“Yes, and then you are going to tell me why you are as red as a beetroot.”
They foundthree holidays that they liked the look of and as Steph put the printouts into her bag, Lindsay suddenly said, “What about this one? It says that it is one of the most liberating resorts in Europe.”
Steph looked across at the screen and laughed loudly. “Really? Your mum would have a fit! It’s a naturist holiday.” Steph laughed still and then said, “Go on, print it off and let’s see if Mr Brooker can compete with that one.”
Lindsay laughed loudly as she hit the print button and observed, “I think you are playing with fire, Steph, but if that’s what you want.”
As they drained the second bottle of dry white wine, Lindsay suggested opening another, but Steph shook her head. “No, really, I have to get up for work in the morning.” Steph looked up at the clock. “I should be going. I will call for a cab.”
“Very wise not to have driven,” slurred Lindsay as Charlie appeared in the doorway and looked across at the empty wine bottles, crisps and nut packets on the coffee table.
“Good night?” He grinned at them both.
“Yes,” they said in stereo and then began to giggle.
“Oh dear, it was that good a night.” Charlie continued to laugh as Jon appeared behind him in the doorway.
“Jon!” cried Lindsay and staggered across to hug him. “You are so warm and cuddly,” she observed making Steph laugh out loud. “Really, he is Steph, come and feel for yourself,” she giggled uncontrollably making Steph laugh louder along with her friend.
“Oh dear,” repeated Charlie. “I think coffee may be a good idea.”
“No, not for me.” Steph had gotten to her feet and continued, “I am calling a cab.” She looked down confused and muttered, “Bloody phones.”
“Definitely coffee for you, Stephanie,” Charlie told her, sitting her back down next to his wife and removing the remote control from her hand. “No cabs available on there.”
She and Lindsay rested their heads against each other and giggled some more.
Steph looked across at Jon and smiled, but then began giggling for no reason.
“I’m glad I amuse you, Miss Pryor,” he said with a slight curve to his lips, genuinely amused by her.
“You do,” she told him.
“I hope you’re still laughing tomorrow at work with a hangover.” His smile becoming a full grin now. Even drunk, he was in awe of her . . . her beauty, intellect, sense of humour. There was nothing about her he didn’t like.
“No problem,” she slurred overconfidently.
“Did Dave mention that I have arranged for you to meet with representatives from a couple of companies I am looking at investing in?” he asked seriously which had a slightly sobering effect on her momentarily.
“No. When?”
“Tomorrow,” he replied still serious.
“Oh bollocks,” she said before beginning to giggle again with Lindsay as Charlie returned with coffee. Steph took one sip ofthe coffee. “I think I should just go home to bed. Charlie could you remote me a cab, please.”
Lindsay laughed loudly as she repeated, “Remote me a cab. I love you, Steph. You are my best friend ever.” Lindsay began to cry real tears. “What would I ever do without you?”
“Oh God!” Charlie’s sigh was followed by a grimace. “How much have you two had?”
“Just a bottle, each,” revealed Steph, attempting to get to her feet, but fell back making her cackle.
“Right,” said Jon taking charge. “Lindsay, goodnight, Charlie thanks for letting me thrash you on the golf course and dinner. Miss Pryor, let me take you home,” he said pulling her to her feet.
They all hugged and kissed before Jon eventually got Steph down the path and into his car. He looked across at her slightly disapprovingly and as she reached across and rested a hand on his knee he softened and smiled. “You are drunk, Miss Pryor.”
“And you are still a very lovely man, Mr Brooker,” she replied settling back in her seat as he drove them both back to his.
“Steph, Steph,”she heard him say and then felt a gentle shake to her shoulder. “Steph, darling, come on,” she heard and then suddenly she was being lifted up.
