Page 31 of Unapologetic Love Story

‘An unprincipled world, I guess,’ Tom said. He hadn’t stopped to notice the sun on his skin in so long. ‘A world where everyone is out for themselves. Each subject in the book thus far is a grifter looking to steal from vulnerable people. Spending the past few years on all of them has left me a bit of a husk. But her? She’s the little bit of hope.’

Ben studied him for a moment, as if seeing him for the first time. ‘Okay.’

‘It’ll be good. She’ll be good. For the book, I mean.’

‘Uh huh. Totally good for the book. Especially as you currently look like you’re unable to eat or sleep. You’re covering this woman purely for professional reasons.’

Tom’s eyes narrowed. He deliberately took a bite of his barely touched sea bass. ‘Yes.’

‘Great. I’m sure she’ll appreciate the exposure. If I ever meet her, I’ll tell her she should be honoured. She provoked some optimism from my most curmudgeonly writer.’

‘Are we done?’

‘Yes. We are. I trust you to sniff out a story,’ his editor allowed. ‘But get the rest sent over to me on deadline.’

‘There’s something there,’ Tom persisted. ‘I just have to keep digging.’

‘Well, you’re not getting any more shekels for a new spade.’

‘Fine, just give me the time.’

‘I love these frank little chats,’ Ben said merrily. ‘You never ask after my life, just get straight to brass tacks.’

Tom rolled his eyes but allowed Ben to clink their glasses together.

‘Can we be serious for a minute though? Do you’ – his editor spoke with a casual tone but Tom could hear the intrigue beneath it – ‘like her? For real?’

Tom sipped his own drink, keeping his expression stoic. ‘You know me, Ben. I don’t like anyone.’

‘Mm,’ Ben allowed. ‘That’s what I used to think.’

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE DISABILITY TRACK EPISODE #35

Flirting

RAINA: I’m sorry but your bedroom eyes won’t always be enough for some of us autistics. A written document, detailing your feelings and intentions will do nicely.

It was unnaturally cool inside Pepper’s home. Raina dropped her bag down by the foot of the stairs and followed her friend to the conservatory at the back of the house.

‘Have you slept with him yet?’

‘We’re not here to talk about me,’ Raina said tunefully.

‘Knew who I meant though, didn’t you?’

‘We’re here to plan birthdays. Shall we start with yours?’

She watched her friend attempt a demure expression. ‘But yours is first.’

‘I don’t mind starting with you. Shall we?’

Pepper’s face transformed. ‘Yes! So! Theme. You’re going to hate it, but it’s what I want.’

‘Oh God, not Eighties Prom?’

‘No. Carrie’s out. The theme is . . . Gatsby!’