Twenties Girl
“Different.” I nod.
He rips open a bag of peanuts and offers it to me, and I watch him as he crunches them hungrily. Even though he’s looking relaxed, the frown lines are still faintly etched on his brow.
Well, no wonder. He’s had a lot to frown about. I can’t help feeling a rush of pity for him as I think about it. Losing his fiancée. Coming to work in a strange city. Just getting through life, week after week, without enjoying it. It was probably really good for him to come dancing. It was probably the most fun he’s had in months.
“Ed,” I say on impulse. “Let me take you sightseeing. You should see London. It’s criminal that you haven’t. I’ll show you around. At the weekend sometime?”
“I’d like that.” He seems genuinely touched. “Thanks.”
“No problem! Let’s email.” We smile at each other, and I drain my sidecar with a slight shudder. (Sadie made me order it. Totally revolting.)
Ed glances at his watch. “So, are you ready to go?”
I glance over at the dance floor. Sadie’s still going strong, flinging her arms and legs around with no sign of flagging. No wonder all the girls in the twenties were so skinny.
“Let’s go.” I nod. Sadie can catch up with us when she’s ready.
We head out into the Mayfair night. The street lanterns are on, mist is rising from the pavements, and nobody’s about. We head to the corner and after a few minutes flag down a couple of cabs. I’m starting to shiver, in my skimpy dress and threadbare cloak. Ed ushers me into the first taxi, then pauses, holding the door open.
“Thanks, Lara,” he says in that formal preppy way he has. I’m actually starting to find it quite endearing. “I had a good time. It was… quite a night.”
“Wasn’t it!” I adjust my diamanté cap, which has fallen lopsided with all the dancing, and Ed’s mouth twitches with amusement.
“So, should I wear my spats for sightseeing?”
“Definitely.” I smile. “And a top hat.”
Ed laughs. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever heard him laugh. “Good night, twenties girl.”
“Good night.” I close the door and the taxi roars off.
SEVENTEEN
Next morning I feel a bit dazed. Charleston music is ringing in my ears and I keep having flashbacks to being The Great Lara. The whole thing feels like a dream.
Except it’s not a dream, because Clare Fortescue’s résumé is already in my in-box when I arrive at work. Result!
Kate’s eyes are like saucers as I print out the email.
“Who on earth’s this?” she says, poring over the résumé. “Look, she’s got an MBA! She’s won a prize!”
“I know,” I say nonchalantly. “She’s a top, award-winning marketing director. We networked last night. She’s going on the Leonidas Sports short list.”
“And does she know she’s going on the short list?” says Kate in excitement.
“Yes!” I snap, flushing slightly. “Of course she does.”
By ten o’clock the list has been finalized and sent off to Janet Grady. I flop back in my chair and grin at Kate, who’s staring intently at her computer screen.
“I’ve found a picture of you!” she says. “From the dinner last night. Lara Lington and Ed Harrison arrive at the Business People dinner.” She hesitates, looking puzzled. “Who’s he? I thought you were back with Josh.”
“Oh, I am,” I say at once. “Ed is just… a business contact.”
“Oh, right.” Kate is gazing at her computer screen, a little dreamily. “He’s quite good-looking, isn’t he? I mean, Josh is too,” she amends hastily. “In a different way.”
Honestly, she has no taste. Josh is a million times better-looking than Ed. Which reminds me, I haven’t heard from him for a while. I’d better call, just in case his phone has gone wrong and he’s been sending texts and wondering why I haven’t been answering.
I wait until Kate has gone to the bathroom so I have a little privacy, then dial his office.
“Josh Barrett.”
“It’s me,” I say lovingly. “How was the trip?”
“Oh, hi. It was great.”
“Missed you!”
There’s a pause. I’m pretty sure Josh says something in response, but I can’t quite hear.
“I was wondering if your phone was going wrong?” I add. “Because I haven’t received any texts from you since yesterday morning. Are mine getting through OK?”