Making Headlines (13 page)

They made their way to the ice-filled tubs, chatting with workmates as they pushed through the crowd. Rachel hadn't realized how many people worked at the network that she'd never met. Of course this was bound to be the case in an industry that attracted hordes of casual and freelance workers hired for a myriad of shows. Rachel scanned the crowd looking for any suspicious types, still haunted by the threatening tone of the last letter. Security at the gated entrance to the network meant strangers wouldn't be allowed through, but for the first time it occurred to her that her Devoted Admirer X could possibly be someone she worked with. It was unlikely, but just the idea gave her a jolt.

Mitch caught Rachel's attention by waving a wine glass in the air, mouthing, ‘For you.' She smiled back, motioning that she was on the way over, feeling a bubble of excitement building.

His eyes twinkled as he passed her the glass. ‘Sav Blanc, Miss Bentley?'

‘Why thank you, Mr Allen. Nice to see there's some gentlemen among us.'

‘Well, it's not free. I do expect a dance later.'

‘You might change your mind once you see me dance.' Rachel gulped down the wine and relaxed a little.

Mitch watched her, laughing. ‘Whoa, planning a big night? You can always crash in my Kombi in the car park.'

Rachel tried to quell the rising attraction she felt whenever she was near Mitch. She knew he flirted with most of the female staff. ‘Thanks, but I'm watching myself tonight. Have to head off to The Botanical later. Drinks with a friend.'

‘Well, maybe we can change your mind. Perhaps a gourmet sausage might tempt you?'

‘Ha. That just might do the trick. And I'm actually very hungry . . . Shall we?' She nodded towards the barbeque.

They were munching on sausages in white bread, tomato sauce dripping down
their chins, when the music turned down. Helmut was heading towards a microphone about to make a speech.

‘Bit of quiet, folks. I won't keep you long. Now, I know I've only been here a couple of weeks but I just want to say I reckon we're off to a kicker start together. But we can't sit on our laurels. I'm going to be firing some rockets in the New Year to get you all moving. I want to see you breaking some crackerjack stories that will make the world sit up and take notice.' He put his hands of his hips and surveyed the room. ‘Some of you have already set a high benchmark — keep up the good work.' He nodded at Rachel, raising his beer. ‘So let's enjoy tonight, drink up and dance, and remember — I don't mind if you party hard as long as you work hard to keep the balance. Cheers and Happy Grand Final!' He necked his beer as the staff applauded and the music blasted into Maroon 5's ‘Move Like Jagger'
.

Mitch clinked a glass of red against Rachel's white. ‘Happy Grand Final' he said. ‘Seems like you've got a fan in our new boss.'

‘That's all a bit strange,' she said. ‘I was expecting him to be terrifying, and yes, he's rough around the edges, but otherwise he seems okay.'

‘Just keep on his right side. There's a head-kicker in there, so be careful.'

‘I think you're exaggerating.'

‘Let's hope you're right. Here's cheers to a long and lasting relationship with Helmut.' He clinked his wine against hers again.

‘I'll drink to that.' She downed her glass in one gulp.

‘You keep going at that rate, you
will
be spending the night in my van.' He winked at her, eyes deeper in the fading light.

‘Tempting, Mitch, tempting. Get me another and we'll see what develops.' She winked back at him, but he missed it. He was already on his way to the bar.

Several drinks later, she was twirling around the hay-scattered dance floor with Mitch leading the way. She'd danced with Gary, Gerard and Julia. Even Ned made her head spin with an old-fashioned polka. She kept giggling as she bumped into people. Didn't matter. Nothing mattered any more.

‘Woo hoo!' She raised her glass at Mitch, downing another wine.

He took the glass from her hand. ‘Enough. Time for more dancing.' He pulled her body to his as they moved to the beat of a Blondie song. ‘An oldie but a goodie.' Mitch placed his hands in the small of her back, pulling her closer.

‘There's a tide and it's fine and it's . . .' She sang the wrong lyrics, ignoring the
heat between them. ‘Hey, Mitch, does this mean I'm gonna be your number one?'

‘Baby, you'll always be my number one.' He danced her away from the crowds and through a doorway onto the grass under the moon.

She laughed out loud. ‘You have the best corny lines ever.'

‘I can do even better,' he whispered. Reaching for the zip at the front of her dress, he tugged it down a little. ‘Wanna see the paintings in my van?' He nibbled at her ear, his lips moving along her cheek, before his mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss.

For a moment she was lost, suspended in his embrace and the feelings that engulfed her. Before she remembered.

‘Oh shit!' She stopped. ‘You just reminded me. I'm supposed to be meeting someone at The Botanical.'

‘I was hoping you'd forgotten.' Mitch moved in closer to take her hands.

She had to go or she
would
end up in his van. ‘Sorry, it's been fun, but I gotta run. Got to order a cab. Too much drunk. I mean, had too much to drink.'

‘Oh, come on, Rachel, forget about that. Stay here with me.' He smiled slowly, making circles with his thumb in the palm of her hand.

‘I really am sorry, but I can't.' She blew him a kiss and walked crookedly out of the hangar. Go to foyer. Get receptionist to order cab. If it came soon, she'd only be fifteen minutes late.

***

She walked into The Botanical Hotel searching for Damien's face among the masses. Nowhere. Out to the courtyard. A heady mix of beer, aftershave and cigarette smoke hit her, intensified by the warm spring air. She felt woozy from her drinking binge and needed to sit down. No room anywhere. Back inside. Loud voices rang in her ears. Impossible to find a seat. The Friday night crowd was three deep at the bar, shoulder to shoulder, and demanding. She needed to head outside again. She was starting to feel faint.

Damien's voice caught her attention. ‘Rachel! I've been looking for you.' He moved towards her, smiling and affectionate. Safe.

‘Hey, Damien. Sorry, got to head outside. Feeling wrong.' She held on to his forearm and he guided her through.

‘Bit under the weather?' He eyed her curiously.

‘Yep. Sorry. Been a rough week. Fact is, I'm actually not feeling well. Too noisy in there. I think I'd better go home. Sorry.'

‘Don't be sorry. In fact, you're right, it's awful in there. Why don't you come back to my place and I'll make you a cup of tea? Purely medicinal.' He gave a cheeky smile.

A cup of tea sounded good. Better to sober up than go home and face Lou, self-righteous and judgmental. Rachel nodded, smiling gratefully. His arm was warm and strong and she leaned into him, soaking up the sensation. He hailed a taxi on Domain Road and five minutes later they were at his apartment.

‘It's a bit bare. Only been here a couple of weeks, still decorating.' Damien threw his jacket over a dining chair in the open plan living area. It was modern and minimalist. Everything white and black, with dramatic flourishes of red satin cushions scattered with deliberate effortlessness. He moved to an expensive-looking sound system and put on some soft music. Then he was in front of her, hands on her shoulders.

‘Now you, my dear, need a bit of TLC. Make yourself comfy. I'll just put the kettle on.' He wandered into the kitchen as Rachel sank into a soft white modular. She was sure he wouldn't mind if she put her feet up. Pulling off her sandals, which had been biting her feet all night, she sighed with relief. Lying back, she closed her eyes knowing it would be bad form to have a short nap, but not sure if she could stay awake. Damien sat down at the end of the couch, taking her feet in his hands, beginning a sensual massage.

‘Not time for sleep yet, my love. Come on, cup of tea's on the table.' Reluctantly she sat up, blinking, staring at the fake zebra-skin rug.

‘Sorry. Thanks for the tea.'

‘I'm not being entirely unselfish. You know I did want to chat to you about Network Six, pick your brains about the who's who of management and all that?' He looked at her expectantly.

‘Oh, of course.' How silly she'd been. He had said that was the reason for their catch-up. She'd imagined it was just a ruse to see her again. ‘Well, I'm not going to be a great help because I don't mix with them much. But I can tell you what I do know.' She sifted through the fog in her head, struggling to come up with some semi-intelligent answers. Rattling off half a dozen names, she gave him a quick rundown of the management hierarchy.

‘And I bet you charm them all, don't you, Rach? They'd all fall under your spell in a heartbeat.' He leaned over, gently pushing her back against the couch, stroking her cheek.

‘Ah, not really. Playing the game is not really my forte. I'm more of a “speak your mind” kind of girl. Something I should try and change, I guess.'

‘Don't change a thing. Especially this dress. It's brilliant for access.' He started to pull her zipper down, revealing black and pale pink lace. ‘Beautiful,' he whispered. He caressed the soft skin of her breast above the line of the lingerie. She tingled under his touch. He began to plant small kisses on her lips before parting her mouth with his tongue. And then she thought about Mitch and the kiss they'd shared earlier.

She reached her hands up to his chest to push him away when a blaring sound drove them apart. The phone rang, loud and insistent. They sat up abruptly.

‘Damn.' He made his way to the phone sitting on a hall table. Why didn't he let the phone ring out? She could hear him speaking softly into the receiver.

‘No, I told you I was seeing Rachel. It's a work thing. You said you understood.'

Must be that tall, dark creature with the deadpan stare and sulky features.

‘Yes, of course she's left, but I told you I need an early night.'

Now Rachel was starting to feel uncomfortable.

‘No, you can't come over.' His voice was getting louder.

This was wrong. She should have stayed at the hanger party. She leaned forward to put her shoes back on. What was she thinking? The same thing had happened to her less than a week ago. She picked up her handbag and tiptoed past Damien, silently waving goodbye. She knew he couldn't protest. Lisa would know she was there.

‘Don't go,' he mouthed, but she shook her head. She unlatched the door quietly and let herself out.

When she arrived home, Lou and Neil were still up watching late night television. Several empty stubbies and a half-empty bottle of wine sat on the coffee table.

Lou looked up and gave a half-snort. ‘Wow, someone had a fun night. But best do up your dress, honey. It's a little slutty.'

She'd forgotten her front zip had been pulled down, exposing her bra.

‘Oh, sorry, it must have slipped,' she said lamely, covering herself.

‘Yeah, right. You're going to have to lift your game when Mum gets home. She'd have a fit, you know.'

Neil kept his eyes focused on the television, trying not to laugh. He patted Lou on the knee. ‘She doesn't need to wait for that, darling. She's got you.'

Rachel shook her head and turned back up the hall to bed, focusing on keeping a straight path, knowing she was being watched.

***

Voices in the hallway woke her late the next morning. Talk of another beach trip and a slamming front door told her Lou, Neil and Josh were heading off somewhere and she'd have the house to herself for a few hours.

She threw the doona off and lay there, luxuriating in the warm morning air and the anticipation of some privacy. It was going to be another warm day. She might go to the beach too. Then she had a sinking feeling. Who would she go with? Definitely not Tim. Julia and Evie would be spending the day with their partners and Kate would be working. Mitch loved the beach. They could go in his rattling old Kombi van. Rachel stretched her arms and smiled. There was something both sexy and comfortable about Mitch. She loved spending time with him. Even the flirting was delicious. As for that first kiss . . .

She jumped out of bed and shook her head. How ridiculous. Mitch was her friend and it should stay that way. She cared about him too much to risk losing his friendship if they embarked on a relationship that didn't work out. A scary thought. She would sunbake at St Kilda beach. On her own.

As the taxi drew closer to the Imperial Hotel, Rachel checked her makeup in a compact mirror and reapplied her lipstick. She hadn't caught up with her girlfriends this year, and it was already nearly three weeks into January. After hearing the news that Tim was now dating Helena, a girls' night was just what she needed. She was determined to have fun. Pairing her old black-leather mini skirt with a sequined top, she was sparkling inside and out. Humming, she dabbed on fresh lip-gloss.

The first to arrive, she settled at a table Kate had booked for dinner. The polished concrete floor and steel fittings gave the room an upmarket industrial feel. It was a loud bar and drew a sizeable crowd. Julia and Evie might be happily attached to their boyfriends, but Kate wanted a venue filled with noisy promise. There was more chance of meeting Mr Right at a place like this in the heart of Chapel Street, which drew the single funky set like a magnet. Rachel looked at the throng around her. The slim, the beautiful, the polished and fashionable—all out to dance and laugh till the stars faded with the night sky, along with their makeup and energy.

A gaggle of slick-haired young guys swaggered over to her table. ‘Hey, you, aren't you on the telly?' one of them asked.

Rachel looked around to see who he was talking to then realised it must be her. ‘Yes, I work at Channel Six.'

‘Yeah, told you I was right!' He nodded at his mates, pointing at his chest. ‘You're that TV news chick. You read the updates in the morning. Rachel, isn't it?' He puffed up his torso, eyeing her up and down.

‘Yes, that's right.' She shuffled on her seat looking around for her friends.

‘I'm Deano. Lovely to meet you, gorgeous.' He extended a sweaty hand. Rachel shook it gingerly.

‘Hey, mate, you're wrong,' one of his friends interjected. ‘You told us she was hot. She's not hot.'

‘Course she's hot. She's on the news, mate. No one reads the news unless they're hot.'

‘Nah, her nose is too big.'

Rachel sat there, shrinking under the humiliation, as they discussed her appearance.

‘Hey, Rachel, you
are
dining with us tonight, aren't you?' Kate broke up the banter, busting through with Evie and Julia behind her. She stared at the group, scrunching up her nose in distaste.

‘Yes, of course. These guys are just leaving.' Rachel forced a smile. ‘See you boys, and I hope you find some
really
hot girls out there.'

Deano's face dropped. ‘Oh, Rachel, now don't be offended orright. They're just being dickheads and—'

‘And that's fine. I just want to catch up with my friends now. Bye bye.' Rachel waved and turned her back.

‘Maybe see youse later?' he said.

‘I doubt it,' she said to her friends.

‘Wow, you sure know how to pick them.' Kate pulled up a chair. ‘Don't worry, we've already ordered some wine. You'll be needing a drink.'

A tall, skinny waiter arrived at their table to pour the wine and hand out menus. They ordered and sat catching up on everyone's news as they waited for their meals. Rachel sat listening as Kate explained how her catering business had kept her busy during the holiday season, but she was still struggling to pay the rent. She hadn't had much time for a social life and was still single. Julia and Evie glowed as they talked about their respective men. Julia and Derek were saving up for a honeymoon in Paris, while Evie and Russell were talking about living together.

‘That's great, Evie. Christ, before you know it, you'll be walking down the aisle too and I'll still be single.' Rachel surveyed the crowd, thinking there weren't any men here who were half as good-looking as Mitch. It was a shame they'd taken consecutive holiday breaks over Christmas, which meant they hadn't seen each other for six weeks.

‘Oh, rubbish! There's plenty of guys who're mad about you.'

‘At the moment I'm only attracting the crazies. Like tonight. And I'm getting letters from a loony telling me what he wants to do to me in bed, and now threatening to hurt me. But still calls himself my devoted admirer.'

‘That is so creepy,' said Kate. ‘Can't you stop it? Call the police or something?'

‘I have. I even went to the local police station. They've got the last three letters but they can't do anything. There aren't any fingerprints or an address, and it's not like an email you can trace. Even the postmark is just from the CBD where there's about fifty mail boxes, and they can't keep tabs on all of them.'

‘What was he threatening to do to you?' asked Evie.

‘He just said if I didn't write back, he'd hurt me, whatever that means. But Julia says weirdo letters are pretty common and nothing to worry about.'

‘I said they're not
un
common,' said Julia. ‘Which doesn't mean they're not to be taken seriously. You still have to watch yourself and be careful about security.'

‘I am. But I also don't want to live my life jumping at shadows. I just wish there was a normal guy out there who fancied me.'

‘Oh, come on,' said Julia. ‘What about Mitch? You two have been flirting for months.' She smiled mischievously.

‘Flirting, yes. I just don't think he's really that interested.'

‘Rubbish! You just keep letting other complications get in the way,' said Julia.

‘And what about Damien?' asked Kate. ‘Isn't he still a contender? I'd say there are plenty of possibilities ahead. It's only the start of the year,' said Kate.

‘Oh, that reminds me,' said Rachel. ‘Kate, we need to talk. Mum gets home in three weeks and I have to move out, especially if she asks her boyfriend to move in with her — I couldn't stand it. If you're finding the rent a bit steep, maybe I could move in with you, or we could find a bigger place to share together?'

Kate screwed up her face. ‘What?
Live
with you? We'd both end up in rehab.'

‘Yeah, but we'd have a helluva party doing it.'

‘I suppose it's worth considering.'

‘Oh, come on, Kate, you know it'd be great. Think of the invites I get these days.'

‘Hmm . . . Well, splitting the rent would be a bonus.'

‘So that's a yes? Shall we start looking this weekend?'

‘It's a deal!' Kate raised her drink and the girls followed suit.

***

The following week, Rachel walked into the bustle of the brightly lit makeup room that was abuzz with conversation, hairspray fumes and celebrity egos. Rex was working on a soapie starlet appearing on the network's morning show. He pointed to a chair for Rachel to sit. Lola and Evie were also hard at it, their fingers flying from eye shadow palettes to faces, sponges smearing foundation and tail-combs teasing stubborn hair.

Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Rachel started wondering where she and Kate should start looking in their bid to find a new home together.

Rex tapped her on the shoulder. ‘Wakey, wakey, no time to waste. Huge line-up of guests today. Gotta get you done in record time.'

The transformation began. She kept her head still for Rex, while Evie tugged at her hair with roller brushes and blow dryer.

‘And that does it,' pronounced Rex, flourishing a powder brush over Rachel's cheeks to finish. ‘You're perfect to go, Miss.' He smiled, playfully shoving her from the makeup chair.

‘Thanks, guys. Feeling like a million bucks for a Tuesday.' Rachel jumped off the chair and gave a mock bow.

She turned to leave as Brent raced in, bulldozing her out of the way and stomping on her foot.

‘Ouch!' she screeched.

Ignoring her, he gestured to Rex and Lola. ‘Quick, got an exclusive and heading out for a live cross for the 10 am. Need a face.' He plonked himself into a makeup chair.

‘Excuse me, Brent, you do realise you just about broke my foot?' Rachel stood in front of him, arms crossed.

‘Princess, if you slept on a pea you'd think it was a boulder.'

‘I don't need you to be a smart arse and I definitely don't need you to be my friend. But a simple “Sorry Rachel” would be just fine.'

‘Gee, guess I'd better book into finishing school and work on my etiquette. And while I do, maybe you could find a course in journalism so you could actually produce something with a shred of credibility, instead of the shit you dish out every night.'

‘At least I have a university degree, something missing from your credentials.'

Brent guffawed. ‘Ha! Like that counts. You get degrees in cornflake packets these days.'

‘Jesus, you two . . .' Mitch walked into the room. ‘Brent, shut your trap for once, would you? You've had another call from Hawthorn.'

‘Yeah, yeah, I'll be outta here in five. Thanks, mate.'

Rachel threw her hands in the air and walked out. Mitch followed.

‘Hey, Rach, hold on a sec. I wanted to see you too. Wanted us to get the New Year off on the right foot. We haven't seen much of each other since the Grand Final party and I thought it was about time we caught up for a drink.'

She looked into his eyes. Such a beautiful clear blue. Honest and open. She was torn. Of course she wanted to. But if she did, would she be making another mistake, like she did with her relationship with Tim? She'd thought she didn't want to risk their
friendship, but who knew if he wanted more than that anyway? A drink would be a good chance to find out what he wanted.

‘Sounds good,' she said, going against her better judgement. ‘What night works for you?'

Damien stopped beside her. ‘Booking up the social calendar, Rach? And all I wanted was a coffee.' He narrowed his eyes.

‘Oh, hi Damien. You know Mitch, don't you? Ah yes about that coffee, I'll give you a call. Maybe Friday arvo after I finish updates?'

Mitch eyed them curiously. ‘I'll leave you two to work that out,' he said. ‘And let's chat later, Rach. When you get back to the newsroom.'

‘Sure,' she said. Mitch walked off.

She turned back to Damien. ‘So, how's Friday afternoon for you?'

‘No can do. Flying to Sydney to record interviews for the show. Look, this is ridiculous. It's taken way too long to see you. I just wanted to explain what happened that night you came over. Can't we grab a quick coffee now?'

Rachel checked her watch. Rex had done a speedy job with her makeup. ‘I can do a quick one, but then I'll have to fly.'

‘Better than nothing.' Damien took her by the arm and turned towards the canteen.

Once settled at a table in a far corner, Damien drank his coffee looking at Rachel intently. Sunshine streaming through the windows made him appear older, the lines around his eyes deeper than she'd remembered.

He shook his head. ‘I've been waiting for this, a chance to explain, for so long, now I'm lost for words.'

‘I don't think there's much to explain.' Rachel picked up her coffee and took a sip. ‘We started something in Sydney that should have stopped there and luckily I woke up to myself before it happened again. End of story.' She turned her cup in circles, blowing steam over the rim.

‘It's not that simple, Rach. For starters, I wasn't being a two-timing sleaze when you came to my place. I'd already broken up with Lisa when I left Sydney. It was her choice to follow me down here, but we're not living together. In fact, it should have been over long before I ended it, but it's difficult. She's got problems.' He leaned in, lowering his voice. ‘She suffers from depression. It's been a hard road, for both of us. That's why the break-up took so long. I was so worried about what it might do to her.' He sighed.
‘So I just needed you to know. I'm really not this ego-driven womanizer I suspect you think I am.'

‘Hmm, you're right. That's exactly the kind of guy I think you are. And why wouldn't you be? You've got the profile, your star is on the rise, women are dropping at your feet — why wouldn't you take advantage of all that?'

‘So you don't think what happened in Sydney was kind of special?'

Rachel felt a flush rising over her cheeks. ‘It's difficult to say.'

Damien covered her hand with his, stirring a heat within. ‘I've thought about that night often,' he said, gently stroking her fingers. ‘And despite what you think, I'd like a chance to prove otherwise. Let me take you out one night. Soon. The old-fashioned way. That's if you want to.'

‘Well . . .' Rachel looked at him, perplexed. She pulled her hand away. She'd just agreed to have drinks with Mitch. But while she definitely found him attractive and his interest was flattering, his reputation left her cautious. ‘Are you sure you want to go out with someone else so soon? I mean, if you're worried about Lisa's state of mind, wouldn't it be hurtful if she heard you'd been seen with another woman?'

‘I guess you're right. I suppose in my mind we've been living separate lives for a while, so that didn't occur to me. But maybe we should leave it for a couple of weeks. I just don't want anyone else snapping you up in the meantime.' He reached for her hand again, but she grabbed at her watch.

‘Oh God, got to run. We'll talk, okay?'

‘We will. Two weeks max. Then I'll find some obscure little restaurant where we can hide from the world.' He smiled slowly. ‘We'll make it work, don't worry.'

‘Maybe we will.' His confidence was disconcerting. She looked at her watch again. ‘Got to dash.' She gave a half-wave and half-smile before dashing up the corridor. She could feel him watching her. Her head was filled with a million questions. But there was an update to read and an upcoming election to focus on. If she was going to be serious about newsreading, potential romances had to take a back seat.

She stepped onto the update desk and attached a microphone to her jacket.