Page 14 of Narrow Margins
I have no idea what I’m letting myself in for, and I think this goes for Corrie as well, as this is a new experience for him, too. I normally breeze into every new event but, after all the shit this year, I seem to have lost my footing. It’s time to man up and prove myself again.
Straightening my shoulders, I look at Corrie and he gives me a brilliant smile, which makes me break out one of my own. “Let’s rock and roll!” I clap my hands and he laughs as we walk into the building.
“This way.” Corrie says and points down a different corridor.
I get the sudden urge to hold his hand but I don’t. My knuckles brush across the back of his hand and I feel him nudge back. What does that mean?
We stroll into a large—no, make that huge—room. I look around and suddenly it is familiar. I remember the bustle and hum of a shoot. I glance around at Corrie and smile, “I remember all this now, it just seems like a long time ago. The only photographs taken of me lately have been by paparazzi with invasive zoom lenses, but here, I think I’ll be okay.”
“I know you’ll be okay, and I know that the press is going to go mad when they see your return. You’ll be Mr. Hot Shot again in the blink of an eye. You’re still World Champion, y’know.” Corrie smiles and moves ahead of me. Noticing his slight limp, I frown.
I pick up speed to catch up with him, “Tell me if you’re in pain and I’ll give you some painkillers; I brought some with me, just in case.”
Corrie stops and gazes at me with a surprised expression, “You thought of me?”
“Yeah, it looked like you hurt yourself so I grabbed some ibuprofen.” I mutter.
“Thank you.”
Again, Raff interrupts us. “Hey, come on, guys, get over here.” He scowls when he notices Corrie’s cane. “What have you got that for?”
“I was just a bit stiff this morning, my hip hurts. It’s nothing, Raff.”
I peek at Corrie suspiciously but he catches me before I say anything.
“Leave it, Griff, it’s not worth it.” He shrugs and plods forward again, towards a beautiful young woman who stands next to a rail of clothing. Each hanger has a name attached to it; I’m excited to see what the ones with my name on look like.
When she notices me, she blushes, something I’m used to but never comfortable with. I smile and hold out my hand. “Hi, we haven’t met; I’m Griff Broderick.”
Taking my hand, she shakes it firmly, “Hi, Griff, I think we all know who you are. I’m Helena Carmichael.”
“You’re the designer? Wow, you have a wonderful collection.” I keep smiling then Raff saunters up and slaps me on the back.
“Keep your hands off her; she’s got a man and he’s a big guy.” He turns to the poor woman, who reddens like crazy, “You get any shit from him and I’ll chuck him out.”
I scowl. “That’s out of order, I was just saying hi.”
“I know your reputation, Griff; keep your hands off!” Raff stalks off to shout at someone else, leaving me thoroughly pissed off and wanting to walk out.
“Hey, Griff, ignore him. You know my husband, Austin Reynolds.” Helena smiles sweetly.
“Oh, wow! Small world.” I don’t really know what else to say but I’m saved by Corrie calling me. “Nice to meet you, say hi to Austin for me.”
Heading back over, Corrie waits for me then leads me to a group of chairs so we can sit down.
“Is your brother always such a dick?” I ask as my mood sours rapidly.
“No, I don’t know what’s up with him today, apart from the fact that Troy isn’t here and he normally comes down to have a look. Watch out, he’s coming over. Just smile at the dick.” Corrie plasters a fake smile over his face, causing me to bark out a laugh.
“Corrie, did you actually read the brief for today?” Raff studies him, waving a sheet of paper at him.
“Nope, I didn’t. Sorry.” There’s no way he’s sorry.
“Well, it says rough stubble and you’ve fucking shaved!” The paper gets waved again.
I don’t know Corrie very well but I think I can read him well enough this moment. A damn sight better than his brother, because he is about to blow.
“Raff,” Corrie’s voice is low and controlled, “I don’t know what the hell is up with you today but, if you don’t back off, I’m getting out of here. Go and find Troy and get your dick sucked or whatever it is you need to do to get out of this funk. Because, today, I don’t give a shit about your brief.”