‘And you didn’t think to tell me?’
‘It wasn’t my place.’
Rhona turned her attention to Netta, her gaze softening. ‘You had a different name back then, is that right?’
Netta nodded. ‘Yes. Well, not technically. You might’ve seen, when you booked flights, my legal name is Antoinette, but I’ve never used it. My mum always called me Annie, so that’s what I went by when I worked for the Carltons. Annie the Nanny. The tabloids had a field day with the rhyme, trust me.’
‘It wasn’t her fault,’ said Mo. ‘That prick is so full of shit.’
‘Oh, I know he is,’ said Rhona. ‘I just wish I’d known so I could have protected you, Netta. I would never have even suggested the gala if I’d known about this. Talk about rubbing salt into a wound. I think back to that conversation at the dinner party that night and I could kick myself. I practically pushed you into it.’
‘What are they going to do with the photo?’ asked Mo.
‘Nothing. Or everything. It depends on us,’ said Rhona. ‘They want to cut a deal.’
‘What do you mean?’ Netta sounded terrified.
‘Okay, before I tell you, I want you to understand how ruthless these arseholes are. If we say no to the deal, they’re going to dredge up every last bit of the scandal and repackage it, wrap it up in a cute little bow and send it out into the world again—except this time, there’ll be the added bonus of being able to tie you to Mo as well. Mitch is C-list these days, so he’ll fucking love it. He’ll do anything to get his face into the papers and up his profile a bit. It’s gross, but it’s reality. Mo, on the other hand? This is a development he really doesn’t need.’
‘This isn’t about me,’ said Mo.
‘Of course it is, Mo,’ said Rhona. ‘Do you think the paps were outside Valerie’s for Netta? She’s just been caught in your slipstream. And all because you went on the fuckingTubeand got spotted. Surprise, surprise. Am I right?’
‘That was my idea,’ Netta whispered.
‘But I agreed,’ said Mo. ‘This is on me.’
Rhona considered them both. ‘The deal is, they won’t publish the photos of Netta’s face right nowifwe give them exclusive red carpet photos of the two of you together at the gala and Netta gives them an interview with her side of the Carlton story. They’ve been wanting to bury him ever since he said their magazine wasn’t good enough to wipe his arse with that time he was onThe Graham Norton Show. They’ll be highly sympathetic to you, Netta. It’s worth considering. Did you sign an NDA when you worked for the Carltons?’
‘I did,’ said Netta. ‘But it was only for the term of my employment and ten years after, so it’s expired now.’
‘But how will it work?’ asked Mo. ‘There’ll be a ton of photographers on the carpet. How can we give them an exclusive?’
‘They’ll set it up at a separate location. It’ll look like you’re arriving together in their photos, but you’ll do the real carpet on your own, Mo, and Netta will be inside waiting for you.’
‘Why would I still have to go to the show?’ asked Netta.
‘Because they’ll want photos from the event too. They know they can’t get exclusives on those, but they’re happy if they can get the red carpet shots and an interview. That’s enough for them to hold the photos from today.’
‘But what’s the difference?’ Netta sounded miserable. ‘Either way, I’m going to be outed as the homewrecking nanny again.’
‘Exactly,’ said Rhona. She gave Netta’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. ‘But at least this way, you’ll be in control of the story. You’ll be outed as a woman on top.’
Netta was silent for a moment, staring at her hands before her gaze rebounded to Rhona. ‘And what about for Mo?’ she asked. ‘Will it be better or worse for him to be seen with me at the gala?’
‘Honestly? At this point, I don’t really know. These photos where it looks like he’s being rough with you don’t sit well.’ She turned to Mo. ‘The record label is ready to make you walk the plank and this won’t help one bit. But it’d probably be easier to move past it all if you’re seen being a gentleman with Netta at the gala.’
‘This isn’t about me,’ said Mo. ‘Netta isn’t responsible for my image problems.’
‘No, she’s not. But maybe this is a mutually beneficial opportunity. The nanny thing is about to come back to life either way. At least if you take the deal, Netta, you’ll be able to put a positive spin on things. Or, at the very least, atruthfulspin. I have to let him know by six tonight so they can set up the carpet shots.’
Netta nodded and looked at Mo. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think you need to make this decision on your own,’ he said. ‘Don’t think about anything other than what’s best for you. I’ll be okay either way.’
‘I just want to head back to the hotel and think it through.’ She looked exhausted, her eyes dimmed, and Mo’s arms ached to hug her, for her to rest her head on his chest. What the fuck was happening to him?
‘I’ll drive you back to the hotel,’ said Rhona. ‘And you,’ she said, looking at Mo, ‘need to go home now too. Get some rest. You’ll need to be at your megawatt best tomorrow night. Teflon, baby, like none of this shit has stuck. Okay?’
