Page 46 of Shout Out To My Ex

‘We loved your show,’ she says.

‘I was just telling her,’ says Tom, nodding in agreement as they both regard me intently.

Cassie nudges me again. ‘Thank you. I— that means the world to me. Oh, and this is my sister, Cassie Bliss, and Poppy Dean, who writes forNouveau.’

There’s an exchange of polite hellos but it’s hard to miss the odd look on Hilde Klein’s face when she greets Poppy. I wonder if there’s some sort of history there.

‘We’ve been talking,’ Hilde says, turning her attention back to me, ‘and we think you would be a great guest judge for our show.’

My jaw drops and all I can manage is, ‘Er.’

‘That’s brilliant,’ says Cassie. ‘Elle would be thrilled.’ At least one of us sounds like a grown-arse woman and not an extra fromThe Last of Us. ‘Here’s my card,’ she continues. ‘I’m Bliss Designs’ business manager.’

‘Excellent,’ says Hilde, slipping it into her clutch. ‘We will be in touch.Tschüss.’ She adds that million-watt smile and wiggles her fingers at me as she goes.

Tom squeezes my arm. ‘So, I guess this means we will see you soon!’

We exchange smiles – at least, IhopeI’ve achieved a smile, rather than grimacing at the poor man – and he leaves.

‘Whoa!’ says Poppy.

‘Wowser!’ exclaims Cassie.

Then there’s an ‘eee’ sound, like the one the bath makes when you let the water out.

‘Elle? Are you all right?’ asks Cassie.

Oh, that sound is coming from me. I cease eee-ing and look up at my sister. ‘Did that just happen?’ I ask, not trusting my own eyes and ears.

‘Tom Finn and Hilde Klein offering you a gig?’

I nod.

‘Yes!’ Cassie answers with a wide grin, her eyebrows lifting so high, they almost reach her hairline.

‘Elle, that’s brilliant,’ says Poppy. ‘Andsodeserved.’

‘I’m going to be on their show,’ I say, the words barely permeating my fugue.

‘Youare,’ Cassie confirms again. I may need her to tell me a hundred more times before it sinks in. ‘Now,’ she says, surveying the room, ‘let’s see who else we can network with.’ Her eyes glint with excitement, and she gulps down the rest of her champagne, then calls over her shoulder, ‘Follow me.’

Poppy and I exchange looks – hers signposting excitement, and mine? Well, I’m unsure, but I do know the fizz is now hitting my bloodstream. Coupled with the offer to appear on Hilde Klein and Tom Finn’s show as a guest judge, I’m riding such an intense high, anything feels possible.

‘Listen to what I am saying. It’snotgoing to happen.’

Cassie and I square off, eyeing each other with matching Paddington Bear hard stares.

‘How about—’ interjects Poppy but I cut her off.

‘How about you stay out of it? Because this is between me and my sister.’

‘Sorry.’ Poppy raises both hands in contrition and now I feel like an absolute shit.

‘No, I’m sorry,’ I say. ‘That was ill-mannered.’

It wasn’t just ill-mannered; I keep having to remind myself that Poppy is ajournalist. What if she paints me as a diva with questionable manners?

‘Look,’ she says, ‘it’s been a big week – anintenseweek – and you not only put on an incredible show, but you’ve also had to deal with me following you about like an over-eager puppyandyour ex is hereandit seems like you’re in the cusp of a professional break-through. You’re entitled to feel overwhelmed.’

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