Page 77 of The In-Laws

The two Italians whooped and clapped.

As Katie got up to go to the bathroom, she tripped on the leg of Enzo’s chair and fell splat on the floor.

‘Oops!’ She giggled.

Jamie jumped up and helped her stand. He led her towards the bathroom.

She pinched his bum. ‘Oooh, Jamie, are you looking for some bathroom sex?’

‘No, I am not. Katie, you’re smashed. We need to get back and let Theo go home.’

‘You go home. I’ll stay out and entertain your important clients.’

Jamie put his hands on her shoulders. ‘Katie, you’re drunk. I’m not leaving you with two strangers to go clubbing.’

‘Oh, my God, Jamie, I’m thirty-five, not ten. Why are you being such a square? Let’s go out and have fun.’

‘We’ve had fun and it’s time to go home. You have work tomorrow.’

‘Who cares? Don’t be such an old fart. Let’s party!’ She threw her hands into the air.

Why was Jamie being such a party pooper? She wanted to go dancing and have more shots and more fun.

‘Katie, I’m taking you home.’

‘Go away, Jamie. I’m going out, your Italians love me. Nico thinks I’m the best craic.’

‘Nico’s as drunk as you are, but Enzo, the managing director, is pretty sober and he’s not so impressed.’

‘He’s no craic, the big boring head on him.’

‘Keep your voice down,’ Jamie hissed.

‘Oh, my God, you’re turning into your mother,’ Katie said. Turning back towards their table she shouted, ‘Nico, Lucia, save me from my controlling husband.’

Jamie cursed under his breath.

Lucia and Nico rushed over. ‘Let her go, Jamie, we’ll look after her.’ They playfully pulled at Katie’s arm.

‘See?’ Katie slurred.

‘Basta.’ Enzo’s voice cut across them. ‘Jamie would like to take his wife home and I think it’s a good idea for us all to go home now.’

‘Boooo!’ Katie said. ‘You’re no fun.’

Jamie gripped her arm tightly as she continued to try to wriggle free.

‘Goodnight, everyone, see you in the office tomorrow morning. Nancy and Melanie are looking forward to meeting you to discuss moving forward with the deal,’ Jamie said.

He half dragged Katie out of the restaurant. As they stepped outside the door and onto the path, she shouted, ‘Save me! I’m being kidnapped by the party police!’

‘Shut up!’ Jamie hissed. ‘You’re making a show of yourself.’

Katie was about to shout back at him, but she tripped and fell onto the road. That was when she blacked out.

27. Melanie

Melanie sat opposite a woman dressed in a long caftan-type garment. The room was brightly lit – too bright for Melanie’s liking. She would rather it had been pitch-dark so her complete lack of comfort would have been less obvious.

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