Page 19 of Under Ground

“Hi there, Miss Casey,” Maria says. “Are you ready for lots of fun?”

“Yes.” Casey jumps up and down.

“Have a good day.” Maria smiles at me.

I suck on my bottom lip. “Actually, I wondered if I could ask you a favour? I wondered if you would babysit for me on Saturday night.”

Maria beams. “I’d love to. Does this mean you have a date?” She nudges my arm.

“I do.” My cheeks heat up, but I can’t help it.

“Good for you. What time?”

Oh. “I’m not sure yet. I have to say yes first.”

Her expression softens. “Say yes. I’m always happy to take care of Casey.”

“Thank you so much. I should get to work.”

There’s a spring in my step as I make the ten-minute walk from day care to work.

Maybe things are looking up.

* * *

I have reports to collate, but instead, I browse websites looking for a dress for Saturday. Gareth’s out of the office for the day, and I’ll deal with his bullshit tomorrow.

I’m not sure what I’m doing.

I don’t want anything too fussy—though I also don’t know what I want, which is half the problem.

“That was a big sigh,” Anna says.

I lean back in my seat. “I’ve got a date on Saturday night and nothing to wear. I’m not sure what to do.”

“Where are you going?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Apparently, the dress code is smart casual. I don’t even know what that means.”

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “You, Lana Maitland, are a lost cause. I’ll help you. We’re about the same size. I’ll nip home at lunchtime and bring you back some things to try on.”

I shake my head. “Oh, no, you don’t have to do that.”

Anna crosses her arms. “That’s what friends are for. Besides, I want to see you all dressed up. Who’s the lucky guy.”

My cheeks burn. “I …”

Her eyes widen. “Alex Stone?”

I raise my gaze to avoid meeting her eyes. “Yes?”

She squeals. “Then we are putting in all of the effort. Lucky bitch.”

“Thank you.”

She shrugs. “If I’m not going to get a look in with him, I might as well help you. Besides, I bet he has some cute friends. Maybe famous ones.”

I frown. “I know he’s famous, but exactly how famous is he?”

---