“I wonder how big it is. You think he’s overcompensating?” Marnie wiggles her pinkie in front of me, and a snort of laughter escapes.
“Of course he is!” I cry. “Women are only with him because he’s the prince.”
“You do have to admit he is attractive. Probably knows how to please a woman too.”
“Only because he’s been with so many. Honestly, Marnie, I thought you had better taste in men,” I chuckle. “The prince is so not your type.”
She nods her head at me. “I need someone girthier. He’d snap like a twig under me.” Marnie has curves and knows how to flaunt them. She can bring down any man she chooses, if only she could find the right one.
“I’d settle for anyone who can go more than two seconds without looking straight past me.” I’m tall and straight as a board, so there’s not much to look at.
“If it makes you feel better, I don’t stare at your chest when I’m talking to you.” She winks at me.
“So much better.” I finish the rest of my drink. “As much fun as it is bemoaning our nonexistent dating life, I need to get going. I have an appointment with my dad tomorrow afternoon.”
“What are you helping your dad with?” Marnie gives me a questioning look.
“Not sure. He rang me up this week and told me he’d be picking me up early, as we would need to spend the day together.”
She tips her head at me. “That sounds rather ominous.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing out of the norm."
She drops a few pounds on the table as we walk outside. “I’m glad I got you out for a night. See you Monday?”
“See you Monday.” I drop a kiss on her cheek and head into the warm, spring night. London in the springtime is my favourite. The city comes alive after being cooped up during the winter.
It’s a short walk home to my townhouse. It’s been in our family for generations, seeing as how my father is one of the handful of remaining dukes in the country.
Walking into my house, waves of exhaustion roll over me. Teaching is no easy profession. I love my students, and I love my music, but this week has taken its toll. Between students not wanting to learn and fighting this block I have, I’m ready for the weekend.
“Zara? Where are you?"I hear my dad puttering around downstairs as I put the finishing touches on my makeup. He was rather vague as to where we’d be going today, so I went with a plain black dress. Nothing fancy, but easy enough to fit in with any crowd.
“Coming, Dad,” I shout down the stairs, before spritzing on perfume and joining him.
“Morning, darling.” Dad gives me a peck on the cheek. “Sorry for being so secretive about where we’re headed today.”
“And where might we be going?” I grab my jacket and purse as we head out the door.
“Buckingham Palace. We have a meeting with the Queen.” His brow pulls tight as he says this.
“The Queen? Why would you not tell me we’re meeting the Queen? I look like I’m going to a convent!”
Dad waves me off. “You look fine. I don’t think anyone will pay any mind to what you’re wearing.”
“But I will.”
“Too late now. We best be going. I don’t want to keep the Queen waiting.” Disdain laces his tone.
“Why do you sound upset about meeting the Queen? Isn’t it an honour to meet her?”
He rolls his eyes before opening my door to his car. “Some things aren’t all they're cracked up to be. Now, let’s get this over with.”
“What aren’t you telling me?” He starts the car and pulls out into early London traffic.
“Just know, I love you very much, darling.”
“Why do I feel like I’m off to the dungeons instead of a meeting with the Queen?”
