Page 86 of Bad Influence
‘To pretend everything happened in the conventional way?’
She nodded. ‘To appear perfect, I guess.’
‘Perfect is rarely how life actually is,’ I said. ‘We all struggle, no matter who we are. I think there is real power in admitting that.’
Mandy looked at me. I tried to read the expression on her face, but struggled. She was quiet, reflective.
A loud knock at the door broke the silence between us.
It was Blair. ‘Coffees are here. I got you a decaf, Mandy!’ they called cheerily through the door. ‘I’ll leave them on the step. Good news, the weather’s clearing.’
‘Thank you – be out in a minute!’ Mandy yelled back.
Then she reached across for my hand – a physical gesture I had only felt from her once, after we had the first spat on the at-home shoot. This time it felt more genuine. It was crazy but it seemed as though we were becoming friends.
‘You think it will go down well, the truth?’ she asked, looking directly into my pupils.
‘It’s your decision, Mandy, of course. But I’m sure it will. Do you want to go viral, to influence others, for all therightreasons?’
We were disturbed by another knock and then the door opened. Jimi peered around the corner. His curly brown hair looked windswept and framed his face, his restless dark eyes sparkling. I sat bolt upright, conscious the bump was sitting on the seat beside Mandy.
‘Is everything okay?’ Jimi asked.
She didn’t flinch.
‘We’re just talking about the photos and a potential new angle,’ said Mandy. ‘Will you grab Jose please, Jimi, then come back. We need him here for this.’
Jimi disappeared down the steps and we heard him call for Jose to join us.
Within seconds they were both entering the Winnebago and Jose joined Mandy and I in the seating area.
‘You both look serious. What’s happened?’ Jose asked. ‘Do I need my lawyer?’ Then his eyes lowered, and he took in the discarded bump. ‘Oh.’
‘It’s more what’sgoingto happen,’ replied Mandy. ‘Amber knows, and she’s had an idea.’
‘Another one,’ he said sardonically.
Mandy’s nose twitched. There was a feverish intensity about her now, I could tell she was almost sold on the idea. ‘Pregnancy is a symbol of creation and new beginnings, right?’
Jose replied, ‘Yes, of course, what are you getting at, baby?’
‘Well, I originally thought it meant I needed to wear a fake bump in order to conform to the expectation that being pregnant equalled making a baby and carrying it inthe traditional way. But why bow down to the pressure to maintain that façade? Amber has encouraged me to see that there is no shame in sharing our true experience. In fact, in doing so, we will help others to relate and engage.’
‘Authenticity builds trust,’ I added, ‘and trust is essential for building a loyal audience over here in the UK, as well as globally. Your truth will have a much deeper impact and stand out in a sea of polished content.’
I paused, giving Jose a minute to get his head around what we were asking. Jimi was holding back, standing by the door.
I turned to him. ‘Did you know?’ I asked.
‘About what?’
‘Come on, Jimi. About Mandy not carrying the baby herself.’
‘Of course, I did, Amber. Who do you think started the pregnancy rumours?’ he replied.
‘That trending video from the party; with me dancing like an idiot – it was you?’
‘Who else? I was initially capturing you, to record those epic dance moves you were throwing.’ He shot me a cheeky smile. ‘But then we thought it was the perfect clip to start the rumour mill turning.’
