‘And she never looks away when I catch her staring either. She’s weird. I don’t like it.’
‘Come on, Beth, don’t be mean. Perhaps she’s got a crush on you or something. Who can blame her? You’re a looker.’
‘Oh please!’ Beth retorted, stifling a laugh.
‘You need to learn to take a compliment, my dear. Trust me when I say, I certainly don’t dish them out willy-nilly.’
‘Seriously, though, I hate it. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I’m quite a private person, you know that. I don’t like people I’m unfamiliar with digging around asking questions about me. Especially with what’s been going on at home…’ Beth trailed off as she realised she had said too much. She sat back down in the chair, facing Margot, who stared intently at her.
‘What do you mean? What’s happening at home? Is everything okay?’
Beth felt her cheeks flush. ‘Oh, you know. With Daisy at the weekend,’ she backtracked, hoping that Margot would let it go.
Margot pursed her lips and frowned, clearly not buying what Beth had said. But she asked nothing further. That was one thing Beth loved about Margot. She never pushed for personal information. She waited for you to offer it up. And if you didn’t, she wouldn’t ask.
‘Anyway, darling, what are you and that gorgeous hubby of yours up to this weekend?’ she asked, changing the subject expertly.
‘Actually, that reminds me. I have a favour to ask you.’
‘Shoot.’
‘I’d forgotten we’ve got this dinner party tonight at Charlie’s boss’s house. Would you mind looking after the kids while we’re out? I don’t feel comfortable leaving Daisy with Peter at the moment, after, you know, the weekend. I’d rather there was an adult in the house.’
‘Oh, of course I will. I’d only be staying in with a book and a bottle of red tonight anyway. I suppose this saves me from being a terribly dull singleton, sitting in my house alone on a Friday night.’
‘No. You can spend it with a teenager who won’t come out of his room, and Daisy, who will probably be desperate to redo your make-up and hair for you. I warn you now. You’ll need to be firm with her, else she’ll have you looking like Coco the Clown by the time you get home.’ Beth paused, smiling at Margot. ‘Thanks. I appreciate it.’
Margot swatted her hand towards Beth dismissively. ‘Darling, this is what I live for most weekends.’
Beth felt she could do without the whole social circuit tonight. She wasn’t in the mood. But Charlie hadn’t reacted well when Beth suggested they make an excuse. It was his boss, after all. It wouldn’t look great. Plus, it had been on the calendar for months.
‘Will it be a late one?’ Margot asked, cocking an eyebrow.
‘God, I hope not. It’s up at that big fancy house in Hove. I think some celebrity used to live there or something.’
‘Sounds stunning.’
‘Yes, it’s very nice. I’m sure it will be a lovely night. But I can’t really be bothered.’
‘You’ll be fine once you get a glass or two of champagne down you.’
‘Hmmm,’ Beth murmured unconvincingly.
Margot glanced at a dainty gold watch on her left wrist. ‘It’s as good as five now, why don’t you shoot off early and get yourself in the mood?’
Beth shook her head. ‘No, I can’t. Shouldn’t even be in here now. I’m behind on submissions. I’ve got so much to do.’
‘Nonsense. Those budding bestsellers can wait another few days to hear your verdict. Let’s face it, most of them will go straight in the bin.’
Beth laughed, and Margot joined in.
‘Yeah, you’re right. I doubt I’ll get any more done tonight anyway.’
Margot shooed Beth with both hands.
‘Off you go. I won’t tell anyone.’ She winked again. ‘What time do you need me?’
‘We’re supposed to be there at eight, so if you can make it round for seven fifteen that would be wonderful.’
‘See you then.’ Margot waved Beth out the door. She headed to her office to grab her bag, then out towards the lift. As she turned around, she saw Vicky’s eyes locked on her. She was chewing the corner of her bottom lip and scratching her head with a pencil. As the doors closed, Vicky didn’t look away.
She smiled. Knowingly, Beth thought.
But what does she think she knows?
12
Beth stepped out of the shower, wrapping a soft white towel around her body, and picked up her glass of champagne from beside the sink. She reached her other hand up to the back of her head and massaged it softly. It felt good.
As she sauntered out of the en suite, Daisy came scurrying into the room, Cooper hot on her tail. They both hopped up onto the bed. Beth looked on in horror as the spaniel sprawled out on her garments.
‘No, no, no!’ Beth shouted. ‘Dog off, please!’
Cooper jumped obediently down onto the floor, looking crestfallen.
‘Are you and Daddy going out tonight?’ Daisy asked as she fingered the dresses.
‘Yep. We’re having dinner with Daddy’s boss. I hope your hands are clean.’
Daisy pulled her fingers back from the fabric sheepishly.
Although technically Derek was Charlie’s boss, he was more than that. They were friends.
‘Does that mean I’ll be here alone with Petey all night?’ Daisy pouted, folding her arms across her chest.
Beth sat down at her dressing table, picking up her hairdryer.
‘No. Aunty Margot is coming over to babysit. Do you remember her?’
Daisy shrugged, but smiled. Beth flicked on the dryer and blow-dried her hair. Daisy perched on the edge of the mattress, watching Beth’s every move.
She turned off the dryer and placed it down on the dressing table.
‘Which one are you going to wear?’ Daisy asked, motioning towards the gowns laid out in front of her.
‘Not sure yet. Which do you think I should wear?’
Daisy looked down at the dresses. Her eyes darted from a red lacy number with long sleeves, to a black velvet off-the-shoulder dress, a little shorter, a little tighter.
‘I like
