‘If it’s any consolation, they’re watching it because you have an amazing rack. I’m surprised you haven’t been offered a topless modelling shoot yet.’ Savannah’s unwavering loyalty does nothing to ease the anxiety building in my chest. ‘It will blow over, sweetie, I promise.’
‘Well, right now, it’s blowing over like a severe storm. I’m here hiding, helpless as it tears my house down and strips me of every shred of comfort I ever had.’
‘Oh, Holly, I’m so sorry.’ Savannah’s honeyed voice fills the air before her face comes into view again as I pull up the video stream of the girls once more.
My eyes home in on Ashley, who’s looking anywhere but at me. ‘How are things at work?’
She takes a second to reply. ‘Erm… the older girls think you’re sick.’
‘Unwell, you mean?’ I will be if I stand around in nothing but this flimsy lingerie for much longer.
‘No. Slay. Sick. Cool. Do you know how hard it is to get a viral video on TikTok since they changed the algorithm?’ Ashley’s tongue pokes the inside of her cheek.
‘And the parents?’ I don’t need to ask. I already know.
‘I’m sorry, Holly. The longer this scandal goes on, the harder it’s going to be to get you reinstated.’ Ashley shakes her head.
It’s not even about the job anymore. Not now that I’m back doing what I love. It’s the injustice of it. ‘It’s just so unfair.’ My hands rake through my hair in despair. ‘I mean, okay, I was drunk, but still, I didn’t willingly expose myself to the world.’
‘I know, I know. Just hang in there. There will be a new scandal next week and someone else will be the talk of the town,’ Savannah promises.
‘Country.’ Ashley corrects her.
Again, not helpful.
‘What’s that song again? “Lonely This Christmas”? That’ll be me. And the way things are going, it’ll be a lonely New Year too.’
‘It won’t. If things still haven’t died down by then, we’ll come to you. You will not be on your own for Christmas. I’ll make sure of it,’ Ashley promises. Savannah nods vigorously in agreement.
‘You might wish you were though… because If I’m coming, I’ll have to bring the twins and my two dads. It’ll be carnage. They’ll be fighting over toys and the remotes. And I’m not talking about the kids. Being alone might not be the worst thing in the world.’ She pulls a face to show she’s joking.
‘Thanks girls. Really.’
A bang comes from along the corridor and I whip my head around at the sound of the thud of boots on Savannah’s dark wooden hall flooring. My heart pitter-patters in my chest.
‘Shit! I think he’s here!’ I glance down to confirm what I already know. Nate Jackson has let himself in and is about to walk in on me, barely dressed, for the second time in a week.
Squeals ensue from over the phone. ‘Don’t you dare hang up. Let us see.’
‘Bye, girls. Love you.’ I end the call and switch the phone off.
The thudding sound gets closer. Tootsie lets out a yelp that catches in her throat before turning into a whimper of delight. Floozy. Says me, who’s standing here in nothing but my underwear.
I clutch the overalls in front of my chest, move them down to cover my see-through panties, before moving them up to my chest again.
‘It’s not like I haven’t seen it all before,’ a low voice murmurs from the doorway.
My head whips up. Even though I knew he was coming, nothing could prepare me for the sight of him.
He’s replaced the cashmere jumper with a leather jacket and a tight-fitting black v-neck t-shirt which dips low enough to reveal the tiniest hint of tanned, firm man-cleavage.
‘Sorry, I was….’ My hands fly to my face in embarrassment, and I drop the overalls completely. Fuck.
Amusement twinkles in those heated, blackening eyes as they caress my body in a thoroughly approving perusal.
‘I had intended to put a dress on.’ I bend to pick up the overalls but don’t even bother trying to hide myself again. It’s all a bit late for that. ‘But then I lost track of time.’ My hand motions to the canvas between us.
‘You’re an artist.’ Surprise rings in his tone as he steps forwards. ‘May I take a closer look?’
