Page 78 of You Spin Me Round

‘Yes, I felt this was a good time to talk about it,’ Isabelle was saying. ‘I related very heavily to the role of a woman who cannot speak up, but obviously, I can’t talk about right now,’ she added conspiratorially.

‘When’s it coming out?’ someone asked.

‘Soon,’ Isabelle lied.

Alex felt like a piece of shit. She never thought she’d curse herself for being good at her job. But that’s what she was doing right now. She’d helped a dirtbag keep her dirtbaggery quiet. Of course, not everyone she’d ever repped had been an angel. That was OK, as long as you didn’t ask too many questions.

But this time, she’d asked the questions. Leigh was right on that one; she hadn’t needed to do that. Why the hellhadshe? Why had she felt compelled to look Amanda in the eye and hear the scummy details?

‘Is this that coffee that monkeys crap out?’ someone said, and Alex turned to see Leigh, stunning in a bottle green velvet dress, holding one of the gift bags, looking at its contents with slight awe.

Alex fought her surprise back. Though she’d invited Leigh, she’d never actually expected her to turn up to this expensive bullshit fest.

‘That’s right. Most expensive coffee in the world,’ Alex said, trying to look cool and unbothered by Leigh’s presence.

‘And an apt metaphor for what you’re selling tonight,’ Leigh said with a sardonic smile.

Alex snorted. ‘If you don’t like the gift bag, then please feel free to enjoy an amuse bouche or perhaps a signature cocktail. The theme is aviation.’

‘The theme is lies,’ Leigh said evenly.

Alex grinned at Leigh, enjoying herself. Why was it always like this with her? Did Alex have some kind of degradation kink she’d never noticed before? She tucked that thought aside.

‘Speaking of which, did you bring your client? She isstillyour client, right?’ Alex asked mockingly.

‘Yes,’ Leigh admitted, knocked off her perch somewhat. ‘You were right. I wasn’t allowed to break the contract. They’ve even offered her gratis services until she’s back on her feet.’

‘I tried to warn you,’ Alex told her.

‘It’s not like I didn’t know,’ Leigh said. ‘I guess I just hoped it would go differently.’

‘There’s your problem. Hope. It’s a very bad habit of yours,’ Alex told her.

Leigh gave her a salty look. ‘My bad. I’ll try to be more dead inside from now on. Just like you.’

Alex burst into delighted laughter. ‘I’m gonna miss this.’

Leigh looked surprised, but not as surprised as Alex felt. She hadn’t meant to say that last part.

‘Yeah, I guess if you’re gonna be quitting Isabelle, we won’t have a reason to do this anymore,’ Leigh observed.

‘Guess I’ll have to find someone else to fuck with,’ Alex said.

‘I’m sure someone will come along.’

‘They won’t be as fun as you, though, Leigh. I can promise you that,’ Alex admitted. ‘You look great, by the way,’ she added.

It felt safer to compliment her physically than to talk about emotions. Though not without a little risk.

Leigh looked down at herself in surprise, like she’d forgotten what she was wearing. She looked back up, giving Alex’s red Givenchy satin number a once-over. ‘You too,’ she said quickly.

‘Your dress brings out your curves,’ Alex told her.

Was she flirting? No. Just… observing.

Leigh gave Alex a searching look. ‘Are you calling me fat?’

Alex raised an eyebrow. ‘No, crazy. I’m not calling you fat. It was a compliment. It’s the opposite of an insult. You may have come across them before.’

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