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‘We can’t let them get away with it,’ said Stella.
‘No, we can’t.’
Lara had thought she was hardened to the evils of the world, but putting Esther’s name to those abstract statistics had made it real, had made her real.
The click-clack and sway of the train was a soundtrack to her thoughts, and the soft rhythm helped soothe her mood.
‘I mean, I know it wasn’t the most uplifting trip,’ said Stella, clambering under her own sheet. ‘But I have to say, travelling this way is romantic.’
Lara smiled as she reached over to flick off the light.
‘Yes, when we were in the dining car, I could imagine Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint sitting down to join us.’
There was a pause.
‘Who?’
‘Cary Grant,’ said Lara. ‘In North By Northwest?’
‘Him from Four Weddings And A Funeral, right?’
‘Not Hugh Grant, Cary Grant. Jesus, Stella.’
She cut herself off as she realised Stella was teasing her. Lara tried throwing a complimentary shortcake biscuit at her.
‘Can I ask you a question?’ said Stella finally.
‘Another one?’
‘Why have you never got together with Alex?’
Lara laughed.
‘Seriously,’ pressed Stella.
‘I liked him once,’ she said, after another moment.
She hadn’t admitted it to anyone, not even Sandrine. Especially Sandrine. But the darkness of the cabin made it easier to talk openly, and besides, it was good to get it off her chest.
‘The first time I ever saw him, it was the proverbial thunderbolt and for about nine months, most of the way through our City course actually, I was convinced he was “The One”. But there were so many nights when we went out and I waited and waited. And…’
‘And?’
‘And then I moved on. And now he’s getting married.’
She felt Stella stir.
‘To Alice?
‘Alicia.’
‘Eww!’
Lara laughed. ‘Stella, you’ve never even met Alicia.’
‘But you two are perfect together,’ said Stella urgently. ‘You haven’t had a boyfriend since I’ve known you and you’re so beautiful, that it doesn’t make any sense – unless, deep down, you love Alex.’
‘I do love him, Stel, but not the way you mean. Not anymore. That was all a long time ago.’
