Suze takes a massive gulp, then another, then exhales, seeming a bit calmer. ‘So, how was the agent?’ she asks, and my spirits instantly rise. At least something is going well.
‘It was amazing!’ I say. ‘They said we need to plan my future carefully, and they’ll help me juggle all my offers. And I need to hire security,’ I add, importantly.
‘Hire security?’ Suze stares at me. ‘You mean, like, a bodyguard?’
‘Yes.’ I try to sound casual. ‘It makes sense now I’m famous.’
‘You’re not that famous.’
‘Yes I am! Haven’t you seen the photographers outside the gate?’
‘They’ll get bored soon enough. Honestly, Bex, you’re only going to be famous for, like, five minutes. I wouldn’t waste money on a bodyguard.’
‘Five minutes?’ I say, offended. ‘Is that what you think? If you want to know, I’ve been offered a reality show. I’m going to be a global brand. This is only the beginning.’
‘You’re doing a reality show?’ She seems gobsmacked. ‘Has Luke agreed to that?’
‘He … well, it’s under discussion,’ I prevaricate.
‘Does Luke know about the bodyguard?’
‘He doesn’t need to know!’ I’m feeling more and more scratchy. At CAA, everything seemed so shiny and exciting, and now Suze is putting a damper on it all. ‘I’m the celebrity, not Luke.’
‘You’re not a celebrity!’ says Suze scoffingly.
‘Yes I am!’
‘Not a proper one. Not like Sage.’
‘Yes I am!’ I say furiously. ‘They all said I was at CAA. Even Sage said so. And I need a bodyguard. In fact, I’m going to sort it out right now.’ And I head out of the kitchen, full of indignation. I’ll show Suze. I’m going to phone Aran’s assistant and get the name of the top Hollywood security company and hire a bodyguard. I don’t care what she thinks.
From:
[email protected]
To: Brandon, Rebecca
Subject: Your security requirements
* * *
Dear Rebecca
It was good to talk to you earlier and I attach a link to our online brochure of our products and services. I’m sure we can provide you with the range of security solutions you will need in your new, high-profile position, whether this be in the form of personnel, or home security/surveillance equipment.
As regards the DF 4000 Deluxe X-ray body scanner we were discussing, please be assured, I have never known a case of a husband ‘using it to track down shopping parcels hidden about his wife’s person’.
I look forward to hearing from you and fulfilling your security needs.
Best wishes
Blake Wilson
Security Facilitation Vice-President
SIXTEEN
It’s fine. It’s all good. We’ll get used to this.
I’m sure every family finds it tricky at first, having a bodyguard.
It only took twenty-four hours to fix myself up with a security team. The company couldn’t have been more helpful, and they totally understood that I need extra protection now I’m in the public eye. After a bit of discussion we decided that I maybe didn’t need an armed twenty-four-hour squad, but I could start with what they call ‘Mid-Level Protection’. My team began work this morning, and so far they’ve been brilliant. There’s Jeff and Mitchell, who are both dressed in dark suits and shades. And there’s Echo the German shepherd dog, who was trained in Russia, apparently. We’ve had a briefing meeting to discuss my requirements, and we’ve discussed my itinerary for the day. Now Mitchell is touring the house with Echo in order to check the ‘ongoing security of the premises’, while Jeff sits in the kitchen in order to provide ‘personal integrity reinforcement’.
The only thing is, it’s a bit awkward having Jeff in the kitchen at breakfast. He just sits there at the side of the room and looks unsmilingly at everyone, and mutters things into his headset. But we’ll have to get used to it, now we’re a celebrity family.
There’s still no word from Dad, beyond a text he sent Mum late yesterday, saying:
Landed fine in LA. Have some things to take care of.
Remember to water the roses. Graham xxx
Remember to water the roses. I mean, honestly. Mum nearly had a fit. I’ve already spoken to her today on the phone, and I’ve got lots of messages to pass on to Dad, should I see him. (Most would result in instant divorce, so I think I might forget about those.) I just hope he’s OK. I mean, I know he’s a grown man, but I can’t help worrying. What ‘things’ is he taking care of? Why hasn’t he told Mum? What’s the big secret?