Page 83 of Taking the Heat

As I headed for home, a gentle tug on my sleeve held me back. ‘Tara … may I walk with you?’

‘Aanya. I’m not really in the mood for a chat.’ My voice was flat and my tone harsh.

Aanya shrunk into herself like a bruised butterfly, her chin tucked downward. ‘I promise, I will not need much of your time.’

Her delicate expression and beautiful, beseeching face tipped me over. ‘Fine.’ I couldn’t say no; it would be like kicking a puppy. We walked along the wooden path, Aanya trailing slightly behind me.

‘I need to clarify something with you, something which might be of interest. Chris and I …’

Are in love? Are getting married? Are pregnant?‘What, Aanya?’

She flinched. ‘We … we are not together.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, since the cyclone, I owe Chris my life. He literally saved me and I can never repay that. We have become friends.’

‘With benefits?’ I said, curtly.

‘No!’ She shook her head, the elegant coils of mahogany hair bouncing softly. ‘No, just friends, genuine friends. My feelings changed after the storm; I couldn’t see him as my lover anymore. He is my saviour and my brother. Besides, there’s only room in his heart for one girl … and that isn’t me.’

My pulse throbbed in my temple. ‘Why are you telling me this?’

‘Because I see the way he looks at you and how you look at him. Also, the way you look at me, which is not very friendly.’ There was a cheeky glint in her eye as she spoke. ‘I know you are both struggling and I am trying to be there for Chris as his friend, because he is alone and hurting. But I am also in your corner, Tara. I am hoping very much that love will overcome.’

At some stage, I had begun crying without even realising it. ‘Haven’t you heard? I’m basically a prostitute! Taking Henry’s money and screwing Chris over!’

Aanya smiled understandingly. ‘I never believed that clip, even before Henry came and spoke to me.’

‘Chris did.’

‘No, he doesn’t. Chris is an honourable man. He is trying to give you what he thinks you need. And unless you tell him differently, what he believes you want right now is space.’

Now, I sobbed like a waterfall. Aanya pulled me to her sweet-smelling chest and rubbed my back. ‘Shah, shah,it is alright, you will see.’

‘I don’t know what to think anymore!’ I said, brokenly. ‘I don’t know if I can live without him, but it’s so hard!’

Aanya wiped the tears from my face and stared lovingly at me. ‘Nothing is impossible for pure love.’

***

Transcript of Tara M’s video: Day 19

Guys, do you want me to talk about the off-the-record stuff? Or just the rest of my day?

(Producer: Um … yeah, talk through everything and we’ll let the editing guys decide what to use.)

Okay. Today started with a knock on my door. I opened it cautiously. Considering all the people who’ve appeared unexpectedly at my door, I should just leave it open permanently.

Maxine, the executive producer stood there, bob gleaming and suit pants creased into sharp lines. ‘Tara. I’d like to speak with you.’

It wasn’t really a request. ‘Sure. No cameras?’ I looked around, puzzled.

‘This is a private visit,’ she said, pushing past me and sitting stiffly in my armchair. ‘Just a little girl talk, if you will.’

I almost laughed, but her severe stare had me biting back the giggle. ‘What’s up, Maxine?’

‘I saw the footage from yesterday’s video diary. You said you don’t wish to enter the fantasy cabin, is that still correct?’

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