John Gavin shoots her an irritated look.
“What precisely did you want to explain to me, Miss Bloomwood?”
“Well. Just that I really want to sort things out,” I say, my voice trembling. “You know, I really want to turn things around. I want to stand on my own two feet, and—”
“Stand on your own two feet?” interrupts John Gavin scathingly. “You call taking handouts from a bank ‘standing on your own two feet’? If you were really standing on your own two feet, you’d have no overdraft. You’d have a few assets by now! You, of all people, shouldn’t need telling that.”
“I… I know,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “But the fact is, I have got an overdraft. And I just thought—”
“You thought what? That you’re special? That you’re an exception because you’re on the television? That the normal rules don’t apply to you? That this bank owes you money?”
His voice is like a drill in my head and suddenly I feel myself snap.
“No!” I cry. “I don’t think that. I don’t think any of that. I know I’ve been stupid, and I know I’ve done wrong. But I think that everyone does wrong occasionally.” I take a deep breath. “You know, if you look at your files, you’ll see I did pay off my overdraft. And I did pay off my store cards. And OK, I’m in debt again. But I’m trying to sort it out — and all you can do is… is sneer. Well, fine. I’ll sort myself out without your help. Come on, Suze.”
Shaking slightly, I get to my feet. My eyes are hot, but I’m not going to cry in front of him. There’s a shaft of determination inside me, which strengthens as I turn to face him.
“Endwich — because we care,” I say.
There’s a long, tense silence. Then, without saying anything else, I open the door and walk out.
As we walk home, I feel almost high with determination. I’ll show him. I’ll show that John Gavin. And all of them. The whole world.
I’m going to pay off my debts. I don’t know how — but I’m going to do it. I’ll take an extra job waitressing, maybe. Or I’ll get down to it, and finish my self-help book. I’ll just make as much money as I can, as quickly as I can. And then I’ll go into that bank with a huge check, and plonk it down in front of him, and in a dignified but pointed voice, I’ll say—
“Bex?” Suze grabs my arm — and I realize I’m walking straight past our house.
“Are you OK?” says Suze as she lets us in. “Honestly, what a bastard.”
“I’m fine,” I say, lifting my chin. “I’m going to show him. I’m going to pay off my overdraft. Just wait. I’m going to show them all.”
“Excellent!” says Suze. She bends down and picks up a letter from the doormat.
“It’s for you,” she says. “From Morning Coffee!”
“Oh right!” As I’m opening the envelope, I feel a huge leap of hope. Maybe they’re offering me a new job! Something with a huge salary, enough to pay off my debts straight away. Maybe they’ve sacked Emma and I’m going to take her place as the main presenter! Or maybe…
Oh my God. Oh my God, no.
Morning Coffee
East-West Television
Corner House
London NW8 4DW
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
2 October 2000
Dear Becky:
First of all, bad luck on your recent unfortunate bout of publicity! I really felt for you, and I know I also speak for Rory, Emma, and all the rest of the team.
As you know, the Morning Coffee family is a fiercely loyal and supportive one, and it is our policy never to allow adverse publicity to stand in the way of talent. However, completely coincidentally, we have recently been reviewing all our regular contributors. Following some discussion, we have decided to rest you from your slot for a while.
I must emphasize that this is just a temporary measure. However, we would appreciate it if you would return your East-West TV pass in the envelope provided and also sign the enclosed release document.
The work you’ve done for us has been fabulous (obviously!). We just know that your talents will flourish elsewhere and that this will not prove a setback to someone as dynamic as yourself!
With very best wishes,
Zelda Washington
Assistant Producer
PARADIGM BOOKS LTD
695 SOHO SQUARE
LONDON W1 5AS
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
4 October 2000
Dear Becky:
Thank you very much for your first draft of Manage Money the Bloomwood Way. We appreciated the care that had gone into your work. Your writing is well paced and fluent, and you certainly made some interesting points.