Page 47 of Plot Twist

Katrine watched with interest at the side and I caught her nodding along to his answers, and the audience gave him a loud round of applause at the end. Eimear let out a low whoop and I caught Riley grinning at her. I moved my head as far up as I could to try and catch his eye but I was too far back to be noticed.

Zander, the headline act, growled the whole way through Riley’s segment, but as the attention turned to him, he sat back and revelled in it. He gave a surprisingly interesting interview, where he talked about the time spent researching his latest novel,Bonetakers. He talked about his former career as a jeweller and how he weaved his knowledge of stones and jewels in his novels. All eighteen of them.

Zander made a big deal about gesturing to his work on the shelves and I noticed Riley squirming in his seat, glancing nervously at his sole book on the table in front of them. Zander answered questions from the audience with ease and when the event finished, everyone offered up another huge round of applause, led by the red-haired interviewer. I watched Riley’s face light up. He was glad it was over. Zander stood up and took an actual bow.

Eimear skipped to the front as soon as everyone started moving, while I got held back in the crowd. I looked up at the children’s section and caught sight of the woman I’d spoken to earlier moving away from the balcony and heading to the stairs. I would have waved goodbye, but I was faced with Zander instead.

‘Did you enjoy the event?’ he asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. ‘It was great. Your books sound really interesting. I loved how you used your knowledge from your jewellery career in your novels.’

‘Interesting enough for you to read one?’

‘I’m not sure I’d go that far.’ I gave a low laugh. ‘Maybe.’

‘I’ll take you out for dinner?’ He posed the question bluntly, as though it was more of a demand.

‘I’m, erm, thanks but I’m only over for a short break. I’m from Glasgow.’

‘Ah. Murder capital of Europe in 2005. Maybe you could teach me something.’ He let out a deep chuckle as he lifted his backpack onto his shoulder.

He turned to leave as Riley approached, with Eimear hot on his heels.

‘Eimear was asking about going for a drink but we’re heading back now, aren’t we, Becca?’

‘Sure,’ I said, shrugging apologetically at Eimear, who looked like a sad puppy.

‘Let’s get out of here,’ he whispered conspiratorially in my ear and brushed his hand against mine. For a second, I thought he was going to hold it but instead, he pulled my arm towards the door, waving goodbye to Katrine, Eimear, the red-haired lady and a legion of female fans.

‘So, are you finally going to admit that all women love you?’ I asked as we made our way back in search of Riley’s parked car.

‘Never mind that,’ Riley retorted. ‘Zander bloody Bennett told me he was talking to you. Offered to give you tips on how to write a series of successful books. Smug bastard that he is.’

‘He was jealous of you, too, you know,’ I replied, as we navigated our way along the busy street. ‘Most of the audience was there for you. All the women with their tongues hanging out.’

‘I’m not jealous of him,’ Riley retorted through gritted teeth. ‘He can write hundreds of books for all I care. Award winners, whatever he fancies. Good luck to him.’

‘Channel that energy, Riley.’ I grinned. ‘We’ll use all this adrenaline to get your novel in shape. Let’s get home. I mean, back to Bellinder Cottage.’

I saw Riley smirk as we climbed into his car.

19

I lay awake into the early hours, this time thinking about the impending doom of my conference call with Mrs Pender. The knot in my stomach tightened the more I thought of it. I should have declined the stupid invite and let the summer roll on without any contact with her. But I couldn’t, not really. I had to face her eventually.

In the morning, as Riley took Ivy to nursery, I pulled on a short-sleeved blouse and applied make-up. I had to appear calm and stable during the call, even though I was a bag of nerves at the very idea of even seeing her. I watched the clock in the kitchen crawl closer to the start time, pacing up and down.

Riley came back and hung up his keys, wearing his light blue Gaelic football long-sleeved jersey and shorts.

‘A blouse and PJ bottoms?’ he asked, glancing at my attire.

‘I’ve got a work call this morning,’ I confessed. ‘With my boss.’

‘The one that told the cleaner a five year old could do a better job with their eyes closed?’

‘The very same,’ I sighed.

‘Jaysus. Right, you take the office this morning and I’ll work in the kitchen. I’m here if you need anything.’