selfish, love-sick cow. I am really, really sorry.

'Am I forgiven?'

His face lit up as he smiled at her. Suddenly the world was a better place. 'Yeah, just this once I'll let you off with a caution.

How are you and the boy getting on?'

'Fine. Ingo's great. He's so bright, and I just love him to bits.

Don't worry, though. I'm not going to do anything daft like rushing off to Sweden with him. I've got a degree to finish first, and a diploma to get after that. He's got his course to finish, too.

Once he's done that, he says he'll find a job in Britain, in the theatre if nothing else, and we can be together for good.'

In spite of his misgivings about the Swede, Bob grinned.

'Sounds like you've got his life thoroughly organised for him, just like you organised mine for twenty years.'

'Exactly. But you've got someone else to do that for you now.

Even Andy, I hear from Sarah, may have found the love of his life. I have to have someone to look after.'

'Well, babe, all I ask is that you look after yourself as well. In fact put yourself first for a while.' He decided it was time to change the subject. 'How's your play then? We must pay it another visit.' •We're doing great. It won't be announced in the Scotsman till tomorrow, but we've won a Fringe Award. Why don't you come to the Sunday show. It's being presented then.'

Sunday? Bob referred to his memory for a second. 'Sorry, can't do that. Sarah's got tickets for Le Cirque Mobile, or something, down on Leith Links. Tonight we're doing a movie with Andy and Julia, his new girlfriend, and tomorrow…' He paused for a second. 'Tomorrow I might be busy. So we'll come some time next week.'

Alex did not notice his momentary preoccupation. 'Le Cirque?

I've heard of them. They're all bikers or something like that, aren't they. They're supposed to be terrific.'

'We'll see,' he said, although his tone implied doubt. 'All that carbon monoxide inside a tent doesn't sound too great to me. I'd rather be at your show, darling, believe me, but Sarah's dead keen on it.'

Alex laughed. 'It'U be all right. Sarah can pick 'em, you know.

'Well, look. Pops. If I don't see you at the theatre, I'll look out for you at Fringe Sunday.' •No!'

His sudden vehemence stopped her in her tracks.

'Look, babe. Do just one thing for your old man. Steer well clear of Fringe Sunday.'

'But why? All the gang are going.'

'Just for me, give it a miss.'

She looked hard at him. 'You think something bad might happen? Do you know something?'

'Let's just say I'll feel happier if I know I don't have to look out for you there.' •Well, my old Dad, if it makes you feel happier, I'll give it a miss. Promise.'

She stood on tiptoe, kissed him on the forehead and flitted out of the room, waving goodbye.