Page 29 of King of Hearts

“Frankly, I’m concerned about your ability to remain professional. Clearly there is something going on between you and Andy Gloss.” Mentally, I mulled over the best way to respond. Come clean and admit everything or go down fighting. But before I could offer either, he continued. “This is the sporting item of the year, Arnabelle.”

My face pinched and I bit back a snarl. I hated when he used my full name like I was a child he was reprimanding. “This story will significantly elevate Urban Pulse in the ratings because Gloss doesn’t do interviews. Going by the hype around the photos of the two of you, the release will be unparalleled.”

“The dinner he and I shared was for the piece. Not that I need to justify myself. I havealwaysbeen a consummate professional.” Realising my blunder, I felt my eyes widen and bit my cheek so I didn’t giggle at my double entendre. “Excuse the pun, of course.”

Felicity covered the grin spreading across her face after casting me a furtive glance. She clearly had something to say, and I wondered if it would be as an ally to me or the tool we called our boss.

Darren narrowed his eyes, folding his arms across his chest. “We are worried about your ability to remain impartial. I don’t think you should finish the interview.” Chloe/Cara/bitch who is about to be slapped nodded in agreement and a fierce repulsion swirled through me.

No one would argue that the photos didn’t look good but this was MY article. I never wanted to do it in the first place, however, after obligingly accepting, I took the time to get to know Andy and I could already see the spread coming together on the page. This wasmypiece, and I was not about to back down without a fight.

Raising my chin, I looked him directly in the eye raring for one last attempt at self-advocacy. “I am more than –”

Interjecting, Darren spoke. “I called the Hearts yesterday and pulled you from the feature.”

I inhaled quickly as shock slapped through me sharp and loud. “Are you fu–” My words were again cut short.

“But – Andy Gloss’ manager called me early this morning. If you are not conducting the feature, it won’t be with Urban Pulse at all.” He added. “So, at this point, other than firing you, what choice do I have?” I didn’t answer, not confident that I wouldn’t tell him to shove his job up his arse. This whole time he was sitting there implying he was doing me a favour when it seemedIwas his ticket to success. My confidence returned despite his irritation.

“This is your only warning, Arna. As you said, your business is your business, but if you can’t deliver objective coverage of Mr. Gloss, I will assign Felicity the feature.”

“Andy made it very clear he didn’t want me to do the interview, Darren.” I examined Felicity as her challenge of his words took me by surprise. “For what it’s worth, I think you will do well with this one. He always scared the shit out of me.” I looked at her properly for what felt like the very first time, but she kept her eyes on the screen of her computer. “And it seems no one scares you.” She mumbled before her eyes widened slightly as if she didn’t mean for those words to escape and I again wondered if maybe my perception of her was incorrect.

No one spoke for a few seconds as the level of awkward intensified. “Is that all Darren? Because I haveworkto do.” I pronounced.

He looked as though he wanted to say more, to reprimand me further while he had an audience. Thinking better of it, he gestured for the door indicating I was free to leave, and I took my opportunity, the untouched coffee still steaming in my hand.

Back at my desk, I knew I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on any of the manuscripts I needed to edit before moving back to the feature. Packing my things I set my email to ‘out of office’, grabbed my laptop and headed out. I needed to recalibrate and there were two people who were particularly good at bringing me right back down to Earth.

“G’day, love. What are you doing here?” Dad opened the door wearing a pair of tattered shorts and a singlet which had been washed so many times it hung loose on his already slim frame. The comforting warmth of being home wrapped around me like a blanket

“You need new clothes, Dad.” I said, deflecting his question and giving him a kiss on his stubbled cheek as I passed through to the kitchen.

“What does an old man like me need new clothes for? Waste of bloody money.” He scoffed as if the numerous holes in his singlets were perfectly acceptable. “Why aren’t you at work?” Why I bothered to ignore his question in the first place when I was here to tell them anyway was beyond me.

I sat at the table in the same spot I always chose and sighed heavily. I never came home in the middle of the day, especially during the week, so he would have known I had an ulterior motive.

“Uh oh.” Dad said from behind me as he shuffled past and took his allotted seat at the head of the table. Nan then appeared from the back sliding door with a washing basket of dry clothes wedged on her hip.

“Hi, Princess. What are you doing here?” She asked and the familiar warmth from earlier settled over me. I was glad I came here for both answers and love.

“Just asked her the same thing.” Dad said.

Looking at the tablecloth, I answered them both. “I need your opinions.”

“Christ, you coming to your old man for advice can’t be a good sign. What’s happened, Bellsy?”

Nan pulled out one of the chairs resting the basket of clothes on top as she plucked a garment from the pile and began folding.

“The answer is yes, you should move back in. I’m sick of having to deal with this fool on my own.” I laughed at Nan’s attempt to cheer me up and Dad rolled his eyes. I saw myself in his expression and had been told many times my facials were loud, and my thoughts were clearly written all over my face. Dad was the same and his exasperation at Queeny made me smile. While I mourned the idea of my mum, and there were times when Dad was so lost in his own thoughts, I knew he could only be somewhere with her, I never went without the love and affection she would have provided. Dad and Queeny were everything I could have asked for and despite wishing he would meet someone and find his own happiness, what they had worked. Even if they fought like only a parent and child could.

“I’m not moving back home, Queeny. I couldn’t stand living with either of you.” I joked and Nan threw a pair of Dad’s clean undies at me.

“Gross.” I laughed, throwing them back on the basket she was folding. “So, as you know I had dinner with Andy Gloss the other night for the feature.” I started.

“Ooooh, yes. That hunk of man meat. Do you think you could bring him home so I can give his biceps a little squeeze?” Nan waggled her eyebrows at me and Dad mumbled something under his breath which definitely included profanity. I bit my lip to stifle my laugh, not wanting to encourage her further.

“Anyway,” I emphasised. “What you probably don’t know yet is that there were some photographers who snapped photos of us and they are plastered online. I’m sure they will also be in this Sunday’s paper.” I said, with a quick glance towards Dad.

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