‘What’s wrong with it?’ I craned my head away from her.
‘All you need is some product and a good haircut, love, that’d fix it right up.’
I pushed the lock behind my ear. ‘Not everything needs product. Besides, I like it long.’
‘What’s going on, Sarah? I know you’re not here to talk about your hair.’
‘I told you, it’s nothing.’ Mum put her hands on her hips and stared me down as only a mother could. ‘OK, OK, I need to ask a favour.’
‘Come and make me a cup of tea.’ She gestured towards the kitchen at the back of the salon.
As I dunked a tea bag in a cup, I psyched myself up for the conversation. I hated asking my parents for anything, least of all financial assistance.
Mum tsked and took the mug from me. ‘Give me that before it’s stewed beyond all recognition.’ She added milk and stirred. ‘All right, let’s have it. What do you need?’
I stared at my shoes. ‘Could I borrow some money?’
‘I can’t believe that swine left you to pay the mortgage on your own!’ she blustered. ‘I knew this was going to happen.’
Mum had taken the break-up almost as badly as I had. She’d loved James (everyone had loved James) and she’d been furious at his cowardly exit from my life. Such was her outrage that I frequently found myself defending him against her tirades.
‘It’s not for the house,’ I said. ‘I just need a few grand. I have to go overseas for work and I need some cash to pay for accommodation. I can pay you back in a week or so when Katrina reimburses me.’
She looked suspicious. ‘You’re going overseas for your column?’
I hesitated. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about the story. ‘Katrina’s put me on a big job. I’m going to Barcelona tomorrow.’
Mum beamed as she got her cheque book out of her handbag. ‘Well done, love. I always knew they’d see your potential eventually.’
I hung my head and shuffled my feet. She probably wouldn’t be quite so proud if she knew how I’d tricked Katrina into seeing that potential. She handed me a cheque for three thousand dollars, and I gave her a hug. ‘Thanks Mum. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.’
‘One would have expected the lead journo on the case to actually be doing some research on the guy, not swooning over his photo.’
The familiar voice over my right shoulder set my teeth on edge immediately. I scowled up at him. ‘What do you want, Nick?’
He raised his hands, palms facing me, eyes wide in mock innocence. ‘Why so defensive? You mean to tell me you’re not looking forward to spending twenty-four hours on a plane with me?’
I gritted my teeth. ‘The very thought of sharing the same air with you makes me want to gnaw off my own arm.’
‘You didn’t seem to have that problem last time we shared the same air, beauty girl.’ He winked at me and swaggered away with a grin. I realised I’d been scrunching up the morning newspaper in one hand, and I took a deep breath and released it.
I hated that man.
Nick Archer was the magazine’s photographer, and I first met him when I started working for Women’s Choice a couple of years ago. He had a silver tongue and a dynamite body, and I’d been instantly attracted to him. After a few too many drinks at the Christmas show, we had a one-night stand. The fact that it had been (and remained) the best sex of my life wasn’t enough to make up for what he’d put me through after the encounter. I’d quickly realised the error of my ways when I found out what a pig he was, and had done my best to stay away from him ever since.
But that wasn’t the end of the story. Within weeks of that unfortunate incident, I’d met James for the first time.
I’d never forget that first meeting. In large part due to the fact that I’d almost broken his nose. I’d been rushing out of the bathroom at work to make my bus and had thrown the door open right into his face. He’d doubled over, groaning in pain, while I spurted out a string of apologies, and when he straightened, hand over his nose, there was already blood oozing from between his fingers.
‘I’m so sorry!’ I cried. ‘I was running late for my bus and I’m an idiot and oh my god, did I break your nose?’
He laughed gently and our gazes met. He had the kindest, clearest blue eyes I’d ever seen in my life, and I found myself unable to speak. It felt as if we’d been staring at one another for a lifetime when there was a sound from behind me and I turned to see Nick standing there.
‘Jesus dude, what happened to you?’ Nick said.
‘I just ran into your colleague. Or, rather, she ran into me.’ His voice shook with laughter.
My face went hot. ‘Let me get you a tissue.’
When I’d returned with a whole box of tissues, Nick was still there. ‘Way to ruin after-work drinks, Burrowes.’
I scowled at him. ‘You’re friends with this guy?’ I jerked my thumb at Nick.
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Unfortunately. We’ve known each other since we were five so I’m pretty much stuck with him now.’ He took a handful of tissues and blotted at his nose. ‘Ow!’
‘I’m really sorry. Does it hurt?’
I couldn’t see his mouth, but his eyes were smiling. ‘Like buggery. But don’t worry, it’s not broken. I get nosebleeds all the time. Probably would’ve happened even if you hadn’t clobbered me in the face with a toilet door. I’m James.’
He held out the hand that wasn’t covered with blood and I shook it. ‘I’m Sarah. Coincidental nosebleed or not, I am sorry.’
‘Do you always beat up guys you haven’t even met, or am I special?’
