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A short while later they sat at a table in the window and Pippa asked, “Any news on the money?”
Judith took a deep breath.“I went over to his place on Monday night and confronted him.”
“And?”
“He owned up to—” she made air quotes, “‘borrowing it’.”
“Selfish prick.”
“I’ve given him one month to put it back in my account.”
“Oh yeah, right.Watch this space.Did he have the grace to tell you why he took it?”
“Not really.He says he’s working on some gaming-related project.”Even now a warped sense of loyalty stopped her from telling Pippa the whole story, or at least what she knew of it.
“There’s all these ways the gaming industry get you to spend more money,” Pippa said.“Like paying out for loot boxes that give you an advantage over other players.People can spend thousands on it.It’s crazy addictive.I saw a documentary on it the other night.I bet that’s what’s happened.”
“Perhaps.”She didn’t want to dwell on the possibility he was lying to her as well as stealing from her.His gaming obsession had turned Mark into a shadow person.
“I’m so happy you’re out of that relationship.”
“So am I.”
“And if he doesn’t give it back, I’ll send the team round.”
Judith laughed.The idea of Mark cowering in the corner as The Badassgirls, as Pippa’s netball team called themselves, stood over him was quite appealing.
“Thanks Pip.I’ll keep you posted.”She took another sip of bubbles.“So, what’s the new look in aid of?”
“I dunno.I felt like a change.”By now Pippa had put most of her lipstick round the rim of the glass and rubbed one eye, which had smudged the mascara.
Judith leaned forward and wiped the mark off Pippa’s cheek with a finger.Pippa grinned and slapped her hand away.“Don’t,” she exclaimed laughingly.Goodness, Pippa was actually blushing!
Judith grinned gleefully.“Youhavegot a date tonight, haven’t you?”
Pippa shrugged.“Just meeting a friend.”
“You’ve never gone to this trouble for a friend.C’mon, who is it?”Judith wheedled.“One of the footie guys you treat, I bet.”
“Don’t be daft, you know I can’t date patients.”
“Ex-patients are okay.Is he hunky?”
Pippa sculled her drink, turning a shade of tomato.“Not saying.”
“I’m going to sit here until he arrives.”
Pippa shrugged.“Wait as long as you like.”
“Aw, stop being so secretive.You’re meeting him here, right?”
“Not exactly.”
“If you don’t tell me, I’ll follow you.”
“You are so frigging annoying.”Pippa started to look flustered.“Maybe we’re meeting here.Yes.Happy now?”
Judith snickered and took a mouthful of bubbles, revelling in having the upper hand for once.It didn’t happen often, but tonight she really felt like she’d turned the tables on Pippa.
