Don’t rise to it. Deep breath.
‘It was a kind thought, but I’m still figuring out my next steps.’ She decided to change the subject. ‘Do you know lots of people here?’
Toby waved a gracious hand in a sweeping arc.
‘Everyone. Would you like me to introduce you to some of them? And it looks like you need another drink.’
‘I will have another drink, then maybe look at some of the art. Most people seem to be ignoring it.’
He flicked an eyebrow at her and grinned.
‘Well, you know this lot, more interested in yakking and drinking than culture, but at least they can now tell their friends they’ve been to an art exhibition. Come on then, let’s go and look at some of it.’
This was the Toby she liked, the one that emerged every so often and had kept her working at their relationship for so long. When he was on good form, he was funny and observant, not to mention genuinely interested in art, unlike any of his friends. He handed her a fresh drink, then they slid through the crowd until they reached the far wall, where a familiar-looking canvas hung.
‘Not really my thing,’ said Toby, screwing his face up and staring at the thick swirls of black paint with unidentifiable lumps in places. ‘What do you think?’
Juliet pointed to the label.
‘I think I’ve seen one of these in progress this afternoon,’ she said. ‘Dylan Madison. He’s Frankie’s new squeeze.’
Recognition dawned on Toby’s face.
‘Lettie, you do know he’s an addict, don’t you?’ He sucked air in through his teeth. ‘Not really who you want your baby sister to be hanging out with.’
‘I know, I’ve been to see them. Martha’s worried sick, and I’m not much happier, even if Frankie does seem to be working well. She’spromisedshe’s not taking anything.’
Toby frowned.
‘Look, if you want any help, I’ll come back with you. Frankie’s a pain and she’s always hated me, but I don’t want to see her in trouble.’
‘Thanks. I think she’s all right for now, but I will ask if I need backup.’
Toby’s apparently genuine concern for her sister allowed Juliet to lower her defences further, and as the evening progressed, she found she was enjoying herself. After looking at some of the other pieces on display, they got talking to a few of Toby’s colleagues, and although the artworks were forgotten, the conversation went along at a fast clip so that when Juliet glanced at the time, she was horrified to find that it was nearly midnight. At least she’d slowed down on her cocktail consumption this time, despite the constant stream of full glasses that appeared.
‘Toby, I really have to head off now. It’s been a fun evening, thank you.’
To her surprise, rather than trying to persuade her to have another drink, or go on somewhere else, he said, ‘It’s later than I realised. I’ll come too.’
They strolled towards the station, the streets still busy with cars and pedestrians. Juliet was just thinking how unexpectedly successful the evening had been when Toby grasped her hand and pulled her to the side of the pavement.
‘What are you doing?’
‘I’ve been wanting to do this all night,’ he said huskily, and slipped his arm around her shoulder, lowering his face to hers.
‘No!’ she shouted, pushing him away. He stumbled, then righted himself. ‘I’m sorry, but what are youdoing?’
‘Only what’s been clear you wanted me to do,’ he said, his tone snide. ‘You’ve been flirting with me all evening, Lettie, don’t try to back out now.’
She felt tears come to her eyes at the injustice.
‘Ihaven’tbeen flirting, you’re wrong. I thought – bloody stupid me – I thought we were actually having a pleasant time together – asfriends. We’ve been through this a hundred times, Toby.’
‘I don’t think you knowwhatyou want. Come on, let’s go and get another drink, and we can talk about it.’
‘No!’ She was practically shouting now. How could she make him listen to her? ‘I’m going home, alone. I’m sorry, Toby, but I’m not going to see you again, ever.’
His lip curled and his face took on the disgusted expression she knew so well, all trace of the pleasant, charming man she had spent most of the evening with gone.
