Page 89 of The Sun Sister

‘Actually, I was just thinking about something you said to me, about only being human. It put a lot of things into perspective. It’s okay to admit weakness, isn’t it?’

‘Sure it is.’

‘I just told my sister I’m going to go to the rehab clinic she suggested as soon as I can. I’m tired of being a screw-up.’

‘That’s the best news, Electra, though I’ll miss you while you’re gone.’

‘I hope it won’t be for long, but anyway, Tommy,’ I hurried on, not wanting to think about the reality of my decision, ‘you were great.’

‘It’s not gonna be easy – take it from one who knows – but you’ve just done the hardest part by admitting you need the help. If I could turn the clock back...’ he shrugged, ‘well, I would. You haven’t lost anything yet – and I swear to you, life just gets better and better once you’re clean. Anyways, guess I’ll be on my way.’

‘Okay.’ I watched him stand up. ‘See you when I get back, Tommy.’

‘Good luck, Electra, I’ll be with you in spirit all the time, promise.’ He gave me one last smile and stepped back inside the apartment.

‘Hi there.’ Mariam came outside a few minutes later.

‘Hi.’

‘Okay, so I spoke to Maia and called the clinic – they have someone on reception twenty-four-seven. And yes, they have room, so it’s fine for you to fly down there tomorrow. I placed another call to the private jet company and they can have one on the runway at Teterboro airport at ten a.m.’

‘Okay. Did the clinic say how long I’d be there?’

‘The lady I spoke to said the average stay is a month, so that’s what I booked you in for.’

‘A month! Jeez, Mariam, what will we tell everyone? I mean, they can’t know the truth.’

‘Susie does, because I called her too – you’re hardly the first model she’s had who’s been...ill. She sends her love and she’s so pleased you’ve taken the decision to go. She’s used to dealing with these situations – she’ll just tell the clients you’re suffering from exhaustion and need to take a break.’

‘And they’llsobelieve that...’ I muttered morosely.

‘Who cares what they believe? The most important thing is that your diary will be as full as it always has been once you’re back. You’re one of the best models in the business – if not the best. You’re great to work with, Electra, everyone tells me that.’

‘Really?’ I raised an eyebrow.

‘Yes! You’re never late for a shoot, you’re always polite on set and treat everyone around you with respect, unlike some other models I could name.’

‘Then why doIthink I’m a nightmare?’

‘Because you feel like one inside?’ Mariam suggested softly. ‘The great news is that you’ve never let that nightmare out in public. And you’re creative too – remember thatMarie Claireshoot when they couldn’t quite find the right look that they were going for, and you simply stood up and grabbed that African-print tablecloth from the catering team and wrapped it around yourself? It looked amazing and it saved the shoot!’

The doorbell rang and Mariam jumped to answer it. She had a weird look in her eye, almost as if she felt guilty.

I heard her talking to someone in the living room and I stood up to go and see who the new visitor was.

‘Hello, Electra,’ my grandmother said to me. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘I...okay.’ I frowned, feeling the anger suddenly surging inside me again. ‘Why are you here?’

‘I called your assistant after I left here earlier tonight,’ said Stella. ‘Remember you gave me her number?’

‘Yes, but—’

‘I told her that I was concerned about you, and that my visit might have destabilised you further. I asked her to let me know if you were okay. And to call me if you weren’t.’

‘And when you weren’t, I mean, when we found you unconscious, I called her.’ I watched a blush travel up Mariam’s neck as she read the expression on my face. ‘Stella is your grandmother, Electra, she wants to help you.’

‘Electra, please...’ Stella walked towards me and reached out her hands. ‘I’m only here to support you. Not to preach. Mariam told me you’ve decided to get help. I’m so proud of you.’