Free The Blackwell Lessons by Sk Quinn Page A

a little family drama. Sophia knows all about it, does she?’
    Marc grits his teeth. ‘Sophia knows everything she needs to know. When the time is right—’
    ‘I’ve heard that before.’
    What the hell is going on? I SO need to talk to Marc about this. But not here in front of everybody. Later.
    ‘Baz, stop making trouble,’ says Nadia. ‘Listen – I just got a message from Sigourney. Her mother isn’t very well so she won’t make it in this morning. We’ll get started without her.’
    Leo snorts. ‘Is she still using that excuse? She used to—’ He catches the look Nadia gives him and snaps his mouth closed.
    ‘I hope her mum feels better soon,’ says Ruby.
    ‘Yes,’ says Nadia, not meeting Ruby’s eye. ‘Okay!’ She claps her hands. ‘Let’s get you trying on these outfits so we can see what works. We’ll have fun, right?’
    ‘Not my idea of fun,’ says Baz.
    ‘So let’s get you done first, Baz,’ says Nadia. ‘Then you can go home. Leave us ladies to enjoy ourselves.’
    ‘Nice idea,’ says Baz. ‘Marc, are you up for that? You and I leave the girls here and head to the pub? It’ll be just like old times. We could hit the White Horse. Remember that place?’
    ‘Far too well,’ says Marc. ‘I have no desire to revisit that part of my life.’
    ‘Shame. That means I’ll have to drink enough for both of us.’
    Nadia turns serious eyes on Baz. ‘Don’t have a hangover tomorrow. We’re shooting on location – I don’t want you all puffy eyed.’
    ‘You know me Nadia. I’m a professional.’
    ‘That’s exactly right,’ says Nadia. ‘I do know you. So no big drinking sessions today. Okay?’
    Baz sighs. ‘When did you stop being fun and turn into my mother?’
    ‘Around about the same time I started winning awards. Okay – listen. Baz, I’ll choose what you wear. You trust me, right?’
    ‘I trust you with anything if it saves me poncing around all afternoon trying on costumes.’
    ‘Go on, get lost. Go to the pub. Don’t stay out too late and we’ll see you tomorrow.’
    ‘Agreed!’ Baz slaps Marc on the back. ‘Good to see you mate. Truly. It’s been too long. We’ll catch up later okay?’
    Marc gives a little nod.
    ‘Sophia!’ Nadia shouts. ‘Come. Come choose something. Here.’ She wheels forward a rail of dresses. ‘Take a look. What do you like?’
    Straight away I notice a long, black gown with red laces all the way down the back.
    ‘I love this one.’
    ‘Ah ha! The witch’s outfit.’
    ‘Is it?’ My hand drops from the soft fabric.
    ‘You should try it on,’ says Nadia. ‘Let’s see how that dress works on you. It could be a good contrast.’
    ‘Shouldn’t Sigourney get first refusal?’ I say. ‘If she’s supposed to be the witch.’
    ‘Well Sigourney isn’t here,’ says Nadia. ‘If she wants first choice, she has to show up.’
    ‘But she said her mum was—’
    ‘She was bullshitting,’ says Nadia. ‘There was a film première in the West End last night. A friend of mine saw her there. Coked up to the eyeballs. She’s hung-over and sleeping it off. Leo’s right – she needs a better excuse. But I’d rather she rest than drag herself here and wear herself out. Filming starts tomorrow. I don’t want that beautiful face of hers all dried out and spotty.’
    ‘Is she still doing coke?’ Leo asks. ‘Hell – I thought she’d have grown out of that.’ He turns to Marc. ‘Did she do that stuff when she was with you?’
    Do that stuff when she was with you?
    I feel like I can’t breathe.
    What? WHAT?
    I turn to Marc, my eyes searching his face.
    He doesn’t look at me.
    What the hell is going on?

24
    ‘Marc? ‘I say stiffly. ‘Leo asked you a question.’
    ‘I heard,’ says Marc, his voice equally cold. ‘But I can’t tell you about Sigourney’s habits. I barely know the girl.’
    Leo catches his eye and says, ‘Oh. Sure. Yeah right. Sorry.’
    ‘Marc? Did you and Sigourney …?’
    I can’t finish that