Idol. Carrie Duffy

even more as she saw the battering her old rival was getting from the papers. Looks like both of us got laid last night.

      9

      ‘Jenna, what the fuck is going on?’ Gerry King screamed down the phone.

      ‘I don’t know, Gerry, I don’t know. Oh God, I’m so sorry. I swear nothing happened – it’s all lies, I promise,’ Jenna apologized hysterically.

      ‘I’ve been trying to get through all fucking morning – where the hell have you been?’

      ‘I’m sorry, Gerry, I’ve only just woken up. I guess my mobile was off and—’

      ‘Jesus, it’s all right for some,’ interrupted Gerry, under his breath.

      ‘… And then this morning when I saw the news I turned it back on, but it wouldn’t stop ringing, Gerry, the phone just wouldn’t stop!’

      ‘Do you know what a mess this is Jenna? I’ve spent all fucking night trying to sort this out, while you were blissfully unconscious.’

      ‘I’m so sorry, Gerry.’ Jenna was crying now, struggling to get the words out. ‘It wasn’t my fault, I don’t know what …’ She trailed off, not even knowing what she was trying to say.

      ‘Look, get yourself over here and we’ll take care of it. Figure out some way to get out of this hole.’

      ‘Just tell them it’s all lies – sue their fucking arses.’

      ‘It might not be that simple,’ Gerry warned ominously. ‘I didn’t want to do anything before I spoke to you, but we need to put out a statement – my people can’t hold them off for much longer.’

      ‘You want me to come over? You think I’m in any state to go out?’ Jenna exploded. ‘I look like shit and there are a pack of photographers out there. Do you know how many people are out there, Gerry?’ she demanded. ‘The street’s packed and it’s absolute mayhem. My neighbours are going to be so pissed off,’ she added irrationally.

      ‘Okay, fair point,’ admitted Gerry, forcing himself to stay calm as he realized how upset Jenna was. ‘But I need to talk to you. I’ll come over, okay? Stay put until I get there.’

      ‘I’m hardly gonna go fucking shopping!’ screamed Jenna, but Gerry had hung up. She stared at the phone in her hand and it immediately began ringing again. Withheld number.

      Out of some morbid curiosity she couldn’t quite explain, Jenna answered it. ‘Hello?’ she asked cautiously.