Page 112 of Who’s That Girl?

He’s talking as if Oliver’s granddad isn’t even here. Doesn’t he realise how insulting he’s being? He’s been here sixty years. He loves this shop. It must be like having your heart torn out.

‘And yeah, you’re so right, those bookcases are just an eyesore.’

‘Those bookcases date back to the turn of the twentieth century,’ Oliver’s granddad finally says.

‘Really?’ Larry Thompson looks unimpressed. ‘Well, then, it’s time for a facelift, isn’t it?’ He laughs. ‘Get into the new century. Actually, I was thinking acrylic floating shelves that you can suspend from the ceiling.’ He turns back to the design guy as if Oliver’s grandfather isn’t important at all.

I glance at Oliver’s granddad. His bright green eyes are flicking over Larry Thompson, taking him in, weighing him up.

Meanwhile I’m loitering in the back, trying to keep my head down.

‘So what do you think …’

Please God, don’t let him say my name, don’t let him say my name.

‘… Charlene?’

For the first time I’m relieved he’s got my name wrong. There is a God.

‘Um … yeah … great.’ I nod vaguely, trying to hide behind a large grandfather clock.

‘No other suggestions? About decor? Colour? Design?’ Larry looks at me, waiting for my input.

I swallow hard. ‘Well, obviously I’m brimming with ideas about this place. It’s a total blank canvas,’ I begin in my best PR spin, ‘and I think we’re all looking at creating something clean, modern and totally organic’ – I glance quickly at Oliver’s granddad, who’s now looking at me suspiciously – ‘but naturally your design team will have all the ideas, as they’re the experts in this field,’ I finish quickly.

Shit, I’ve got to get out.

‘Excuse me, miss.’ Oliver’s granddad motions towards me.

I try to ignore him, but it’s impossible. ‘Um, yes?’ I say, dipping my head as I turn to him.

‘Do I know you from somewhere? Your face seems familiar.’

‘No, definitely not,’ I say hastily. ‘One hundred per cent. Nope. Never been in here before.’ I realise I’m blabbering. ‘But anyway, I think I just want to pop outside, have a look at the frontage again.’ I lunge for the door. It’s stuck, but after struggling with it for a few moments, I manage to yank it open. ‘I’ll see you outside, Larry,’ I say quickly, and letting the door swing closed behind me, I stumble outside on to the pavement.

Chapter Thirty-three

Afterwards the design guy shoots off in his Mini Cooper and Larry joins me outside to wait for a cab to take him back to his hotel. He offers to drop me at my car, but I make an excuse and tell him I need the exercise – all two hundred yards of it – and I’ll walk back.

‘Good girl, firm up those glutes,’ he says approvingly as he pats me on the bottom.

I flinch. But it’s done in that jokey, all-in-good-humour kind of way, so I feel I can’t say anything, plus I’m worried challenging him could jeopardize the contract.

‘So I’ll put those finishing touches to the presentation this afternoon,’ I say briskly in my most professional voice. ‘I’ve still to finalise one or two things, but then we’re all set for the launch tomorrow.’

‘Awesome.’ He smiles broadly.

‘Unless of course there’s anything else you’d like to add?’

‘Only that it’s been incredible working with you on this,’ he says, and fixes me with those piercingly blue eyes. I’m sure he’s wearing contact lenses. Nobody’s eyes can be that blue.

I take a step backwards. ‘Er, great, thanks. You too,’ I add, hastily returning the compliment.

‘Let’s hope this is just the beginning of things.’ His gaze is still fixed on me. In fact he’s not even blinking, I notice, feeling a little unnerved. ‘You know, you and I could go a long way together. A long way,’ he repeats quietly.

I don’t know if it’s because he’s looking at me so intensely as he says it, or just the way he says it, but I get a sense of unease that makes the hairs on my arms stand up and my body stiffen.

‘Oh, look, there’s a taxi,’ I cry, changing the subject. Flinging out my arm, I start waving furiously. It’s going in the other direction, but it immediately performs a U-turn and deftly pulls up alongside the kerb. I feel a beat of relief.