Page 13

Chapter 12

Liv

I’m judging Margot. I wouldn’t be if I was only basing my opinion on her past behaviour. People can change. And who she was a decade ago isn’t necessarily who she is now.

She’s certainly a complex beast. I’d had no idea she used to be famous until Anna told me. When Margot was at the height of her fame, I was more interested in rock than fluffy pop. And I didn’t really read newspapers or magazines either, so her rise to fame – and subsequent fall – passed me by.

It was only when I was googling her that I began recalling parts of her story. I hadn’t realised just how badly the press savaged her. Some of it was deserved, but for the most part, it was a witch hunt. Nicu got away lightly, all things considered. But men so often do, compared to women. Suggest a historical sexual assault by a male celebrity and the first thing social media wants to know is either ‘Why did you wait so long to report it?’ or ‘How much money are you trying to get from him?’ Not, ‘I’m sorry that happened to you, how can I show you my support?’

But I’m not judging her for any of that. My view is based on who she is now, and that’s someone who constantly demeans Anna. It doesn’t sit comfortably with me. The comments about her appearance, her weight and her husband must all be chipping away at her confidence, which is unfair because, from what I’ve learned, Anna is a good-natured soul. I’ve met bullies like Margot before. I’ve worked with some. And I have this big-sisterly urge to fight back on Anna’s behalf when Margot makes her jibes. If I’m given the opportunity and it feels appropriate, I’ll ask Anna why she puts up with it. Or maybe she needs someone like me to help her realise how negating Margot’s behaviour is.

My phone pings with a message.

‘It’s my friend Stephanie, the fashion blogger I was telling you about,’ I tell Anna. ‘She says she’d love to use some of your designs in a shoot early next week. Would you be able to send some? Can she send a courier to pick them up tomorrow?’

Anna’s face reddens. ‘Yes, of course,’ she says in a voice that’s too small for her. ‘That would be amazing. Thank you so much.’

Another message appears with photos of the items Stephanie wants.

‘Do you have any more of the one Margot chose?’

‘No, I don’t.’

‘Please, take this back,’ says Margot, a little too quickly, before she slides the box across the worktop to Anna.

‘I’ll make you another one,’ Anna says gratefully.

‘No hurry,’ Margot assures her. ‘Take as much time as you need.’

‘I have an idea,’ I say suddenly. ‘What are you girls doing two Saturdays from now? I have vouchers for a spa weekend which are burning a hole in my handbag. Who fancies keeping me company?’

‘Count me in,’ says Margot. ‘I’m long overdue a pampering.’

‘To be honest, I don’t know if I can afford it,’ says Anna sheepishly.

‘Don’t worry about that, Anna. We’ll split my vouchers. So, how about it?’