I’d got a new one about four weeks ago, another sponsorship deal. “It’s either here or at my place. Where did I set the new one up?”
“Here. You were showing Toby the camera and taking selfies.”
“It’ll be here then. Why? You know someone who needs a new one?” I ran my hand up and down her arm, loving the feeling of her being close by.
“I know someone who now has a new one.” She groaned painfully. “Ro, do you remember when Joanne turned up?”
“Aye.” I stilled my hand, knowing that whatever Dee said next was going to throw a spanner in all the works.
“Joanne took it. I’m sorry, I didn’t think to check if it was still there…”
“Why would you? You wouldn’t know I’d left it. How do you know she’s got it?” I had a feeling I knew the answer to this.
“Because she’s sent me photos that were on your phone. Some are of me and you. Some are of you – when you’ve been out. I’m so sorry.” She sat up and moved away from me. “I’ve contacted Genny, and the club’s solicitor.”
I sat up and put both my arms around her, bringing her back to me. “I should’ve wiped the phone.”
“This isn’t your fault. My shitty sister is the problem and all of this - ” she pointed at the television which was still on pause to just before I scored my goal. “Is wasted. Some of the photos she’s sent me aren’t great, Rowan.”
I had a feeling I knew which photos she was referring to, ones before I was seeing Jade, so well over a year ago. The media would love to get their hands on them, but I knew enough to understand that those pictures would be too hot to handle. The phone was stolen; Joanne trying to sell them wasn’t going to work. There was nothing to panic over.
“If they got out – so if she posted them on social media – what’s the worst that could happen? You’re not in the habit of sending me nudes.” Something that was usually unfortunate, but not right now. “There are some bad photos of me, and probably one or two others, but they’re from ages ago. The media will just go,look at what a dick he wasand then the next line will be something about me being a reformed bad boy. This isn’t the end of the world, Sparkles.”
Her phone started to ring, Genny’s name flashing up. Dee answered and put her on loudspeaker.
“Rowan’s with me,” she said, resting her elbows on her knees and then her head on her hand. “What’s the damage?”
Genny laughed. “None. Your sister did us a huge favour by sending you the photos first. The legal team have done what we pay them to do and given the media outlets the head’s up that they’re possibly going to be approached. None of them are interested in the photos, but, they are interested in something, and I’ll bring that up tomorrow.” She paused, and I could hear her typing in the background. That woman kept some intense hours. “Have you responded to Joanne yet?”
“No. She’ll know I’ve read the message and seen the photos.”
I could tell Dee was on the verge of tears.
“She wants fifty grand sent to her bank account by midday tomorrow.”
“Nice. I’d like that too. What she’s going to get is a friendly police officer turning up instead and arresting her for blackmail. You get no say in that, my leeetle soft-hearted friend. Everything is taken care of. All is good, apart from one of Rowan’s teammates has just gotten himself thrown out of Chemistry, so this is really the least of my problems right now.” Genny sighed dramatically over the phone. “Ro, don’t let our girl do anything stupid, like say she’s bringing too much drama into your life, or something else equally ridiculous. This has been your most drama-free start to the season on record. Good goal, by the way.”
“Thanks, Gen, and I won’t.”
“Awesome.” And she hung up.
I waited, arms folded now, watching Dee. “Do you want to speak to your sister?”
She looked up at me, surprise registering on her face. ‘What?”
“Do you want to speak to your sister?”
She nodded. “Not right now. She’ll suss out that it’s been reported to the police and go missing. I thought you’d have said not to have anything to do with her.”
I knew that was what she’d think. “She’s still your sister. You need to push for parental responsibility now, too. Not just temporary either. She’s going to face charges.”
Dee nodded. “I know. Emily – the social worker – she mentioned there was enough now for the court to make the special guardianship order permanent. I just wish I understood why Joanne’s like this?”
I shrugged. “Some people are a bit screwed up. My dad was. His parents were nice enough and there was no reason for him to be a dick, but he was. I know you want to analyse her, and work out what went wrong but there’s no point. You didn’t do anything to cause this, apart from be successful.”
“And I have what she wanted.”
“What’s that? A charming, handsome and wealthy boyfriend?” I preened to try and make her laugh.
