Page 36 of For Love or Money
‘IT,’ she said. ‘Web design, SEO, that sort of thing.’
‘Oh.’ Stella looked relieved. ‘Well, I must admit I’ve never heard squawking seagulls or howling children mentioned before during a meditation.’
‘Or an advert for the Jo Malone scented candle range,’ Al said.
‘I think my favourite bit was when you brought the fire irons into play and said “you’re back in the room” like some hokey stage hypnotist,’ Peter said.
‘Okay, so I need to work on my patter.’
They all laughed.
‘Best leave meditation teaching to the top Buddhists of Rathmines,’ Peter said.
12
On Friday afternoon, Lesley was packing for a weekend away with Al.
‘So where’s he taking you?’ Romy asked.
‘I don’t know. Somewhere down the country. It’s a surprise.’ Lesley held the phone to her ear as she tossed underwear into the little suitcase open on her bed.
‘Oh, very romantic!’
‘It’s a nuisance is what it is. You know I don’t like surprises.’
‘Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.’
Romy was under strict instructions to give Lesley plenty of notice if anyone was ever planning a surprise party for her.
‘I mean, how am I supposed to know what to pack?’ She held up a floaty silk top, wondering if they would be going somewhere dressy enough for her to wear it.
‘Just bring a bit of everything.’
‘What about togs? Do you think I should bring them?’
‘Might as well, just in case. There might be a pool.’
‘Or a spa,’ Lesley said despondently.
Romy laughed. ‘There probably won’t be.’ She knew Lesley hated spas.
‘Anyway,’ Lesley continued as she went to the drawers, ‘Al will be here soon. He’s picking me up and we’re going in his car. No one else knows about him yet, so if anything happens to me, it’ll be up to you to finger him to the police.’
‘Okay.’
‘And you can tell them I was last seen wearing black jeans, black suede boots and that purple wrap top, you know the one? Hang on, I’ll take a selfie and send it to you.’
‘He’s probably not planning to do away with you, you know.’
‘I know, but at least if he does, they’ll have something to go on. I’d hate to leave behind a messy case with no leads.’
‘So your family don’t know about your new fake boyfriend?’
‘Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time.’ Lesley still hadn’t changed her Facebook status, but she knew she couldn’t put it off much longer. ‘Then they’ll all be wetting their knickers with excitement and wanting to have him round for Sunday dinner.’ She sighed. ‘You know what they’re like.’ Her mother would have her married off to Al already, and Katrina would be itching to get a look at him so she could start picking faults.
‘Right.’ She squashed one last pair of shoes into the case and zipped it closed. ‘I’ll text you later to let you know where I am. And I’ll get a photo of his car reg and send it to you.’
‘Wow, the evidence is mounting against him already and you haven’t even left the house.’ Romy laughed. ‘Well, have a great time. I hope it’s somewhere lovely and spa-free.’
