The Director's Cut by JS Taylor Read Free Book Online Page B

company.”
    “And Natalie Ennis?”
    My face twists.
    “She’s a bit of a diva.”
    Lorna nods. “Spoiled brat,” she opines. “You get the same thing in modelling.”
    My fingers twist a napkin on the table.
    “What else?” says Lorna, noticing the gesture.
    “And.” I pause, and sigh. “I saw a bunch of prescription meds in Natalie’s bag. I’m worried,” I admit.
    “Why?”
    “James is very strict about drugs on set,” I say.
    Lorna’s eyes widen. I haven’t told her about James’s past. But something tells me Ben has dished the dirt.
    “I’m worried ab out telling him,” I conclude. “In case it has an impact on the movie. Callum really deserves this break. And Camilla – I haven’t told you about her – but she’s a young actress. She’s lovely. And she’s worked super hard to get a role.”
    “Do you have to tell James about what you saw?”
    “Well. Yeah. It’s for Natalie as well,” I say. “If she has a drug problem, she needs help.”
    Lorna considers this.
    “But they were prescription meds,” she says. “And Natalie is in and out of rehab. It’s in all the papers. Probably they’re just for depression or something.”
    “Yeah , maybe. But I still feel like I have to tell James.”
    Lorna shrugs.
    “Up to you.” Her expression changes. “What do you think will happen with you and the talented Mr Berkeley?”
    I can’t help the smile which creeps onto my face.
    “I don’t know.”
    “Issy! You are crazy about him!” She shakes her head. “I am so thrilled. With your track record of not dating, I was starting to think you were gay,” she adds. “Except, you know, you never tried anything with me.”
    “L orna!” I swat her arm.
    “Just joking. Look honey. I am thrilled. Really. Not to mention that the love of your life has got me a movie role.”
    “He’s not the love of my life,” I protest.
    “Whatever,” Lorna waves her hand. “I can see it in your face. Just make sure I get to be maid of honour. Then everyone’s happy.”
    She gives me a wicked grin, and I feel a surge of love for Lorna. Everything seems so normal with her around. I throw my arms around her.
    “Hey! Slow down!” she jokes . “You haven’t paid for my dinner yet.”
    I hold her tight and give a laugh, which is somewhere close to a sob. With all the events of the last week, it’s good to hear Lorna make light of things.
    My phone beeps in my pocket, and Lorna pulls away.
    “Let me guess,” she drawls. “Mr James Berkeley wants you back?”
     

Chapter 8
     
    James arranges to meet us outside the restaurant. And despite my protestations, Lora insists on getting a separate cab.
    James eventually agrees but insists on hailing it himself, paying in advance, and taking the taxi’s license.
    “Text Issy when you arrive,” he says gravely.
    “Do you have a problem with taxis?” I ask as we walk over to where he says he’s parked.
    James shrugs. “A class thing probably,” he admits. “The kind of people I was brought up with, everyone had private drivers. It feels alien to me to allow a woman to get into a car with a man she hasn’t me t before.”
    He pauses for a moment. “It was a wrench to see Lorna get in a cab,” he continues, “so don’t think for a moment I ever would let you take a taxi unaccompanied.”
    Whoa. Mr Old-Fashioned is back.
    “You do know,” I reply tartly, “it’s the new millennium?”
    James face stays stern. “I mean it , Issy.”
    “What if I need to get somewhere?”
    “You’ll call me, and I’ll send my private driver.”
    I sigh, defeated. I might be making some headway on James’s gentle side, but his traditional values still seem non-negotiable.
    He’s stopped by a parked car, and it’s a moment before I register.
    “ This is your car?”
    “It’s a hire d car.”
    “Wow.”
    We’re standing in front of a sleek blue four-seater with an open top. It has a retro look to it – the kind of car you’d imagine playboys driving