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‘I’m so touched you asked me to help you out. I was really surprised if I’m honest.’
‘It made perfect sense. This is your world after all.’
‘How do you know that?’
‘Tate talks about you a lot.’
Bria smiles tightly and nods. ‘Right. Well, I’ve made an appointment at an amazing boutique. You’ll absolutely find something there that will be perfect.’ She checks her watch. ‘Time for coffee first though. We can’t go shopping unless I get to know you a little better.’
They walk to a coffee shop down the street and Bria orders two mochas and a scone which they split. ‘So, you’re his girlfriend. How long has he been keeping you secret for?’
‘It’s only been a few weeks.’
‘How exactly did you meet him? You appear normal, and I mean that in a good way. Believe me.’
‘I bumped into him on the beach. I was trying to draw the wildlife and got Tate on Jove instead. My car broke down and he came to my rescue. We ran into each other again the following day. It grew from there.’
‘I presume this is your first public event with him.’
Chloe doesn’t miss the fact Bria doesn’t say Tate’s name. ‘Yes, it is. Between you and me, I’m terrified. Don’t get me wrong, I’m over the moon he asked me, I just don’t want to mess up. It’s a lot of pressure.’
‘It’s not that bad. I don’t know if he told you but I went with him to his first event.’
‘You did? No, he didn’t say.’
‘When he was signed he promised he’d take me to his first award ceremony. If Broken Chords ever made it big of course. Which they did less than a year later. I didn’t think he’d remember.’ She looks into her coffee and smiles. ‘Come to think about it, I’m the only person he’s ever brought with him. Can’t say why but he always goes alone. Maybe taking me turned him off bringing a date.’
Bria laughs briefly, but there’s little humour in it. Whatever the problem between them, Bria is clearly as upset about it as Tate is.
‘It was an amazing night, Chloe. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about. He’ll look after you every second. Now, we’ll get you sorted dress-wise and I’ve got someone ready to do your hair and makeup at the hotel. I hope that’s okay.’
‘I never even thought of hair and makeup.’
‘That’s what you have me for. So how long are you staying in London for? Has he arranged anything else for you two? Will you need any other outfits?’
‘We’re staying for two nights but I don’t know what else is planned. He mentioned flying out on Friday and back on Sunday. I’m not sure what flight he’s booking or any other details.’
Bria laughs and takes a sip of her coffee.
‘What?’
‘You won’t be flying like that.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You’ll be going by helicopter.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘If he’s going to the UK he always goes by helicopter. It’ll take you straight to the hotel then a car will pick you up from there and take you to the ceremony. It will be booked to take you back again on Sunday. Believe me it’s so much easier than fighting your way through an airport. Long haul is different but for a quick hop like this, the door to door thing is quicker.’
Chloe smiles but it’s entirely forced. It just hit her that this isn’t going away for a weekend with her boyfriend. This is something so far removed from anything else she’s been to. She’ll be going to a very public event with a very public man and other very public people.
Bria reaches across and squeezes her hand. ‘Just registered, huh?’
‘Oh my god! Am I that transparent?’
‘Not quite. You did go a smidge pale though.’
