“Nope, it’s fine.” Brendon grabbed her hand. “Come, come, we’ll go through your segment while the girls fix this.” With his free hand he tugged a lock of her hair that had fallen from the high ponytail she’d dragged it into.

“Thanks, I mean. Yes. I really do need to have a think about what I’m going to say.”

“You’ve got the sales pitch and the brochures memorised, they’re in your heart,” he said, urging her down a narrow corridor. “Just don’t panic.”

“I’m not panicking.”

They scooted past a variety of doors that held words like Editing Suite Three, Studio Four, Green Room Nine.

Megan bit down a bolt of nerves. She’d never done anything like this before. Been on live TV. That wasn’t to say she didn’t think she couldn’t do it, and if it was for her baby, Winter Shoes, she’d do just about anything. But still, even she knew that Ralph and Jayne was watched by millions.

“And now, for our weekly fashion advice, we’re absolutely thrilled to have Megan Rose Winter on the show.” Ralph turned from the camera and grinned at Megan. “Designer, cobbler and all round lovely person.”

Megan stretched her lips wide and hoped the smile went to her eyes. She had so much makeup on it made her skin feel heavy, and how the hell did he know she was a lovely person? Before this he’d only said one word to her.

“Hello. Thank you for inviting me.” She looked at the camera.

“We’re thrilled to have you.” Ralph grinned.

“And how long have you been designing shoes?” Jayne asked, tilting her head, an expression of great interest on her face.

“For as long as I can remember,” Megan said. “When I was a young girl my friends liked ponies and ballet and I liked drawing, specifically drawing shoes. I liked to use glue and glitter and…” She paused and laughed lightly. “I still do.” She held up a deep purple stiletto that had studded straps as well as a sparkling sole.

“Oh yes, now that’s pretty,” Jayne said, sitting forward and reaching for the shoe. “I’d wear that.” She turned it over in her hand and plucked at the straps.

“And you’d look beautiful in them,” Megan said, widening her grin so much it hurt her cheeks.

“I’d feel beautiful.” Jayne nodded and held the shoe towards the camera. “What woman wouldn’t? My goodness, even the soles are princess-like.” She let out a long low, wistful sigh.