Page 113 of The Bad Mother's Diary

I was all breathless, but I managed to say, ‘What’s to resolve? He ran off with my bridesmaid.’

Alex said, ‘But you’d still get back together with him. Wouldn’t you?’

I said, ‘I don’t know.’

He said, ‘That’s the trouble.’

We sat holding hands for … I don’t know. Maybe twenty minutes or something. Looking at each other. Not saying anything.

And then, bloody Helen came bobbing up to the table. I’d forgotten that she and Henry drink at the Yacht Club sometimes.

She said in her horrible shrill voice, ‘Alex. What a pleasure to see you. I’ve just been talking to your mother about arrangements for the New Year’s Eve Ball.’

Then she pretended to look all surprised to see me. ‘Juliette! Goodness, I didn’t expect to see you here. Where’sbabyDaisy? Have you left her to the wolves?’

She was wearing a Vivienne Westwood suit that made her look like Cruella de Vil.

Henry was swaying beside her, clearly extremely drunk.

I told Helen that Daisy was with Mum. And Helen said, ‘Well I suppose yourmotherknows all about babies. She’s had enough of them.’

Alex didn’t take his eyes off me. He kept a firm grasp of my hand and said, ‘Good evening Mrs Jolly-Piggott. My solicitor Jeremy Samuels sends his regards. He’s representing Juliette now. So any comments you have to make, make through him.’

Helen’s mouth fell clean open.

Then she stammered that she thought Ted Grunty was representing me, and why wasn’t she told about this new development? She shouted at Henry for not passing correspondence on to her. Then she said, ‘Well! I suppose legal matters and socialising don’t mix. Isn’t that what they say? So. Anyway, Henry and I were just getting a drink.’

Alex said, ‘It looks like Henry has drunk enough for both of you.’

I started giggling. Once I start giggling I can’t stop. And I didn’t. Not when Alex led me out of the Yacht Club, or up the little roads back to my parent’s pub.

I was still giggling when we reached my front door.

Alex said, ‘You’ve got to stop that now.’

I asked, ‘Why?’

He said, ‘Because otherwise I can’t say goodnight.’

I was suddenly all serious. I said, ‘Goodnight Alex.’

Alex said, ‘Goodnight Juliette.’

He stood watching me for a moment, with that little smile of his. He said, ‘I’m usually so in control.’

And then he kissed me again.

It absolutely took my breath away.

He was so sexy. So warm. So dangerous. So … everything. And I didn’t want it to end.

When Alex pulled back, I was left all giddy and silly, holding onto the front door.

Alex said, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow for training.’

I think I must have said okay. I remember nodding dumbly, at least.

‘Eight o’clock,’ he said. ‘Be ready.’

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