Noms slipped off her trainers and joined Gracie at the kitchen counter. ‘Maybe find you some peace. Can you honestly say that you don’t care not knowing?’
Gracie shrugged. ‘If Lewis is not going to be in my life anymore, then maybe.’
Noms tutted. ‘I don’t believe you.’
‘I don’t know. I’m so confused about everything and there’s still Ed to think about. I do like seeing him and I can’t deny the sex is amazing. What am I doing, Noms? I feel like I need to clear the cache of all men.’
Noms looked to her phone messages. ‘Then do it. I’ve been saying that you need to take some time out. Leo, though, is good for you. You need a boost, you need somebody to show you a nice time and be kind to you. Have fun and you can worry about the others in the morning.’
‘I don’t want to sleep with Leo, though, I feel like it will taint things. And I don’t want to let him get close enough to hurt me, either.’
Noms shook her head. ‘If you don’t let anyone in, how will you ever fall in love again?’
‘Look at my big sis being all romantic. What’s got into you?’
Noms smiled. ‘The fact my heart is having a little dance of its own at the moment.’
Gracie laughed. ‘I love you, Naomi Davies.’
‘Right back at ya, sister. Now do you want me to blow dry your hair?’
SIXTY-TWO
Professor Princeton was about to walk into the betting shop when his daughter called. He could hear the panic in her voice.
‘Daddy, it’s me. You’ve got to come quick. Mummy’s had an accident, she’s fallen off her horse at Pearl’s yard. I’m here with Josh. The ambulance is here. She’s not speaking and you know how much she speaks.’
‘Oh, God. OK. Calm down, darling. There’s no point me coming to you there, it will take too long. Ask the paramedic which hospital he is taking her to, follow with Josh and I’ll meet you all there as soon as I can.’
As he put the phone down, he saw Maya’s name flash up on the screen. Dumping her call, he flagged a taxi.
SIXTY-THREE
Gracie felt like Carrie Bradshaw inSex and the Citywhen Leo’s car arrived outside with its blacked-out windows. As it slowed, one back window wound down slowly.
‘My very own Mr Big,’ she laughed to Leo, as the chauffeur got out and put her overnight case in the boot.
Leo kissed her on the cheek. ‘Are you ready for an adventure?’
‘As I’ll ever be.’ Gracie laughed again. She could pretend she was rich and famous just for one night at least.
‘You look gorgeous, Grace. Coral really suits you. It goes with your tan.’
‘Thanks. I wasn’t sure what to wear since I don’t know where we are going.’ She tried to sound casual, not daring to tell him that she had tried on at least seventeen outfits, settling for a coral sleeveless above-the-knee dress which accentuated all her curves in the right places – with
another five outfits crammed into her little case. Noms had also lovingly curled her hair into soft waves.
Leo handed her a glass of champagne as the Bentley zoomed to life down the M4.
‘Not too much for me,’ she laughed. ‘You don’t want me in a coma again, do you?’
‘I don’t know. You’re really quite cute when you’re sleeping.’
‘Is that a compliment or not? I’m not sure.’ She gently poked the handsome actor in the ribs. ‘Where are we going, anyway?’
‘All will be revealed, Grace, but not yet.’
Gracie sat back in the comfy seat and let out a massive sigh.
