Darcy pauses, reminding herself that she needs to be careful about what she says. ‘He’s okay.’

‘So he’s still doing the show?’

He has no choice in the matter, but she can’t tell Bonnie that. ‘Yes.’

‘What a joke.’ Bonnie rolls her eyes. ‘He’s still in love with his ex. He shouldn’t be on the show.’

In the name of love Darcy wholeheartedly agrees, but her personal opinion can’t come into play here. ‘I have to remind you, Bonnie, that you’ve signed confidentiality forms. You’ll be told what you can and can’t say as to why you’ve left the show.’

‘That hardly seems fair.’

Darcy can’t help but feel for her. ‘I’m hoping to spin the friendship angle, that your relationship with Ty moved into the friend zone before a romance could truly take off.’

But this doesn’t seem to appease her. ‘The public won’t know anything about Ty’s ex and his feelings for her?’

‘No, the public won’t know about Penny.’

Chapter 42

42

Four months earlier

‘What if we just drop back your hours? Even to a couple of days a week?’

Penelope knows it’s a generous offer. Monique would never normally agree to anything like this.

‘That wouldn’t be fair on you. I’m not going to be in Sydney anymore.’

‘Where are you going?’

Penelope swallows hard, considering lying because she knows the truth will just create more questions. But Monique will see through a lie and demand an address or at least more details.

‘I’m not sure yet.’

Monique eyes her, clearly trying to figure out what’s going on. ‘I know you’ve heard of email and phone.’ It’s said more as a statement than a question. ‘We can courier the manuscripts if you want hard copies.’

‘Monique, thank you so much for the offer, but I want to make a clean break.’

‘Have you been offered another job?’ Monique knows there’s more going on.

‘No, not at all,’ Penelope says. ‘I’m going to take a break from working altogether.’

Monique doesn’t say anything, just watches her, as though she’ll be able to figure out what’s going on if she stares at her intently enough.

‘And Ty’s happy about relocating too?’

‘I’ve broken up with Ty.’ Penelope can’t meet her eye.

‘Why? What’s happened?’ Monique’s voice rushes with concern, too much concern. Their relationship has always been more professional than friendly.

Penelope can’t speak, knowing tears are close.

‘Penelope, tell me. What’s going on?’

She’d promised herself she wouldn’t utter a word. She’d promised herself she’d stay strong, but these promises are becoming increasingly unrealistic. Her willpower is slipping from her grasp at rapid speed.

‘Has he done something?’ Monique’s blunt.