Page 39 of Mayfair Madame
I didn’t mind the escorts having a life of their own. What they did in their personal time was up to them, but we all lived in this building, and the slightest bit of drama could bring it all down like a house of cards.
Bad enough Melinda and I’d had words, but I knew by tomorrow we’d hug it out and be back to normal.
“I like to keep the peace. Do you want to join me for coffee? I wouldn’t mind the company.”
“I’d love to, but I’d best go home and shower. Cheap aftershave doesn’t smell great the following morning.” He wrinkled his nose and sniffed his jacket. “Seems a dry clean is needed too. Have fun, darling, and I’ll talk to you soon.”
He flounced off, the offending jacket slung casually over his shoulder. He could have made it as a model but had chosen fashion design instead. I laughed as he walked away, swinging his hips. Yep, that was my Oscar.
I called ahead, hoping to find Rupert at home, but his assistant said he’d flown to Paris for a business meeting and wouldn’t be back for a couple of days.
Well, there went that plan, but instead of going back home, I continued my walk to Hyde Park.
Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating shadows on the ground. Joggers and dog walkers passed me by. Families with children in pushchairs and prams ambled along the path. Cyclists and a group of Nordic walkers raced past, and I quickly moved out of the way.
Who knew it would be so busy? But it wasn’t often we got such a nice long spell of weather.
I strolled through the park and stopped for a coffee at one of the many kiosks. I took it down to the Serpentine and sat on a bench to watch as rowers made their way across the lake.
A lightness filled me. The worry and anxiety from the past week slowly ebbed away. All thoughts of Lord Godfrey were forgotten, leaving the memory of last night fresh in my mind.
It was so peaceful here. Why didn’t I do this more often? I bet Ellie would love this. Was it too soon to call her?
It couldn’t hurt to ask.
I dialled her number and waited.
“Hey, it’s Naomi,” I said when she answered.
“I can see that. Is everything okay?”
“Of course. Why would there be anything wrong?”
“It’s ten a.m. on a Sunday?”
“Is it?” I’d been up for hours and had given no thought to the time. “Oh, I’m sorry. I can call back later.”
“I was up. About to have some breakfast.” What would that be? Last night, she’d said she survived on coffee, but that wasn’t good for her.
“I’m in Hyde Park. Come join me for breakfast. I’ve not eaten yet. I mean, only if you’ve nothing else to do.”
“No, I’d like that. Whereabouts are you? I’ll come to meet you.”
“Do you know the one by the Serpentine Bridge?”
“I don’t, but I’ll find it. Shall we say half an hour?”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll have a coffee waiting for you.”
Twenty minutes later, Ellie walked towards me, her soft curls flowing freely and a pair of dark sunglasses on her face. The jeans and shirt from last night had been replaced by a baggy white T-shirt, another pair of dark jeans, and red Converse.
“Hey.” She took off her glasses, her brilliant blue eyes twinkling in the sunlight. “You look amazing. I’ll admit I honestly didn’t think you’d call after last night.”
I shrugged. “Last night ended too soon, so as it’s Sunday and the sun was shining, I thought we could take a stroll through the park, grab some food, and enjoy the day.”
“I’d like that.” Her smile was as bright as the sun itself. I handed her the coffee and stood.
“There’s this little place that does the most amazing breakfasts. Can I tempt you?” I tilted my head.
