Coffee, tea? Or me?

THIS IS THE NEW YEAR- Part I

THIS IS THE NEW YEAR

Say everything you've always wanted

Be not afraid of who you really are

'Cause in the end we have each other

And that's at least one thing worth living for

And I will give the world to you.

I

Lucy tilted her phone to open the YouTube video in full screen and Harriet shifted closer to her on the hotel bed. They were in New York where they happened to cross paths for a couple of days on their respective trips after Christmas.

Lucy pressed the play button and the video started: James was sitting on a black sofa, his left ankle resting on his right knee, his hand casually on his thighs, he looked simply handsome in a pair of black trousers, a caramel jumper and white trainers.

A man in a checkers shirt sitting opposite him started to talk.

"Thank you, James, for agreeing to see us in between festivities, it was really nice of you."

"No problem mate, my pleasure," James said, passing his hand through his hair.

"So, this has been quite a year for you with the big success of The silent Klimt that has seen you both in front and behind the camera in your first role as a director, plus numerous appearances on a ridiculous number of tv shows."

James laughed heartily.

"We all know you are a very talented and prolific individual but this sure has been a year like no others."

"Yes, I must admit it has been a bit of a rollercoaster but I enjoyed every single moment of my professional journey and I am ever so grateful that I met the people who allowed me to express myself in that way."

The journalist gave a cheeky look.

"Are you aware of the rumours of an Oscar nomination?"

James chuckled and licked his lower lip, distractedly removing lint from his trousers.

"I didn't hear any of them, no but I guess we will find out soon. I would only be honoured if that happened."

"Well, I'm rooting for you," the man said.

James nodded and thanked him.

"So what does next year have in store for you?"

James swapped the position of his legs and knotted his hands together on his lap.

"I have a big project coming up, we will start shooting next month in Vancouver. I can't say too much about it at the moment but it is a psychological thriller and I play the lead role as Ted Bundy so...pretty gnarly stuff."

"That sounds absolutely terrific! Never catching a break eh?"

James shook his head.

"Until interesting projects will come my way I will take as many as I can!"

"I'm so happy to hear that! Did you manage to get a break over Christmas? Except for today of course!"

James laughed softly again.

"C'mon this is not really working, and I've interviewed with you before so it's a bit like seeing an old friend! But yeah, I've spent Christmas with my family, had loads of food, put on some weight, usual stuff."