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“I’m sorry about her, Evie. She’s been like that at school, going on and on about it all in the staff room. I really think she thinks she had a chance with him and you blew it for her.”
“Unbelievable.” I stop talking as she makes her way back over. Someone stops her as she passes a table full of well-dressed men. I can tell she’s pleased they stopped her. One of the guys asks her something, and Lauren’s face switches from smug to looking like she swallowed a wasp, and she points in our direction. Grace and I look at each other, then intently examine the menu for desserts—the best bit of the meal, in our opinion.
Lauren lands back at the table with a man behind her.
“Hi,” he says to me, and holds his hand out to be shook.
“Hello,” I say, smiling while taking his hand. I have no idea who he is. He's older than me, probably in his forties, but good looking with greying hair and clear, sharp, ice blue eyes. He’s also impeccably dressed in what I can tell is a very expensive suit.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but are you Evie? James’s mother?”
”Guilty as charged,” I reply, still none the wiser.
“I’m Kenny from NSM. We didn’t get a chance to meet when you came in. I’ve met your brothers and, obviously, Marcus.”
“Oh, yes. It’s nice to put a face to a name, Kenny. Thanks for looking after James.” I smile the goodbye smile and nod my head, as if that’s enough.
But apparently Kenny’s not done. “Is it possible for us to put some time in the diary, Evie?” He smiles at us all. Well-practised charm, he’s full of it.
“For what, Kenny?” My charm, and patience, is starting to wane.
“I’m on the lookout for recording space. And we could do with some new offices. I’m told you’re one of the best at finding spaces and matching companies to them. I’d love to meet and go over what I need.”
“Of course, no problem. Have you got Jude’s number? He tends to do all that sort of thing.”
His face falls a bit. “Oh, it’s just, Marcus said it was you. We’re looking for something older, something with character. He said you’re the best at finding those.”
“Oh, she’s definitely good for the oldies,” says Lauren, laughing.
Kenny looks a bit confused by the sarcasm on show. Him and me both.
“Let me have your card Kenny, and I’ll call you.” I sigh. “I think Marcus may have over-egged the pudding a bit, but I’ll have a look for you.”
I smile at him and he leans in to kiss me on the cheek, sounding both relieved and grateful. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
I smile at him as he moves away, and turn on Lauren straight away. “Right, Lauren. What the hell is going on with you? That was embarrassing, not to mention rude,” I say, glaring at her. I’ve had enough.
“Well, Marcus is obviously calling you old and implying you have character. Maybe your appeal is fading, Evie. He needs someone younger.”
“And you think that’s you?” I point at her.
“Well he did offer me a one night stand!”
“He offers everyone a one night stand. That's all he offers. Lauren, if you want to go for it, be my guest. I’m not remotely bothered by what Marcus does. He’s a free agent. But it will only be one night. So as long as you’re ok with that, go for it.”
“You’re just jealous.” She’s looking a bit unhinged now, and has gone red in the face.
“Of what exactly?” I ask in amazement.
“He might want me for more than one night, and you can’t stand that.”
I’m open-mouthed staring at her. “You’ve lost it. Crack on, Lauren, go call him. He’s in America. See if he’ll put down the four women he’s probably shagging as we speak to come and do a long term relationship with you. Better yet, he’s coming to the UK in the summer. I’ll have my wedding outfit at the ready.”
“You nasty bitch,” she hisses at me, standing.
“About which bit?” I goad her.
Tommy appears at our table. “All okay, Evie?” he asks, looking at Lauren, who looks like she’s going to stab me with her fork.
