Page 44 of Just Do It
‘I’ll be the judge of that.’ She made a rolling motion with her hand indicating for me to start the story.
I sucked in a deep breath, let it out and took a swig of fizz. ‘I bought it for an evening gala a few years ago. I know it’s pretty far from my normal style but I kind of fell in love with it.’
‘I’m not surprised. It’s gorgeous! So you wore it to the gala?’
‘I was going to. Friedrich was staying over as he was going to the event as well.’
Colette’s smile faded several degrees. ‘Oh yes?’
My friend had never really been a fan of Friedrich and I knew what I said next wasn’t going to do anything to improve his reputation in her eyes.
‘He didn’t think the dress was appropriate for a work function.’
‘But I’m assuming if it was a gala, the dress code would be formal wear.’
‘It was. It was a big fancy do, basically trying to get rich people to sponsor research, etcetera.’
‘So the dress was entirely appropriate then. Actually, quite understated.’
‘I suppose I understood what he was saying at the time.’
‘And what was that?’ she snapped, her dark eyes flashing with fury. ‘That he was afraid you’d get more attention than him and people would realise you’re twice the archaeologist he is?’ She took an angry swig of her drink.
My hand reached out and rested on her arm. ‘I don’t think it was about that.’
‘Chérie, itwasabout that.Exactement! It’s the perfect dress for an event like that and for tonight. You look bloody amazing in it and he knew it. Once again Friedrich put himself first.’
‘You never did like him.’
‘Believe me, it was a mutual feeling. I never thought he was good enough for you, and that he would tread on anyone to getahead, including his girlfriend. He always wanted you to blend into the background so that he could be front and centre and make sure all the advantages came to him.’
‘I think you’re reading too much into one dress. Besides, I quite like being in the background, you know that.’
‘I’m not, and I do. But sometimes we have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. I know you say it’s just a dress but I’m looking at it metaphorically.’
I squinted at her glass. ‘How many of those have you had?’
‘I’m still irritated by your ex so clearly not enough. And like I said, I’m not reading too much into it. I don’t think you’re reading enough into it. Don’t you think him taking the lead on a project he knew you were up for says anything?’
I felt a fresh stab of disappointment in my stomach. Colette automatically reached out. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’
‘I know. But that was different. He was chosen by the board.’
‘But it hasn’t helped that you’ve always been in his shadow. He made sure of it.’
‘Well, that was in the past. I’m not any more.’
‘No, thank God. And I love this new look.’
I chuckled. ‘Don’t get too excited. I’m not sure there’s a whole new look coming.’ I paused for a moment. ‘Why, do you think I need a new look?’
‘No. Not if you’re happy with the current one. So long as it’s your choice and not someone else’s.’
I took a sip of champagne and thought about what Colette had said. Had that really been Friedrich’s intention? No, it can’t have been. He had loved me at the time. We had supported each other. Hadn’t we?
Colette patted my hand. ‘Stop dissecting it now,’ she said, reading my mind. ‘It’s done and over. And you’ve definitely upgraded.’ She threw a glance towards Finn and my own gazefollowed. He turned as though sensing he was being watched, the blue eyes fixed directly on me. He leant towards the person nearest him, said a few words and then headed towards us.
‘Everything alright?’ I asked.
