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“Something like that.” I don’t want to get into a conversation about what my plans are when it comes to Jules or my future here. Not before I have a chance to talk to her properly, and that hasn’t presented itself in over a week. “What brings you here for the night?”

“I’m meeting Lucia in Cannes, she and her mother have been there for a week. The movie was just chosen as an official selection.”

I clap at the mention of his wife, an acclaimed writer. “Lucia Vega Carras, international superstar. Give her my congrats.”

“Will do. I’ll be at our place.”

“I thought you sold it.”

“Changed my mind, but I’ll tell you more at dinner.”

“Cool. Anabel’s is off Berkley Square. So you can walk over.”

“Great. I’ll text when I land.”

I wink at my reflection in the mirror on my way up the stairs. “You lucky son of a bitch.”

CHAPTER 21

REVELATIONS

Omar

I textJules on my way to the market.

I stopat the cash point before I head into the bustling outdoor market Brixton is famous for. I’m almost to my regular green grocer’s stall when someone taps on my shoulder. I turn around and come face to face with Jules’ foster brother or whatever. “Connor?”

“Conrad,” he declares with the same toothy grin he flashed the night I met him. But he looks like he may not have showered or even changed since then. Or maybe the afternoon sun is just making visible what I couldn’t see in the semi dark. His eyes are bloodshot and smudged with dark shadows. “And I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life as I am to see you. Saw you and thoughtI’m saved.” He waves his hands in an odd double high-five.

“Saved? Byme?”

“Yeah. I left my wallet at the flat and was about to walk all the way back but dreading it, like, cause I’m already gasping for a cuppa. But then I see you and figure I don’t have to go all the way back there.”

“I don’t follow.”

“You must have extra bob on you. If you could lend me a tenner that would be great.”

I’m surprised by the brazen, entitled expectancy of the ask, but my mind is caught up on the first part of his sentence. “You have a flat around here? I thought it was an Airbnb and that you were passing through.”

His eyes widen in surprise. “Didn’t Jules tell ya? I’m crashing at hers while I’m here.”

I’m too surprised to hide it. “Really?”What the fuck?

He grimaces but looks more amused than anything. “Ohhh, shit. Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

I shake my head and wave it off with a good-natured smile. “No. We didn’t get to talk after you left, and she’s been gone all week.” I reach into my back pocket, pull out my money clip, and slip a twenty pound note out. “Here you go.”

“Generous of you, mate.” His eyes light up, and he shoves the money into his pocket. “I’ll give this back in a few days.”

My eyes narrow. “Consider it a gift. And since you’re still here, why don’t you come up to the house for dinner tonight? We’re eating at seven.”

“All right. Nice one.” He holds his hand up for a high-five, and I hit it as hard as I can with a huge smile on my face. He yelps, shakes out his hand, and gives me a confused side eye.

“Sorry. I forget my own strength sometimes.”

“No worries, mate. See you at seven, right?”

“Right.” He mimes doffing his hat and turns to leave.