by Lynne Shelby
‘I’m sure he’d never think that.’ I was well aware that one of the rules of male friendship was that you never ever got with a mate’s girl. Even after they’d broken up.
Fabio fished his mobile out of his jacket. ‘What is your number, Lucy? I would like to call tomorrow and know that Cassie is OK.’
I told him my number and he keyed it into his phone.
‘I will go now,’ he said. ‘Ciao, Lucy. Ciao, Cassie.’
‘Goodnight, Fabio,’ I said.
Cassie didn’t say anything. Fabio walked down the stairs. I heard the front door open and close.
‘Feeling any better?’ I said to Cassie.
‘I feel terrible.’ Cassie’s eyes brimmed with tears. ‘What have I done? What have I done?’
I thought, Long Island Iced Tea, Tequila Sunrise and vodka shots, mainly.
Owen’s bedroom door opened and he stepped out onto the landing. His blond hair was tousled, his eyes were heavy with sleep and he was wearing just a pair of jeans.
‘Did we wake you up?’ I said. ‘Sorry.’
‘Don’t worry about it,’ Owen said, taking in the scene in the bathroom. ‘Is Cassie alright?’
‘She’s drunk,’ I said.
‘Yeah, I get that,’ Owen said, as Cassie once again threw up. He came into the bathroom and sat on the side of the bath. ‘Looks like you girls had quite a night out.’
I rolled my eyes. ‘I’ve had better.’
Cassie stopped puking, and before I could prevent her, lay down on the bathroom floor. I grabbed her shoulders and tried to make her sit up.
‘G’way,’ she said. ‘G’way, Lucy. I’m tired.’
‘Then you need to get into bed.’
‘Sleepin’ now,’ Cassie said.
‘Come on, Cassie,’ Owen said, ‘you can’t go to sleep here.’ He bent down and picked her up as easily as Fabio had done.
I thought, that’s the second time tonight a man’s had to come to my rescue. My mother would not be proud.
‘Hey, Owen,’ Cassie said, drowsily. ‘Did anyone ever tell you that you have great abs?’
‘Frequently,’ Owen said. ‘Where do you want her, Lucy? Her room, I guess?’
I nodded. Owen carried Cassie up to her bedroom on the second floor and laid her down on the bed. I took off her shoes, and with Owen’s help managed to get her out of her dress and under her duvet. I found some make-up wipes on her dressing table and used them to clean her face. She moaned, rolled onto her stomach, and instantly fell asleep. I went to her window and closed the curtains. Outside it was already light.
‘What’s the time?’ I asked.
‘I don’t know,’ Owen said. ‘Four or five maybe.’
‘I think we can leave Cassie to sleep it off.’ I was too hyped-up to think of sleeping myself. ‘I’m going to make tea, if you’d like some.’
‘There’s nothing I’d like more right now,’ Owen said. We went downstairs to the kitchen, and I made us two extra-large mugs of tea.
‘I’ve never seen Cassie wasted like that.’ I sat down next to Owen at the kitchen table, kicked off my high-heeled shoes, and undid the side-zip on my dress.
‘We’ve all been there,’ Owen said.
‘Not Cassie,’ I said. ‘She might have an occasional glass of wine, but she doesn’t ever get drunk. I’m worried she’s having some kind of breakdown.’
‘She’s had the worst day,’ Owen said. ‘I think that in the circumstances, overdoing the alcohol is entirely understandable.’
‘I should have stopped her. She was behaving completely out of character. And the worst of it is that the press were there to record it…’
I described to Owen what had happened inside the club and how, when we left, the press had surrounded us.
‘It was horrible,’ I said. ‘Daniel and I get papped all the time coming out of nightclubs, but we smile for the cameras, Daniel says something amusing that the columnists can quote, everybody’s happy, and we go merrily on our way. Tonight was frightening. It was like they were after our blood.’ I thought back to the ugly scene on the pavement outside the club. The cameras flashing as soon as we set foot outside the entrance. The reporters and photographers chanting Cassie’s name. ‘They were waiting for Cassie. They knew she was in the club last night.’
Owen drank some tea. ‘I doubt that. Attitude is overrun with celebrities. I’m sure the paparazzi prowl around outside all the time.’
‘You don’t understand. They asked if it was true that her show had been cancelled. Someone has to have told them.’
‘Maybe they did. Eleanor’s producer friend perhaps? Or someone else from the production office?’
‘They also knew about Cassie breaking up with Ryan,’ I said. ‘The only people who could have told them about that were Cassie, Ryan himself, me, you, Daniel or Nadia.’
‘Cassie gets legless and totters out of a club clinging to a guy who isn’t her fiancé,’ Owen said. ‘You don’t have to be an investigative journalist to work out that she and Ryan are in trouble.’
‘There was more. Private things that Cassie never talks about…’
Is it true that when you were a child you were taken into care? Is it true that your father was a drug addict and your mother a prostitute?
I remembered the night Cassie had told me about her awful childhood. At the time I’d wondered if Nadia had been eavesdropping. Now I was sure.
‘It was Nadia,’ I said. ‘She told the press that Cassie had broken up with Ryan and… the rest. I can’t prove it, but I know it was her. This afternoon when she went out, I reckon she was tipping off one of her media contacts.’
Owen leant back in his chair. ‘That’s quite an accusation. I don’t see what Nadia would gain by talking to the press about Cassie’s private life.’
I thought, everyone has their price. Nadia had said that. ‘Money,’ I said. ‘Or perhaps she just did it for spite.’
‘That seems unlikely. Even for Nadia.’ Owen looked thoughtful. ‘Are you going to say anything to Cassie?’
‘I feel I ought to warn her about Nadia, but I don’t see how I can. She’d never believe me without some sort of proof. I’ll just have to watch her back.’
‘How will you do that?’ Owen said. ‘Tell Nadia she’s grounded and confiscate her mobile?’
I sighed. ‘Do you think I’m being paranoid?’
Owen smiled. ‘Maybe a little. But then, I’m not a celebrity. I don’t have to worry that my friends are going to sell their souls and my secrets to the media.’
‘It’s not all bad being famous,’ I said. ‘Daniel isn’t complaining.’
‘So I’ve noticed.’
‘Ah. How was your night out with my celebrity boyfriend?’
‘It was surreal,’ Owen said. ‘I know other actors who occasionally get recognised by the public, but going to a gig with Daniel Miller is something else.’
‘He does get a lot of attention.’
‘I could have understood it if we’d been sat in the middle of the audience,’ Owen said, ‘but we watched the bands play from backstage. Even the roadies were staring and nudging one another. When I introduced Daniel to Jess, she was completely tongue-tied. He complimented her on her singing and all she could do was giggle. Not very rock’n’roll.’
I laughed. I’d had a terrible day and a worse night. I was worried sick about Cassie. But after talking to Owen, I felt a whole lot better.
‘Thanks Owen,’ I said.
‘What for?’
‘For being my friend.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘I don’t know why so many people think a guy and a girl can’t be close, without fancying each other in the slightest.’
‘Me neither.’ Owen yawned. ‘I think I’ll head back to bed.’
‘I guess I should try and get some sleep,’ I said. ‘I’ll join you.’
‘Again, you’re welcome. But Daniel might object – even though we’re just good friends.’
‘Ha, Ha.’ I grinned. ‘Daniel wouldn’t care. He’s not the jealous type.’ In a companionable silence, we stashed our mugs in the dishwasher, and went upstairs. On the landing, Owen put his hand on my arm.
‘I know you’re worried about Cassie,’ he said, ‘but I’m sure she and Ryan can work things out.’
‘I hope so.’
Owen bent and kissed my cheek. ‘See you later, Lucy.’
He went to his room. I stood alone on the landing, holding my hand on my face where he had kissed it, and thinking how lucky I was to have him as a friend. Then I went into my room, slid out of my clothes and, careful not to wake him, because he’d probably want to have sex, and I really wasn’t in the mood, climbed into bed with Daniel.
CHAPTER 28
I thought, Princess Snowdrop doesn’t do hangovers, but Cassie Clarke sure does.
Despite not going to bed ’til dawn, I’d been woken up after just a couple of hours by Daniel singing in the shower. Deciding that I wasn’t going to get back to sleep, I’d jumped in the shower with him, and while we got dressed, I filled him in on the events of the previous night. I told him my suspicions about Nadia, but annoyingly, he wouldn’t take me seriously.
‘Come on, Lucy,’ he’d said, ‘she’s got a right cushy job as Cassie’s PA, she’s not going to risk that for a few thousand pounds from the tabloids.’ I wasn’t about to have an argument with him because of Nadia, so I’d left it.
We’d gone downstairs to find Cassie and Owen already up and in the living room. He was lounging on the sofa, reading a script. By his feet, there was an open laptop. Cassie sat curled up in a chair, her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs.
‘How are you, Cassie?’ I said.
She groaned. ‘My head is pounding. My tongue feels like it’s covered in fur.’
Owen looked up from his script. ‘Yeah, a hangover’ll do that to you.’
‘I wouldn’t know,’ Cassie said. ‘I’ve never had one before.’
‘Really?’ Daniel said, genuinely interested. ‘How come?’
Cassie shrugged. Then winced. Her face was devoid of make-up and her skin looked grey, except for her nose which was red with sunburn.
‘Have you taken anything?’ I said.
‘No,’ Cassie said. ‘But there are plenty of postings on the internet about me being out of my head on coke last night. Although one rather sweet blogger thinks my drink was spiked.’
Relief surged through me. Cassie might look and feel rough, but at least she was no longer in complete meltdown.
‘I meant have you taken anything for the hangover?’
‘I gave her aspirin and milkthistle,’ Owen said. To Cassie he added, ‘Drink some more water. You need to re-hydrate.’
Spotting a glass of water on the floor by Cassie’s chair, I picked it up and passed it to her.
‘About last night,’ she said, between sips of water. ‘I’m so sorry. I know I made a total exhibition of myself in the club. Thank you for getting me out of there. If it hadn’t been for you and Fabio, and Nadia…’
Like Nadia was any help. ‘Forget it,’ I said. ‘I’m just glad you’re yourself again.’
Cassie’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m so ashamed.’
Daniel said, ‘Don’t beat yourself up. You’re not the first girl who’s drunk too much tequila.’
‘Lucy told you what I did last night?’ Cassie said.
‘Yes, she did,’ Daniel said. ‘And believe me, it was nothing compared to some of the things that go on in nightclubs. I should know.’
I shot him a look. Let’s not go there Daniel, I thought. To Cassie, I said, ‘You were pretty far gone last night. What do you remember?’
‘I don’t remember anything that happened after I got home,’ Cassie said. ‘But before that, I remember plenty. And anything I don’t remember is up there on the internet to remind me.’ She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘It can’t be all that bad,’ I said.
‘It’s terrible,’ Cassie said.
‘It’s what you’d expect,’ Owen said. ‘See for yourselves.’ He put down his script and reached for the laptop. Daniel and I sat down on either side of him, and he brought up the most popular internet sites for showbiz gossip, the on-line magazines and newspapers, the links to TV shows, and the blogs. Photos of Cassie were everywhere. Blurred photos of her dancing in the club, obviously taken on mobiles. Photos of her with the soap actor. Photos and videos of her staggering out of Attitude with Fabio, and photos of her collapsed at the side of the road. There on the internet, for anyone to read, was the news of the demise of her TV show and the end of her relationship with Ryan-he’s-so-Fleet. Along with the fact that, having slept with most of the players in Ryan’s football team, she was now living with goalkeeper Fabio Rossi. Several of the newsfeeds mentioned in passing that she’d had a deprived childhood, but none of them went into detail.
‘Seen enough?’ Owen said.
I nodded. Owen closed the laptop.
‘Last week I was the Nation’s Sweetheart,’ Cassie said. ‘Now I’m a nymphomaniac with a drink problem.’
‘You are so not,’ Daniel said. ‘Believe me, I’ve met a few.’
Thanks for that, Daniel, I thought.
Nadia came bustling into the living room.
‘Oh, you’re all here,’ she said. ‘Right, Cassie, Louella just called and offered to come over and do some damage limitation –’
‘I told you, I’m not seeing anyone today,’ Cassie said.
Nadia pursed her lips. ‘Yes, and that’s what I said to Louella. She said to call her back if you change your mind.’
‘Who is Louella?’ Owen asked.
‘Technically, she’s my publicist,’ Cassie said. ‘Although she’s actually employed by the Princess Snowdrop production company. Which means that in five days’ time she’s out of a job. Just like me.’
Nadia perched on the arm of Cassie’s chair.
‘I’m sure you won’t have any difficulty getting work,’ she said. ‘Not while you’re all over the internet like you are right now.’
Cassie flinched. ‘I know you’re trying to be kind, Nadia, but I doubt that videos of me falling down drunk in the street are going to encourage anyone to employ me as an actress.’
‘It’s publicity,’ Nadia said. ‘All we have to do is take charge of it and tell your side of the story.’
‘How can we do that?’ Cassie said.
‘I have some contacts in the media,’ Nadia continued. ‘I’m happy to set up an interview for you with one of the showbiz magazines. Or, better still, a national newspaper.’
‘You want me to give an interview to a tabloid?’ Cassie said. ‘After what happened last night? Absolutely not.’
‘I know you’re upset,’ Nadia said. ‘You have every reason to be. The way the press behaved outside Attitude was despicable. But if you gave an exclusive interview to a newspaper, you’d be in control.’
I knew it, I thought. Nadia has made some sort of deal with a reporter. ‘Do you think any of your press contacts would be willing to pay Cassie for an interview?’ I said.
‘Absolutely. That is… I can find out.’
‘Don’t do it Cassie,’ I said. ‘You might think you’re in control, but you won’t be.’
‘I beg to differ,’ Nadia said. ‘This is a marvellous opportunity, Cassie. If you were to give an in-depth exclusive interview to the right journalist, you could make a great deal of money.’
I thought, a great deal of money for who?
‘With your life story, you could make a fortune,’ Nadia went on. ‘You’d probably get a book deal.’
‘My life story?’ Cassie sounded bewildered.
‘Deprived childhood. Teenage celebrity. Role model. Wag. Heartbreak… You can use that to make a whole new career for yourself. You might even get a Reality Show.’
‘You know nothing about my childhood,’ Cassie said. ‘If you did, you’d understand why I don�
��t give interviews about it. As for my relationship with Ryan – I’d never do that to him. I wouldn’t sink so low.’
Nadia, you’ve just shot yourself in the foot, I thought. I wanted desperately to talk to Cassie about Ryan, but decided now was probably not the best time.
‘I should think not,’ I said. ‘I know the tabloids can offer a small fortune for the right story, but there are some lines that just can’t be crossed. Don’t you agree, Nadia?’
Nadia’s eyes narrowed. ‘Yes, Lucy, of course I do. But if Cassie were to tell her own story in her own words –’
‘I’m not doing any interviews,’ Cassie said.
Nadia looked as though she was about to implode. My phone rang. I checked the screen, saw that it was Fabio calling, and hit the answer button.
‘Hello, Lucy,’ Fabio said. ‘How is Cassie this morning?’
‘She’s hungover.’
‘That does not surprise me. Has she spoken to Ryan?’
‘No.’ I glanced at Cassie. ‘We haven’t discussed that.’
‘She can hear what you are saying?’
‘Yes.’
‘OK,’ Fabio said. ‘I talk, you listen. I call Ryan this morning. I tell him what happen and what not happen last night. I tell him call Cassie, or see her, but he will not. He want her, but he say he not beg her to come back to him. Lui e un idiota. You make her call him, yes?’
‘I’ll try.’
‘OK.’ There was a pause, and then Fabio said, ‘There are photographers outside my flat. Maybe they come to Cassie’s house also?’
I went to the front window and peered out from behind the curtain. Apart from a teenage girl talking on her mobile, and the woman from two doors down walking her Irish Wolfhound, the sunlit street appeared to be deserted.
I said, ‘I can’t see any media types outside Cassie’s place right now.’
‘That is good,’ Fabio said. ‘You check again, if you go out, yes?’
‘Yes, I will,’
‘OK. Ciao, Lucy.’
‘Bye.’ I ended the call. ‘That was Fabio Rossi. The paparazzi are camped outside his flat.’
‘Oh, no,’ Cassie said. ‘That’s because of me.’