Page 73 of The Start of Something Wonderful

Rosalind Holmes swivels round in her leather chair to face me.

‘Ah, Emily,’ she says with a courteous smile, rising from behind her steel and glass desk to shakemy hand. ‘Did you find us all right?’ she says, gesturing for me to sit down.

‘Yes, thank you.’

‘Loved the show, by the way. Very original.’

‘Thank you.’

‘But what I love more, is your determination. It takes courage to do what you did, particularly when – if you don’t mind my saying – you’re a woman of … a certain age.’

‘Right.’

‘I think we could work well together, youand I. So, I’d like to invite you to join us here at Holmes and Halford. What do you say?’

What do I say?? I want to grab hold of her and spin her around, to jump up and down, to fling open the window of her swish office and shout across London Town, ‘Listen up! I got myself a new agent! And not just any old agent – atopagent!’

‘Thank you. I’d be delighted,’ I say politely, shaking herhand.

* * *

Those first few days after the show and the agency meeting, I wake up every morning, relieved I have no lines to learn, no butterflies to tame, no commitments, apart from my evening shifts at the restaurant.

I resume my Italian lessons, go to yoga class, and take long bike rides in Richmond Park. I freewheel down the hill, the wind in my hair, the sun, the rain on my face,and I feel free.

But all too soon I resort to my old habit of checking my phone and e-mail at every opportunity, just in case Rosalind is trying to get in touch.

She’ll call when the time is right, when there’s news.

Why hasn’t she called? Maybe she changed her mind. Maybe she decided a client “of a certain age” is not a sound investment after all.

And then she does call.

‘Casting for you. Number One Tour to cover the female lead in a period piece. Am e-mailing you as we speak.’

* * *

And then three days later, she calls again.

‘They liked you. You start a week Monday. Sending you the contract right now. Any questions, give Becky – my assistant – a call. Is that all quite suitable?’

Oh yes, that’s most suitable – in fact, it’s bloody brilliant!