Page 217 of Private Lives

‘Not because of me?’ She smiled.

Matt laughed.

‘Now that would be going above and beyond the call of my supervising partner duties.’

‘I thought Helen was my supervising partner?’

‘I’m not sure she’s going to be at the firm much longer,’ said Matt. He gave her a knowing look, and she nodded.

‘What’s going to happen to her?’

‘Let Larry sort it,’ he said quietly.

‘Do you think she’ll go to prison?’

‘If Larry’s got anything to do with it, he’ll arrange something much, much worse.’

‘I should tell Sam about Helen,’ Anna said finally. ‘He’s got a strong case for damages.’

‘That’s big of you. I’m not sure he deserves it.’

‘Sam didn’t deserve to get crucified,’ she said, pouring out two glasses of Pinot and handing him one.

‘So how are you?’ he asked, taking a sip. ‘When did you find out?’ He wasn’t going to let the matter drop.

She spooned out the chicken passanda.

‘Before it was all over the Standard, thankfully. I drove to his house yesterday and she was there.’ She stopped, looking down at the table. ‘It seemed a long way home afterwards,’ she said quietly.

‘Did you like him?’

She nodded.

‘Yes. I liked him.’

‘Were you in love with him?’

‘After two weeks? Don’t be daft.’ Her cheeks had gone bright red. ‘Sam’s had a lot of stick, and he brought plenty of it on himself. But I think he’s a decent person underneath it all. I’m just not sure he was the person for me. And I certainly wasn’t the right woman for him.’

‘I’d pick you over Jessica Carr any time.’

He regretted saying it instantly, but it was true.

They clinked glasses and began to drink, sharing stories about their disastrous love lives and other anecdotes from their past, joking at their mistakes and foibles. In the taxi he had felt a bit stupid getting in touch, but now he knew that she welcomed the gesture.

By the time they had finished their curry, Matt realised they were both very drunk. He pointed towards a suitcase that was standing in the corner of the room.

‘Going somewhere?’ he asked playfully.

She looked doubtful.

‘Maybe,’ she replied.

He raised his eyebrows.

‘Maybe?’

‘It’s my sister’s wedding this weekend. I’m sure you know about Sophie and Andy – the whole office seems to – so you can see my dilemma. It would make my mum and dad so happy if I turned up, but I’m not sure I can face looking like such a loser.’