Page 245 of The Girlfriend Clause
James and I looked at each other and frowned.
Bonnie had been acting super weird for the last couple of weeks. She’d eased off on the lipstick, and the other day she’d come to work in trainers.
Definitely something going on with her.
“How are you finding the new role, Kelly?” Ben asked. “I heard it’s less cold calling, more working with NGOs?”
“Yeah,” she said. “I’m coordinating field supply now instead of selling into practices. It’s actually very… satisfying. And I love working under Monish.”
Monish gave a small smile and raised his drink.
Liam’s eyes snagged on something and he froze, a tiny glass of Harveys Bristol Cream halfway to his mouth. The table turned to see Dex approaching, his chin completely bare.
“Jesus Christ.” Liam’s mouth dropped open. “He’s had a Brazilian.”
Dex pulled up a seat. “Thought it might be time for a change,” he said sheepishly.
“But… 1970s vagina was your signature look,” I said. “I don’t recognize you anymore.”
“And you removed it just in time forwinter?” asked Kelly. “Everyone knows that’s when you need full bush.”
“Is it wrong that I’m strangely turned on by it?” said Ben.
Kelly winced. “Yes, Ben, it is.”
“I can grow it back,” Dex said. “I mean… if you really think…”
Liam peered at him. “I never thought I’d say this, but maybe you should.”
The music kicked up a notch just as Gerald rolled up to the table carrying a tray of shot glasses.
“What have you got there,Big G?” asked James, giving me a look. “Cherry liqueur?”
“Sloe gin,” Gerald replied, ignoring James’s jab and passing the drinks around. Jesus, was he actuallyused tothe name? He sat next to Bonnie at a distance I considered a little close for a work do.
“Ooh, Andy, your mum’s here,” said James. “With Eliza… and… is that Murray?”
Oh my God, my sister had made it. When she said she was coming back from Goa for Christmas, I could hardly believe it.
“Eliza, Mum. Murray.”
They waved at me from behind a fake snowman and made their way over.
“Is that… MurraySullivan?” Monish said.
“You know him?” I asked.
“He’s a semi-famous cricketer, apparently,” James added, like that explained it.
“The Muzz? I can assure you he’s notsemi-famous,” replied Monish, a strange fanboy look glazing his face.
I guess that explained the tickets to Lord’s.
I hugged them all, then stood back to look at my sister. She was deeply tanned, and her clothes were more floaty than usual, but other than that, she was just the same.
“Andy.” Eliza was beaming. “I missed you.”
“You too. You look gorgeous,” I said. “It’s so good to see you. And you too, Mum, Murray… thanks for coming.”
