Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes by Sue Watson Page A

acknowledging it.
    “As a result of this – I have to say, well-deserved – promotion, there will be some staff changes,” she added.
    “OK. I’m sure that’s fine.” I said, half-smiling, a little concerned this might lose me the second series, but perhaps my promotion meant something even bigger?
    “Yes. There will be lots of changes round here,” she glared straight at me. “Starting with you.”
    Oh no. She wanted me back in her department. This was going to be harder than I’d thought. I gathered all my strength and launched into my well-rehearsed speech.
    “MJ, I don’t mean to be rude but I have no intention of returning to work with you in Documentaries. I realise that my new-found success means that I would be a good name to put next to a new series and may give the company a bigger chance of a commission, but I’m now committed to Gardening.” I looked straight at her, waiting for a reaction, but she just continued talking like I hadn’t said a word.
    “It’s been decided that we need fresh blood in Gardening and a young producer with new ideas has been appointed for God’s Garden ,” she sat back, licking her lips. “As you know, we’re always looking for something new and different, Stella,” she said, with a twisted smile.
    I was confused, but hopeful. “Oh, am I going to be promoted to executive producer?” This was beyond my wildest dreams.
    She shook her head incredulously and, tilting it to one side in mock-concern, said; “Oh Stella, I’m sorry. Did I give you the impression that you ’d been promoted?” Fake, theatrical horror filled her face.
    A chill ran down my spine. “No, I er...I suppose, I assumed...”
    “Well, you know what they say about assumptions, Stella , ” she licked her lips with unadulterated, unconcealed joy.
    “MJ, why are we having this meeting?”
    “Well Stella, because I wanted to tell you the wonderful news myself,” her mean lips sipped on Diet Coke to prolong my agony further.
    I held onto everything I’d got. I needed to keep calm and above all not allow her to get to me. She wasn’t going to turn me to jelly and make me cry this time, however hard she tried.
     “Exactly what is the news?” I asked, willing myself to stay calm.
    “The news is that I’ve just been confirmed as the new Executive Programming Director of Media World. I’ll be reporting directly to Frank Moores – the owner, no less. You know what that means, don’t you Stella?”
    I didn’t answer.
    “It means I will be in charge of all the programmes in the company’s portfolio. Mmm...I can’t wait to get my hands dirty in Gardening!”
    “It looks like you already have.” I said in monotone, not even attempting to hide my despair at this news.
    “No congratulations, Stella? I’ll be your boss again.”
    I stared at her, numb, stunned. For about thirty long seconds I didn’t say a word. I just let it all sink in.
     “And this brings me to the real reason for this meeting. Unfortunately, my first task in my new role is not a happy one. As I’m sure you know, Media World has a strict policy on Health and Safety and all contributors are to be thoroughly checked prior to allowing their involvement in any programme...”
    It took me a moment to realise where she was going with this.
    “...and as the producer you have to take ultimate responsibility for all decisions regarding the programme.”
    Bile rose into my throat and my eyes stung. Surely this couldn’t be happening? MJ was watching me intently, her eyes glittering, as she steamrollered over my career.
    “Failure to account for Gerard’s criminal background, however minor it turned out to be, and to complete the relevant safety documentation is a serious mistake, one which can endanger all Media World’s current contracts...”
    The room started to swim around me. MJ’s face blurred and twisted.
    “There were children on the show, Stella. What if something had happened? All senior management here are