5.10 p.m.
My mobile rang ten minutes ago. I thought it was Maddy. She often calls at this time. Instead, of all people, it was Josie.
I was totally shocked. And for a mad moment I thought, She’s ringing to say they do want me on the show after all. And I think she realized that, because she very quickly said that the shows were all recorded and going out next week. ‘I was very sorry you didn’t get through,’ she said. ‘Among the judges it was a split decision. And . . .’ she paused for a couple of seconds . . . ‘the other judges didn’t share my sense of humour.’
‘The fools,’ I said.
She chuckled. ‘Well, humour is a very personal thing. But I also wanted to tell you, Louis, that I’m seeing a friend of mine who’s planning a different kind of talent show for children. Something with perhaps a bit more edge. Can I mention your name to him?’
‘Oh yeah, sure, please do.’
‘I can’t promise anything. Nothing is guaranteed in this business. But I’m sure he’d like to meet you.’
‘And I’d like to meet him. Thanks, Josie, thanks very much.’
Just as she was about to ring off she asked, suddenly. ‘That person with you wasn’t really your mother, was she?’
‘No, not quite,’ I admitted.
Josie started to laugh then. She was still laughing when she rang off. Talk about amazing phone calls. That’s why I wanted to write it all down straight away, dear diary.
I’m on my last page for now. No space to write any more. My time is up and I must, very reluctantly, leave the stage. You’ve been a great audience and I’d really like to tell you one last joke but my head’s still spinning from that phone call.
Just can’t wait to tell my parents about it. But first of all, I’m going to call my agent.
Smile on!
Louis the Laugh.
