The Bamboo Mirror (7 page)

Friday was the cast Christmas party and being relatively new to the company, this was her first with them. A ritzy, glitzy party, where she’d stun the company with her looks, seemed the perfect occasion to execute her plan. Really she only needed to stun one person, and this person had been playing nicely into her hands, showing his interest for the last couple of weeks.

Rupert was the theatre director and her boss. She admired his stage direction, the way he assembled his cast and with a few well-chosen words managed to get complete and utter dedication from them. His plays stood out from a hundred others, his directing magnificent, and Linda desperately wanted to stand on his stage as principal girl, starring in his productions. Assistant stage manager she felt was the lowest of the low.

Rupert was always good to her and showed great support and understanding. He was friendly and often included her in his meetings, even though sometimes Linda wondered why she was there. But Linda was clever and streetwise. She knew exactly why he was so friendly, talking about his future productions, telling her which female actresses he’d given a helping hand to boost their careers, mentioning his wife and family. He was slowly forcing down her fences, making her feel comfortable and relaxed, and an easy target. Looking back, she’d known men (and women) like him before, confident in their position, well liked, successful, experienced and way over forty. Men such as he ignored their receding hairline, the beginnings of a paunch and greying at the temples.

Because she understood him, she decided that an affair with Rupert would be worth it to get that starring role.
He knew she was hungry for a part, she’d said so at her job interview and lately she’d dropped enough hints.

Recently, Rupert had been very attentive towards Linda. He was friendly and kind, and often let her go home when he didn’t need her to stay late. Arriving at the theatre earlier this morning, Linda noticed Rupert kept looking at her. When she met his eye, he hurriedly looked away, as if nervous. Silly man! If only he’d linger a bit longer then he’d know. Surely he knew eye contact was the best way to show sexual interest?

During a quick five-minute coffee break Rupert asked who would be going to the Christmas party. When everyone raised his or her hand, Linda noticed he made sure to direct his eager look at her with his question.  She felt elated at his obvious attention.

Reaching the theatre doors, Linda slipped inside excited at the prospect of dressing with care in the beautiful dress. She couldn’t decide whether to wear her hair up for the party - which gave her a regal, sophisticated look, or to leave her long auburn silky hair swishing over her shoulders. Perhaps she’d just wait until she’d washed it, put the dress on and then see. Feeling clever, she knew she’d made the right decision in paying much more for this dress than she would normally have done. The dress was perfect. Wanting to give an understated but sexy look she’d spent quite some time in the shops. The classy little boutique was new to her. Once the dress slipped down over her body she knew her figure spoke for itself. The clingy, shimmering material accentuated her generous curves and the neckline only hinted at her deliciously firm breasts.

                                                              ~~~~~

On Friday Linda kept out of Rupert’s way. She had a feeling of creating an air of mystery about her. Smiling to herself she knew he was watching her though, smoothing his hair and fingering his collar while pretending to listen to his male lead, Gavin rehearsing.

‘Rupert, Rupert! I just can’t seem to get the intonation quite right in that last line. What do you think? It really is giving me a headache.’ Petulant, handsome Gavin jumped down from the stage and walked over to Rupert, who draped an arm around his shoulders and led him to a quiet corner for a private conversation.

Turning away, Linda bumped into her friend Diana Rivers. Diana had recently become a member of the cast and was considered a good actress. Currently she was playing the second female, Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice, but privately Linda thought she could have handled the leading role of Portia admirably.

‘Hi! There. Glad I’ve bumped in to you. Do you want to stay the night? I live right near The Metropole Hotel; it would mean you not having to take a taxi home.’ Diana offered.

Thinking quickly, Linda answered. ‘That’s ever so kind of you, and I wish I could accept, but I’m feeding next door’s cat. He’ll go spare if I’m not there to feed him in the morning.’

She had to be free tonight. Rupert was going to proposition her once he saw how beautiful she was in the new dress.

Rehearsals finished early that afternoon and Linda practically ran all the way home. Giving herself the full works she needed plenty of time.

Feeling confident and radiant, Linda arrived at the venue and found the party in full swing. She glided over to where Diana was chatting to a stranger, a tall dark-haired good-looking man. If Linda hadn’t already got other plans she felt she might have been tempted.

‘Hello there. Can I get you a drink?’ Steve asked after introductions were made.

Diana was obviously excited with her new man and whispered confidentially into Linda’s ear. Linda nodded and made vague agreement noises, only half listening to her whilst scanning the room for Rupert. Where was he?

She knew he’d turn up eventually; he’d not want to miss seeing her outside of work albeit in company. She couldn’t wait to see the expression on his face as she worked her magic on him. He’d be putty in her hands.

It was quite late when Rupert did arrive and Linda made her way almost immediately to where he could get a good look at her. Wearing her most dazzling smile she dodged around the dancers gyrating on the floor and stopped.

A pretty, smartly dressed woman appeared from behind him; she’d been hidden in the throng and placed a plump hand upon his arm. His wife, what was he thinking of?      

Feeling bewildered, Linda wandered over to a dimly lit alcove. She needed to recover herself. Of course he’d bring his wife; it would be expected of him. He wouldn’t have been able to get out of it. Cursing herself for her stupidity, she realised this would never have been the right time to declare himself. He would find somewhere quiet and discreet. She thanked her lucky stars that she hadn’t made a fool of herself; office parties were well known for that. He was sophisticated and had style. He would make a less obvious move.

Fully recovered, Linda stood up and smoothed the clingy dress material down over her hips. She was going to say goodnight to Rupert and his wife. Making sure he got a good view as she glided over to them, she smiled sweetly at his wife, placed a chaste kiss on Rupert’s cheek and turned to leave. She wanted to plant the idea of ‘innocent’ in his wife’s eyes.

~~~~~

The next day at the theatre there was plenty of talk about the party. Linda had missed the best part apparently, when two drunken male actors had improvised table linen into costumes and acted out a two-dame sequence. It had been hilarious.

‘Pity I missed that,’ she replied to Diana, who was looking a tad tired and lethargic this morning. It was obvious how she’s spent the latter part of her night. Good job she’d not taken her up on the offer of a bed.

She was glad she had left early. She wouldn’t have wanted to have too much wine herself and get tipsy. She needed all her wits about her, there was too much at stake.

Late in the morning, she was aware of Rupert approaching her tiny office desk. She feigned surprise looking up from her papers.

All morning he had appeared to be on edge, not really settling down to anything. It wasn’t like him. Trying to look casual, he perched himself on the edge of her paper-littered desk. In a low, husky voice he asked, ’Linda, I need to talk to you, alone. How about we have lunch? There’s a new restaurant, Spanish, just around the corner, say about one o’clock? I’ll meet you there as I have to go somewhere else first.’

Smiling up at him, Linda could have sworn he blushed. It made him look much younger and in an instant she forgave him the paunch. Maybe this was going to be easier than she had thought. Go somewhere else first? That didn’t fool her. He was playing safe, discreet. He didn’t want anyone to notice them leaving the theatre together.

During the meal, Rupert was subdued. Linda ordered a selection of Spanish tapas, feeling quite the girl about town. She did most of the talking and told him about her flat in town. ‘I have some amazing plans for doing it up, when I have the money,’ she said with a big smile. She guessed they would have to use her flat. ‘It’s very handy being right in town and only a fifteen minute walk from the theatre.’          

They sat at a table near the back – very discreet. There was a mirror behind him and Linda glanced at her reflection. She was so glad she’d taken the time to dress with care this morning, slim-fitting trousers and a top that showed the swell of her breasts. Her hair still shone from the glossy spray she’d used the evening before and there was a trace of the glittery make-up on her high cheekbones. She looked fresh and radiant, so different from his chubby wife. Linda was satisfied he had seen her at her best last night; it would have given him a taste of what was to come.

The party had definitely given him the courage to start the affair today; he looked nervous as he dabbed a handkerchief over his forehead. A cotton handkerchief, who used those these days? No doubt his wife bought him them for his birthday.

Linda waited, crumbling her bread roll under her fingertips. She supposed it must take courage to begin an affair with someone so much younger. Especially when that person was very attractive and he was not only much older but running a little to seed with thinning grey hair and a spreading waistline.

Leaning back from the table she edged her chair back a little and crossed her legs, showing him just enough to whet his appetite. Rupert looked away. She couldn’t believe how difficult he was making this. Surely he was used to affairs; theatre life was rife with them.

Feeling slightly irritated, she smiled her sweetest. ‘Are you having a Cognac, Rupert?’

‘Linda,’ he hesitated. ‘I’m finding this difficult.’

Linda laughed and leaned closer, her chest resting on the table. ‘What’s difficult about it? We both know what we want. It’ll be good. For both of us, you see.’ She reached out and stroked his hand.

Rupert snatched his hand away as if he’d been scalded.

‘I’m really sorry, Linda. I know you’re eager to have a good part in The Merchant but well things are beyond my control and I…’

‘Rupert, don’t worry. I’ll be happy with a smaller role. Portia can wait, I’m still young.’

‘I’m giving the part of Portia to Diana as Melissa is leaving the company. But that’s not…’

‘Diana?’ she hurried on after interrupting him. ‘Well I suppose she’ll make a fine Portia. But what about her old part, Nerissa. Are you making me…?’

It was Rupert’s turn to interrupt.

‘I’m very sorry, Linda but that’s not going to happen. I really wanted to tell everyone together, but you and I do have a good working relationship, you’re very loyal and I want to explain things to you. So since you’ve asked I’ll tell you before the others. I am giving the role of Nerissa to Helen, she’s a fine actress and has been with us long enough for me to realise what a good job she’ll make of it. I’m afraid the only part I can give you is as one of the crowd in the party scene, and maybe a walk-on as a village tart at the beginning.

Linda opened her mouth in protest, shock registering upon her pretty face. For a moment she didn’t know what to say. After all her planning! She felt the pricking of tears and hastily looking away; she noticed a suave and immaculately dressed Gavin gliding his way between the tables towards them. Reaching their table he bent down and rested a possessive arm on Rupert’s shoulder.

‘Rupert, my love, are you all finished up here? I thought I’d given you long enough for your little chat. Are you ready to go? I thought we’d go back to ‘mine’ for a nice relaxing afternoon and then I’ll cook you one of your special meals. Coming darling?’

July 2011  The Cast Party by Faith Mortimer