Take Two

CHAPTER 29

Seb’s driver was a thirty-something Glaswegian with a shaved head and a small diamond stud in his left ear. Like Billy, he drove a Mercedes but, unlike Billy, he was an aggressive driver, cursing and swearing whenever anyone caused him to brake and with an unhealthy tendency to pound on his horn to voice his displeasure. Carolyn couldn’t understand why Seb put up with it. She would have been a nervous wreck if he’d been her regular driver. Seb patted her on the knee and flashed her a beaming smile. ‘You’re a trooper for coming,’ he said.

‘It’s for charity, and it’s Friday so I can have a lie-in tomorrow. But I’m a bit worried about this buy-a-date thing.’

‘It’s lunch,’ said Seb. ‘And you won’t be on your own. The charity sends along a chaperone, if you want one. And, like I said, the cost will be way out of the price range of any would-be stalkers. Last year some internet whizz-kid paid thirty grand for lunch with Patsy Kensit. He was a big fan of that movie she did, way back when.’

‘Absolute Beginners,’ said Carolyn. ‘David Bowie was in it. And James Fox.’

He patted her on the knee again. ‘Anyway, don’t worry. Seriously. The auction is usually about ten, so I can have you home by midnight if it’s all too terrible for you.’

Carolyn saw flashes off in the distance and she realised they were almost at the hotel. As always, the paparazzi were lined up outside but, thankfully, they had been herded behind a metal barrier. Several of the more enthusiastic photographers had brought stepladders with them so they could get a better view. She took a small mirror out of her Prada bag and checked her make-up.

‘Darling, you look lovely,’ said Seb, adjusting his tie. The car pulled up in front of the hotel. ‘Once more into the breech.’ He waited for the driver to climb out, walk around the car and open the door. He stepped out, grinned at the waiting photographers and held out a hand for Carolyn. The flashes intensified as Carolyn stepped out of the Mercedes. She was wearing a figure-hugging Alexander McQueen dress and Prada shoes that matched her bag.

She stood with Seb, moving her gaze from camera to camera. ‘Is Seb your new boyfriend, then, Carolyn?’ shouted one of the photographers.

‘Just good friends,’ said Carolyn.

‘Very good friends,’ said Seb, patting her on the arm.

‘Over here, Carolyn!’ shouted a female photographer at the side of the group and Carolyn turned to give her a full on smile. Her face was starting to ache, but it was part of the job and she knew she had to literally grin and bear it.

Another limousine pulled up, so Seb and Carolyn moved inside the hotel to give the new arrivals the limelight. There was a second area for photographs with a board filled with the names and logos of the event sponsors. There was a taped cross on the floor and Seb and Carolyn took their mark with no help needed from the flustered PR who was checking off names on a clipboard. There was a single photographer with a top-of-the-range Nikon. He took three quick snaps and winked. ‘Thanks guys,’ he said, clearly appreciating their professionalism.

The PR, a redhead with a Botoxed forehead and too much make-up, hurried over to them. ‘You’re at Table Two,’ she said. ‘And we’ll have goody bags for you on the way out. Enjoy yourselves.’ Her smile was as fake as her unlined forehead and before she’d even finished speaking, she was looking over her shoulder at the two actresses who were being photographed.