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Lauren busied herself turning the foam roller over. “You’re the one who owns the place.”
“And you’re the one people are responding to.”
“Because they know me.”
“Yes.”
“That’s not the same thing.”
“It is, actually,” Beth said from behind the camera. “And I say that as someone who once called you a waste of space off the pitch, so don’t make me regret the character growth.”
Lauren looked at her.
It took a second. Then her blood went cold.
She knew people had thought it. She remembered enough of herself to understand why. But knowing where an old bruise was and having someone press a thumb into it were two different things.
Beth’s mouth tightened, as if she’d realised half a second too late that she’d gone further than she meant to.
“Historically,” she added. “Obviously.”
Lauren forced a smile, because people were watching. “Good to know my references were glowing.”
Beth winced. “That came out worse than I meant it.”
“It’s fine.”
Carly didn’t say anything, but Lauren felt her attention sharpen.
“For what it’s worth,” Beth said, “I wouldn’t say it now.”
“Well, that’s practically a testimonial.”
“I said what I said.”
It should have been funny. It almost was. But Lauren couldn’t find the laugh, and Carly was still watching her, not pitying, just watching, as if she knew what the smile was covering.
Lauren hated that too.
“Fine,” she said, getting to her feet. “What do you want me to say?”
“Something simple. The relaunch, the free trial, the club discount, and that people can ask questions if they’re nervous.”
“Right.” Lauren clapped her hands and turned to the camera. “Come to the gym. We have discounts, questions and Beth’s biscuits. If you’re nervous, don’t be. Unless you’re afraid of Beth’s biscuits, in which case—”
“Stop,” Carly said.
Lauren dropped her hands. “What?”
“You’re doing it.”
“Promoting biscuits?”
“Making yourself the least serious person in the room before anyone else can.”
It was so accurate that Lauren had nothing ready.
Beth cleared her throat. “As the completely unqualified member of this production team, I’d like to say this has got a bit intense.”
