Chapter 82 Liv
Chapter 82
Liv
Margot and Anna laugh as if I’m kidding. I’m not. It’s a statement of intent. It’s going to happen. They just don’t know it yet. My smile remains fixed.
‘Oh, you’re being serious,’ Margot says suddenly.
I nod. ‘I am.’
‘What do you need the money for?’
‘To tide us over for the next few months. Rent, utilities, wages, the cost of living, etcetera. I also need to find two new instructors to take classes, as we’re going to start opening earlier and closing later. Also we’ve had the Land Rover Defender now for two years and the lease agreement is coming to an end, so that needs replacing. And if I’m being honest, I have totally overspent on the orangery.’
I look behind me to the extension we’ve yet to complete. The glass and brick structure stretches across the back of the house, and it will look incredible once it’s done. But there is no money left in the coffers to afford the new windows, plastering and wooden flooring.
‘So how much do you need?’ asks Anna cautiously.
‘About ￡75,000 from both of you should be enough. Ideally within the next two months.’
‘You’d like an investment from both of us to pay for your orangery and a new car?’ says Margot, scarcely believing my gall.
‘Yes,’ I say, nodding. ‘As I said, amongst other things.’
‘Would you like cash or a cheque, or do you have a card reader to hand?’
I know she’s joking, but she’s the only one laughing.
Both have lost their appetites and place their unfinished pastries back on their plates. In perfect unison, each shifts awkwardly in her seat, then turns as if trying to read the other’s mind.
Earlier, I watched them from behind the lounge window as they walked towards the house, as thick as thieves. I’ve never really understood the sway Margot has over Anna. I thought that once I confronted Anna about what I know about her friend, she would sever all ties with her. Instead, to my disbelief, they’ve been closer than ever. I’ve spotted them skulking to each other’s houses. Sometimes they stay for hours, other times it’s only for a few minutes.
I no longer think it’s Stockholm syndrome that ties Anna to her. I think they have a twisted co-dependency, a circular relationship where one needs the other and the other needs to be needed. Margot feels pointless unless she’s wanted by Anna. And Anna is desperate to be of use to someone. Then I came along and, for a time, their circle became a triangle. But Margot couldn’t handle that. Because Margot doesn’t do diluted friendships, she doesn’t share. You are either a fully fledged member of Team Margot or you’re not. And she knew that I wasn’t. However, I underestimated just how far she would go to reinstate the status quo. Now I know what kind of people they are. They deserve each other. They just don’t realise they deserve me, too.
Anna is the first to refuse my request.
‘I’m really sorry Liv, but I don’t have that kind of money,’ she says stiffly. ‘Now that Drew’s not living with me, money is tight.’
‘What about the new house you’re buying?’
‘And ... umm ... as I’ve mentioned to you before, I’m hoping to rent an industrial unit.’
‘There are two spare offices available at the back of my studio. One even has a window. You’ll have plenty of space in there. And how much fun will that be, working and hanging out together?’
Margot jumps in.
‘It’s not something I can afford either right now,’ she says with the confidence her friend lacks. ‘Nicu is about to go on tour and then he’ll be on unpaid paternity leave for a few months.’
‘Isn’t he part of your reality show?’ I ask. ‘According to Digital Spy, you’ll be earning about ￡140,000 for ten episodes.’
‘Oh you can’t believe what you read online.’
‘Minus your agent’s fee,’ I continue, ‘which I’m told is likely to be the standard industry fifteen per cent and then tax, it should leave you enough. And that’s not including the BBC Three show you’re making with Frankie and the stalking documentary for ITV.’
‘Someone’s done their homework,’ Margot fires back.
‘And that’s not including the magazine deals when the baby arrives, or the sponsorship,’ I add. ‘I think you’ll even have more than enough, should I need a second round of funding.’
Margot pushes her coffee cup to one side. ‘We’ve earmarked that for a nursery and family holiday, which I’m sure you’ll agree is just what the doctor ordered after my recent trauma.’
‘Of course.’
‘I appreciate you thinking of me,’ Margot adds firmly, ‘but I’m going to have to pass this time.’
‘Sorry Liv,’ Anna says, blushing, ‘but again, I’ll also have to decline. But thank you for the offer.’
‘That’s okay, no problem at all,’ I reply breezily. ‘I thought it was worth asking my two closest friends first.’
I have never seen anyone in a greater hurry to leave a room faster than these two. They’re desperate to pick apart our conversation in private.
‘So, what’s everyone got planned for the rest of the day?’ I ask. ‘I’m going on my first run since the accident.’
‘Are you fit enough?’ Margot asks as if she cares.
‘I’ll find out soon enough. I’ve treated myself to new clothes, trainers and a replacement CamMe.’
‘What’s a CamMe?’ Margot says.
‘It’s a small video camera you wear when you’re doing outdoor activities, like cycling, climbing or running. Its wide lens records everything, giving you that added layer of security should anything happen. Like a hit-and-run.’
‘It’s a shame you weren’t wearing one when you had your accident.’
‘Oh I was,’ I reply.
My words hang there as ice forms across the room. Margo’s expression is the first to freeze.
‘You were?’ she asks, the pitch of her tone noticeably higher.
‘Uh-huh. The force of my landing detached it, because I wasn’t wearing it when I was discovered. And the police didn’t find it because they weren’t looking for it.’
‘That’s a shame,’ she replies.
‘Luckily I discovered it myself a few weeks later, partly submerged in the ditch water. I tried drying it out in the airing cupboard but it wouldn’t work, so I ended up sending it back to the manufacturer in Japan, who got it operational again. I downloaded the images from that day and they’re pin sharp and show everything and everyone involved. Honestly, I can’t recommend these cameras enough, they’re a great investment. Much like my studio.’