‘What a narcissistic tosser,’ she declares.
‘A tosser my father still represents.’ The bitterness tastes metallic. ‘Dad called it “a personal indiscretion that shouldn’t affect our business or your future”.’
‘Your dad said that? After Callumcheatedon you?’
‘Which he did multiple times, as it turned out. With multiple women.’ My voice stays flat. ‘One was a sponsor’s daughter. Another was a waitress at his favourite pub. The last one – the one I caught him with – was a TV presenter.’
Theo lets out a long exhale. ‘That’s low. Even for a guy like Callum.’
‘And the worst part? When I confronted him, he wasn’t even sorry. He said… ‘“What did you expect? You’re never here. I felt neglected. Your job’s more important to you than I am.” The irony being thathewasmy job, and I had just secured a new sponsor for him. I was devastated.’
Theo’s eyes widen. ‘Bastard indeed. I hate that he made you feel like that.’
‘Dad said I should’ve been more understanding of the “pressures” Callum was under.’ The memory still burns. ‘That’s when I quit. Moved here and started Elite Edge.’
‘And now you represent Callum’s biggest rival.’ Theo grins. ‘That’s some delicious karma.’
‘I didn’t do it on purpose, but yes. Brodie despises Callum even more than I do.’ My lips quirk. ‘Might be the only thing I really like about him.’
‘The only thing?’ She arches an eyebrow. ‘You sure about that?’
‘Don’t start.’
‘I’m just saying…’ She finishes the last of her iced drink with an ear-splitting noise. ‘The way you described his arms in your voice message—’
‘Shut up, Theo.’
She smiles, and my chest goes soft around it. ‘You’re not used to having friends who call you on your shite, are you?’
The word ‘friends’ catches me off guard. It doesn’t quite fit. Not with me. When was the last time I made an actual friend? Not a colleague, not a client, not someone who wanted something from me? Never. For a second, something tightens behind my ribs, like a muscle cramp I can’t stretch out.
‘I don’t have time for friends,’ I mutter.
‘Too late.’ She taps my hand with her fork. ‘You’re stuck with me. At work and otherwise.’
‘Lucky me.’ But I know she’s right, and I’m smiling, and we both know I mean it.
‘So.’ Theo leans forward, eyes dancing. ‘About those forearms…’
I throw a napkin at her face.
My phone vibrates against the café table, and Hannah’s grinning face lights up the screen.
‘Hey Button! You’re early.’
‘Charlie! Hello! Hi!’ Hannah’s words tumble out in a breathless rush, consonants softened by the gap in her front teeth. ‘Miss Lorna says I’m ready for the big casting! I’m singing Beyoncé. The one with the…the…’
‘Halo?’ But I’m teasing her. Of course, I know the song my baby sister’s going to perform at her school’s Christmas show. Three and a half months away, and I’m almost as excited as her.
‘No! The cowboy one. About Texas.’
‘Texas Hold ‘Em.’ I bring the phone closer, drowning out the café clatter. Hannah’s been a Beyoncé fan since she was a toddler. ‘You’ll slay, Button.’
‘But Daddy says it’s too hard. I should pick easier songs.’ Her voice dips, and I see her twisting the hem of her sequinned jumper. ‘He says don’t get your hopes up.’
Theo’s watching me, fork suspended over her eggs benny.
I turn my back to the room. ‘Daddy’s a pillock. Remember what we practised?’
