‘Perhaps he has to wait for builders. They’re all pretty busy at the moment,’ Jen suggested.
Ellie turned her laser-like glare onto Jen who visibly blanched. ‘People like Oliver don’t have to wait for anything or anybody. No,’ she said, blinking and looking up to the ceiling as if she’d receive a better answer from the air around her than from either of her sisters. ‘I think something else is going on. I’ve seen no machinery, and I’ve seen no sign of demolition men. Only chaps in suits who look suspiciously like architects and not the usual kind, if you know what I mean.’
Lucy certainly didn’t know what Ellie meant and nor did Jen, if the way taking another big gulp and ending up coughing, was anything to go by. Lucy suspected that her eldest sister might be regretting having come along with Ellie.
‘I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, Ellie,’ said Lucy. ‘You need to talk to us as if you’re talking to your staff. In words of fewer than two syllables preferably.’
Ellie swore again. Lucy didn’t know anyone who swore as much as Ellie. It must be driving their mother crazy.
‘The fact Oliver has got architects of any kind in the place suggests he’s gone back to basics. And the fact that he’s got architects from Heritage NZ in, suggests he’s re-thinking things.’
This made Lucy sit up. ‘How do you know that?’
‘I went into the hotel when I saw them on their own and asked them.’
‘Oh, that kind of confirms it,’ said Jen with an amused cough.
‘I suggest you get out of your PJs.’ Ellie looked them up and down before leaning over and rubbing the material between her thumb and forefinger. ‘Actually they’re good quality.’
Lucy rolled her eyes.
‘Get dressed,’ Ellie continued. ‘But have a shower before you do that. You smell sweaty.’
Lucy sniffed her armpit and had to agree.
‘Stop feeling sorry for yourself, and go and sort this all out with Oliver.’ Ellie rose, poured herself another glass of champagne, and took a slug. Either Ellie was going through a phase or she’d really learnt how to drink in Hong Kong.
‘What you seem to fail to understand,’ said Lucy, ‘is that this has already been sorted out with Oliver. I told you. He won. The small sliver of community who he had to persuade supported his idea to create this super-duper complex which would house all their ukulele groups, whist drives, writing retreats and artist exhibitions in conditions which weren’t leaky, drafty or well, decrepit.’
‘And I for one can’t blame them,’ said Ellie.
‘I can,’ said Jen. ‘I’m with Lucy on this. The Old Colonial is a beautiful building.’
‘Was a beautiful building,’ corrected Ellie. ‘But the question is, if Oliver has the support of the community to create this new building, what the hell is he doing with architects crawling over the site?’
Lucy had to admit that was an excellent question. But hell would have to freeze over before she admitted it to Ellie. Instead, she finished her drink. ‘You girls do what you like — stay or go — but I’m going to have a shower and get dressed.’
‘Hallelujah!’ said Ellie. ‘Now where’s another bottle of wine.’
‘And I’m only doing it because I was going to anyway.’ Lucy turned away before either of her sisters detected her lie. By the laughter which followed her, she knew she’d failed.
‘You didn’t take long,’ said Ellie who, Lucy was surprised to see, was drinking tea instead of wine — guided by Jen, no doubt. ‘But I have to say I thought you’d wear something sexier to see your Oliver, to make him see what he’s missing.’
Lucy shot her a dark look, and buckled her jeans belt a bit tighter, slipping on a white linen shirt over her t-shirt. ‘First, he’s not my Oliver, and second I’m not going to see him.’
Ellie exchanged a shake of the head with Jen. Lucy sighed and grabbed her bag. ‘Right, I think I’m ready.’
Ellie tapped Jen on the arm. ‘Right you are. Jen, drink up.’
‘You’re not coming with me,’ said Lucy.
Ellie and Jen both turned to her with surprised looks on their faces to look at her.
‘Why not?’ demanded Ellie, while Jen just nodded.
‘Because I’m only going to the café.’
‘And she doesn’t want Oliver to see us with her,’ said Jen. ‘And, more to the point, she doesn’t need us.’
