MADE IN ESSEX. Laura Ziepe

don’t have to pay.’

      ‘Thank you,’ Chloe said.

      ‘Kelly, she’s tanned enough!’ Jade protested.

      Kelly shook her head. ‘You can never be tanned enough; you know my motto.’

      *

      Chloe left Jade’s house, feeling on cloud nine. She couldn’t believe they actually wanted her to model! Her friends would all be so jealous. Maybe she wouldn’t tell them? She hated it when they envied her; they acted all weird and quiet, and she knew they constantly spoke about her behind her back. She recalled the one time when she started going out with the hottest boy from college, Adam Lockwood. Everyone had fancied him and she’d only said yes because all her friends had boyfriends at the time and she wanted to be able to join in conversations about dating and snogging. Her friends had been so bitchy, arranging days and nights out without telling her and not including her in any conversations. It was only when she broke up with him that they went back to normal, as though it had never happened. At first she thought she’d done something wrong, but when she confessed to her mum what was happening, she told her they were simply jealous, and that jealousy brought out a very vicious and nasty side to people. She didn’t want everyone to hate her but nothing could stop her feeling excited about tomorrow. She was going to have her own professional photos done as well as a free bikini and Kelly, who always looked gorgeous in her opinion, was going to be doing her spray tan, hair and make-up! Then to top it all off, she was going to be featured on their website! Chloe couldn’t wait to tell her mum. Sam and her dad might not like the idea of images of her wearing nothing but a bikini online so maybe she wouldn’t tell them for now. Her dad was so over-protective and old fashioned and she just knew he would ramble on about weirdos and perverts looking at her photos online. Sam looked out for her, but he wasn’t over the top like her dad, so maybe he would be okay with it.

      Her mobile started ringing and Chloe was surprised when she saw Adele’s number flashing on the screen.

      ‘Hi Adele. You okay?’

      ‘Hello, babe,’ came the husky reply. ‘Yeah I’m good thanks. You?’

      ‘Yeah I’m really well,’ Chloe said. ‘Thanks again for the other night.’

      ‘That’s fine, honey. I only ended up going back to Sam’s didn’t I? God we were so wasted,’ Adele gave a little laugh.

      Chloe was stunned and didn’t know what to say. Sam was with Jade; what on earth was he playing at? ‘Oh. What happened?’ She closed her eyes, trying to block out the thought of it.

      There was a long pause. ‘Well it’s a bit awkward saying seeing as you’re his little sister, but I slept with him.’

      Chloe felt sick. She’d always respected Sam so much and Jade was lovely. She never thought he would cheat on her. How could he? ‘Oh,’ was all Chloe managed to finally reply.

      Adele exhaled what Chloe guessed was a cloud of smoke. ‘Yeah I know. I’m not exactly proud, but it takes two to tango doesn’t it?’ she replied robustly.

      ‘Yes, I suppose so,’ Chloe mumbled.

      ‘Anyway, babe. The reason I was calling is because I know I can trust you with something. It’s a long story, but basically Kelly and Jade have stolen my business idea and I know they’re going to be asking you to model the bikinis for their website.’

      Chloe didn’t like the sound of this. She was sure Jade and Kelly would never steal Adele’s ideas, but Adele scared her too much for her to say that. She swallowed hard. ‘Yes, they did mention something about it,’ she answered wanly.

      ‘Oh good. I knew they would. Anyway hun, like I said, me and you go way back and I know I can trust you. I’ll need you to get in with them and report back to me what they’re doing and any new designs they come up with. I can count on you, can’t I, Chloe? You won’t let me down after I helped you the other night, will you?’ Adele’s voice was hectoring.