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“What, like you’re still at school? Come on Kate, you deserve better than that.”
“Can we change the subject? When are you coming down over Christmas?”
“Early boxing day.”
“Early? Are you sure?”
“Oh yeah, I’ll be out on Christmas eve so won’t be able to face booze by Christmas Day and will be sober as a judge by Boxing Day morning.”
“OK, well it will be great to see you.”
“Is it just me and you or are your waifs and strays coming too?”
“If you mean Joy and Bob, then yes they are. But they’re not coming over till lunchtime so we’ll have plenty of time to catch up before they arrive.”
“Good. I really miss you. It will be nice to have you to myself for a while. Anyway, I’d better get going, I’ve got a spray tan booked in half an hour.”
“OK, see you soon. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
AT HALF PASTsix, Kate opened the door to a suited and booted Bob.
“Wow… you look… um… different.”
“You think it’s too much?” said Kate, anxiety prickling her skin. “I knew I’d gone over the top, it was so stupid of me. I got over excited at the thought of going out. Should have opted for something low key. I…”
“Kate.” Bob grabbed her flailing hands and looked deep into her eyes. “What I should have said is you look beautiful. Not overdressed, not different, beautiful.”
Kate pulled her hands from his grasp and ran one through her hair. Her fingers stuck against the bucket of hairspray and she turned away from Bob to discretely untangle them. “Thank you. You look very smart yourself.”
“Just another day at the office,” laughed Bob, looking down at his typical work day outfit. “I did buy a new shirt though.”
“Well I’m glad you made an effort. You really don’t think I’m overdressed?”
“Just wait till you see what the other women put on. In previous years I’ve not known where to look. I have no doubt you’ll be the most elegant woman there.”
“Elegant as in…overdressed?”
“Shut up and get a glass of wine down you. Here,” said Bob, handing her a bottle he’d brought with him. “I expected you’d be nervous so thought it may be a good idea to have a pre-party drink to calm your nerves.”
“Is it that obvious how out of practice I am at socialising?”
“No, but you do yourself down constantly so I saw no reason tonight would be any different. You really have nothing to worry about.”
“Yes, but everyone from your office will be super clever and successful. I’ve spent the past ten years cleaning up manky bedrooms after stags and hens.”
“And I bet you’ve got some good stories to tell from it.”
“Yes, but it hardly screams success, does it?”
“Then talk about setting up your Airbnb business.”
“Bob, I’ve only had three sets of guests.”
“No need to include that detail. It’s early days. And trust me, most of the people you’ll meet tonight are more likely to bore you to death than make you feel inadequate. Now come on, I’ll pour us that drink.”
