Idol

‘I don’t really know what Josh would think,’ he began slowly. ‘He’s made his decision, and we wish him all the best.’

‘But is there any bitterness there?’ the reporter pressed. ‘Or has it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as you now have the chance to work with Jenna?’

A flicker of worry crossed Zac’s brow.

Clive leant forward towards his microphone. ‘Sorry, we’re running really short of time. We’ll just take one last question. Bob, yes?’

The CNN reporter jumped to his feet as Julia Page sat back in disappointment.

‘This is a question for Jenna,’ Bob Williams drawled, a sly grin flashing across his features. ‘You’ve long expressed your admiration for Phoenix – Nick Taylor in particular,’ he added, as the other reporters sniggered.

Jenna could feel her cheeks burning, remembering how she’d cited Nick as her ideal man in countless interviews.

‘I was wondering if you’re still of that opinion, now that you’ve met him?’

Jenna laughed brightly to hide her embarrassment, her smile lighting up her face. The press were gunning for a sniff of romance between Jenna and Nick – and Jenna was pretty keen on the idea herself.

‘I’ve found all the members of Phoenix to be extremely generous, welcoming and phenomenally talented,’ she began carefully. ‘I’m looking forward to forming an exciting and stimulating relationship with them – strictly professional of course,’ she added quickly, looking up coyly from underneath her lashes at a grinning Nick Taylor.

4

It was a glorious spring afternoon in the City. Shafts of sunlight filtered between the tall, grey office blocks and reflected off the stark, glass, ultra-modern buildings that had sprung up all over the City in recent years. The harassed-looking workers had shed their jackets and were striding through the streets in shirt-sleeves, their eyes hidden by black Ray-Bans. Parks, squares and even churchyards had been colonized by staff on their lunch break, looking to make the most of the unseasonably good weather. The hot sun was making everyone feel sexy, and Sadie was loving the vibe.

She was strolling along Bishopsgate with Carla and pretending not to notice the appreciative looks she was getting. Every man that passed checked her out, and Sadie was revelling in the attention. She’d just been to the lunchtime Pilates class that Carla ran at the City Works gym, and was bathed in a post-workout glow. Although she wasn’t wearing a scrap of make-up, her skin was flawless and her cheeks were flushed and healthy. Her supple, toned limbs were evident through the fitted sweat pants and T-shirt she was wearing. She had put on a few pounds over the past couple of weeks and her usually skinny dancer’s figure had rounded out into sexy thighs, her small breasts had swollen a little fuller. The City high-fliers, surrounded by over-groomed women in their staid suits with immaculate hair and make-up, couldn’t keep their eyes off her.

‘Here?’ asked Carla, as they scanned the menu outside a smart-looking Italian bistro.

‘Good for me,’ Sadie grinned.

They sat down at an outside table beside a large group of business people. Sadie turned her face up to the sky, feeling the sun beat down on her skin as she loosened her hair band and shook out her dark, glossy hair.

‘I’d love a glass of white wine,’ Sadie smiled, as the waiter approached. ‘And a risotto verde.’

‘I’ll just have a mineral water and a goat’s-cheese salad … without the goat’s cheese.’ Carla winced in apology at the confused waiter. ‘And with the dressing on the side.’

Sadie looked at her carefully. ‘You do know you’ve just ordered a glass of water and a plate of lettuce?’

‘Yeah …’

‘Mmmmmm,’ Sadie smacked her lips together sarcastically. ‘Sounds delicious.’

‘I’m having a fat day,’ Carla retorted crossly.

Sadie stared at her friend – she was a size four and there wasn’t a trace of fat anywhere on her body. Her hip bones jutted out and you could count her ribs when she inhaled. ‘A fat day?’ she repeated.

‘You know what Tom’s like,’ Carla shrugged as though that explained everything. Tom was Carla’s boyfriend. He worked in IT, which as far as Sadie could tell meant he spent his time surfing the Internet and downloading porn. ‘He’s really into Asian women – Japanese, Filipino – and you know how skinny they are,’ Carla explained.

‘So are fourteen-year-old boys,’ Sadie lectured. She had never liked Tom. He and Carla had been together for years, and as far as Sadie could tell they only stayed together out of habit. Carla couldn’t seem to see how much better off she would be without him; as far as she was concerned, any guy was better than being alone. ‘Look, just because Tom has weird fetishes doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself.’

‘I just want him to love me,’ Carla whispered, her doe eyes filling with tears.

‘Hon, he’s a bastard,’ Sadie told her frankly.

‘Your area of expertise,’ shot back Carla, turning her anger on Sadie.

‘Touché.’ Sadie raised an eyebrow. She could tell Carla was upset, so she let the matter drop. ‘Anyway, I’m the one who needs to go on a diet,’ she continued, as she sipped the deliciously chilled Pinot Grigio. ‘I’ve barely worked out at all since 42nd Street was cancelled. Laziness and comfort eating are not a good combination.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, you look fantastic,’ Carla re assured her. ‘Every man in here is practically drooling into his lunch.’

‘Well it’s nice to have these,’ Sadie smirked, indicating her breasts, ‘but I really need to get back down to my performance weight. I haven’t done anything for weeks. Thanks for dragging me out,’ she smiled gratefully. Despite her protests when Carla first invited her, Sadie felt a lot better after the Pilates class. She enjoyed the familiar buzz as her body was kick-started back to life. She knew that she needed to get back into some sort of routine – and soon. She planned to start auditioning again next week and she needed to be on top of her game. It would be steamed veg and dance classes all the way from now on, she vowed, wincing as the waitress brought a delicious-looking panna cotta over to the table next to them.

‘No, thanks for doing me the favour. It’s nice to see a friendly face among all those tight-arsed Botox freaks,’ Carla grinned, as she fished out the slice of lemon from her glass.

‘Too many calories?’ teased Sadie.

‘Fuck off,’ retorted Carla, good-naturedly. ‘You might be able to look amazing 24/7, but not all of us have that luxury. Speaking of which, I’m off to the Ladies to tidy myself up a little. All these rich bitches are giving me a complex,’ she asserted, grabbing her bag as she pushed her chair back and went inside.

Idly, Sadie glanced over at the surrounding tables, settling back to watch the hustle and bustle as people hurried past on their way to Liverpool Street. Everyone seemed to be wearing freshly buffed shoes and expensive suits, their braying voices loudly discussing incomprehensible terms like derivative clearing and projected EPS. But she couldn’t deny that everyone looked fantastic. The women were impeccably dressed in chic designer outfits and sky-high heels, their hair professionally styled and their make-up immaculate. And the men …! Sadie allowed herself a small smile, and resolved to discuss the topic with Carla as soon as she got back. They’d have no problem finding Carla someone hotter than freaky Tom. The men here all looked sexy as hell, with their crisp, white shirts and light tans, no doubt cultivated at Christmas in St Barts and topped up on the ski slopes at Klosters.

Her gaze landed on a guy a couple of tables away, and Sadie almost knocked over her wine glass. Christ, he was gorgeous! She felt as if she’d just received an electric shock, one thousand volts straight through her body. Thank God she was wearing dark glasses so he couldn’t see her staring. He looked directly at her and his gaze was so disconcerting that she dropped her eyes, feeling her cheeks flame.

Cautiously, she glanced up from underneath her long, dark lashes. He was no longer looking at her, but some instinct told Sadie that he was still highly aware of her presence. He was chatting and joking with his colleagues; the women burst out laughing at something he’d said and Sadie felt an inexplicable pang of jealousy.

Then he glanced over at her again, as if to check that she was watching. This time Sadie didn’t look away. Damn, he was attractive. He must have been almost twice her age – early forties, she would have guessed – but he had that complete confidence and authority that comes with maturity. Maturity, and a shit-load of cash, Sadie smiled to herself, as she noticed the Rolex on his wrist. His hair was dark, flecked with grey, and his features were exquisite – strong jaw line and a heavy, Roman nose which gave his face a distinction and gravity, offset by the way he was grinning now. He looked fun, she thought, feeling a delicious flutter in her stomach. He looked sexy.

Sadie glanced up as Carla slid back into her seat, now perfectly made up with her glossy brown hair freshly brushed. ‘I feel better for that,’ she exclaimed. ‘It’s like I’m naked without lip gloss.’ She noticed Sadie’s agitated state, the spots of colour high on her cheeks. ‘What’s wrong with you?’

‘Hot man alert,’ Sadie hissed through pursed lips.

‘I know, they’re everywhere.’ Carla sat back languidly as the waiter placed their food in front of them.

‘Not like this one.’

‘So who’s your intended victim?’

Sadie nodded discreetly to where the man was once again talking with his friends.

Carla wrinkled her nose. ‘Not bad. Not really my taste, though. He’s been checking you out since we arrived so he’s definitely interested.’

Sadie was pleased by the confirmation.

‘What about your vow to make it to the top?’ Carla asked, a teasing glint in her eye. ‘Won’t he be a distraction?’

‘A girl’s got to have some fun,’ Sadie pouted. ‘Let off a little steam, if you know what I’m saying.’

‘I know what you’re saying,’ Carla grinned. ‘So are you going over?’

Sadie shook her head. ‘No way. He can come to me.’