‘As far as that goes, it’s the same as always,’ Yvonne said. ‘We have all the power.’
‘Really?’
‘You just have to own it.’
Claire sighed. She obviously had a hell of a lot to learn.
‘Do you have a rule?’ Yvonne asked.
‘A rule? What do you mean?’
‘Like, a three-date rule. You don’t sleep with a guy until you’ve been on three dates.’
‘Oh! No. Should I?’
Yvonne shrugged. ‘It’s up to you. My friend Judy has one and she swears by it. She says you have to give the guy time to get attached first, so he’s not as likely to run off the minute you have sex.’
‘Right.’ Claire was feeling clueless again. When had dating become so scientific and organised? ‘Do you have a three-date rule?’
‘Me? No. I’m always telling myself I’ll hold out, but two is as far as I’ve ever got. I have no willpower.’
‘I can’t remember if I have any willpower,’ Claire joked. ‘It’s been a long time since it was put to the test.’
‘So, what are you doing for this date?’
‘We’re going to dinner.’
‘Okay, dinner is good for a first meeting, especially with someone you’ve met on the internet. You want to go somewhere public. But make sure to tell someone else where you’re going, just in case.’
‘Yes, Mummy.’
‘And if he invites you back to his place?—’
‘Oh, he won’t. He’s coming over from London.’
‘London? He’s keen.’ Yvonne gave her a grin that said, ‘Go you!’ ‘But he could still invite you back to his hotel room.’
‘I’ll say no.’
‘Well, you can play it by ear,’ Yvonne said. ‘He might be too hot to resist.’
‘You’re giving me permission to go to his hotel room?’
‘Absolutely – you deserve some fun. And I’m sure you have good instincts.’
‘What about the three-date rule, though?’
‘I think you’ve held out long enough. Judy wouldn’t approve of me saying this, but if you want to go for it, do. Anyway, if he’s the sort of guy to run off once you’ve had sex, you might as well find that out on the first date before you waste any more time.’
Claire was relieved this wasn’t a real date she was going on, just a business meeting. It all seemed so complicated.
‘So, when are we going on this shopping trip?’ Yvonne asked.
‘We’re both off on Thursday morning?’
‘Thursday it is, then.’
‘Thanks, Yvonne. I really appreciate it. I don’t expect miracles?—’
