I’m sorry to report that I didn’t get very far when I tried to raise the thorny subject of how Kim portrays herself in the book. I told her we didn’t recognise Origami’s spiky, slightly hard-hearted protagonist as the kind, warm, compassionate Kim we all know and love. To no avail: she claims that since she did, thought and felt all the things she attributes to herself in the book, it is accurate and not in need of amendment. (She also told me quite firmly that she is funny, but not a nice or good person, and that I shouldn’t imagine she was just because she makes me laugh.)

This is certainly the most surprising and dramatic project I’ve ever worked on! I passionately believe it will be worth it and I do so hope you agree.

Warmest best wishes as ever,

Inessa

PS I LOVE The Narrow Bed as a title, but Kim is not keen. She has suggested Every Bed Is Narrow, which she thinks is more interesting – but also, I fear, less commercial a prospect! She also said that even if we end up calling it something else, its ‘real’ name will always be Origami.

Chapter 8

8

from Origami by Kim Tribbeck

I blame my unsuccessful marriage on the phrase ‘opposites attract’. I met Gabe on a train, having tried not to. I did the polite quick-smile-eyes-down manoeuvre to signal that I wanted to read my book in peace, but he was determined to talk to me, and full of energy, confidence and ideas he wanted to share with a random stranger. He didn’t recognise me from The Village Parallel, a TV show I had a minor part in at the time, so I didn’t suspect him of talking to me only to be able to tell his friends later.

By the time we’d arrived at our destination (we were both going to London – me to see my agent and Gabe to pitch for new business), we’d disagreed about at least ten things, starting with people who claimed they could only sit facing the direction of travel on trains. Gabe thought they were bullshitters who’d been getting away with it for too long.

I disagreed. I was happy to sit facing either way myself, but I’d met a handful of people over the years who soon felt dizzy on a train if they weren’t looking forward. Why would they lie about it? ‘Status,’ Gabe replied without hesitation. ‘If you’re whiny and sensitive, you’re seen as special. If you muck in like a trouper, no one notices or cares.’