Making Headlines (10 page)

Her shoulders slumped. He must think she was appalling. ‘Sure,' she said flatly. ‘I need all the help I can get.'

‘Hey, don't take it personally, I just know that with Tony gone, there's no one else to help you. And now with Helmut here, you'll want to impress him. One of the best things you can do — and all newsreaders do it — is to watch back tapes of yourself. It really helps. Here, take a look at this.' He pushed a few buttons and there she was, on screen, reading last week's updates.

She threw her hands over her face. ‘Oh, don't. It's too awful.'

Pulling her hands away, he made her look. ‘See how you're nodding your head up and down while you speak? You probably didn't even know you were doing that. Just something to think about for next time.'

When she watched more closely, he was right. She looked like a puppet. She started to laugh. He joined in, both of them rocking back and forth.

Mitch stopped the vision. ‘Oh, Rach, I'm sorry. I don't mean to laugh, but you see what I mean?' He rewound the segment and played it again.

‘I do, I do,' she said, wiping her eyes. ‘It's a great tip. I'd never have thought of it, so thanks.'

‘That's fine. It's funny, isn't it?' He turned to her, eyes glowing. ‘Hey, I was going to ask, are you doing much—'

The edit suite door slid open with a bang and Rob stuck his head in. ‘There you are! Miss Bentley, you're covering a fashion preview story. Get your arse out here, pronto!'

‘Coming now,' she said, standing to leave. ‘Sorry, Mitch, what were you saying?' Perhaps he was going to ask her out for those drinks they never had?

He glanced at the open door and the people outside and shook his head. ‘Doesn't matter. It can wait.'

She nodded and she left, wishing she could rewind their conversation and start again.

***

Packing up to head out on the fashion shoot, Rachel watched Julia as she put together her court files to cover another case. Then she scanned her media release about new fashion trends for summer and grimaced. ‘You're lucky, Jules. Covering stories you can really get your teeth into. I'm never going to get a chance to do anything other than fluff pieces now that I'll be doing updates.'

Julia stared at her with arched eyebrows. ‘Hang on, you're doing what you want to do — reading the news.'

‘Yes, but I want to cover worthwhile stories too.'

Julia shook her head. ‘Sheesh, Rach, don't get me started. I'd love to read updates too, but I wouldn't even be considered. None of us can have everything.'

‘Really? I thought
your
dream
was
court stories?'

Before Julia could answer, Rachel's phone rang. Tim's name flashed on the screen. She mouthed his name to Julia then walked away from her desk. ‘Tim?' she said. ‘This is a pleasant surprise.' Her chest was pounding. What could he want?

‘Hi, Rach. How are you?'

‘I'm good. Yourself?'

‘Yeah, all good. Look, I feel a bit silly calling, but Evie insisted. She's worried about you, after our break up. She thinks we need to actually see each other, have coffee or something, to give you what she calls
closure
?'

‘That's Evie for you. Always trying to help.' Damn Evie. This was Rachel's day for awkward conversations.

‘Well, are you okay? Or do you want to meet for a coffee?'

What had Evie been saying to him? Rachel had made it quite clear to the girls she was coping well and moving on. She spoke carefully. ‘Coffee would be good. I think we do need to clarify a few things.'

‘Okay.' He paused. ‘Okay. How about Saturday? Two o'clock at Café e Cucina?'

‘Sure,' she said brightly. ‘Two o'clock it is. See you there.' She hung up and sat back in her chair, rubbing her temples. ‘Jules, what's wrong with me? I just agreed to coffee with my ex, after vowing to move on, and then earlier messed up what could have been an invitation from a guy who has huge potential.'

‘Gee, life's tough . . .'

Julia shook her head as she picked up her bag to head out on her story. Rachel watched her leave, cursing herself. She really had better start thinking about what she was going to say before she opened her mouth.

***

Rachel sat outside at Café E Cucina, looking at her watch. Ten past two. Tim was late again. She strained her eyes, peering ahead, but couldn't sight him. The clouds were growing darker and she wondered whether they might have to move inside. It was nearly spring, but the temperature was dropping rapidly, in typical Melbourne fashion giving them four seasons in a day. She reached for her denim jacket as a voice came from behind.

‘Hi Rach. Sorry, the traffic around here is always crazy.'

Rachel blinked and refocused. Tim looked completely different. The tousled curls had gone, replaced by a conservative, close-cropped businesslike cut. Tailored black pants and a new jacket, as well as modern, black-rimmed glasses, transformed him into a model from a menswear catalogue.

A waiter arrived with their coffee as Tim took a seat.

‘I already ordered. Got you your usual.' Rachel smiled at him knowingly.

‘Oh,' he paused, looking at the cappuccino. ‘Actually, these days I order skinny lattes.'

‘Oh. Things have changed . . .'

‘Yes, they have.' Another pause. ‘But it's fine. I'll drink it.'

‘Fine.'

Tim pulled out the chair, raking its legs along the concrete. ‘Look, this is really awkward. What was it you wanted to say that was so important? We both know it's over between us. This feels more like flogging a dead horse than closure.'

Rachel blinked again. It was difficult maintaining a neutral expression when you'd just been kicked in the guts. ‘Well, I think Evie must have exaggerated my suffering. It's not vital to my survival that I see you, but since you offered, I thought it would give me a chance to explain a few things.'

‘There's nothing to explain.' He sounded weary. ‘You slept with someone else. You obviously weren't in love with me. End of story.'

‘No, and that's exactly what I wanted to clarify. I think if we both have a chance to say our piece, it will be easier to move on for both of us. For me, what happened with Damien was a drunken, spur-of-the-moment thing. Purely physical. It wasn't something I was looking for. Events spiralled beyond my control and it's something I honestly regret.' She put her hand over his. ‘I am truly, truly sorry for hurting you. That's really why I had to see you. To tell you that.'

Tim drew his hand away and looked down, shaking his head. ‘Look, thanks, for the apology, but I guess I have to take some of the responsibility too. You were right about the problems between us and I know a lot of that is on me.'

‘You did spend a lot of time on the computer . . .' she said ruefully.

‘And smoking. I know. I wasn't in a good place and should have spent more time with you, doing those things together we used to do.'

‘Yeah, there wasn't much fun stuff towards the end, was there?'

‘No. No, there wasn't.' He sighed, stirring his coffee, and staring at the whirling milk.

Sitting in silence, Rachel tried to remember the good times but couldn't find many beyond their first few months together.

After what seemed ages, he finally looked up. ‘Rachel, as you said, the unexpected happens. There is another reason I called. I thought it was better to tell you in person that I've started seeing someone else. Maybe if I hadn't met Allison I might be prepared to give us a go again. But things
have
changed.'

Leaning back in her chair, she breathed deeply. She was surprised she didn't feel worse. ‘It's alright. I didn't say I wanted us to get back together. I just wanted — what was it you said — yes, closure! So thank you. I'm feeling very closed.'

‘Right. Well, Evie seemed to think—'

‘Evie got it wrong.' Rachel forced a smile. She gulped her coffee, wanting the meeting to end. Finishing the last drops, she stood up. She didn't want a relationship with Tim, but she still wasn't ready to sit there hearing about his new one. ‘I'm fine. Coffee's done. Good luck with Allison.' She walked off, not caring about the bill. It was only two coffees. After Bistro Thierry, he could pay for this one.

***

It was almost instantaneous. As soon as Rachel walked through the front door, Lou's voice ricocheted up the hallway.

‘That you, Rachel? I've been cleaning for hours and could really use some help. Just because I'm a mother doesn't automatically make me the cleaner as well.' She appeared at the end of the hallway, spray bottle and cloth in hand, hair awry. Betsy bounded up the hallway, wet licks washing Rachel's face.

‘No problem.' Rachel hugged Betsy tightly. ‘Happy to help.' A bit of physical labour was just what she needed.

‘The dusting's done, so grab the vacuum, could you?'

Rachel went to the laundry and lugged the vacuum cleaner into the lounge room. Back and forward over the carpet, harder and harder she pushed, working up a sweat. Her back and arms ached. Up and down the hallway, up and down again, banging the vacuum head into walls as she went, puffing as her energy spent itself. Then a renewed force took over.

‘Jesus Rachel, I know I wanted you to help, but your enthusiasm is killing me.' Lou looked at her quizzically, both hands on her hips.

Ignoring her, Rachel kept cleaning
. Scour the bathroom. Scrub every scrap of mould off the shower recess. Down on your knees using every muscle. Scrub hard.
The smell of disinfectant stung her nose, made her eyes water.
Keep going. Scrub, scrub, scrub. Clean the glass walls. Round and round and round. Arms tiring. Arms very tired. Don't stop. Next, attack couch and chairs. Cushions need plumping. Punch them into shape. Punching hard. Punching very, very hard.
When she finished her arms went limp. She collapsed onto her bed, exhausted. Penance and closure all in one day.

The warm gravy and buttery pastry were comforting. Rachel hid in the far corner of the canteen, licking her fingers as she finished the last mouthful of meat pie. The highlight of her day. She could easily have eaten another one. She looked around to see if anyone had spied her committing a food felony. Her guilt weighed heavier given she was working on a story about starving horses rescued by the RSPCA. But a girl had to eat.

Returning to the newsroom, she saw a fresh pile of mail on her desk. It had grown bigger every week since she started reading news updates. Tony had also instructed the publicity department to work on raising Rachel's profile before he left. The
Morning Herald
ran an article nominating her as one of the rising talents to watch. She put a hand over her mouth to burp, hoping that Gerard, sitting across from her, hadn't heard. Why was she doing this? Eating meat pies when she should be losing weight?

It seemed even her limited exposure on television was enough to attract the gaze of Melbourne's public relations community. There were more and more invitations to opening nights, film previews, industry events and restaurant galas. The city's social set was opening its arms wide and Rachel's diary was filling up fast. She'd go to parties with her girlfriends and submerge herself in the fast noise and blaring voices. And alcohol. It was a way of filling the gap left by Tim. Later, at home, she'd sometimes have another drink with Lou and Neil, then watch them head off to bed, arms entwined. Then she, too, would tiptoe down the hall, careful not to disturb Josh, to the single bed of her childhood room — the emptiness was mocking.

She'd been thinking more and more about Mitch. They always got along so well, editing stories. He was so easy to be with, to talk to. But he never mentioned the possibility of them having drinks together again. Maybe she should ask him out? No, it was too soon after Tim. It wouldn't be wise to rush in to another relationship so soon. Not to mention the fact that they worked together which was never advisable.

***

Julia rushed into the newsroom, her cheeks flaming from the heat outside. She raced to her desk, puffing. ‘Oh my God, Rach, you're not going to believe this. So much going on!' She paused, putting a hand to her chest to catch her breath.

‘Jesus, slow down. What is it?'

‘Well, for starters . . .' Julia looked at her with glee and held out her left hand. A new ring on her wedding finger glittered under the newsroom lights. She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘Derek proposed on the weekend.'

‘Oh my God!' Rachel shrieked. Everyone turned to look. ‘That's brilliant! Congratulations!' She hugged Julia. ‘It's quick, but I guess you two have been pretty sure from day one.'

‘Oh, yes, it's been amazing! Of course, to be absolutely sure, we're going to live together first and have a long engagement. But, oh, Rach, I'm the most blissed-out girl in the world!'

‘I'm so happy for you.' And she was. Julia might envy Rachel's career trajectory, but at least her cup was full in the romance stakes. They embraced again.

Julia pulled back. ‘Oh, and something else. This is bizarre. Did you know that Derek did an interview with Tim last week — a feature about Telstra? Well, the two of them got on so well, the interview turned into drinks and now they've become buddies. Can you believe it? Bad timing, I suppose?' She scrunched up her nose.

‘Yep, I'd say that was bad timing.'

‘Anyway, to celebrate the engagement, this weekend we're throwing a party at Derek's house — where I'll be living — and of course you're invited. I just hope you'll be okay with the fact that Derek's invited Tim too? There'll be plenty of people there, so you could probably avoid him if you want.'

‘It'll be fine, Jules, just relax.' Rachel smiled. ‘It's your special night and I'll be there with bells on, no matter who else is there.' She hadn't lied about the bells. Tim and his new girlfriend? There'd be bells all right. Alarm bells.

***

From the back of Derek's living room, Rachel tried to listen to the speeches but she kept checking the crowd. She'd seen Tim in the distance earlier, but couldn't spot him now. Nor could she work out who his girlfriend was. Smoothing down her pink linen dress, she adjusted the low-cut neckline to hide the lacy edge of her bra that had snuck into view.

She'd caught a cab so she could have a few drinks. Derek's place was just down the road from St Kilda's Luna Park. The sounds of screaming thrillseekers riding the Scenic Railway rattled in her ears as she arrived. It was a modest Edwardian house, the decor eclectic. A purple square-edged couch took up most of the space, flanked by an Asian sideboard covered with wine glasses and bottles. The room was overflowing with
guests laughing at Derek's witty words. Rachel was finding it hard to concentrate. Was that Tim with his back to her near the bookcase? No, the wavy hair was too long.

There was movement beside her and she looked up. Mitch.

His eyes widened in delight. ‘Hey, Rach. Looking for someone?'

‘Oh no, just trying to see Derek through the crowd.'

‘Right. S'pose we shouldn't be talking during the speeches.'

Their eyes locked, smiles matching. Rachel loved the colour of his eyes. Such a bright, clear blue. Who had she been looking for?

He moved closer, whispering in her ear. ‘Maybe we can have that drink tonight then?'

‘Guess we can,' she whispered back.

He knocked his glass gently against hers and suddenly the possibility of a new romance seemed completely feasible.

There was a tugging at her sleeve. Tim.

Clean-shaven and wearing a freshly ironed white shirt with navy stripes, he looked like he'd just walked off a yacht. He started to speak as applause erupted for Derek, and Julia stepped forward. Rachel shushed him and turned to listen.

Julia's face flushed at the attention. ‘So, as Derek said, our party tonight was short notice, but we really wanted to celebrate while we still had that amazing feeling that comes when you just get engaged.' She looked at Derek, bouncing up and down on her toes like a child about to blow out their birthday candles, her eyes full of joy. He held her gaze, smiling.

Rachel glanced up at Mitch, then Tim. She breathed deeply then forced herself to focus on Julia's words.

‘. . . and because we're both journalists, that gives us another wonderful connection. So for us, our engagement is front-page news. We're going to be the lead story in each other's lives, and there'll be plenty of updates to come, but nothing that involves police media liaison. Thanks for coming and keep drinking!' Julia raised her champagne glass.

Clapping and cheering filled the room.

Mitch turned to Rachel. ‘Entertaining speeches. Good to know there's still some people left in the world who believe in true love and commitment.'

‘Yes, it is. They make a wonderful couple. I really hope it works out for them.' She looked at Julia and Derek, their arms clasped around each other, smiling and chatting with their guests.

‘So do I,' said Tim. ‘It can be tough if it hits the skids.' He swigged his beer.

Rachel paused, choosing her words carefully. ‘I know what you're saying, but problems arise in every relationship. It's how you deal with them that counts.'

‘Depends on the magnitude of the problem.' Tim wouldn't look at her. He maintained a neutral expression, gazing at the crowd.

Mitch touched her arm. ‘Rach, looks like you're tied up. Let me know if you want that drink.'

‘Sure, sounds good.' She smiled brightly as he walked away, wishing he'd stay.

Tim finished his beer. ‘Want another drink?'

‘Perhaps you should get back to your girlfriend.'

‘Oh, we broke up. It didn't work out.' His eyes crinkled as his face relaxed into a smile. ‘I bet you
do
want another drink.'

Right now she didn't know what she wanted. ‘Well, okay then. I've got a bottle of wine in the kitchen.'

‘Sauvignon Blanc? Oyster Bay?'

‘Of course.'

‘Of course.' He went to fill her glass.

She looked around for Mitch, seeing him chatting with Natasha, the hard-faced producer from work. Only tonight her face was softer, her usually tight black ponytail replaced by a soft blow-wave of shiny locks. She was animated as she spoke to him, at one point reaching up to touch his face. Mitch took her hand and held it.

Tim returned and handed back her refilled glass.

Rachel forced her attention on him. ‘Thanks. Julia told me about Derek interviewing you for the
Melbourne Times
. I saw the article. You came up well.' She sipped her wine.

‘Yeah, he did a fine job. Telstra was pretty happy. Better than that, he's a top bloke. Good to find someone who likes a beer and knows how to hold an intelligent conversation. How's the newsreading going? I hear you're doing pretty well. Not that I've seen you read or anything. Too early for me with work.' He looked at his feet, rocking back on his heels.

Mitch and Natasha sat on the couch together, knees touching. It was infuriating that he could flirt openly with another woman after giving her the same signals. Rachel tried to focus on the conversation.

‘Um . . . I think it's going okay,' she said. ‘And apart from work, the perks are good. You now, like invitations to stuff. Took Kate to a movie premiere this week, and next Saturday Julia and Derek are coming to a party with me. It's for the launch of a new Network Six music show called
Rock Rap
, or something like that.' Her mind starting ticking over. Mitch would surely be going to the
Rock Rap
party too.

‘Sounds like fun,' said Tim. ‘But you know those A-lists parties aren't my thing.'

‘Well, even so . . .' Rachel paused. ‘What with Derek and Julia already coming, why don't you come along too? There'll be some great bands playing. With the four of us, it'll be a fun night.'

Tim sighed. ‘Look, it could be, but we know we've both moved on, Rach.'

She clasped his arm. ‘It's just a party, I'm not asking you to marry me or anything.'

‘And why not?' Derek appeared between them, bearing a plate of sausage rolls. He'd obviously overheard. ‘Then we could have one of those corny double weddings. Save a fortune on the catering!'

‘Ah, no thanks, on both counts.' Rachel waved her hand over the plate. ‘Counting calories now I'm looking like a heffalump on the telly.'

‘You are not!' Tim said. ‘You look great.'

‘But you said you hadn't seen me?' She looked at him in mock surprise.

‘Better keep moving before these get cold.' Derek whistled as he walked off.

‘Well . . . um . . . what I meant was . . . I might have . . .' Tim took a gulp of his beer.

Julia approached, shining in a new pale green silk dress. ‘Hey, you guys, thanks so much for coming.' She hugged Rachel. ‘Going to start up the dancing soon. You'll help me get it going, won't you, Rach?'

‘No holding me back,' she said.

‘And we'll be dancing next week too. You know, at that rock show launch.' She paused, looking up at Tim. ‘You should invite Tim along too.'

‘I've already asked but he's washing his hair that night.'

Tim shook his head. ‘I didn't say no. If Derek's coming too . . . okay, sure, count me in.'

‘Great,' said Julia. ‘Now that's settled, I'd better help Derek in the kitchen. I think I can smell something burning.'

***

Several hours later, Rachel's head was spinning from too much wine. She watched Mitch dancing with Natasha, twirling her around, laughing. She should just leave. She'd been bumping into people on the makeshift dance floor with her stumbling feet.

Tim was close by and she grabbed his arm. ‘I'm going to head off soon. Wanna share a cab?'

‘Sure, happy to share a cab.' He looked at her, puzzled, then manoeuvred her into a corridor. ‘Do you really want to share a cab? I mean, this is just a friends thing, right?'

‘Sure. It's fine, just fine. I'll get my coat.'

She walked to the laundry, the makeshift cloakroom, and heard someone call her name.

‘Rach? Going so early? We still haven't had that drink.' Mitch came towards her, reaching out to touch her arm.

She recoiled. ‘You've been pretty occupied.'

‘What, Tash? Oh no, it's not what you think. We're just buddies. And what are you doing with Tim? Gerard told me you guys had busted up.'

‘Yeah, we're just
buddies
. Have to take another raincheck on that drink. Bye!' She scooped up her coat and dashed past him.

***

The taxi pulled up outside Rachel's home. Tim got out and walked her to the front door. The outside light was on, but inside was dark. Lou and Neil must already be asleep.

Tim stood close, his voice soft. ‘Well, goodnight then. Guess I'll see you next week for that rock party.'

‘Yes, next week. I'll call you to sort out the details.'

When she moved to kiss his cheek, his hands gently guided her face so that their lips met instead. The kiss was sweet and familiar. She could smell his aftershave and felt his body pushing into hers. But it wasn't right. She pulled away slowly. ‘Night, Tim,' she said quietly.

‘Goodnight.' He smiled, eyes warm, before returning to the cab.

***

‘Only five more sleeps till you see Tim again,' Julia whispered to Rachel as she passed her desk the following Monday. Now Derek and Tim were buddies, she was pushing for Rachel to rekindle the relationship.

‘We're just going as friends,' she replied, as Rob's strident voice cut across their conversation, calling her to his desk.

‘So what am I covering today?' Rachel asked.

‘Might not be a lead, but I think it's one you'll want to do. Remember Liam Riley? Young kid in a battle with the grim reaper?'