us, and I promise I won’t betray you. Believe me … I know what it feels like.’
‘Of course,’ I say, squeezing his hand, but wondering how Maxine really feels.
‘So we’re agreed then? This will be our secret? I really don’t want you getting dragged into the divorce proceedings … Rebecca is desperate to try and pin something on me, and as she refuses to move out until the house is sold … well, it’s complicated.’ He drops his eyes.
‘Oh James, of course that’s fine,’ I agree, thinking it’s probably better this way until I see where it’s going.
We leave the bar, stumbling and giggling our way up the narrow basement steps, the fresh evening air exhilarating as we reach the pavement, where James grabs hold of my hand. For a moment it feels strange as his warm fingers entwine mine. I can’t believe what’s happened this evening. Only a few hours ago he was off-limits.
‘You OK?’ he says, heading towards the taxi rank, which is deserted.
‘I’m great. Never better.’
At the end of the road a taxi with its light off performs a swift U-turn and grinds to a halt alongside us.
‘I’m on my way home, going east, so if you’re heading in my direction?’ James turns to me, and as he lives the opposite way I presume the evening is over. He puts a finger on my lips and leans down to whisper into my ear.
‘I’m so glad we’ve finally got together,’ he says, softly. I tiptoe up, intending to kiss him on the cheek, but he gently turns my face towards his and kisses me tenderly, his lips soft on mine, his hand around my waist, pulling me in close. My stomach flips and my right foot actually pops up like it always does for the heroine in those soppy films.
‘Sorry to break up the party.’ It’s the taxi driver, and he’s tapping the meter. We instantly break away. James looks into my eyes and I just know he wants to continue things. In an instant I realise that I do too. I forget all my reservations and decide to go for it.
‘It’s Mercer Street,’ James says to the taxi driver as he pulls open the door for me. I step inside and reach my hand out to his.
‘Are you sure?’ he asks, and I block out the doubts, focusing on the moment instead.
‘Yes,’ I smile. James gets in beside me and puts his arm around my shoulders. I cuddle into him and savour the feeling of anticipation at what the rest of the evening will be like. And then I remember, I still haven’t managed to tell him about the extra commission coming through from Malikov. He’ll be so chuffed. Perhaps we’ll even go on that holiday after all. But I don’t want to talk about work and spoil our night together, so I make a mental note instead before turning towards him for another kiss.
19
‘Oh my God. Tell me again. And start right from the beginning, and don’t you dare leave out any details. A girl needs details. Start at the bit where he threw you on the bed and ripped your knickers off,’ Sam breathes in a whispery voice right into my ear. It’s the morning after and we’re huddled next to each other in a booth at the far corner of the café. I just couldn’t wait to tell her, so the very minute James left my flat this morning, I sent Sam a text and we agreed to meet in here right away before I start work.
‘Cheeky, I didn’t say he ripped my knickers off,’ I say, remembering how gloriously slow and sexy he was.
‘I know. But there’s nothing wrong with a bit of embellishment to spice things up even more.’ Sam laughs. ‘And you are glowing girl. Glowing. It’s like there’s a sex aura all around you.’ She laughs and I nudge her in the ribs.
‘Shush, someone might hear you. He said to be discreet – the divorce, remember.’
‘I know.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘And you know what this means?’ Sam says, stifling a squeal of excitement.
‘What?’
‘Valentine’s Day! A few more dates in the bag and you’ll practically be an established couple by then. What will you get him? I’m treating Nathan to an exquisite La Perla Frou Frou ruffled tulle balcony with matching ruffleback knickers and a pair of sky-high cherry-red Choo’s.’
‘Wow, I didn’t know Jimmy Choo made man-size heels too,’ I say, my mind working overtime at the possibility of spending Valentine’s Day with James. I wonder if he’s been invited to Tina’s wedding? Bound to be. We could go together – maybe Mrs Grace was right after all.
‘Ha ha, very funny. Soo, one down. And one to go.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘The bombshell. Tom of course … keep all your options open, I say.’
‘Stop it!’ I smile, but the mention of Tom makes me feel uncomfortable suddenly, and I’m not sure I even want to think about why that might be.
‘But he’s sooo HOT he’s practically on fire,’ she shouts with such indignation it makes me laugh out loud. I slap a hand over my mouth when one of the waitresses, Stacey, looks up from a table she’s wiping nearby.
‘You know, it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, this thing with James,’ I whisper, pausing to ponder for a moment. ‘Maybe it was a dream,’ I add … and maybe something inside me is beginning to wish it was.
‘It was no dream, trust me. Nothing gets past me, not when it comes to men. This is real, babeee,’ Sam says, her voice jumping up a couple of notes.
‘Yes, you’re right.’ But I can’t stop those doubts resurfacing. ‘What if it’s too soon?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know … sleeping with him on the first date,’ I say, keeping my voice really low.
‘Don’t be daft. You’ve known each other for years. Besides, it’s the second date, if you want to get really specific about it.’ She laughs and nudges me gently. ‘Anyway, that’s what the suffragettes did for us, they gave us that choice.’ I grin at her bizarre logic. Maybe she’s right, lots of people have flings, why shouldn’t I?
‘That’s better,’ Sam says as she sees me smile. ‘So, are you feeling better about the job thing?’ She winks.
‘Stop it.’ I smile furtively. ‘Yes, I suppose so, but knowing about him and Maxine makes me feel uncomfortable,’ I add, thinking what a double whammy it would be if I were to lose my job and the pair of them got back together.
‘Did you ask him about her?’
‘Yes, and he seems to be OK with the situation.’
‘Well, there you go. Nothing to worry about then.’
‘I’m not so sure. James might be over it but I don’t trust Maxine. She’s up to something.’
‘I don’t blame you for being wary. You know she called me yesterday. Apparently she’s well aware that sales assistants are covering for each other so they can “abscond” during work hours to visit the café. Said she would appreciate it if I didn’t
