Page 18 of Mayfair Madame
A hand landed on my shoulder. “We’re just concerned, Naomi.”
I patted her hand. “I know, Melinda, and I’m good, honestly.” I’d been through enough therapy to deal with it myself, and if I couldn’t…
“Oscar, how do you fancy a night out? My treat.” It was time to move on from this.
“Ooh, I’m all in. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there. It’s been so long since we’ve been out together. I know just what to wear.”
The conversation moved on, and Oscar convinced Melinda that going out was a great idea, his hands doing most of the talking.
It had been a rough couple of days, but these were my friends. These were the people who kept me grounded every single day.
They needed me as much as I needed them. I wouldn’t let them down.
Chapter Six
Ellie
“So, I know this might be a little sudden, and I might be the last person you want to talk to after what happened the last time we met,” the woman on the other end of the line said.
Usually, I didn’t answer unknown calls, but something had made me answer this one, and I was glad I had.
“Naomi? What can I do for you?” Why the hell was she calling me?
I should end the call, annoyed as I was with her, but I was interested in her reasons for dropping the case against Lord Godfrey. He deserved to suffer for what he’d done to her.
“Well, I kind of. Now that… God, why is this so difficult?”
“Is everything okay, Naomi? You sound flustered.”
The first night I’d met her, she’d been reserved. Understandably, considering what she’d been through. Two days ago, her confidence and dominance had oozed from every pore. The conviction and determination in her voice when she’d told Josh and me she no longer wished to press charges had been clear.
But the Naomi on the end of the line now was timid by comparison. What was it she wanted to say?
“Fuck it. I’m just gonna say it. I’m having a birthday bash on Saturday. Do you want to come along? It’s nothing fancy, just a few friends getting together.”
“Oh.” That was unexpected. I’d been pissed at her on Monday for dropping the case, and I hadn’t exactly hidden my feelings, but what was this all about? Why was she asking me?
“I get it if you don’t want to come. We only met a week ago, and we barely know each other. You won’t know anyone there other than Melinda and me, and I know you weren’t exactly happy with my decision to drop the case.”
“That’s your choice, Naomi. I’m sure you have your reasons, but why? Why are you asking me?”
“A good question.”
People whispered in the background, and my irritation grew.
“Don’t invite me out of some sort of pity.” I bristled at her comment. I wasn’t someone to be pitied or mocked.
“What? No, that’s not what I’m doing.” Her voice softened. “I’m asking you because I like you, Ellie Sharpe. You were kind to me that night, and I’d like to get to know you better. Is that so bad?”
This had to be a joke. What would she want with me? I was ordinary Ellie Sharpe. Nothing special about me, but she was a goddess.
“I don’t understand. Is this a joke?” I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had paid me any sort of attention.
“Fuck, no. Is it so hard to think someone likes you? Please say you’ll come. We’re having a meal, going to Sam’s bar for a few drinks. That’s it. No agenda, no pity involved.”
She’d hit the nail on the head. I did struggle to think someone liked me. She sounded sincere, although I still doubted the reason for asking me.
“Surely you’ve someone else you could ask.”
