Page 28 of Hate You to Love You

‘Carlos,’ he responds, arching an eyebrow as if he’s surprised to see me. ‘Claudia, it’s time,’ he informs her.

Claudia slips from her make-up chair, and we all follow Elliot out of the green room.

When we arrive on the set, I’m blown away by the way everyone moves with military precision as the cameras are positioned and microphones tested. Elliot guides Claudia towards the plush sofa where she’ll be interviewed, and together they greet the two hosts.

One of them, an older woman with grey hair, excitedly rises from her chair. ‘We have to say, it’s an honour—’

‘I need you to triple-confirm that you’ll stick to our pre-approved questions and talking points,’ Elliot interrupts, cutting her off.

My eyes widen as I step to the side. It’s still strange to see how cutthroat Elliot is in his role. Especially when I know how kind-hearted he is. Well, used to be.

‘We can confirm,’ the other host, who I recognise as former soap opera star Bradley Higgins Smith, replies. ‘Absolutely.’ They purse their lips and nod gently.

‘All right,’ one of the camera operators calls out into the studio. ‘Quiet on set, rolling in three, two and one.’

The cameras all move in synchronicity towards the couch where the two hosts and Claudia are set up. I can sense Claudia’s relief when they open with questions about the book, rather than her private life.

I step to the side to let the crew do their thing, which is when I notice a large catering spread set up on the other side of the studio. I sidle over to a table full of pastries, the mouth-watering scent of butter and fresh fruit hovering in the air. With Claudia occupied on camera, one croissant can’t hurt.

I’m about to take a bite when Elliot appears next to me. Our shoulders touch for a second and I jolt to the side.

He clears his throat.

‘Problem?’ I whisper, trying to remain quiet on set.

‘Yes, actually.’ His tone is sharp despite his whispers back. ‘You should be paying attention to Claudia, not treating yourself to the catering.’

A heated sensation rushes over my face. ‘If you’re so concerned about Claudia and the interview, shouldn’t you be watching her?’

‘I would, but you’re too much of a liability.’

I laugh at him. ‘It’s a croissant, Elliot.’

He rolls his eyes. ‘I’m more worried about the table,’ he says, gesturing to it. ‘I don’t want a repeat of the launch. Can you just try to act professional for once?’

I stare at him blankly, before raising the croissant slowly to my mouth and taking an exaggerated bite. I can sense him gritting his teeth in frustration. ‘Mmmmm,’ I groan, my mouth full, flakes from the croissant falling onto my shirt.

‘I don’t want you to mess this up,’ Elliot pleads.

His comment stuns me. There’s genuine concern in his voice. But I have to remind myself that the only reason Elliot ever pretends to care about others is to get his own way.

‘Are we really fighting over a croissant?’ I grumble.

‘Can we please just drop the hostility and go back over to the other side of the studio – where it’s safe – to watch Claudia?’

‘If you stopped appearing like the devil incarnate, I wouldn’t have to be so hostile.’

He grins. ‘So, you admit you’ve been hostile?’

‘Shh!’ one of the camera operators hisses.

I hurry towards a quiet corner and away from Elliot. But apparently this avid reader can’t read the room, because he follows.

‘Stop it,’ I snap at him.

‘Stop what?’

‘Following me everywhere. I thought leaving was more your thing?’