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He forced a smile. ‘Great. Are we going through now?’
An hour and a half later, James was back in the men’s bathroom with his phone. There were only a few emails to deal with, and still radio silence from Estelle.
Why hasn’t she replied?
Because she’s up to her eyeballs in organising the festival, you tool.
He called her. The phone seemed to ring forever before she picked up.
‘Hello?’ she answered, as if she didn’t know who it was, but was already irritated.
‘It’s me. I wanted to see how you were?’
She sighed. ‘It’s late, and I’ve just got in. I was about to go to bed.’
‘How’s it going?’
‘Fucking marvellous.’
‘I’m sorry I’m not there. This was the only time Garrett's visiting the UK for the next few months.’
‘He works in computers, right? Has he ever come across Zoom?’
‘He wanted to meet me in person.’
‘Of course he did. Everyone wants James Hunter-Savage in the flesh.’ Estelle sighed in his ear. ‘Look, I need to go to sleep. I’m ratty and exhausted.’
‘I’m sorry.’
She huffed. ‘Me too.’ There was a short silence. ‘I presume you’re still out?’
‘Yeah, just finished dinner.’
‘Somewhere nice?’
‘Yes.’
‘As good as the Colour Palette?’
Had it been? He remembered the meal as being outstanding, but then everything had gone to shit, starting with the arrival of Henry.
‘Different.’
The door to the bathroom opened and Garrett entered, his body swaying slightly and his eyes bloodshot. ‘Dude! The girls are up for the club. Come on!’
Shit. Had Estelle heard that?
Garrett moved closer. ‘Who you talking to?’
‘My girlfriend.’
Garrett lurched forward to shout into James’s phone. ‘Hey girlfriend!’ He glanced up. ‘What’s her name?’
‘Estelle.’
‘Don’t worry, Estelle. He’s being a good boy.’ Garrett sniggered, his breath feeling like an assault. ‘Just don’t google the Pentangle.’
Jesus! He wanted to go there?
