Page 148 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

‘Oh, I’m not much use, what can I give her? I don’t have anything.’

‘You’ve got plenty to give her. I see the way she looks at you. The friendship you have. The bond you have. She’s lucky. You both are.’

Maggie smiles gratefully.

‘By the way, I’ve got something for you.’ Reaching into her handbag, she pulls out a watch and gives it to Maggie.

‘My dad’s watch . . . but how . . .?’ she gasps, astonished.

‘I took him Rolex shopping,’ she shrugs simply. ‘He had to take it off to try on his new watch, so I offered to put it in my purse for safekeeping. He must have forgotten.’

Birdy gave a knowing smile while Maggie shook her head slowly, turning the watch over her in hands, feeling the smooth golden case, the familiar texture of the leather strap; it brought back so many memories.

‘You remembered me telling you about my dad’s watch.’

‘Attention to detail. I’ve always had a thing for details. So many people don’t notice them, but it’s amazing what you might miss.’

‘And what about your jewellery? Have they found it?’

‘Sadly, no. I’d taken it out of the safe earlier, but I couldn’t decide what to wear to the party so it was in the living room, on the side table. The police think he must have grabbed it as he ran and it probably fell out of his pockets when he jumped. My diamonds are no doubt on the seabed as I speak. Luckily, I have it all insured.’

‘Didn’t you once say your jewellery was all fake?’

‘Excuse me?’

Birdy frowns, but Maggie’s mind is already flicking back. ‘Yes, when we first met in Rome. You said your diamonds were all fake and you kept the real stuff in the safe back home in America.’

‘Did I? Gee whiz, I can’t remember. I must be getting muddled in my old age.’ She gives a throaty laugh but she isn’t convincing anyone, least of all Maggie, who hasn’t seen anyone less muddled and doddery than Birdy Carmichael. The woman is a powerhouse.

‘Just imagine that! I’d get to keep my diamonds and the insurance payment, wouldn’t that be something? Diamonds really would be a girl’s best friend.’

And then she gives Maggie a mischievous smile that suddenly makes her wonder.

‘OK, well, I must go,’ she says, checking her watch. ‘I have to finish packing, it’s been so lovely meeting you.’

‘Did you buy yourself a new watch too?’ asks Maggie, noticing Birdy’s Rolex.

Birdy laughs, seemingly amused by the very thought. ‘This is the one I bought Louis, I mean Theo.’ She shook her head, tutting. ‘Honestly, all these names.’

‘But I saw he was wearing it last night, in your suite.’ Maggie is puzzled.

‘Oh no, that a was a fake, sweetie,’ she smiles. ‘I switched out the real one when he was in the shower earlier. Amazing what you can buy in Tangier. The fakes are incredible. You’d never tell the difference.’ Looking very pleased with herself, she gives a little shrug. ‘Anyway, I think it suits me much better, don’t you?’

‘Absolutely,’ nods Maggie.

‘Anyway, I really must dash. See you around, kiddo.’

Maggie looks at Birdy. There’s so much more to her than meets the eye, and for a moment she thinks about asking her a million questions, but for now she’s just grateful to have met her.

‘See you around, Birdy.’

‘So what did I miss?’ asks Flick, when she returns a few minutes later.

‘I’m not quite sure.’ Maggie shakes her head and stands up. ‘How’s your dad?’

‘He’s good.’

The two women meet each other’s eyes and smile.