I Followed the Rules by Joanna Bolouri

Author:Joanna Bolouri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quercus Publishing Ltd
Published: 2015-06-05T06:56:40+00:00

Chapter Twelve

‘You know I’m loving your column, Cat,’ Natasha announces as I take a seat in her office on Monday. ‘I understand that it hasn’t changed your life, but I do feel that you’re being a tad overcritical with regards to the author.’

‘Am I?’

She lifts a copy of the magazine, already open at my page. ‘If Guy Wright isn’t a friendless, loveless Neanderthal, I’ll be very surprised.’

I laugh. ‘He deserves it! He’s filling women’s minds full of shite that only exists in his own twisted world. He’s trying to turn us into robotic—’

‘He’s been in touch,’ she interrupts, handing me a printed email. ‘Seems he reads your column.’

‘You’re kidding?’ I laugh.

‘Nope, have a look.’

From: Wright, Guy

To: Carling, Natasha

Subject: Glasgow Girl

Dear Natasha,

Would it be possible for you to give me a call regarding Glasgow Girl’s current columns involving my book? I feel there are matters we need to discuss.

I look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.

Guy Wright

I hand her back the email. ‘Well, when you speak to him, just tell him that—’

‘We’ve already spoken. He’s quite charming. And keep the email, you might need his number – you’re meeting him for lunch today.’

My stomach flips. ‘Seriously? WHY?’

‘Because even though I offered to meet with him, he was insistent on meeting you personally. Be good for the newspaper – he very rarely speaks to the press apparently, despite all the hype.’

I think back to all the ridiculous hoops I’ve had to jump through lately and cannot believe I have to have lunch with that horse’s ass. ‘But, Natasha, he can’t meet me . . . I’m anonymous!’

‘So is he. Table is booked for twelve thirty at Yen. We’re paying. Go and see what he wants. Push for an interview.’

I stand up, email in hand, feeling confused but intrigued. I’ve done so many interviews, but never one where I’ve been on the receiving end of the heat.

‘And Cat? Be nice, please.’

I nod and shuffle out of her office. Why does he want to see me? Is he going to bribe me to be nicer about him? Is he going to sue me? Shit, maybe he’s going to punch me in the face over crispy beef and noodles. Still, at least I’ll get to tell him what I think of his book – not that he doesn’t know already.

I give Kerry a call at her office, hoping she’ll be able to calm me down.

‘Listen, you know that dating book I’m doing?’ I say, lowering my voice so Patrick doesn’t hear me. ‘The author has summoned me to lunch. Stop laughing!’

‘I’m sorry, but why the hell did you say yes? You’ve been a complete bitch about his book!’

‘I don’t have a choice. He arranged it with Natasha and she’s making me. I’m dreading it, to be honest. I bet he’s some middle-aged man with a spray tan and hair plugs who thinks he’s God’s gift.’

‘Probably. Just keep your cool. Don’t yell at him.’

‘Of course not. Anyway, I need to shoot off. Will let you know how I get on.

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