Page 19 of Take the Wheel

Nancy swallowed. ‘Well, I drink a lot. That helps.’

Paris laughed a little too loud.

Ari, sensing the tension, chimed in with a grin. ‘She’s drunk now.’

Paris’s smile didn’t falter, but her gaze softened with a hint of politeness. ‘Howhilarious. Well, enjoy the day.’

With that, Paris turned away, leaving Nancy feeling both relieved and a little unsettled by the encounter.

Ari’s gaze flickered back to Nancy, her smile returning. ‘That was good.’

‘You sure? I didn’t know what the hell to say.’

‘You acted like you didn’t give a shit what she thought of you. That’s the only way to play Paris. You try to please her, she willgutyou.’

‘Jesus,’ Nancy said. ‘And she was your girlfriend?’

‘Don’t judge me. I was young and stupid. Well, younger.’ Sadness flicked over her face. ‘Anyway. Let’s get a drink. I think we’re going to need it.’

‘Sounds good,’ Nancy agreed. ‘I can’t method as a drunk stockbroker without a drink in my hand.’

Once at the bar, Nancy ordered a glass of champagne, the bubbles fizzing as she took a sip, hoping to calm her nerves. ‘Here’s to, er, stocks,’ she said, clinking her glass against Ari’s, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

Ari smiled. ‘You don’t need to be nervous. You’re doing great.’

Nancy gave a small nod, but she was grateful for the approval.

As they turned back to the festivities, she watched the partygoers for a moment, trying to get a read on how rich people acted. She’d seen it plenty, of course. But she’d never taken note.

She could have done with Richard Attenborough to narrate this party. He’d have laid it out for her.‘And here, amidst the glittering crowd, we observe the rarefied ritual of the ultra-wealthy. Notice the subtle exchange of glances, the measured laughter, everything choreographed, a delicate dance of status. No one dares to break the unspoken rules. To do so would disrupt the balance of their world.’

She almost laughed at the thought. But then, her breath caught in her throat.

‘Oh no,’ she whispered, panic rising within her.

Ari followed her gaze, her expression shifting to one of concern. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘It’s my old boss,’ Nancy admitted, her heart racing.

Fourteen

Ari’s gaze darted to where Nancy was looking, at an older woman in a multi-coloured dress that was trying way too hard to be attention-grabbing and succeeding in ways its wearer probably didn’t want.

‘What the hell isshedoing here?’ Nancy muttered under her breath.

‘Just stay still,’ Ari whispered, her eyes wide. ‘She can’t see us.’

‘She’s not a T-Rex,’ Nancy hissed. ‘Though it wouldn’t be impossible to make that mistake.’

‘Alright, then. Let’s keep moving,’ Ari suggested, gently nudging Nancy away from the bar.

As they wove through the crowd, Ari’s heart raced. Nancy’s old boss was here? If that led to Paris finding out Nancy was a driver, she might realise the charade. It would embarrass her, sure. But it also might make things trickier. Eyes might be on her more than they should be.

‘If Helen recognises me…’ Nancy’s voice trembled slightly, breaking Ari from her thoughts.

‘She won’t,’ Ari replied, forcing a confidence she didn’t feel. ‘Just stay close to me. I’ll camouflage you.’

Nancy nodded, though her eyes betrayed her uncertainty. ‘I can’t believe I ran into her like this. The bloodyodds!’

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