Free The Betrayed by Kate Kray Page A

maître d’ went to seat a middle-aged man who had entered the restaurant shortly after Rosie. Andrew shot her a mischievous look.
    ‘Why don’t we start with a glass of champagne, to toast your success?’ he suggested. ‘Unless, perhaps, you’d rather keep a clear head for your meeting?’
    ‘I doubt one glass will do much harm,’ she replied, coyly. ‘Besides, I suspect that I have you to thank for my turn in fortunes.’
    After signalling the waiter, Andrew ordered two glasses of the best champagne on the wine list.
    ‘So, how surprised were you to get Eliza Dolittle?’
    ‘On a scale of one to ten…’ said Rosie, her eyes widening, ‘I think it would zoom off into space. Honestly, I had no idea I was being considered for the lead when I auditioned.’ Her eyes narrowed playfully. ‘Did you?’
    Seeming almost pleased by the challenge, Andrew said, ‘Not initially, but when I saw the tapes from your first audition, it occurred to me that we should, at least, bear you in mind.’ Andrew took a sip of champagne before continuing. ‘After watching the screen test, the decision was unanimous. As I’m sure you know, beautiful women don’t always photograph well. You’re a real find.’
    Feeling slightly embarrassed, Rosie dropped her eyes to Andrew’s hands resting on the table. They were beautifully manicured. Realising their elegant masculinity was having an effect on her, she looked up at him again.
    ‘I shall do my very best, Andrew. I won’t let you down.’
    ‘I know.’
    ‘This is a dream role for me. I’ll give it one hundred percent.’ She looked him directly in the eyes, and smiled. ‘Thank you to everyone at Straw/Gold. And to you in particular. This is a great opportunity.’
    As they touched glasses, Andrew’s eyes lingered on Rosie, and a subtle, but unmistakeably pleasurable sensation, swelled inside her.
    ‘So, tell me about you,’ Andrew asked, after a loaded pause. ‘Married? Kids?’
    ‘Well, yes,’ she said, quickly adding ‘but we’re not together any more.’ Rosie took another sip of champagne. ‘I have a daughter. Her name’s Ruby. Twelve, going on eighteen.’
    ‘Really? I know the type.’
    Rosie nodded. ‘Do you have any children?’
    ‘Yes,’ he relied, nodding slowly. ‘I have an ex-wife, and two step-daughters. My ex lives in Berkshire now with her new partner and the girls.’
    Just then the menus arrived. By the time they had decided what to eat, the subject had returned to the business.
    ‘Ordinarily,’ said Andrew, ‘the director will be taking you to lunch. But as Stella is one of the topics I want to discuss, I thought it should just be you and me. Anyway, you’ll meet her properly at that lunch next week… the one the executive producer and production manager are hosting.’
    ‘So what about Stella?’
    ‘Well,’ said Andrew, clearly choosing his words carefully. ‘However stern, authoritarian or uncompromising she might seem, Stella Evans is really a sweetheart. I just wanted to tell you that, for goodness sake, don’t make the mistake of taking anything personally. You’ll have her full support, and you will soon discover that she is a first-rate director. But – and it’s a big ‘but’ – she doesn’t see her work as a popularity contest. She just wants to make excellent dramas, which is something she has an excellent track record of doing. Believe me, she could win awards for this one.’
    ‘She sounds scary,’ said Rosie. ‘She won’t bite me, will she?’
    ‘No!’ laughed Andrew. His laugh made her laugh too.
    ‘I’ll admit, I’ve heard how scary she can be. I was a little nervous… now I think I’m terrified!’
    ‘I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble standing up to her,’ said Andrew, still laughing. ‘And please do so. She has a lot of time for gutsy characters. In fact, your genuine, East End persona was a major factor in you getting the job. We could have chosen someone more accomplished, but you