Page 18 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“We need to get you out there,” said Alex, gesturing to the space around the bar.

“Hmm. I’m not sure I’m going to be any good at being ‘out there’” air quoted Philippa.

“I reckon you’d be better than you think,” said Alex. “But for now, let’s keep up the artifice. I Googled Gerry, and it looks to me like he just walked in.”

Philippa wasn’t sure whether to be relieved about the reprieve from this conversation, or anxious about the appearance of Gerry.

It was show time.

Chapter Fourteen

The views across Birmingham from twenty-three floors above were impressive. The sun was beginning to set on the vast city, and from the restaurant the pink sky lent a beauty to the higgledy piggledy tower blocks and brutalist buildings that wasn’t often associated with the city.

“I’ve always loved this city,” said Philippa as they were seated. “But from up here it looks especially fabulous.”

“It really does,” agreed Alison, Gerry’s wife. She was wearing a casual evening gown in dark green, accessorised with expensive-looking jewellery. “I love coming here and watching the sun go down over Birmingham.”

“And that is why we’re here, ladies,” said Gerry, looking very smart in a Savile Row suit. “Alex, it’s so lovely to meet you again. I can see by the colour in Philippa’s cheeks that you’re a good influence on her.”

Philippa’s eyebrows shot up. Alex smiled and placed a light hand on Philippa’s knee. Philippa’s stomach flipped.

“I think she’s a good influence on me, actually,” said Alex, with a gentle smile on her face.

Philippa had no idea how to follow that, but fortunately Gerry filled the silence.

“Then it sounds like you’ve both fallen on your feet. Very happy to hear it. You look great together.” He raised a full wine glass, and the others followed suit. “To love.”

“To love,” they echoed, all except Philippa, who’d frozen. Realising everyone was looking at her, she abruptly raised her glass, too.

“To love,” whispered Philippa, feeling Alex’s hand squeeze her knee slightly. She took a large gulp of her wine, which resulted in a coughing fit. On balance, she thought, that was probably better than falling off her chair because everyone was talking about love, and a hot woman had squeezed her knee.

Alex’s hand moved up to rest on Philippa’s back. “You ok, babe?”

“Yes, sorry, it went down the wrong way,” said Philippa, relieved that Gerry and Alison had met her before and knew she wasn’t normally this inept.

Conversation flowed more smoothly after that, with Alison asking Alex about her job and Gerry talking about the changes being made by the government that would impact on his firm.

The starters were tiny and perfectly formed. Various foams and petals arranged beautifully on plates.

“Well,” said Gerry, “I’m just relieved they serve food on plates here. I had sausage and mash in a pub a few weeks back, and it was served in a pint glass.” He rolled his eyes.

“That’s plainly ridiculous,” said Philippa with a smile. “Food needs to be easily accessed. That’s what plates are for.”

“I once had scampi and fish served on a flip flop,” said Alex.

Alison looked incredulous. “You’re making it up,” she said.

“Nope. No word of a lie. Two of the chips had been squashed by the toe post,” continued the graphic designer. “If it hadn’t been so funny I’d have sent it back.”

They all laughed and continued to exchange stories. Philippa couldn’t help but admire Alex’s ability to easily blend into conversation and make people laugh. It wasn’t something she’d ever been adept at. She watched as Alex related an anecdote about a snail dish she’d eaten in France, and she appreciated the way her eyes glittered in the candlelight. Taking a deep breath, she placed her own hand on Alex’s knee. Alex didn’t move a muscle, just carried on talking.

“I must say,” said Alison, “I can see why the two of you work so well together. You have excellent chemistry. I feel as though you’ve been together a while, but I know this is quite new for you both, right?” A waiter came to take away the plates, clearing the space for the main courses. She continued. “How did you meet?”

“At one of the many networking events I end up frequenting,” said Philippa, pleased she and Alex had agreed a plan for this story. “Didn’t we?” she said.

Alex drained her glass before speaking. “I will always count my lucky stars we met that day.” Gerry refilled her glass. “I was having a terrible day, all sorts of stuff going on. I wasn’t even going to go to the event. But I knew I needed to get out of my funk.” She nodded her thanks to Gerry. “And I’m so glad I did. I walked in and noticed Philippa straight away. I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s so elegant and distinctive.”

Philippa blushed, unable to look at Alex while she spoke.

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