Page 15 of Best Supporting Actor

Henry nodded, touched the brim of his hat, and was gone, the door closing with a bang behind him. The little room seemed to deflate in his absence, as if he’d taken half the air with him.

“Come and grab a seat,” Beatrice said. “Let’s chat.”

Was that a good sign? It felt like a good sign. Rafe hadn’t had a chat afterwards, had he? Or maybe he had. God, Tag hoped this was a good sign.

“Henry—that is,we—really enjoyed your work today,” Beatrice said as Tag sat down. “You’re bringing a really, um, fresh flavour to the role of Owen. Very authentic. Henry called it ‘chippy’. He loved it.”

“Cool,” Tag said, trying not to sound too pathetically eager. “And Henry…? Will he be involved in the production?”

Beatrice’s eyebrows went up as though his comment surprised her. “Well, it’s not official yet, but he’ll be directing. I mean, I was going to direct myself, but my—” She cleared her throat. “The financier wanted someone with more experience involved before he’d bankroll the production, so he called in a favour, and, well, enter Henry Walker, stage left.” Hurriedly she added, “I’ll still be involved in the direction. Sort of a co-director, I suppose.”

Tag stared at her. “Henry Walker? Was that…?” He laughed, because it was impossible. “That wasn’ttheHenry Walker, was it?”

“Of course,” Beatrice said, looking amused now. “I’m sorry. I assumed you’d recognise him.”

“Right.” Tag nodded and tried not to feel like a total idiot for failing to recognise one of the most respected theatre directors in the country. “Absolutely.”

“So, a couple of things,” Beatrice said, folding her hands in her lap. “First,Ilove how you’re portraying Owen, too. I’m getting a real sense of his creative frustration, his social and sexual longing. It’sfantastic.”

Tag grinned at that, tried to hide his pleasure, but then decided not to bother. “Thanks,” he said. “He was right on the edge of that world, wasn’t he? And from what I’ve read, it seems like lots of people think he was more talented than Sassoon. Had he lived…?” Tag shrugged. “I suppose that’s the point. Owen’s early death gave him a sort of unearned immortality that Sassoon envied for the rest of his life.”

Beatrice’s gaze warmed with appreciation. “Envied, but regretted. I think Sassoon would have preferred Owen to survive.”

“Or that they’d both died.”

She conceded that point with a nod, smiling. After a brief pause, she said, “Well, Tag, as you’ve probably guessed, the role is yours, if you’d like it. Henrywants you for the role, and I concur. I think you’ll make a wonderful Owen, and I’d love to have you in the production.”

The punch of relief, of gratitude, of pure triumph robbed Tag of words. He hardly had enough breath to say, “Yes. Oh my God,yes! Thank you.”

“We’ve got a fantastic space lined up in York, and we’ll be in rehearsal for six weeks before the two-week run. I’m afraid we don’t have the budget to cover accommodation costs, though. Will you be able to manage that?”

“Oh.” Tag’s stomach gave a startled lurch, but he kept the reaction off his face. He’d known going in that, if he was offered the part, he’d have to take a huge financial risk. “Yes, that’s fine.”

It wasnotfine, but he’d make it work. He had to. He’d sleep on a fucking park bench if necessary. Hehadto have this role. Bloody hell, he was going to be in a play directed byHenry Walker!

“Wonderful,” Beatrice said, smiling again.

“So, um, can you tell me who’s going to be playing Sassoon?” Tag tried to sound casual, but the profile of the production, and consequently its impact on Tag’s career, depended on this casting. He was desperate to know whose star he’d be hitching his wagon to.

Beatrice made a face, though. “I wish I could tell you right now, but we haven’t signed anything yet, and until then…” She spread her hands. “What I can tell you is that I’m meeting with him tomorrow,finally, to make it official and—oh! Are you available? I’m sure he’d love to meet his co-star. He’s that kind of actor, you know? Sensitive, talented, giving—an actor’s actor. Ilovehis work. So does Henry, and I think you’ll have great chemistry together. I’m sure you’ll agree, when you meet.”

“Wow, okay,” Tag said, failing to appear even slightly cool about the prospect. “I’d love to come along.”

She smiled broadly. “Excellent. I’m taking him to lunch at the Camden Dining Room. One o’clock.”

Which was when Tag remembered he had an early shift at City Beans tomorrow. “Shit,” he said. “I’m working in the morning and don’t get off until half one. I could be there by two, though?”

“Perfect,” Beatrice said. “That’ll give me time to ensure he’s fully on board before you meet.”

Tag’s eyebrows rose, his heart misstepping. “Is there a chance hewon’tbe on board?”

Fuck, would the whole production be derailed without this mystery star?

“Oh no.” Beatrice waved off the idea. “It’s just a matter of agreeing terms, you know? Besides, he’s… sort of a family friend. I’m as sure as I can be that he’ll do it. Lunch is just to let him know how excited we are.” She winked. “A little flattery goes a long way.”

Tag smiled, although he didn’t really think it was funny. He’d been slogging his guts out for years to get this opportunity while this other guy, thisfamily friend, was being wined and dined and offered the part on a silver platter. No audition for him, by the sound of it.

Still, only children expected life to be fair. “I’ll be there,” he said. “And thank you. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I can’t tell you how excited I am.”