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“Yes, that’s right, Paul McKenna. It was great. I lost over a stone following his diet plan. What sort of stuff does Nick treat?”
“Oh, everything, really. Smoking, obesity … He’spersonally treated some of the U.K’s top politicians and celebrities.”
“Wow.”
“You know that girl from theEssex Showon Channel Four who’s just had a baby, the one who’s always inHeatmagazine?”
“Becky Bullock?”
“Yeah, that’s the one. Nick helped her lose two stone.”
“He never!” Jill squeals. “Oh, my God, where do I sign up? This man sounds like the answer to my prayers. He can help me lose this jelly belly before Christmas.”
I smile indulgently. I’m not usually one to brag, but I just can’t resist talking Nick up. I’m so proud of everything he’s achieved. It feels so good to finally be in a proper adult relationship with a man who earns his own living and doesn’t have to rely on me. For the first time in my life, I truly feel part of a team.
For the next hour or so, I roam around the gallery, trying to look important, gazing stoically at James’s paintings and scarpering anytime somebody approaches to strike up a conversation. Naturally, Jill must be left to her own devices. She has her friends to catch up with and paintings to sell, so I couldn’t possibly stay glued to her side all evening. It just wouldn’t be fair. Every so often, I catch James stealing admiring glances in my direction. He knows I’m in a relationship but doesn’t let that stop him perusing the sweet shop. I find his attention very flattering but do hope he tones it down before Nick gets here; I wouldn’t want to cause a scene.
Occasionally, I check my phone to track Nick’s progress. The last text he sent me was at seven-fifteen, stating that he was getting on the Underground. Now it’s well gone nine pm; I expect he should be here any minute.
Moistening my lips, I make my way toward the snack table. Apart from the muffin
earlier, I haven’t eaten anything today and champagne on an empty stomach tends not to agree with me. As I approach the table, my breathing quickens. Louise and Susan are standing there, sipping Pimm’s and fussing over cheese chunks and cocktail sausages.
Rolling my eyes, I brace myself for yet another awkward exchange.
“Hi!” Susan trills. “Fancy seeing you here. You’re Carly, right?” I nod stiffly. She continues, “So, how are you?”
“I’m fine. How are you?”
“We’re great,” Louise chimes in. “James’s painting are spellbinding.”
“Yes, they’re wonderful,” I say flatly.
Susan squints at me. “By the way, how’s that friend of yours?”
My face goes blank. “My friend?”
“Yes. Remember, you had to leave Jill’s birthday early because you said your friend had a big emergency. I just wondered if you managed to sort that out.”
I laugh nervously; God, I’d forgotten about my little white lie. “Oh, yes, everything’s fine now. It was my friend Ronan. He, um, had to go to hospital …” My voice trails off. “That’s a lovely dress, Louise,” I gush. “I really love that colour on you.”
“Thanks. It’s Karen Millen.”
There’s a short, uncomfortable silence. None of us know where to look.
“Sorry, could I access the table? That food looks scrumptious.” Moving past them, I pick up a paper plate and proceed to stock up on sandwiches and cocktail sausages. I can feel Louise’s eyes on me, studying, probing, no doubt assessing how much my shoes cost or something equally banal. For Pete’s sake, why do women have to behave this way toward each other?
As I pile up my plate, I continue to hear snippets of their conversation: “Fucking hell, Louise. Have you seen what just walked in?”
“Who am I supposed to be looking at?”
“That guy by the door. Can you see him? The one dressed in black …”
“Holy shit!”
My shoulders tense. Even before I turn around, I can already sense his presence. Covertly, I glance toward the entrance doors and draw in a sharp breath. Nick’s standing there, looking all dapper in a beautifully-tailored suit and the grey-and-black scarf I made for him. Seeing him again gives me monumental whiplash; I’m high as a kite and grinning like a happy school girl.
Peering round the gallery, I notice it’s not just Louise and Susan who are obsessed. Dozens of curious eyes are frozen in his direction and for the first time, I fully appreciate the overpowering effect he has on people. It’s the same feeling I had that first time we met,that crazy magnetism that appears to be felt by everyone.
