Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 105183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“Abbie,” I snap.
She jumps. Sighs. “I couldn’t work out if Paris was a blessing or a curse.” She takes more wine. “I’m slowly concluding it was a curse. God damn it, he’s a marker for all men, and everyone has fallen short since. I’ve given up.”
“Wish you’d shared your names?”
“Kind of.” Tucking her legs under her butt, she gets comfortable. “Fancy watching Bridget Jones?”
“Christ, Abbie, are we that beyond hope?”
“Maybe. I feel like Charley’s taken our quota of luck when it comes to men.” She grabs the remote control and flicks on the TV, starting to scroll the channels. “Oh, wait.” She hops up and disappears, returning a few moments later. “Look what I found at the back of my wardrobe.” She holds up my cream hoodie, and I smile, reaching for it. “You never took it home after I gave it to you for your birthday three years ago.”
I open it up and look at the embroidery, smiling.
I Need a Hug That Leads to Sex
Why didn’t I take it home? Home to where I lived with Nick. I don’t want to answer that. I definitely need a hug. But sex?
“Thank you.” I slip it over my dress and get comfortable, Abbie settling beside me. “What time are you leaving in the morning?”
“I have to go to the wholesalers, since your pro saleswoman of a mother sold me out of most blooms. So probably six.”
“I’ll come with you. You can throw me out at the station.”
“No problem. Don’t forget it’s Elijah’s birthday a week next Friday.”
“I won’t.”
We both get cosy and watch Bridget Jones grace us in all her single and huge pants glory. But my uncontrollable wandering mind takes me back to the steam room.
Chapter 6
When Gary walks into my office, I peek over the stack of files on my desk and smile. “Morning.”
He looks across the mess, alarmed, removing his glasses. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing happened,” I say, trying to make the piles neater.
“Amelia.” He wanders over, combing his grey quiff to one side with his fingers, and drops to one of the chairs opposite. Leaning forward, he pushes a pile aside so he can see me. “What’s happened?”
My nose scrunches. I haven’t told Gary about my personal crisis. I don’t want him to think it’s going to affect my job and therefore hamper my chances of making partner. I just have to make sure I convince the senior partners that I’m a better bet than Leighton Steers, the company’s self-professed golden boy who’s also a shameless flirt.
“I split up with my boyfriend,” I say grudgingly. “I moved back home with my parents and moved out again last night. I’m staying with a friend.” I shrug. “Her place is on the tiny side of small.”
“You split up with Nick?” he asks, surprised as he cleans his glasses. “Shit, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s for the best.”
“Why have you moved out of your parents’?”
“Why’d you think, Gary?” I ask sardonically. I would have loved to avoid divulging the circumstances of me seeking a job at a rival financial advisory company, but having the name Lazenby shat all over that wish. Everyone knows of Lazenby Finance.
“Oh,” Gary breathes, slipping his glasses back on. “Daddy’s been reminding you of your obligations as a woman again, has he?”
“You got it.”
“And now I’m up to speed on your new relationship status, I’m guessing Nick—”
“Suggested babies, yes.”
“Well, good for you for sticking to your guns.” He stands. “Heard anything from Mr. Jarvis?”
“He’s calmed down. Thanks for the heads-up yesterday about Tilda Spector, by the way.”
“No problem. Don’t bank on the rumours being true, though, okay?” Translated, Don’t slack on securing new clients. “And even if they are, she’s got the pick of the bunch to leave her precious clients with.”
Nodding, I glance at my clock, seeing I’ve only got half an hour. “I have an annual review with Mrs. Willer at one.”
“Sure, you get on. I’ve got a meeting with the senior partners.”
I try so hard to hide my curiosity. Since Paul Montgomery left after his health scare, everyone is wondering who’ll replace him. Gary knows I’m capable, and I know he’s got my back. But he’s also a fan of Leighton Steers. All the partners are.
“A meeting with all the partners?” That’s rare.
Gary smiles. “All of them. We’re keeping an eye on Galactia.”
“Me too,” I chirp. I’m living for the day the rumours are no longer rumours and my investment recommendations to many of my clients pay off.
Gary leaves, and I brush a stray strand back and tuck it into my bun, collecting Mrs. Willer’s file to recap on my agenda, but my mobile ringing stalls me opening the file. I frown down at the unknown number, letting it ring off to voicemail. A few seconds later, it’s ringing again. I answer.
“Amelia Lazenby.”
“Good afternoon, Amelia, it’s Anouska from Arlington Hall.”