Alyson,’ she burst out, feeling stupid.
‘Enchanté de faire votre connaissance.’
‘Et vous aussi.’
‘You speak excellent French,’ Philippe complimented her.
‘Thank you,’ Alyson managed to stammer. He still hadn’t let go of her hand.
‘Man, this place is a mess!’ Aidan exclaimed as he emerged from the back. He stopped short as he took in the scene before him – Alyson, flushed and breathless, shaking the hand of some sleazy-looking guy almost twice her age.
His eyes narrowed and Alyson instinctively pulled back, as though caught doing something she shouldn’t. She didn’t know why she felt so guilty – Aidan never minded her talking to the customers.
‘Sorry,’ she apologized quickly. ‘I started tidying up but then …’ She stopped, unsure of what to say next.
Philippe stood up and turned to Aidan. ‘It is all my fault,’ he said easily. ‘I have been distracting your staff, and I apologize.’
Aidan stared at him coolly for a moment, taking an instant dislike to this arrogant prick. ‘No problem,’ he said through clenched teeth.
Alyson watched the two men nervously, sensing the animosity that crackled between them.
Philippe knocked back his drink then threw a twenty-euro note on the counter. ‘Keep the change. Nice to speak with you, Alyson.’
He walked out of the door without looking back.
Music pounded from the stereo speakers, a David Guetta track that was storming the charts all over Europe. The volume was turned up to max and the tiny apartment began to vibrate like a nightclub.
Alyson was sitting at the dining table eating her dinner, surrounded by piles of CeCe’s sketches and half-finished garments.
Dionne and CeCe were getting ready for yet another night out in their usual flamboyant fashion. As Alyson ate, Dionne let out a whoop and grabbed a deodorant can from where it had been flung on the coffee table before mounting the sofa, her legs wide apart in an attempt to keep her balance on the squashy cushions. She was fresh out of the shower and naked apart from a black lace thong that left nothing to the imagination. Using the can as a microphone she posed like a rock star, waving her arms in the air and thrusting out her crotch as she sang along with the music, her breasts swaying as she danced.
Alyson looked down at her plate. She tried to avoid seeing her own body naked, and had no desire to see anyone else’s grinding in front of her.
‘Why don’t you come out with us tonight?’ Dionne suggested, as she jumped down from the sofa and poured herself a glass of champagne. The question was becoming a constant refrain. Dionne always asked, and Alyson always said no.
‘I have to work.’
‘So call in sick,’ CeCe shrugged. She was lying on the floor, smoking a cigarette and watching Dionne.
‘I can’t,’ Alyson insisted.
‘Come on, live a little!’ Dionne chided, as Alyson flushed. Then Dionne changed tactics. ‘Please,’ she begged, her lips obscenely large as she pouted. ‘I’m celebrating! I got me a modelling job and I want you to come celebrate with me.’
‘Congratulations, Dionne,’ Alyson smiled, genuinely pleased for her.
‘Thank you.’ Dionne made a sweeping bow, a movement that sent her bare breasts swinging.
Alyson averted her eyes. ‘What is it for?’
‘Catalogue work.’ Dionne made a face. ‘Not exactly high fashion, but the pay’s pretty awesome.’ Of course, she hadn’t got the job for Pierre Gavroche. They’d even rung up her agency to complain about her – yeah, like she was the one with the attitude problem. But a day spent hauling her ass around town from one casting to the next had finally paid off. ‘So are you gonna come?’
‘I’d love to,’ Alyson lied, ‘but I really can’t let Aidan down. Friday nights are always so busy, and we’re short-staffed as it is.’
‘Oooh, who’s Aidan?’ Dionne squealed. ‘He sounds hot.’
‘He’s my boss.’
‘And is he hot?’ Dionne pressed.
‘I …’ Alyson faltered, unsure of what to say. She hated it when Dionne put her on the spot like that. ‘… He’s a really nice guy.’
Dionne burst into peals of laughter. ‘Come out with us, honey – we’ll introduce you to some hot guys. We know all the cutest men in Paris. We’d find you someone, no problem.’
Alyson looked away uncomfortably as CeCe watched her curiously, blowing smoke up to the ceiling. ‘Have you ever had a boyfriend, Alyson?’ she asked casually.
Alyson glanced up sharply, feeling as if she’d been caught out. ‘No,’ she admitted, feeling hot with embarrassment as she saw the surreptitious glance that passed between Dionne and CeCe. She suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to fit in, to confide in someone about the man she’d met at work today, and the feelings he’d evoked. ‘There is someone I like though …’
Dionne let out a whoop. ‘Yeah, go, Alyson!’ she cried. ‘So come on, who is he?’
‘He’s … I met him at work …’ she began hesitantly.
‘I knew it!’ Dionne exclaimed triumphantly. ‘I knew this Aidan guy sounded cute! So you have a little crush on your boss, huh?’
Alyson opened her mouth to correct her, but Dionne was in full flow. ‘Hell, go for it, girl. You’ve got to have a little fun while you’re at work. Makes the day go faster. Hey, we’re both gonna be on missions tonight!’
Alyson looked at her in confusion as Dionne carried on. ‘While you’re working your charms on the delectable Aidan, I also have my sights set on a guy and tonight’s the night he’s gonna be mine,’ she growled. ‘He’s handsome, charming – and rich as fuck. Everything I want in a man. I am gonna go for him, and I am gonna get him!’
Alyson believed her. She couldn’t imagine anyone turning Dionne down: she was an unstoppable force, the sort of woman who got whatever she set her mind to.
‘Perhaps you can meet us after your shift,’ CeCe suggested, turning to Alyson.
‘Yeah, maybe …’
‘Cool. You have my number, yes? Just jump in a taxi after work and call one of us.’ CeCe stubbed out her cigarette.
Alyson made a noncommittal noise and carried her empty plate through to the kitchen, suddenly eager to get away.
She knew they meant well, but it wasn’t for her. She couldn’t think of anything worse than spending the evening in a noisy nightclub, trussed up in some ridiculous outfit while you were judged by a group of strangers who didn’t give a damn about you.
Alyson sighed as she picked
