Alice’s icy glare is enough to make Darcy feel like she must be the most incompetent person she’s ever had to work with. She still isn’t used to it, even after four seasons of working together.

‘Of course he’s signed a bloody contract but do you really think the audience will like someone who clearly isn’t invested in any of our contestants? If he’s fallen in love, he’s fallen in love.’ She talks about the subject with utmost disgust.

This has got to be the worst timing. All the successful applicants have already been notified. When they chose the top twenty-two they considered Joe’s preferences and the character traits he was looking for in a partner. What if the girls they chose aren’t appealing to whichever last-minute suitor they cast?

Darcy’s eye catches the clock on her computer screen change from 2.59 to 3.00. The bell at Drew’s school would be ringing. Drew thinks he’s heading away for a dirty weekend.

Little does he know.

‘But everything is booked, Darce.’

Darcy leans against the wall, her mobile to her ear. ‘I know and I’m so sorry.’

‘It’s not like I’ll be able to get my money back.’

She knows that. He’s told her more than once that it was non-refundable. ‘Why don’t you ask Silas to go—make it a boys’ trip instead?’

‘I don’t want to go with your brother!’ He sighs, frustrated. ‘It’s the Hunter Valley!’ She knows what he means. The Hunter Valley is either a couples’ destination or a girls’ weekend away.

There’s silence for a moment. Darcy knows each second that ticks by counts. She needs to be back in the office working. ‘If I could get out of it, I would.’

He makes a sound that infuriates her.

‘There’s nothing I can do, Drew.’ She’s struggling to stay in control. ‘The bloody suitor pulled out. Without him there’s no show.’

More silence before Drew asks, ‘So they need absolutely everyone to figure this out?’ He sounds doubtful that her role is important enough to be required.

‘If I walk out of here, not only will I lose this job, I’ll probably never work in the industry again.’

‘Would that be such a bad thing?’

Darcy bites down so hard on her lip that she’s sure she’s drawn blood. He used to think her career aspirations were fun and impressive, but that was before the reality of the industry. His opinion changed very quickly, his support slipping dramatically fast.

‘There’s no point arguing about this now.’

‘Sorry.’ He pauses. His tone softening, he says, ‘I was just really looking forward to seeing you.’

‘I know. Me too.’ He only left on Monday, but it’s the longest they’ve been apart in years.