Kerry struggled to maintain eye contact. “I said we were interviewing three celebs from the world of comedy who take their beauty regimes seriously.”

“Good one,” I beamed at her. “As a matter of fact, that’s a very good idea for a future piece. I like the angle. You should pitch it to Athena.”

Kerry forced a smile and nodded. “At least it means now we can see her reaction when we ask her about her products and the cost and testing of them.”

“So, when are you going to interview Lulu?”

She pulled her lips into an agonised attempt at a smile and waited until Orion and Cole had retrieved their lunches from the giant Smeg fridge and disappeared again. “Ah. Well, it’s not me I said would be interviewing her.” Kerry swallowed, “I said you were the reporter who would be conducting the interview with her.”

My eyebrows flexed. “Me? But I thought...”

Kerry’s mouth wobbled. Tears flickered in her deep green eyes. “I’m not cut out for all of this. Athena is deluding herself, as am I.”

“Rubbish! Where is all this coming from?”

Kerry blushed. “She asked me to do a write-up for her this morning about shopaholic therapy, and then proceeded to rip it to bits. She said she’s wondering if giving me this job has been one big mistake.”

“Don’t take any notice. Yes, you have a bit to learn, but you’re keen and I see potential in you. I really do.”

My mouth sprang open to protest further, but Kerry’s expression was crestfallen. “I’m not a project, Leonie.”

“I know you’re not. I don’t think that at all. Who said you were?” I reached out a concerned hand.

“Nobody as such, but it’s written all over their faces. It’s what they say.” She sighed. “It’s only a matter of time till they find out Athena is my aunt, so I might as well just tell them all now. They think I’m useless too.”

“Who does?”

“Cole, Orion, Tabitha… the whole lot of them. I’ve seen them giving me pitying looks at the editorial meetings. They don’t think I have what it takes either.”