As an arrogant eighteen-year-old, already good-looking and self-assured, Barney found my crush very entertaining. He and his mates never missed a chance to embarrass me. Did me a favour though — I went right off him.
‘Hold on a sec.’ In the background I heard him say, ‘Get me another one in, Charles, would you? Same again... No, only one of my cousins... No, the other one.’
I could hear muted laughter.
‘Wondered when you’d call,’ he drawled. ‘Good job Kate’s on the ball. Said you’d phone eventually. You’re in luck. I’ve saved you a place.’
I pulled a face. Like it was really that popular.
‘See you on Friday. I usually insist on payment up front but because it’s you, you can pay on the night but make sure you turn up.’
It was as if he was doing me some massive favour out of the kindness of his heart. Not possible. He didn’t have one.
‘Friday!’ My voice came out as an embarrassing squeak. That was way too soon.
‘Yes, Friday, Olivia. Think you can manage that? Bloody lucky I can squeeze you in. Normally there’s a waiting list.’
‘Thank you so much, Barney.’ It was hard but I managed through great will power, not to add, ‘However can I repay you!’ What I did say was, ‘Don’t suppose you might be able to tell me where and when?’
‘Eight o’clock. Café Lulu. Don’t be late.’
Oooh! My fingers clenched involuntarily into tight fists. There’s something about Barney that just brings me out in hives.
He broke off again and over the hubbub in the background, I heard him say, ‘Make it a bottle then... get a decent one,Charles, none of that house muck . .. here, stick my card behind the bar ... Still there, Olivia? Make sure you turn up.’
‘I’ll be there.’
No point asking where Café Lulu was. Obviously it was so hip any idiot would know. Thank God for the Internet.
* * *
Before I knew it Friday had crept up on me and the little gold top I was planning to wear was hanging up on the wardrobe door, ready for the big date. It kept talking to me every time I walked past.
‘I’m far too gorgeous and grown up for you... and even with that bra everyone will know you’re a titless wonder.’
My original plans had changed at lunchtime when Emily had flounced over to my desk and perched on the edge, fiddling with the paperclips and rearranging my pens for a minute.
‘You OK?’ I asked, knowing full well that she wasn’t.
‘No, I am sodding well not. Daniel has cancelled on me tonight.’
‘Really?’ That didn’t sound like him.
‘He’s going out with his dad and stepmum for a family dinner instead.’
‘Oh, bit rude if he’d already made arrangements with you.’
‘Yes, bastard. Now I’m stuck in on my own on a Friday night.’
Poor Emily, her idea of hell, having to entertain herself.
‘You could always come with me,’ I joked, never for a moment thinking she would.
Her eyes glittered dangerously and her mouth firmed into a line. I’d never noticed how thin her lips were before.
‘Do you know what... I think I will.’
Oh shit, now what had I done? The determined lift of her jaw suggested she was deadly serious.
