Page 96 of We Used To Be Magic

‘You’re very sweet. But it’s a two-way street, Audrey. You’re a new face, and this industrylovesnew. Reinvention is crucial. And it’s something that I’ve been thinking about a lot, recently – how do you like the sound ofMBBeauty?’

‘Oh,’ I say, surprised. ‘A make-up brand?’

‘Uh-huh.’ She smiles. ‘We’ll start small – glosses, gel shadows, liquid highlighters. Maybe cream blushes, some tints – youthful without being alienating. What do you think?’

‘That sounds amazing,’ I say, wondering why she thinks my opinion has any bearing.

‘Great, because you’re exactly the demographic we should be chasing! And I want the advertising to be personality-led. Real girls, real routines. Rollouts across socials as well as billboards. Have you done a beauty campaign before?’

I blink at her, startled. Is she implying that she wants me to be a part of it? I mean – the idea alone is enough to stir up that same giddy jubilation that I felt when Marika and I booked the first campaign. But if Julian is involved – my stomach sinks just as quickly.

‘No,’ I say. ‘Not at all.’

The waiter reappears, setting down two coffees and an adorable little pudding with a dollop of cream. I’m not hungry but Miranda is looking at me expectantly, so I dig out a small spoonful, take a bite.

‘It’sreallygood,’ I say honestly and she smiles, taking a sip of her coffee.

‘You looked like you could do with a sugar rush. This city treating you okay?’

‘Oh, it’s great,’ I say automatically. ‘It’s a lot, but it’s great.’

‘I was scared ofeverythingwhen I first moved here. It was a full six months before I even stepped foot on the subway – I just walked everywhere. Put holes in every pair of shoes I owned.’

‘At least you got your steps in,’ I joke feebly, but Miranda laughs anyway.

‘One of my friends showed me the ropes eventually. Have you made many here?’

‘Oh, friends? Uh – I’m close with Marika – she’s my roommate.’

I don’t know if either of those things are still true, I realise with a pang. But Miranda’s eyes alight with recognition.

‘The other girl on the campaign, right? That’s wonderful. This city can be very lonely. And – can I be candid?’

I nod.

‘You’re very young,’ she says, her voice soft and conspiratorial. ‘I’ve been in your shoes, so I know that it isn’t always easy to figure out your own best interests. It’s why the people that you surround yourself with are so important. There are a lot of opportunists out there.’

‘Sure,’ I say, at a slight loss.

Miranda tilts her head, a frown tracing her features. ‘I haven’t offended you, have I? I don’t want to sound patronising.’

‘No,’ I say quickly. ‘No, I think you’re right. That’s why I’m so lucky to have Imogene.’

‘Oh, Imogene’sgreat. I’m glad you have her guidance.’

‘Me too.’

There’s a pause then. It feels weighty, and I’m trying to think of something else to say when Miranda sighs softly, resting her elbows against the table.

‘Are you okay?’ I venture. She smiles, but it’s wan.

‘Fine,’ she says. ‘It’s been a long,longweek, is all.’

‘Oh. I’m sorry.’

‘No, no, it’s okay. Just – I’ve gotten word about an upcoming smear piece from an ex-employee with a grudge and some quote-unquotejournalistshe’s friends with. Total fiction, of course, but it’s upsetting. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been losing sleep over it.’

I stare at her, abruptly feeling like I might throw up all over the perfectly starched tablecloth.

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