‘But why not? He’s a decent guy. He ought to know.’
‘Because . . .’ she started to cry again.
‘Because,’ I prompted.
‘I made a mistake.’ She paused, looking at her hands. ‘All that time when I worked for him... I really didn’t fancy him. You saw what he was like... never dressed properly. He ran a bloody plumbers-merchant, for God’s sake. That’s why I went to Australia. To get away. When I saw him out there, he was just Bill. All those times I’d turned him down. Been rude to him. Ignored him. And he was still prepared to look me up, take me out and look after me. I realised that night... I’d really missed him.’
‘So what’s the problem?’ It sounded as if she really did feel something for him.
‘I panicked.’
‘You,’ I said.
‘Yes. My whole life is a mess. I ended up working with tradesmen who swear like troopers, with a boss who’s self-made and would do anything for me. What happened to working in the City and being swept off my feet by a sophisticated banker or lawyer in a Hugo Boss suit? Bill thinks the height of fashion is a pair of Johnnie Boden cords! I thought by going to Australia I’d get away from all that. Make a fresh start.’
‘But, Kate, you were good at that job. I thought you enjoyed it.’
‘I did. It just wasn’t where I thought I’d end up and now it’s too late. Bill probably hates me.’
‘Why? He spent so long chasing you and then he saw you in Australia.’
‘Take it from me. He hates me and even if he doesn’t, I don’t stand a chance with him now. I’ve really messed up.’
It turned out that the morning after they’d slept together, Bill thought that they’d got something going but Kate had had too much time in the night to think and in her usual blunt way had quickly disabused him of that idea.
‘But you could explain—’
‘Olivia. The timing couldn’t be worse.’
I stared at her. I was obviously missing something. Her eyes filled with tears again.
‘He’s just been picked to play rugby for England, hasn’t he? All of a sudden he’s a big hero. Doing some modelling. A celebrity. So how’s it going to look if I roll up and say actually I’ve changed my mind, I would like to see you and by the way, I’m having your baby?’
I could see her point but I still didn’t think going back to Australia was the best plan.
‘Couldn’t you stay here and have an abortion? Cancel your flight. Don’t go back.’ A tear began to roll down my cheek.
Kate tightened her mouth and straightened up. ‘Olivia, I have to.’ She turned and looked at me. ‘If I stay any longer someone might realise. Mum’s already suspicious. Besides I’ve got a good job over there. Nice flat. I just need more time to get used to... you know, the culture. But I want you to do something for me.’
‘Anything.’
‘Don’t come to the airport to say goodbye.’ She managed a sad smile and with a tissue dabbed my tears away. ‘I know what you’re like. You’ll get upset. Give the game away to Mum and Dad.’
‘But I won’t see you after tonight.’ I sniffed. ‘You fly the day after tomorrow.’
‘Yes, but now I’ve told you, it’s a bit of relief. It’s been so—’
The knock at the door startled us both.
‘Who?’ she asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. I had no idea. Could it be room service? ‘I’ll get rid of them.’
‘I need some tissues. I’ll...’ She cocked her head towards the bathroom and disappeared inside as I went to open the door.
Daniel stood there, a tentative smile on his face. With so much emotion swirling around me, for a moment I wanted to hurl myself into his arms and let him take care of me the way he had at the hospital.
‘I heard you didn’t get in to the premiere. Sebastian texted. Wondered if you wanted...’ his voice faltered, and I followed his gaze over my shoulder as it fixed on the pair of champagne flutes on the table. His mouth snapped into a firm straight line and his eyes flashed with sudden emotion.
