Page 29 of Tainted Love

She rubs her tummy and her eyes fill with affection. ‘Well, I don’t have to hide my little princess any more.’

‘Princess?’

‘Meh, today, she’s a she.’

I giggle as she flicks a hand flippantly through the air.

‘I take it you’ve told Neil then?’

‘Just. I figured he’s so pissed at you over coming back from Dubai and going on leave that he won’t care so much about me being pregnant.’

‘What are friends for if you can’t use their grave to dance on?’

‘Exactly what I thought,’ she says. ‘I amsoexcited for St Lucia. My out-of-office reply is already turned on.’

‘For Thursday?’

‘No, silly. I have a half-day today and I’m off tomorrow, too. Packing time. When are you finishing?’

‘About five hours before the flight?’

‘You’re insane.’

‘Insane I may be but I’m trying to keep Neil and Mr Ghurair happy and pick up a new deal for Gregory.’

‘How is the neurotic arsehole?’

I cock my head to one side. ‘Amanda, could you not, please?’

‘Listen, I’m the one who had to see what he did to you, when you were together and when you were apart. I can dropneuroticif you like but he’s still an arsehole.’

‘You don’t know what happened. Not everything.’

‘Yes, well, I know all I need to know. If he wants my trust, he can earn it.’

There’s an unlikely happening.

‘Do you at least think the pair of you can be civil in St Lucia? For my sake, and for Sandy and Jackson. It is their wedding, let’s not forget.’

‘I’ll behave if he does.’

I roll my eyes as she turns on her velvet stilettos and leaves.

9

Amy has packed; what she’s packed for me is anyone’s guess. Julia and Lucas from Harrods have apparently made sure I have the complete holiday wardrobe and all travel arrangements are taken care of. I’ve sent the due diligence report to Mr Ghurair and a list of additional enquiries to the other side, which means I should have bought myself a hassle-free week on that deal whilst they find the answers.

I take a final swig from the lukewarm coffee on my desk and shut down my computer.

‘Margaret, I’m heading to the negotiation meeting at GJR’s offices. Is my cab ready?’

‘It’s outside. Mr Ryans arranged it. Should I set your out-of-office reply?’

‘Not yet, I’ll be back in the office late tonight to finalise the details of this negotiation before I fly out in the morning.’

‘Well, have a wonderful time, won’t you?’

‘I’ll do my best. Remember, if you need me?—’