Chapter 8- The Good News

Previously

Gary, Lucas’s media manager, organised Lucas and Isobel’s first major interview for after the Coastal Croc’s first game of the season. In this interview they planned to lie and say they’d met in 2006 to give more weight to their love story.

Thursday 29 March 2007

SPOTTED!

Lucas Goodspeed’s new squeeze Isobel Saunders mingling with die-hard Crocs supporters at the last training session of the season. Atta girl, you know the way to a guy’s heart- his football team!

Friday 30 March 2007

Coastal Crocs coach Jim Masterson said he was encouraged by the way his side held their nerve and ran away from a more experienced Eagles outfit at the Subiaco yesterday.

The Crocs won 18.10 (118) to 12.16 (88), having trailed by two points entering time-on in the third term, before Goodspeed kicked two late goals in that quarter, then three more at the start of the last, to pull away.

Goodspeed and fellow key forward Xavier Greene were seen as the big dangers to West Coast entering the game, given a mostly inexperienced Eagles defence, and the young guns lived up to this promise.

With Goodspeed starring for the Crocs, while small forwards Xavier Greene (three goals) and Carl Simons (two) also produced strong games, scoring was much easier for the Crocs throughout the match.

Speaking after the game Masterson played down the impact Goodspeed had on the win saying that ‘although, yes, Lucas is one of our stars, it was a team effort and I think he would agree that his contribution was nothing more or less then an extension of that effort.’

Goodspeed did agree, making no mention of his own outstanding performance in his post-match on-field interview; only stating that ‘the boys played well, they worked hard and didn’t lose heart when the Eagles really started putting us under the pump in the second quarter.’

Friday 30 March 2007

SPOTTED!

Isobel Saunders (AKA Cinderella) going nuts at the final siren on Friday night. Oh and that guy she was hugging…sorry ladies things aren’t on the rocks already, that was Lucas’s manager. Sitting in the stands in nowhere near the best seats Isobel seems to have charmed her fellow Crocs supporters and the rest of us come to that. Have we all made the commitment to stay in on Sunday night for her and Lucas’s first TV interview? Too right we have!

Saturday 31 2007

CAROLINE RATCHETT: It's 10 am and I'm on the roof of the famous Maynard Building having worked my way through more security than you’d surely encounter at Fort Knox. Sitting in front of me are Lucas Goodspeed and Isobel Saunders the young couple that burst onto the celebrity gossip scene earlier this week. Good morning to you both.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Hi, nice to meet you.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Morning.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: How are you? Lucas you look a bit rough, but then that was a pretty intense game you played last night.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: I’m fine, but it’s always a bit hard going the morning after a game. Adrenaline come down can really kick you in the-

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (quickly) Head.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Yeah, can really kick you in the head. Thanks Isobel.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Hang on, what was that? Can I believe what I’m seeing? Is the famous bad boy finally being tamed?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Oh I don’t know about that. Anyway, since when am I a bad boy? I thought I was the golden boy?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: You have your moments of both. As does everyone.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Really? Well then, I’m really looking forward to seeing your bad boy moment.

(All laugh)

CAROLINE RATCHETT: As are we all. The pair of you seem really comfortable together, how long have you known each other.

(ISOBEL and LUCAS exchange looks)

LUCAS GOODSPEED: We met last December. Isobel came down to visit her cousin and we met at a party.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Love at first sight?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (laughing) not exactly.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: I sense there’s a story here.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: No story, we ended up talking all night, but nothing more than that. We were both with someone.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: What did you talk about? Can you remember Isobel?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Honestly, no. Sometimes that night seems kind of unreal.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Yeah, I’d agree with that.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: So you met December ’06, then what? Long distance calls? Illicit texts?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: No nothing like that. Nothing at all actually. I was sure we’d never actually meet…again, that is, so I just pretended we’d never met.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And tried to forget about him?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Yeah, I guess, but it’s kind of hard to forget about Lucas.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Oh that’s sweet! Okay so what happened then? It sounds like a big gap before you met again.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: It was. And then when we did meet all she did was argue with me.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: No I didn’t!

LUCAS GOODSPEED: See? She’s still doing it!

CAROLINE RATCHETT: These arguments wouldn’t include the one you allegedly had at the pre-season party would they? The one where you, Lucas, supposedly called Isobel a slut?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: That was complete fabrication Caroline. Isobel and I argue over stupid little things, but I would never talk to, or about her like that.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: That’s good to hear. Obviously, arguments aside, there must have been a spark otherwise we wouldn’t be sitting her together today.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: A guy would have to be crazy to walk away from this girl a second time, Caroline. She’s the real deal.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (blushing) Thank you. I think a lot of people would be surprised to know Lucas is the real deal too.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Surprised?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Yeah, I’ve seen some of the press Lucas gets and he sometimes seems to be made out as some sort of mythical hero. He’s seriously just a normal guy.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: With just the looks of a mythical hero.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (laughing) Yeah, definitely.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Thanks sweetheart. And this from the woman who sees me first thing in the morning and last thing at night after I’ve had strips torn off me at training.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: First thing in the morning and late at night? Sounds like you’re living together, are you?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: You’re supposed to be the journalist, you figure it out.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: What he means is yes, we are living together.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: So soon?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Well you know how it is. When it’s right, it’s right and all that.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: I was living with my cousin who was so incredibly kind in letting me stay, but her place was small and-

LUCAS GOODSPEED: And once the press got wind that we were together it wasn’t feasible anymore.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Do you worry about her safety Lucas?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Every second.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: It’s not as bad as all that. I’m perfectly safe, Lucas has just had some bad experiences.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And you’re not worried about your safety Isobel?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Why would I be? Lucas is looking out for me.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: The pair of you have amazing chemistry, I can feel the buzz from over here. Is this it? Love, security, passion, the whole deal?

(ISOBEL and LUCAS exchange looks and smile)

LUCAS GOOSPEED: So I’ve been told.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Sorry?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: He just means that the morning after the night we met…again…there were already stories about us being in love.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: But you’re not?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: I didn’t say that.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Never a straight answer with you is there, Lucas?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Not if I can help it.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: You’re hopeless! Isobel, I’ll try talking to you instead

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Okay.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: What’s your story? You seem to have come out of nowhere.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Not nowhere, just not the sort of circles Lucas usually moves within. I have lived most of my life in a small town a few hours from the city.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And what are you doing now you’re in the city? I’ve heard rumours about fashion lines, acting gigs and modelling stints, any of those on the cards?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (looking shocked and then laughing) No, nothing like that at all! I know nothing about fashion, I couldn’t act to save my life, and as for modelling…well that’s more than a bit unlikely! No, I’m doing what I did back home, I’m working with kids, well, just one kid actually.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: A nanny?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Yeah, sort of.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: So it seems that the glamour of the parties and media buzz isn’t your focus.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: No, it really isn’t. Between my job and spending a few hours with Lucas each day I’m pretty knackered.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Just a few hours with Lucas are that exhausting?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: You’ve seen my stamina on the field Caroline, what do you think?

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Stop it, you’re making me blush. Let’s move on, are you a Coastal Crocs supporter Isobel?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Of course, I bleed green and black just like everyone else around here.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Yeah, you really should see a doctor about that.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And so you obviously enjoy watching Lucas play.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: I love it. Lucas is portrayed as so many things in the media and he plays up to it sometimes, but when he’s playing you can see how he really is.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And how is that?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Dedicated, fair, controlled, formidable, intelligent, but, most of all, fiercely loyal.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Wow, that’s really something. I notice you aren’t chiming in with any witty quips now, Lucas. Has she knocked you speechless?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Yeah actually.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Is that a first?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: I’d say it is.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: You certainly always used to have something to say about Zarah Jones. Yours was billed as the greatest love of the century, what happened there?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: (sarcastically) Thanks for bringing that up in front of my current girlfriend Caroline, it’s very much appreciated.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Play nice, Lucas.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Oh is Zarah a sticking point for you both? She certainly wasn’t very complimentary about you at the end there Lucas.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: She’s definitely not a ‘sticking point’ for Isobel and me, we haven’t even discussed her. We both have had serious relationships in the past, mine just happens to have been with someone well known.

CARLOINE RATCHETT: You’ve never conclusively denied the cheating accusations Zarah levelled at you. Why is that?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Because it deserves about as much attention as someone saying I’ve got four arms; it’s such a blatant lie it doesn’t really need denying. Anyone who matters knows it’s not true and I couldn’t really give a stuff about the others.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: But would you rather a public denial, Isobel?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Not at all, I respect Lucas’s decision completely.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: You’re certainly a very understanding girlfriend! I don’t think any woman in Australia would blame you for feeling threatened about Lucas’s ex, she is stunning.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: I agree, she’s gorgeous. I would go crazy if I tried to compare myself to her so I don’t.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And you really seem to mean it too! It’s pretty rare to come across this sort of modest honesty. How did you catch this little gem, Lucas?

LUACS GOODSPEED: Beats me.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: I know the word 'nice' irritates a lot of people, but I’m just going to go ahead and say Isobel you are one of the nicest people I've ever met.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Thank you, there are worse things to be called than nice.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: And I’ve been called just about every one of them.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: (teasing) Can’t imagine why.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: Thank you for your time. Isobel it was good to meet you and Lucas, as always, it’s been a pleasure.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Thanks Caroline.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Nice to meet you too.

CAROLINE RATCHETT: And so there you have it- Australia’s new golden couple. As I watch them walk away across the roof, Lucas holding the door open gentleman-style for Isobel, I can’t help thinking that, all the hype aside, this is one couple who are going to make it.

Sunday 1 April 2007

SPOTTED!

Lucas Goodspeed and Isobel Saunders sharing the love with Caroline Ratchett on TV last night. Is there anyone who didn’t see that interview? …Anyone? Nope, everyone saw it then. Boy do we love this Lucas guy or what? Already hot, talented, brooding and chivalrous, he’s just gone and done the final thing to make himself irresistible to women- fallen in love with a mere mortal. Don’t worry Lucas, if things don’t work out with the delightful Miss Saunders we know an entire nation of women quite happy to pick up where she left off.

Sunday 1 April 2007

RICHIE BRADDO: I’m live at the glitzy party for Brad Stevenson’s 100th game and here comes Lucas Goodspeed and his new flame Isobel. Can I have a word guys?

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Should’ve known you’d be here somewhere Richie. Look mate, we’re just on our way over to congratulate Stevo, that’s why we’re here. We didn’t come to give an interview.

RICHIE BRADDO: Two seconds, you can give me two seconds. Hi there Isobel, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Richie Braddo, columnist at Kick! We all saw you at the match on Friday night, you’re a good little barracker. What did you think of how your boy played?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Hmm, well I think he got lost in the West pocket a couple of times there and he missed a given at the start of the second quarter.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Well thanks for your support sweetheart.

RICHIE BRADDO: Wow, have you been listening to the post-match commentary, Isobel? You sprouted that like you actually knew what you were talking about!

LUCAS GOODSPEED: Geez Richie, could you be any more patronising?

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: I was just teasing, honestly I thought he was brilliant.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: We’ve been through this, I’m only as good as the team.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Yes, and your team is brilliant.

RICHIE BRADDO: Of course the boys did well. But the real story here is your face when Lucas didn’t get the free kick in that tense third quarter, Isobel. It looked like you were going to march down onto the ground and give that umpire a piece of your mind.

ISOBEL SAUNDERS: Without meaning to be rude, I have to disagree. The real story is the game and all the hard work put in by the two clubs so that a whole bunch of people could have an awesome Friday night out. As for the umpires, they do an incredibly difficult and unenviable job and if I looked annoyed it was only my duty as a Crocs supporter.

RICHIE BRADDO: Well, that’s very diplomatic of you.

LUCAS GOODSPEED: There’s a difference between diplomacy and a genuine respect for both teams and umpires, Richie, and I think my girlfriend just taught it to you. Now, excuse us, we’re going to go and talk to Stevo now.

Monday 2 April 2007

SPOTTED!

Lucas and Isobel cosy-ing up at Brad Stevenson’s bash attended by all the bright sparks on the coastal social scene. Insiders say they were never more than a couple of metres apart the whole night and that Isobel won over all of Lucas’s tough talking footy mates within an hour…without even taking off her top. Surely a first. Nice going Isobel!

Monday 2 April 2007

Life is a rollercoaster, so sang little Ronan Keating, and if you are Zarah Jones this week you’d have to be thinking that never was a truer word spoken.

Dear readers, think back just three weeks, or, if that’s stretching the grey matter a bit, just pull out past copies of Gloss Goss and look at the front covers. What do you see? That’s right, Zarah and Lucas plastered everywhere, big happy smiles (well Zarah was smiling, we all know Lucas is notoriously difficult to knock a grin out of) and protestations of ever lasting love.

Fast forward one week and suddenly it’s all gone terribly wrong. Zarah is calling foul play on her hunky footballer boyfriend and Lucas makes good speed (ha ha) towards the exit without so much as a backward glance at the luscious lady regularly voted Australia’s sexiest woman.

Jump forward just one more week and Lucas has suddenly revealed the ace up his sleeve. The shy, doting Isobel has been pulled out of obscurity and it now appears that, far from pining over losing Zarah (AKA the hottest thing since stiletto boots), Lucas has been loving it up.

Let’s face it, this love triangle should be the equivalent of two sleek sports cars racing against a battered Morris Minor. But, for reasons best known to savvy media managers, the public has dropped Zarah like a bad apple and Isobel, the blushing peach, has been welcomed in to the public fruit bowl of adoration.

Don’t get us here at Gloss Goss wrong, we love Miss Saunders, it is unlikely that anyone who saw her recent TV interview, where she blushed and smiled and was just generally adorable, came away thinking anything but good things about her. However, we’re worried how long she can last. We all love Goodspeed, hell it’s un-Australian not to, but we’ve all seen his erratic behaviour when it comes to his girlfriends and the press.

Grab your favourite celebrity gossip magazine (Gloss Goss of course!), this is going to be one relationship you’re going to want to watch very closely!

Author's Note

So there you have it. Something a bit different for this chapter. I hope it made sense. I had a lot of fun trying different writing styles and reading all sorts of trashy articles and blunt, masculine sports reports. Next chapter will be back to the usual format.

Oh yeah, couldn’t resist the Crocs (just replace the second ‘c’ with a ‘w’ and you’ll hit the jackpot!) crushing the Eagles in the first game of the season!

Thanks as always to the fantastic people who PM, email and review, they are a wonderful kick in the pants during the times when I’ve descended into slackness.

Cheers

Jess/star123