Page 79 of Unapologetic Love Story

‘You know Seb and Ottie for real,’ Solana said to Pepper, talking over her older sister’s head and chewing popcorn at the same time. ‘Are they as terrible as they seem on screen?’

‘Worse.’ Pepper and Raina both answered in chorus.

‘Really?’

‘I think she’s okay, deep down,’ Raina said musingly, her eyes glued to the television. ‘Just very insecure. I think he must be very difficult to be with, but she’s not sure if she deserves more.’

‘I don’t think she deserves more.’

‘Pep,’ Raina reprimanded softly, still not looking away.

‘Raina, she insulted you!’

‘Only because she’s in some weird one-sided competition with other women, which no one wins. Be nice.’

‘How do you put up with her always being so perfect?’ Pepper asked Solana, gently prodding Raina in the side.

Raina just shushed her and unmuted the television.

‘Why are we watching late-night news?’ Pepper grumbled, while Solana hogged the entire plastic bowl of salted popcorn for herself and watched with interest. A middle-aged anchorman in a light grey suit grimaced at the camera and began his broadcast.

‘Talking tomorrow morning’s headlines here tonight. Joining me is former political adviser, Craig Hennessey.’

A sober-looking man nodded nervously at the camera which was now closing in on him.

The presenter went on. ‘Columnist and radio host, Janice McIntyre.’

An austere woman gave the camera lens a swift acknowledgement, then offered the host a tight smile.

‘And finally, social media commentator and acclaimed features writer, Tom Branimir.’

Pepper swore and Solana hooted as the camera cut to a disgustingly handsome shot of Tom, his high cheekbones highlighted by the studio lights.

‘Thanks for having me, Philip,’ he told the host, his deep baritone smooth and distracting.

‘You hussy!’ yelled Pepper. ‘We’re watching this boring crap for him!’

‘Shut up,’ said Raina, hiding the remote control down her top so Pepper couldn’t grab it and change the channel. ‘I just want to see what he has to say.’

‘Every time I say “with respect”, I’m actually saying, “Raina, I can’t wait to get you back in bed and . . .”’

Most of the headlines were calling for a government minister to resign after photos of him embracing an intern from his own department were leaked, while his wife was at home with the children.

‘It’s all just tacky and cliched,’ Janice said resolutely, starting the conversation off with derision. ‘I feel for the wife. She’s the one who’ll have photographers hiding in her bins tomorrow.’

The rest of the panellists all discussed the matter, while Tom sat in silence. Raina watched his image on the screen and fought back a smile, remembering his words from earlier in the day.

‘He looks really hot,’ Solana said wistfully.

‘Don’t you start,’ Pepper hissed.

Raina pulled her knees up and snatched some popcorn from her sister, eyes still fixed on the screen. Tom looked annoyingly good on camera. Raina loathed having to edit her videos sometimes, because she would end up overanalyzing every shot and every unflattering angle. There he was, looking poised and perfect in a hideously effortless way.

‘I just don’t see why the personal lives of government ministers are the public’s business,’ the host of the show said, in a tone that made Raina wonder just how many government ministers this man considered his drinking buddies.

‘With respect, Philip,’ Tom said, and his voice was oozing condescension, ‘this minister ran for election by claiming to be the man for moral, family values. He shamed his female opposition for being unmarried and without children. He’s stoked up misogyny and bigotry at every opportunity, so he doesn’t get to hide behind liberal customs now. With respect.’

Raina let out a soft squeak and fell back against the sofa cushions. Solana was clapping enthusiastically, a commentary on how she felt about Tom’s words. Raina, however, was feeling a little hysterical. She wanted to giggle and rewind the moment so she could hear him do it again.