Page 85 of Duchess Material

Ed nodded. “Proof even the best swimmers can have the worst day and come back from it. She had a relay coming up. This was the Olympics. She only had one solo event and two relays. She was the anchor for our 500m relay, and I didn’t want her to feel she couldn’t turn right around and nail that. And she did.”

“Teammates make the difference,” Tom admitted. “They really do. And I can confirm that this scamp is hysterical.”

“I don’t try. It’s unintentional most days.”

“Your girlfriend puts up with it?” Tom joked.

Ed, at a loss for words, chirped, “No comment.”

“Well, for now, we’re going to turn to the diving well,” Rob said. “This morning Tom caught up with superstar Trevor Ferniss to talk about the challenges the 10-metre platform.”

They cut away, to a segment. Ed said, “If you all keep bringing it up, I’m going to lose it.”

Katie patted him on the back and said, “Oh, buddy, it’s low-hanging fruit.”

“She hates it. It gets her in trouble. I am begging for mercy here.”

“What, she’s embarrassed to be seen with you?” Katie raised her eyebrows. She wasn’t buying it.

“No, it’s not that. You know how things are.”

“Who is this girlfriend?” Rob asked.

“Are you under a rock, mate?” Tom wondered. “He’s dating the bloody Princess of Wales.”

“What!?”

“I call her Natalie and yes that is her official title.”

“Why are you here, man? Does she not mind you being over here?” Rob asked.

“She’s in Paris right now. And she made our government very angry by talking about war at a nuclear summit, so she’s in the doghouse. I’m trying to make it an easy day for the poor thing. And she supports me in this. She’s a gem.”

“I’m gonna puke,” Katie laughed.

“I’ve met her. She’s prettier in person even. Now, the brother. Well, I prefer him.”

“We all know, Tom.”

“George is a nice guy. As is Patrick. Her father frightens me but beyond that, all is well.”

“And we’re back in ten!”

Ed took a sip of water and waited for them to do the count in. “And three… two… one.”

“That was touching, Tom. Imagine growing up in Alaska and becoming a diver! You don’t have much space to practice.”

Tom smiled. “He’s a great kid. Persistent. You need that spirit.”

The others nodded. Attention faded over to diving. Tom was the colour commentator for a bit. Ed was released. He stepped aside to get a cup of coffee. Katie joined him.

“But really, how is she?” Katie wondered. “Because she’s gorgeous.”

“She is, yes. Katie, I swear. She’s a relatively normal person in an utterly ridiculous system. But she’s very normal.”

“You keep your cards so close. If I was banging her, I’d probably be telling everyone.”

“And that is why I manage, and you do not, Katie.”

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