Two's Company
Page 37
“Of course you didn’t. Why would you?” said Layla.
* * *
At three o’clock, Didi was in her office when she glimpsed the blue Audi pulling into the hotel car park. She watched as Shay reversed into a narrow space, getting it right the first time, before emerging from the driver’s seat. Yes, of course he was still looking good. Better than good. And he could park brilliantly too. Some people just had too many talents.
A minute later there was a light knock at the door and she rose to answer it, first tipping her head forward then back again to add extra bounce to her choppy dark bob.
Well, it looked better that way.
“Hi, the receptionist told me I’d find you in here. What are you doing this evening? Are you on duty?”
“No…”
“Good. How about dinner?”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? Jealous fiancé?”
“My fiancé isn’t jealous. And he works in London during the week.” Didi paused, then said, “It’s Rosa’s birthday. We’re having a little party for her this evening in the orangery.”
“Rosa. How is she?”
“Doing OK, considering. I don’t know if you know Joe died?”
“I heard. Three years ago, wasn’t it? She must have been devastated.”
Didi nodded. “Layla too. It was awful. How did you hear about it? Has someone been keeping you up to date with what’s been happening in Elliscombe?”
“No. There’s this thing called the internet… It’s easy enough to find out what goes on.”
“You aren’t on social media.”
“Aren’t I?” There it was again, the faint smile signaling his one-upmanship, because now he knew she’d been searching for information about him.
“Well, Layla spotted you earlier in the high street,” Didi said. “If you’re around the hotel this evening, I’m sure they’d love to see you.”
But he was already shaking his head. “Thanks, but I’ll leave it for now. Will your father be there?”
“Yes.” Would that be an issue?
“Let Rosa have her birthday party in peace. I’m sure I’ll bump into her at some point. You have fun.”
Didi couldn’t help herself; she took a deep breath. “How long are you back for?”
Shay studied her in silence for a couple of seconds and she felt a surge of adrenalin whoosh through her veins. Finally he said, “I don’t know, haven’t decided yet. There are things that need to be sorted out.”
And Now You're Back
On sale June 2021
About the Author
With over thirteen million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible, funny, poignant, and romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, and Jojo Moyes. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.
Maybe This Time
When you visit the Cotswolds with international bestselling author Jill Mansell, you’ll never want to leave!
When Mimi Huish first visits her dad’s new home in the Cotswolds, she falls in love with Goosebrook and the people who live there—especially Cal Mathieson, who’s as welcoming and charismatic as he is gorgeous. Though Mimi loves her city life and her career, she’d be very happy to return to Goosebrook if it means seeing more of him…
“Full of heart and surprises, this novel will captivate readers.”
—Booklist for Three Amazing Things About You
For more info about Sourcebooks’s books and authors, visit:
sourcebooks.com
Fast Friends
With international bestseller Jill Mansell, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll never want the story to end…
When Camilla Stewart invites some old friends over for dinner, she never imagines they’ll reveal that her husband is having an affair. Her comfortable existence shattered, Camilla determines to make some changes. With a little help from her friends, she soon finds that life in the fast lane is a lot more fun—and the future still holds plenty of surprises.
“Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella or Marian Keyes, Fast Friends is engaging and entertaining.”
—Shelf Awareness
For more info about Sourcebooks’s books and authors, visit:
sourcebooks.com
Thank you for reading this Sourcebooks eBook!
Join our mailing list to stay in the know and receive special offers and bonus content on your favorite books and authors!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Books. Change. Lives.