Page 79 of Wild About You

‘Roshni’s really outdone herself,’ said Jamie, taking out his phone and pressing a number. ‘I’ll call and thank her.’ He drifted away and I heard him say, ‘Thanks, sis,’ when she picked the phone up.

‘I know it sounds mean,’ said Fi, once he was gone, ‘but I’m glad Lucinda isn’t here. Tobias has already messaged me three times to say what a nightmare she’s being.’

‘Why didn’t she come?’ I turned my hand over and inspected my nails. It pained me to ask, but I couldn’t help myself.

Fi shrugged. ‘When Jamie made it clear it would be allbusiness, she wasn’t interested.’ I looked up. She was gazing at me steadily. ‘He really needs a – what’s the word? – helpmate. Partner in crime. Whatever.’ She sighed. ‘It’s not good. I’m worried for him.’

‘It’s really none of our—’ I stopped as Jamie walked in. ‘—business.’

‘All okay?’ Jamie looked between us. He seemed weary.

‘Perfect,’ said Fi. ‘Can we order pizzas in tonight?’ She looked as though she was opening her eyes extra wide to try to stay awake.

‘Of course,’ Jamie and I said, in unison. We looked at each other.

‘We must stop doing that,’ he said stiffly.

I nodded, going to sit alongside Fi. ‘How are you doing?’

Fi tilted her head onto my shoulder. ‘Bit tired.’

‘I was worried this might be too much for you,’ Jamie frowned. ‘Shall I call Richard? We can get you home, if you need to go.’

‘I’m fine, stop fussing.’ Fi smiled, but I saw the strain in her face. ‘All I’ll be doing is sending emails and making phone calls. It’s you two that have to do all the hard work.’

‘I’m lucky I’ve got the best team,’ said Jamie. ‘I couldn’t have done any of this without you – both.’

I felt a stab of sadness so intense I couldn’t speak. What was wrong with me? I looked down and gave myself a little shake. ‘Who wants a cookie?’

‘It’s yours,’ said Jamie. Then his phone started ringing.

He walked away to take it but I could hear it was Lucinda;her voice was like a burst of static, cutting through the serenity of the room.

‘Sorry? They said what to you?’ I could hear the stress in his voice.

‘She should be kinder to him,’ I said, in a low voice.

But Fi was only interested in one thing: the last cookie. ‘Sorry love,’ she said. ‘Bubba wants this one.’

I nodded. ‘Fair enough.’

I’ve always been a fan of eating pizza on the sofa, so the evening should have been perfect. But Fi seemed exhausted and Jamie was stressed after his conversation with Lucinda, so we all ate and went to our rooms with less jollity than when we’d arrived.

Alone in my room, I lay on the king-size bed, sinking into the Egyptian cotton sheets and watching the news on the TV. Despite the luxurious surroundings, I was feeling listless. It was just after ten when my phone vibrated.

SEANArrived?

ANNAYes

SEANFree tomorrow evening? I really want to see you.

I thought of Jamie’s face when he picked up the phone to Lucinda. I picked up the phone and typed.

Yes. 6.30 at Chandos?

It was a coffee bar we used to visit. I didn’t need alcohol in the mix.

Perfect. Xx

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