Page 115 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

She was just enjoying an iced coffee when she heard a whistle and turned to see a woman approaching in a figure-hugging sequinned dress and heels.

‘You know, we’ve really got to stop bumping into each other like this, people will talk.’

She engulfed Maggie in a perfumed hug.

‘Birdy! What are you doing here?’

‘Shopping.’

‘Are you going to the hippy market?’

‘Do I look like the kind of gal who goes to a hippy market?’

All decked out in sequins and heels, she pulled a face.

‘I wasn’t a hippy the first time around. All that patchouli and free love, no thanks. If you want love, you’re going to have to pay for it, honey.’ As if to prove the point, she lovingly stroked the Louis Vuitton handbag on her shoulder. ‘Seriously, no one ever looked good in tie-dye. Not even Cher and she looks amazing in everything.’

Maggie fidgeted in her tie-dye skirt she’d bought from a little market she’d happened to pass in Mallorca and hoped Birdy wouldn’t notice it underneath the table.

‘Anyway, I hear that was yesterday so we’re too late, our cruise only arrived this morning.’

At the mention of the cruise ship, Maggie felt her insides twist up.

‘We leave tonight, so I thought I’d better make the most of it and see what this party island is all about—’ She broke off as Maggie took off her sunglasses. ‘Geez Louise! What happened to your eye?’

‘Oh, it’s a long story.’

‘Are you OK?’

‘Yeah. Sort of. At least I think so.’ Out of nowhere she had an urge to tell Birdy everything, to get it all off her chest to someone. ‘Actually, if you’re not doing anything, why don’t you join me for an iced coffee?’

‘Sorry, doll, but I can’t stay. I’m going clubbing.’

‘Clubbing?’

Seriously, could Birdy do nothing that didn’t surprise her?

‘What? This afternoon?’

A limousine with blacked-out windows pulled up beside them and a driver got out to open the door.

‘I’ve got a private table booked at one of the best daytime parties in town. You should come. I’ll put your name on my guest list.’

She handed her a flyer.

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ Maggie smiled politely, shaking her head. It was the last thing she felt like. ‘Clubbing’s not really my thing.’

Sliding inside the air-conditioned leather interior, Birdy turned and raised an eyebrow.

‘I haven’t forgotten our conversation in Sicily. Seriously, Maggie, think about it. You never know who you might bump into.’

Maggie frowned, confused. Wait a minute. Who was she referring to?

But before Maggie could ask any questions, the heavy door closed behind her with a soft click and the limousine glided away.

Song and Dance

‘We have to go.’