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‘That’s enough!’ From somewhere she could hear Iosef’s voice as she let her eyes close—not the best idea as the spinning in her head got faster and Annie realized she was going to hit the floor.
‘I really have to go, Jackie...’
Suddenly an arm was around her waist, Iosef lifting her a good two inches off the floor and half carrying her, half briskly walking her the long length of the aisle before sitting her on a bench outside the church and rather unceremoniously shoving her head between her knees. ‘Deep breaths—come on.’
‘I’m going to be sick.’
‘You’re not. Just breathe slowly in and out through your mouth...’ His hand was still pushing her head down. It was all very well for him to say she wasn’t going to be sick, Annie thought in panic, but the deep breaths actually did start to work and she realized in relief she wasn’t going to betotallyhumiliated.
‘Big breaths.’
‘Oh, God...’ She was starting to think now, and as blood seeped back to her brain and her nausea receded, embarrassment crept in. ‘Did everyone see?’
‘No one noticed, things were finishing up anyway. When did you last eat?’
‘I don’t know.’ Her brain was still fuzzy, her lips still dry and his hand was still pushing her head down.
‘You haven’t eaten anything, have you?’ Iosef demanded. ‘Silly girl...’ Despite the fog, his words irritated her and she attempted to lift her head, but still he held it down. ‘I’ve seen you—eating nothing all day or nibbling on a small salad when there is cheesecake someone’s bought in...’
‘I don’t like cheesecake.’
‘Oh, but you love your lettuce, don’t you? What are you doing at the gym twice a day? Just what the hell is it with you women, just what are you trying to achieve?’
‘I really don’t need a lecture.’ His hand was off her head and gingerly Annie sat up and tried to explain, but Iosef wasn’t even going to pretend to listen.
‘Oh, but I think you do. I think you need someone to give you a proper talking to. How do you expect to do a full-time job and—?’
‘Annie...’ Claudia came over, her face working up as if she was about to cry.
‘I’m fine.’ Annie smiled, but Annie’s near faint wasn’t what was on Claudia’s mind.
‘Look, please, don’t breathe a word to Jackie. If I’m wrong, it’s fine—I’ll sort something out—but when you said your dress fitted marvelously... ’ The two women’s eyes met in shock, both literally drooping in relief as realization hit.
‘Your dress doesn’t fit either?’ A grin started to spread across her pale face.
‘It’s just way too big. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. When I say it’swaytoo big…’
‘Don’t apologize.’ Annie almost wept in relief. ‘I’ve been dieting like crazy all week, hitting the gym morning and night!’
‘Tell me about it—I’ve been eating takeaways three times a day and spending a fortune on padded bras...’ Claudia groaned.
‘You two have mixed up your dresses?’ And though she wasn’t actually talking to him—was still smarting from his words—Iosef persisted in spite of her rather pointedly looking away. ‘That is why you have been on this crazy diet?’
‘Why else?’ Annie snapped, then turned her attention back to Claudia. ‘Do you want to bring it over and swap now?’
‘Is tomorrow OK?’ Claudia shook her head. ‘I’m supposed to be going to Mum’s after here.’
‘Sure.’ Annie gave a pale smile, still a touch woolly but feeling a whole lot better. ‘I’ll see you at the hairdresser’s in the morning.’
‘Let’s get you home.’ For the second time that day Iosef questioned her ability to drive, only this time it was non-negotiable. ‘I’ll drop you off.’
‘I’m OK...’
‘You are certainly not OK—you’ve nearly fainted twice today. And I really don’t fancy being called into work because you’ve caused a major pile-up, making your own way home. Come on!’
Should she ask him in?
For the whole of the short drive home Annie worried over the question. If it had beenanyother colleague, then, of course, she’d offer. But somehow the thought of him seeing her rather shabby apartment was, well... embarrassing.
