‘Come on, Hugo! Don’t be a spoilsport!’ said Vanessa, wheedling.
Hugo raised a hand in submission. ‘I only implied there were other places in London for first dates.’ Then he turned away and went over to his girlfriend, Electra, who was gesturing at him.
When he was out of the way, Rich said, ‘Well?’
Lizzie nodded. ‘I’ll come.’ She felt very daring to be accepting his invitation.
He took a cigarette packet out of his pocket and found a pen. ‘Give me your number then?’
‘The best bit of a dinner party is tearing it apart afterwards,’ said David. ‘I want every detail.’ He was making toast and the kettle was on.
It had been a long time since they’d eaten the beef Wellington and profiteroles and they’d all accepted his offer when he suggested more food. Alexandra lay down on the sofa and Clover instantly climbed up and sat on her.
‘I had a lovely time!’ said Lizzie, a little dreamy.
‘You were the belle of the ball,’ said Meg. She was standing over the grill, butter at the ready. ‘The men were flocking round you.’
‘No, they weren’t!’ said Lizzie, pushing her friend on her way to an armchair. ‘It was just Rich.’
‘“Rich” is a good place to start,’ said David.
‘His name was Rich.’ Lizzie explained, not enjoying being the centre of attention.
‘And he asked her out,’ Meg explained to David, buttering now, another two pieces under the grill. ‘It obviously doesn’t happen often.’
‘It doesn’t!’ said Lizzie. ‘Honestly, when I lived at home I only went out with the sons of my parents’ friends. They used to have to come to the house to pick me up. I never felt they really liked me for me. They were just going out with me because their parents made them.’
‘What was this Rich like?’ said David. He had warmed the pot and was waiting for the kettle to reboil.
Lizzie looked at him. David was really, really nice, hugely kind but he did seem like a parent sometimes. Which probably wasn’t a bad thing. ‘He’s a music journalist.’
‘Hmm,’ said David. ‘Be careful.’
‘I’m very careful, David,’ said Lizzie. ‘Boringly so.’
‘Rich was very good-looking,’ said Alexandra, ‘in a bad-boy way. Although I’m sure he isn’t a badboy!’ she hurried on, before David could comment again.
‘I met the caterers,’ said Meg. ‘We had a long chat. They quite often want waitresses and are happy to give me a trial straight away. It’s a way into the business. They said if it goes well they’ll take me on, and as I learn more they’ll let me help with the cooking.’
‘That’s good,’ said David. ‘I know you planned on getting a job as a barmaid, but really, that is a bit risky, especially in London.’
‘You are such a mum!’ said Alexandra. ‘If you want your daughter to stay safe and a virgin forever, get her to live with a gay man!’
‘Nothing to do with being gay, sweetheart,’ said David. ‘It’s all about being caring. So, tell me more about the other guests, then I can be waspish.’
‘Well,’ said Alexandra, pulling Clover’s ears. ‘I met a very sweet man who knew everything about old buildings.’ She paused. ‘I still haven’t worked out why Vanessa invited us. I’m sure she must know lots of other girls. Why invite three of them you don’t really need?’
‘Perhaps it was something to do with the man – her brother? – who was with that very skinny woman who smoked all the way through?’ said Meg. ‘He didn’t seem quite like the other guests. It’s so rude to smoke during meals, I always think.’
‘She wasn’t the only one,’ said Alexandra.
‘And she stubbed her cigarette out in the chocolate sauce,’ added Lizzie, shuddering.
‘I think you’re right, Meg,’ said Alexandra. ‘I think she invited us because we’re not connected with her parents in any way. The fact that she has some dodgy friends won’t get back to them.’
‘But wouldn’t Hugo tell them?’ asked Lizzie. ‘He’s her brother!’ Then she realised Meg and Alexandra were looking at her; she was the only one of them who’d remembered his name.
Chapter Seven
