Page 117 of Duplicity

I also gave her the afternoon off to take Tabs back-to-school shopping.

‘You’ve both been through a lot,’ I pointed out when she protested. ‘The summer holidays have been seriously rough for both of you. She’ll be back at school next week. Take some time with her while you can.’

She kissed me on the cheek then, which sustained me through her absence for the rest of the afternoon.

‘She’s okay,’ she says now. ‘A bit tired, maybe, but her sats are normal. She’s with a sitter tonight.’

I’m instantly on alert. ‘Are you worried? Do you want to go home?’

‘No, I’m good.’ She lays a hand on my arm. ‘Robbie has her in hand. I use a babysitting agency that’s staffed by paediatricnurses. It’s probably just that she’s had a hectic week—far more active than she’s used to.’

‘Okay. If you’re sure. We can leave at any point, you know.’

She smiles at me. ‘I hope not. I’m excited. Who’s playing tonight? It didn’t say anything on the website.’

I tut. ‘Such a nosy girl. It’s a private event. You’ll see soon enough.’

In reality, I’m thrilled that she’s excited about being out with me. I made it very clear that this was a date. Not my usual kind of “slutty first date” where I try to get in my date’s knickers, and definitely not like our first “date” at that club. But I wanted her to acknowledge verbally that this was a romantic date. It feels to me like we’re making progress, and I need her on board with that. I’ve told her I’ll wait as long as it takes to prove myself to her, but in reality, I am not a patient man.

And definitely not when I know exactly what and who I want.

We’ll be sitting at one of the best tables in the house tonight with a great view of the stage. But before we take our seats, there’s someone I need to introduce Marlowe to.

Santiago Vale, AKA Santi, is an old mate of mine. We were at uni together and have always stayed tight. He’s achieved great success, not only as the CEO of his family’s multi-billion pound classical music label, but also with his career as a tenor. He tours with Andrea Bocelli and regularly sells out the biggest arenas in every city around the world. Tonight’s intimate audience isn’t a money-spinner in the slightest; it’s a way for him to indulge his great love of singing in an intimate setting and a way for punters like me and Marls to enjoy a truly unforgettable evening.

I just hope the surprise I have planned for her proves the icing on the cake.

MARLOWE

‘So,’ Brendan says as he leads me by the hand between the tables in the direction of the stage, ‘tonight’s performer is Santiago Vale. I hope you’re a fan.’

I stop still and tug on his hand, my jaw dropping. ‘Santiago Valeis performing here this evening? What the hell?’

He grins at the look on my face. ‘So sheisa fan.’

‘Of course I’m a fan,’ I hiss. Hard not to be. The man is a dead ringer for Tom Ellis and has a voice like an angel. ‘But he usually plays massive venues, and he’s not a jazz singer. What on earth is he doing here?’

‘He likes to do the occasional small venue, just to keep it real, you know? And I’m glad you like him, because we’re going to go and say a quick hello.’

I stare at him in horror. There’s no denying Brendan is an entitled git, but thinking he can waltz backstage and say “a quick hello” to one of the most famous tenors in the world is another level of cockiness.

He laughs. ‘Relax. Santi and I are old mates. I’m his daughter’s godfather, actually. Violet.’

My jaw is officially on the floor. I will never get used to this strange, incestuous world of the super-rich. They all seem to know each other. It’s seriously weird. But I allow Brendan to tug me through a door by the stage. When he drops his name, we’re waved on. It seems “Santi” is expecting us.

By the time we enter Santiago’s dressing room, I have serious butterflies in my stomach. This man is a living legend. I don’tknow how many times I’ve played his albumReflectionsin various hospital wards over the years. Sometimes, his voice is the only thing that calms my soul. But in the flesh he’s all white teeth and devastating, black-eyed charm, his lean, rangy body shown to elegant perfection in a black shirt and black suit.

‘Sullivan!’ he shouts, jumping to his feet at the sight of us. ‘Mate, it is so good to see you.’ They hug and slap each other’s backs before Santiago pulls away and flashes me his gorgeous smile. He broke hearts everywhere when he announced that he was marrying his family’s chef. ‘And you must be Marlowe,’ he says with a wink. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’

Before I can even speak, he grabs me and kisses me on both cheeks.

‘I’m such a huge fan,’ I stammer. ‘I really am.’

Brendan grins at me. ‘I think I’m getting jealous.’

‘I’m delighted to hear you’re a fan,’ Santiago drawls, ‘because I hear you and I are doing a little number out there tonight.’

Ithink I may have fainted. That’s the only explanation for my hallucination. I stare blankly at Santiago.

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