Taking in the room, a fire ignites within my belly and spreads through my chest to my heart, pumping heat and a new determination through every vein and artery. I’ll show Gemma Sloane. I didn’t come here to win, but now I have no other choice but to do exactly that. I’ll prove myself as worthy of his place, for me, and for my husband. And anyone that ever doubted either of us will never doubt us again. And if Aisling’s bubbly, accepting demeanour is anything to go by, this could be the perfect chance to form some fabulous friendships along the way too.
Within an hour, I’ve spoken to nearly everyone except Michael Murray and Ben Battle, who are engrossed in conversation. I suppose they have a lot in common, both professional athletes, albeit different sports.
Marcus always says the difference between rugby and soccer is this; football is ninety minutes of pretending you’re hurt, whereas rugby is eighty minutes of pretending you’re not hurt.
Aaron Wright, Teddy, and another female producer arrive and begin outlining the show itinerary.
Teddy removes his jacket and excitedly launches into a few details about this year’s show. ‘This season’s sponsor is Ireland’s biggest supplier of champagne. When the winner is crowned in November there will be a lavish celebratory ball after the final.’ His eyes twinkle at the prospect.
Aaron cuts through his excitement, getting straight to business. ‘You won’t get a say in who you are paired up with. The producers’ decision is final, made with the highest level of entertainment in mind. You’ll be informed who you’re partnered with at training, plenty of time before the live shows begin.
‘You’re each required to wear a small microphone throughout training and for the duration of the live shows. Someone is always listening. Be careful who you talk about. If you’re not prepared to say it to their faces, you probably shouldn’t say it.’
A quiet round of murmurs pass through the room and Aaron signals for silence. ‘I haven’t finished.’ He clears his throat before continuing. ‘You won’t get a say on the dances you are given. Or the costumes you’re allocated. Every detail is decided by us, solely for the purpose of the entertainment of the country.’
Gemma pouts like a stroppy teenager and raises her hand.
‘Yes?’ Aaron acknowledges her with distinct trepidation in his narrow-set eyes.
‘What if I hate the costume? I’m a brand ambassador for Gucci. I can’t just wear anything, you know.’
My eyes roll into my head. Talk about first world problems. Aisling catches me and flashes a grin of solidarity as if to say,buckle up the show is starting early. It’s only day one and I can tell we’re going to get on like a house on fire. The knowledge sends a ripple of warmth through me.
‘If you don’t like it, leave now.’ Where Teddy’s the good cop, Aaron has no problem assuming the role of bad cop.
‘I know an up-and-coming, stylish, reasonably priced men’s clothing brand, if you’re looking for outfits for the show,’ Ben calls to Aaron with a cheeky twinkle in his eye. ‘You know, I think I could even swing you a discount.’
A collective buzz of laughter follows from everyone except Aaron who stares with serious face. ‘That won’t be necessary thank you. We’re less about style and more about entertainment, as I said.’
Teddy rubs his hands together with excitement. ‘Brunch will be served in an hour’s time in the private dining area on the first floor. Get acquainted. You’re going to be spending a lot of time together. By the end of the show, you’ll have bonded so much, you’ll be like one big family.’
Goosebumps spread across my neck, trickling down my spine. That electric experience, that bond, the sense of being part of something big. That’s what I’ve been longing for. My nerve endings are alight with anticipation. My feet are itching to dance, to begin this new exhilarating challenge.
The producers leave the room and the noise level soars from hushed whispers to a full-blown roar.
The sensation I’m being stared at is suddenly overwhelming.
The feeling intensifies, my skin humming with an energy that I can’t locate the source of. Eventually, I find it – Ben. He’s still sitting next to Michael Murray but his attention is entirely focused on me. Big blue brazen eyes reluctantly move from my chest to my face when he realises I’m staring straight back at him. His ruby-red lips curl into a smile and the way he winks at me reminds me of a night that I’d somehow completely blocked from my mind.
