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‘She is said to be in a stable condition. The police haven’t confirmed whether she was driving under the influence but, in light of recent events, it does add to the growing concern around the successful entrepreneur following the sudden death of her husband and business partner, Nathan Carmel, just over a year ago.’
I toss the remote onto the sofa, turn away from the screen.‘Shit. Shit. Shit.’
My curse is overtaken by the sharp shrill of my mobile ringing. I stride back to the bedroom and snatch it up, knowing who it is before I see his name on the display. I swipe to answer and raise it to my ear.
‘Alan,’ I snap out tightly.
‘Valentine, I’m so glad I’ve caught you. I’m sorry to ring this early, but there’s been a...a development. It’s Olivia—’
‘I’ve seen. It’s all over the news.’
‘Yes.’ His sigh reaches down the phone, twisting up my gut as the guilt swells. I close my eyes, try to shut it down. ‘The press were there in an instant; it’s like they know just where to be at the wrong moment... Well, I guess it’s the right one for them.’
I murmur a nonsensical response.
‘We need you, Valentine.Sheneeds you.’
My eyes open wide. No. ‘She needs someone else.’
‘You’re the best in the business. You understand what she’s going through. And with the reputation of your PR company, plus the way this is heading, she won’t be able to refuse your aid.’
She will when she sees meis my instinctive response. It was dark in the club, but I don’t doubt for a second that she’ll recognise me.
And the things I’ve seen, the things sheaskedme to witness...
‘Valentine, you there? Val—’
‘I’m here.’
‘Please. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. Do you remember what you were like four years ago?’
My eyes close of their own volition this time, my mind transported back to that bleak morning in his office. I was broken, defeated, a mess.
‘I’m sorry. I don’t want to dredge up the past, but I need you to see you’re the right person to turn her around.’
‘You should get a psychologist, a counsellor.’
‘Because they worked so well for you.’
He’s right. They didn’t stand a chance.
‘And we’ve tried; she won’t accept either.’
‘This is different. She’s different.’
‘It’s not, and you know it. You’re making excuses, and I understand why, but...’
‘You understand, and yet you’re asking anyway?’
‘Look, I know it brings back painful memories, but I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t...if it wasn’t a last resort.’
I blow out a breath. He wouldn’t be asking if he knew of our little encounter though.
‘And I trust you, Valentine. I know you can get through to her.’
‘But...’ I break off. What can I possibly say to refuse him? I can’t tell him the truth, that I messed up big time. Once, by going to the club. Twice, by accepting her invitation. Thrice, by running like some scared and inexperienced teenager.
‘I’m just asking you to at least try...for me.’
