The A-List Collection. Victoria Fox
just go to the bathroom.’
‘What is it, darling?’ asked Cole. She could hear the tight strings of his anxiety.
‘I won’t be a minute,’ she said, desperate to get away. With all the dignity she could muster she headed out of the restaurant, without a clue where she was going.
She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned back against an elaborately papered wall, trying to slow her breathing.
It was all too much. Seeing Robbie again had knocked her hard and, worse, seeing him so happy with Elisabeth. He was ignoring her. But what had she expected–a chat about the good old days? Part of her wanted to stalk back in, shatter this polite bullshit between them and tell Cole and Elisabeth exactly what their history was. She couldn’t. All she could do was find an opportunity to tell him how she felt.
When she arrived back at the table, a huge platter of seafood–oysters, mussels, lobster, caviar–was the talking point. Cole was telling an anecdote, ever the raconteur, about fishing in his boyhood, which ended with him securing an almighty catch and being dragged into the water. Lana had heard the tale before at numerous dinner parties and small details changed every time, making her wonder if it was true.
Elisabeth laughed with spirit in all the right places. She had a nice laugh, thought Lana.
‘So, Lana,’ said Elisabeth, ‘tell us about Eastern Sky.’ She chucked back an oyster and then tried feeding one to Robert, who gently pushed her away with an uncomfortable expression.
‘Never liked them,’ he explained. Elisabeth looked confused.
‘It’s a magnificent piece of work,’ smiled Lana, relieved to be on safer ground. ‘Filming with Sam Lucas has been a dream of mine for some time.’
‘We can’t wait to see it,’ said Elisabeth, raising her glass for a toast. ‘We’re both so thrilled that the premiere is coming to the Orient.’
‘To Eastern Sky and the Orient,’ said Robert, as the glasses collided.
‘Lana’s set for great things,’ Cole chipped in faithfully. ‘She’s an exceptional actress and this film will showcase her brilliantly.’ Lana waved down his praise.
‘I’ll be the first in line to see it,’ said Robert. Finally he looked at her, his dark eyes grave. Lana couldn’t bear to hold it; the electricity between them was crackling. Next to him, Elisabeth threw back a glass of champagne in one.
‘I understand you have a residency here,’ said Lana, turning to Elisabeth. She couldn’t help but watch Elisabeth’s mouth and imagine Robert kissing it. Did he kiss Elisabeth as he had once kissed her? ‘The Desert Jewel must be a special place to perform.’
Elisabeth nodded, happy to get down to business. ‘That’s right,’ she said, shredding a fillet of salmon. ‘I’ve had an excellent reaction so far, more than I could have hoped for.’
‘I’d love to see your show,’ said Lana, knowing the opportunity would never arise.
‘Well,’ said Elisabeth, squeezing lemon on to her plate with gusto, ‘as a matter of fact, I’ll be performing at the after party.’
‘At the premiere?’ asked Cole. ‘Isn’t that a bit unusual?’
‘We pride ourselves on leading, not following,’ said Robert.
Lana had to admit his plans sounded sensational. Robert described with passion how the sets were under construction, florists and caterers working round the clock to perfect every last detail; plans for accommodating a flood of A-listers were under way across the Parthenon, as well as logistics for bringing guests to the Orient’s red carpet. He was frank about his desire not only to showcase Eastern Sky but also his hotel. They were, he explained, made for each other. Lana, relishing the chance to watch him while he spoke, had to look away.
‘Which brings me to your own accommodation,’ Robert finished. ‘I’d like to invite you both to stay here at the Orient as our very special guests.’
Cole was pleased. He had expected preferential treatment. ‘We’d be delighted.’ He nodded, failing to consult Lana.
As Elisabeth elaborated on the show she had planned, Lana listened politely and pretended not to notice Robert’s every move. When he filled up her wine glass she watched his capable hands, his long fingers and the colour of his wrists. She missed his skin.
Elisabeth and Cole were locked in conversation about performance techniques. Robert leaned forward. ‘Actually, the bathroom’s that way,’ he said, thumbing behind him. There was a smile on his face that she hadn’t seen all night. It lit her up inside.
She laughed and the release was giddying. ‘I guess I just went for a walk.’
He was still smiling. ‘Find anything nice?’
‘It’s all nice.’ It felt like such a limp compliment, but it was all she could think to say.
‘Can I show you the view?’ he asked, standing up before she could object. Cole’s eyes shot to Lana but Elisabeth was still talking and manners won out.
‘I’d love that,’ said Lana, thrilled. She liked Elisabeth, she felt bad, but she had to do this–she had to try.
The panorama from the north side was breathtaking. Lana watched it quietly for a moment before turning to Robert. They were far enough from the table not to be heard.
‘Robert, I … I don’t know where to begin.’
‘Don’t,’ he said, staring ahead. ‘You don’t need to say anything. Let’s just get through this evening.’
She watched his handsome profile. ‘I can’t forget,’ she whispered. ‘You might be able to, but I can’t.’
He turned to her, his eyes flashing. ‘You didn’t leave me with a lot of choice.’ His voice was even. There was sadness in there and she clung to it like a raft.
‘I’m sorry,’ she mumbled. ‘I had to leave, I–I thought it was the right thing.’
‘It was,’ he cut in.
Tears sprang to her eyes. Don’t you dare cry.
‘What happened is behind us,’ he went on. ‘We can get along; we’ve a premiere to share, after all. Let’s keep this professional.’
‘I’m proud of you,’ she said, desperate to get through to him. His eyes came to meet hers, their gentle brown so familiar. ‘It’s beautiful. You did it.’
‘Of course he did it,’ interrupted Cole, suddenly at her side. ‘He built the whole thing from scratch, isn’t that right, St Louis?’
Robert straightened. ‘Well, I had—’
‘Let’s go back, shall we?’ Cole put an arm across Lana’s shoulders in a fatherly fashion and guided her gently. She followed Robert, watching the gleam of his heels.
‘Robert and I have an announcement,’ said Elisabeth when they’d all sat down. ‘Well, sort of.’ She was clearly slightly merry and tapped the top of her glass with a long fingernail as if she was about to make a speech. ‘I just can’t keep quiet a minute longer. Darling …?’
All three of them turned to look at her. Robert appeared perplexed.
‘What is it?’ he asked.
She gave him a look. ‘Sweetheart, come on. Do you want to invite them, or shall I?’
Realisation seemed to dawn. ‘Elisabeth, I don’t know if now is the right time.’
‘Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport-this is barely notice as it is!’
‘What is it?’ asked Cole, looking from one to the other.
Lana had a horrible feeling she knew what was coming next.