‘Congrats. What will you be doing?’
‘Working in branding, turning water into wine, that kind of thing. Not everyone has the genius to buy Jo Malone candles for the interview panel. Reach out if you ever need any advice, with your PA stuff, or cleaning, or whatever it is you do. Actually,’ she said, frowning. ‘Whatareyou going to do now?’
Liv didn’t have any proper plans yet. ‘I’ll probably help out with my husband’s family business for a while. I’ve been offered a role at the Museum of Writing,’ she said.
‘Cleaning or secretarial work?’ Matilda said.
‘Actually, neither.’
‘Hmm, shame.’ Matilda sipped her tea. ‘Not everyone has experience in communicationandorganizationanddiary keepingandadministration.’
Liv exaggerated a jaw drop. ‘Matilda Hennessy,’ she said, ‘did you just pay me a compliment?’
Matilda took out her phone and used the screen as a mirror. ‘Maybe. Now, I should go.’
‘Stay for tea. I think Essie would like that.’
Matilda smiled tightly. ‘I doubt that very much, but I’m guessing there’ll be useful people for me to meet…’ she said.
As she swept away, Marlon entered the room. He wore checked suit trousers with a biker’s jacket and an orange gerbera pinned to his lapel. He kissed Liv’s cheek and his usual booming voice was sombre. ‘It’s such a shock, Liv, a damn shame. I’ve read Essie’s latest manuscript and loved it. Who knows what she’d have written next?’ He stopped talking and glanced across the room as Ted, Hank and Sven filed inside.
Sven’s eyes narrowed when he saw Marlon, but he strode over and outstretched his rose-tattooed hand. Marlon returned his handshake gratefully.They set aside their previous grievances for Essie’s sake and sat down together.
Hank wore black jeans and a green shirt unfastened at the neck. ‘Hey, Liv,’ he said, stifling a yawn after his flight from LA. ‘I had to come and say goodbye to Ess. I still can’t believe she’s gone.’ He pulled her towards him and held her tightly until Jake gave a small cough.
Liv pulled away. ‘Hank, this is my husband, Jake,’ she said.
Hank stuck out his hand. ‘Hey, man. Cool to meet ya.’
‘You, too,’ Jake said. He leaned over to speak in Liv’s ear. ‘Good luck. Everything looks great. Call me when you want picking up.’
Ted stood ramrod straight as he surveyed the scene. He brushed his hand through his white hair several times. ‘Good afternoon, Olivia. It’s such awful news,’ he said. ‘I’m truly sorry.’
Liv’s throat tightened at the sight of Essie’s two ex-husbands standing before her. ‘Ted, have you met Hank Milligan before?’
Ted visibly stiffened. ‘I’ve not had that opportunity.’
‘Hey, man, I hear you’re one of the best book guys in town,’ Hank said. ‘Ess said some great things ’bout ya. She sure appreciated the best of everything. Me and you are proof of that.’
Ted found a small smile. ‘That’s very kind of you to say so. Would you like a cup of tea?’
They both made their way over to the table.
After the two men had talked for a while, Chloe arrived and Liv introduced her to Hank. ‘Chloe wrote a lovely piece about Georgia Rory fans everywhere,’ she told him. ‘She used your quotes wisely.’
Hank shook her hand but then his forehead crinkled. ‘Are you the hack that was snooping around Ess?’ He kept hold of her fingers.
Liv’s and Chloe’s eyes met.
‘I changed my mind about my story. It takes the same amount of words to bring joy as it does to hurt,’ Chloe said. ‘I’d prefer my writing to do some good.’
Hank nodded at her. ‘I’m all for second chances, doll,’ he said, briefly catching Liv’s eye.
Liv Skyped Meg, who wasn’t able to make it to the tea party.
‘I’m with you all in spirit, Livvy darling,’ she said. Her eyes were pink as she fiddled with her crystal earring. ‘So dreadfully upsetting I can’t join you in person.’
Liv propped her phone up against a vase so Meg had a good view of the table. She moved closer to the screen to keep their conversation private. ‘Have you had a chance to read Essie’s manuscript yet?’ she said.
