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We stepped into the juice bar and made our orders before settling on stools by the window bench.
“Don’t worry, she won’t be there. I’m not in the mood for more family drama. It’s a big night for me.”
She nodded pensively. “You become a millionaire.”
“Well, it’s not just that. But sure, that’s exciting.”
“What about Ma Chérie and Crisp?”
“I’ve left.”
Her eyebrows flung up. “Well, good for you. But that sleazehole remains.”
“Mm… maybe it won’t.”
She inclined her face to the side. “What do you know?”
I splayed my palms. “Nothing really.”
I wasn’t about to tell her that Crisp had hooked up with Natalia, who had taken over my role. I’d since learnt that her arrival was no coincidence. Crisp didn’t seem to blink at the fact that Alek and Goran, those heavily built guys I’d seen hovering around the casino, were her brothers.
“That’s colourful.” I pointed at the purplish drink she’d just had delivered.
“Beetroot, carrot, and ginger. It’s about as exciting as it gets these days. I’m not even having coffee.” Her mouth turned down.
I grimaced. “Difficult. Coffee can’t be bad, though.”
“I’m not taking any risks with this miracle pregnancy.”
She explained how Bram had damaged her chances at getting pregnant.
“I’ve heard that doctors aren’t always right.” I smiled sympathetically. “How far are you?”
“Three months.”
I noticed the glass trembling in her hand, and I touched her arm. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll do good. You’ve kicked booze, I take it.”
“Oh, God yeah. It’s amazing how clearheaded I feel. I’m even designing Kelvin’s new house.”
“Is that the guy who wears the tinselly jackets?”
She laughed. “Yep, that’s him. You should see the colour scheme. Oh my God, it’s right out there. But fun.”
“You’ll have to show me some photos.”
She pulled out her phone and showed me a collection of rooms exploding in colour.
“You weren’t kidding. One would have to wear sunglasses inside.”
“Kelvin said that life was too short for beige and white.” She laughed again. “But it’s cool. Don’t you think?”
“It’s very seventies.”
“That’s what they’re going for. I even designed the wallpaper.”
She showed me a print with eyes, fish, and all kinds of strange creatures floating around. “It’s like someone on magic mushrooms might have designed that.” I gave her an apologetic half smile. “I meant that as a compliment. I’ve never taken any, myself.”
“I’ve had them, and one does see odd things. Mainly you laugh, though. Or at least I did. Ethan and I ate some when we were teenagers. We spent the whole time giggling at ducks and watching trees move around.”
