‘Ididn’t invite you,’ Eleanor murmured petulantly.
‘Excuse me!’ Freya exclaimed, snatching Sal’s phone from her grasp. ‘Well hello, he’s gorgeous. Is this your new date, Sal?’
Eleanor shot Sal a look that she prayed screamed, ‘Please lie and say he’s yours.’
‘Nope, not mine,’ Sal replied innocently, avoiding Eleanor’s gaze.
‘Aha! Now I understand why you were being all snappy,’ Freya teased. ‘He’s fit, Eleanor. When are you meeting him?’
‘I don’t know.’ She could feel her entire body bristling with embarrassment. ‘I don’t even know his name.’
‘Ben. His name’s Ben and he is super excited to meet you on Saturday …’ Sal grinned.
‘What?!’ Eleanor slammed the glass down on the table. ‘You already said yes?’
Sal shrugged her shoulders. ‘I had a hunch you’d like him, that’s all. Besides, these days there really isn’t much time to waste.’
‘I’m notthatold.’
‘I didn’t mean that. Imeant, if you wait around dithering, a man like Ben will be snapped up before you know it. Trust me. He’s a good one and they don’t hang around for long.’
‘Fine,’ Eleanor conceded. ‘But the same rules apply as before. No dinner, no drinks, afternoon dates only and absolutely no or—’
‘Organized activity.’ Sal finished the sentence, rolling her eyes in exasperation. ‘Yes, I know. I’ve already told him to take you for coffee.’
‘Good.’ Eleanor nodded, satisfied. ‘Although I don’t know why everyone just assumes I’m free all the time – I may have had plans for Saturday.’
Sal scoffed into her wine.
‘Hey!’ Eleanor shouted indignantly.
‘Stop grumbling and tell us how the wedding was,’ Freya interrupted.
‘Ooh yes, how was it?’ Sal chimed, eager to move the subject on now the date had been confirmed.
‘It was actually all right. It felt a bit odd being there by myself, but as soon as everything kicked off it was fine. Kate looked stunning, the venue was beautiful, and the food was amazing. She did very well.’
‘And how drunk did you get? Any secret smooches with a wayward cousin in the corner of the bar?’ Sal’s eyes twinkled.
‘Surprisingly … no.’ She chuckled.
‘Boring,’ Freya groaned.
‘Sorry to disappoint.’ Eleanor shrugged.
‘You’re telling me that there was nobody, not even one single interesting person at the wedding for you to report back on.’ Sal folded her arms crossly.
‘I mean …’ Eleanor fiddled with the stem of her wine glass.
Don’t mention it.
It’s not worth it.
‘Eleanor?’ Freya pressed, sensing the hesitation.
‘It’s nothing like that.’ Eleanor glanced over at Freya.
‘What! Who was there?’
