Page 20 of Mercury Rising

“I didn’t and it could have a massive impact on my life.”

“You’re rich and you work for yourself,” Bobby replied. “And that reminds me. Still no post. Don’t leave it too long, Mercury. Nothing is guaranteed.”

The comment hit home because of its truth. The neglect Mercury had shown his professional life had to stop.

“So,” Jeannie said. “Tell us about it.”

“It’s not so bad. Thank you for asking.”

Jeannie stared at him. “Something’s the matter. Out with it.”

Mercury dropped the half-eaten brownie onto the plate. “It started off a bit shakily. There’s a nasty little queen there who’s taken an instant dislike to me.”

Bobby snorted. “Does he know who he’s dealing with?”

Bobby’s flippant reaction to this whole situation had become very grating. Mercury began to think this afternoon tea had been a bad idea.

“I’m not there to make trouble,” Mercury replied. “The guy who runs it, who by the way is absolutely gorgeous, seems to like me being there anyway.”

Jeannie and Bobby both sat up a little straighter.

“What’s he called?” Bobby asked.

“Nick.”

“Nice. Describe.”

“A bit like that guy offBridgerton.”

“Regé-Jean Page,” Bobby exclaimed.

People at the neighbouring tables glared.

“Sorry,” Bobby said weakly. “Regé-Jean Page is stunning. There was me feeling sorry for you.”

“Go on,” Jeannie cut in, shooting Bobby a glare.

“We were getting on really well then the kids came in from school. They were asking me all about influencing and he said I’d given them false hope.”

“Bollocks,” Jeannie said.

Mercury frowned. “Okay. Why?”

“I come from a shitty estate in Bolton and now look at me. We’re not all here because of our parents.”

As one of the leading models in the industry, Jeannie commanded any fee she liked. She’d been discovered in a fish and chip shop, of all places.

“Anyway, it won’t be long and you’re out of there, babe,” Bobby said. “Fuck that nasty piece of work. As long as the boss likes you, that’s all that matters.”

Mercury glanced at Jeannie.

“He’s right,” she said. “You need an easy life for a bit.”

“How about focusing on work?” Bobby asked.

Mercury groaned. “Bloody hell, Bobby. Change the record. Are you worried all the freebies will dry up?”

He knew he’d gone too far when a red rash appeared on Bobby’s neck. Always an indicator he was upset.