I puffed out a frustrated breath.
His brow furrowed. “She obviously wanted to blow off a little steam and needed more than one outlet?—”
“Wow. I’m not talking about Francesca’sneeds;I’m talking about hernature. She has… issues.”
Jeremy laughed. “Don’t we all!”
“Clearly! But I’m worried for you. I’m telling you to be careful.”
“And I’m telling you, this isn’t good form, Trusty.” He patted my knee and jutted out his bottom lip as he stood up. “Try to be happy for us, eh?”
24
M&S S.O.S
PRESENT DAY
This is an S.O.S from M&S!
Come quickly.
Please x
Catherine fired the texts to Penny and dropped her phone back in her bag before resuming her panicked sweep of the Marks & Spencer lingerie department.
Far too frilly.
Far too pink.
Far too… big! Bloody hell, I could use that as a hammock.
What the hell am I doing?She drew a breath and avoided eye contact with the young sales assistant, who now seemed to be making a beeline for her.Shit.
“Need any help with anything?” The salesassistant slapped out the words through her over-inflated baby-pink lips.
“Er, no. Thank you, just browsing.”
The sales assistant batted her thick fake lashes and openly gawped at Catherine’s chest.
“C cup, I reckon, but I can squeeze you in for a fitting if you like.”
Catherine resisted the urge to cover her boobs, as if the assistant could see right through her top.
“No, really. I’m fine. I’m waiting for a friend.”
“Suit yourself,” the assistant said to her chest with a smirk. “I’ll be over by the fitting room if you change your mind.” She looked Catherine up and down and strutted off.
“Christ!” Catherine muttered.I’m old enough to be her mother.She quickly vacated the area and headed for the café, which seemed like the safest place to wait for Penny with a cup of tea and a slice of something sweet for the shock.
As Catherine poured a second cup from the teapot, Penny barrelled up in a bluster of expletives that had a wave of purple-rinsed heads turning to look at her. She held up her hand in apology and leaned in to brush a kiss on Catherine’s cheek.
“Sorry I’m so late, babe. I’ve had a right fucking day of it.” She fanned herself with a menu as she slumped in the seat opposite. “They’ve moved that tribunal date forward, so we’ve all been buzzing around like flies at a barbecue. I’m supposed to be packing for the fucking Lake District.Loz wanted to set out at midday, but bloody Dixon called me in at sparrow’s fart, so…”
“Oh, Pen. You should’ve said if you were too busy. This is silly. I’m being ridiculous…” Catherine dropped her gaze.
Penny reached across the table and covered Catherine’s hand with her own. “No, you’re not.” She ducked her head until she met Catherine’s eyes. “Besides, it’s fine. Everything’s in hand now at work. I just need to get home, bung a few bits in a bag and we’ll be off. So, what’s happening?”
Catherine groaned. “I have my date with Jules tonight… I’ve been trying to think of a way out of it all week.”
