Free Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling Page B

sunny Italy, not rainy England.’
    ‘Hmm, Diamond really should’ve said. You will need them.’ I stuck my own feet into my favourite pair of polka dot ones.
    He thought I was joking. ‘Must you?’ He gestured to the boots.
    ‘I really must.’
    ‘C’mon then, fashion disaster—let’s go.’
    I was the one to be laughing once we were outside. The early morning tide was high and the pavement outside our courtyard was awash. His trendy boots were going to be toast. ‘Piggyback?’
    He looked grimly at the toes of his leather Timberlands. ‘Like you could carry me, Beauty.’
    ‘I’ll give it a go—just to the bridge. Then there should be walkways all the way.’
    ‘Don’t tell my brothers.’ He stood on a garden chair and I took his weight. He was pretty heavy, I must admit, and I staggered a few paces before getting my balance. We managed to cross the short distance without falling into the canal. I dumped him on the dry ground by the bridge.
    He gave me a jaunty salute in thanks. ‘How much do you charge?’
    ‘What, for rescues? You couldn’t afford me. That’s your one freebie. After this the Timberlands will have to be sacrificed.’
    We made our way through the streets back to the Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal.
    ‘Where are we going?’ Xav had only now really woken up.
    ‘Filming is taking place at the Piazza San Marco. I don’t think they’re going to actually do any proper stuff until it gets dark this afternoon. We’ve got to be there so they can set up the shot.’
    ‘You mean I could’ve stayed in bed?’
    ‘If you are Steve Hughes, you probably are still in bed. We extras are done first so the stars don’t have to wait around. Lily warned me it might be a bit boring.’ I rather hoped Xav might turn back. ‘You could bow out if you want—no one would mind.’
    ‘No way. If you can put up with standing around, so can I. It’ll give us a chance to talk.’
    ‘Hmm.’ I didn’t want to mention in our little ceasefire that I had arranged to spend my spare time with Lily’s photographer friend.
    The film crew had taken over one corner of the piazza for their costume and make-up marquees. We checked in with an assistant director and then joined a queue. Xav and I took one look at our fellow extras and burst into laugher. It was odd being with so many other tall people, as if the world had suddenly divided into us normal folk and the munchkins who dressed us. There were lots of good-humoured quips between the two sides. I wasn’t even the tallest girl; there was one who must have been well over six feet.
    Xav was led away to the men’s side of the marquee, his lack of Italian meaning that the locally hired make-up ladies pulled and prodded him like a child where they wanted him to go. They were enjoying the opportunity to have such a good-looking boy at their mercy and he looked a little bewildered by their attentions.
    ‘Be gentle!’ I heard him plead as he was pushed into a chair in front of a mirror.
    From the giggles that comment provoked I guessed they understood more English than they let on.
    When my turn came, the make-up artist explained that the cosmetics would be applied quite lightly as most of our faces would be hidden by masks. Emphasis was on blood-red lips and glitter on the eyelids.
    ‘But Lily asked me to do you a special treatment as you are having some photos taken, yes?’ Marina, my artist, dusted my cheeks with a faint blush. ‘Nothing too heavy, just a little emphasis to bring out your features.’ She stood back, pleased with the final effect. ‘Hmm, Lily was right: there is something about you. After costume, go to Paolo in wigs and hair: he knows what you need.’
    I rejoined Xav in the next bay, which was devoted to the costumes I had helped make. As we arrived together we got a matching set: his consisted of a dark gold jacket and breeches with crimson waistcoat and cape, mine the reverse, crimson gown with gold accents and cloak. I was