Bollocks.
“Russell,” I squeak into the phone, the heat rising to my cheeks. “I have to call you back.”
I hang up and shove my phone into my bag, attempting an apologetic smile.
“You can use our loo, if you like,” he says, gesturing into the house.
“No, that wasn’t… uh… That sounded weird, but it’s not me, it’s someone else,” I say hurriedly. “Someone else’s toilet disaster. Ha.”
“Right.”
This is not the best introduction. Potentially worse than the macaroons-are-great comment I led with when I met his mother. I feel the need to explain myself.
“It’s a portaloo thing. A portaloo disaster. My friend is freaking out. She booked some for an event next weekend, but the company has double-booked because one of their employees got a weekend mixed up for this big event and… and… Why am I telling you all this? Sorry!” I laugh nervously. “You really don’t need to hear about the portaloo situation.”
“Actually, it sounds tense,” he says, the corners of his mouth twitching as he tries not to laugh. “You’ll have to let me know how it all ends.” He gestures up to the house. “Were you about to come in?”
“Yes! Yes, I was. I’m here to see Cordelia. My friend. Cordelia’s my friend.”
God, Sophie.
I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me. Why am I speaking like I’m completely insane? I don’t know if it’s the nerves or what, but I’ll need to up my game if I’m going to pull this job off.
“Ah. Yes, Mum mentioned that Cordelia had a friend coming round.” He looks at me suspiciously. “Which is weird. I didn’t realize Cordelia had any friends.”
I laugh. He doesn’t.
“Oh. You—you weren’t joking.”
He shakes his head, then smiles, his hand outstretched. “I’m Tom, Cordelia’s brother.”
It’s quite odd meeting someone you’ve spent the night researching and thus have a bullet-point list on in the file in your handbag.
Thomas,Lord Dashwell
Thirty-five
Cordelia’s elder brother and only sibling
As the eldest son and heir, granted the courtesy title of Viscount Dashwell
Educated at Eton and Bristol University, studied English literature
Works in a small publishing house as a commissioning editor of nonfiction
Has a house in Chelsea
Resides alone—his housemate and friend from university, Leo, moved out a year ago
Notorious playboy in his early twenties; has had a spattering of high-profile relationships
Currently single; last long-term relationship—he dated a fashion designer for sixteen months—was more than three years ago
Like his sister, he seems to have taken a bit of a step back from the press and social scene in the last few years
Once revealed that his favorite drink is a caipirinha
Hates cooking but wants to improve
