Derek looked stricken.
“No, we’ve been together for well over a year,” Georgina smiled.
“Oh, I see.” Something inside her wanted to scream that she had been living with Derek during that same year. She glared at Derek and her eyes narrowed. “I’m so happy that Derek’s found someone he obviously loves.”
Georgina smiled. “We’re still in the honeymoon stage. He keeps asking me to move in.”
“Fantastic,” Sophie replied as something sharp stabbed at her heart. A strong hand squeezed her waist. It must have been Matthew’s. She couldn’t talk about Derek and Georgina any further. “My flat mate, Carol, is the lead in the show tonight,” Sophie continued, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “She would be thrilled that more people she knows will watch her. You met her, too, I think.”
“We’d better go to our seats,” Mickey said, eyes darting between the frozen Derek and Sophie’s icy glare. “Don’t want to miss anything.”
“Well we might see you at the interval,” Georgina said with enthusiasm. “Maybe I should get your phone number just in case I arrange the housewarming. I can’t see Derek doing that. I’ve met some of the boys and I’d really like it if you came too.”
Sophie blanked her expression. “Sure, okay. Call me anytime,” Sophie replied. “We could have a nice long chat.”
Derek almost choked and his face turned purple. “I’ve got Sophie’s details,” Derek interjected. “We’d better get going.”
***
It took some time for Sophie’s breathing to calm, and for her to feel more normal. She focused on Carol and became mesmerised by the music. Carol floated effortlessly over the stage. She was sensational.
There was a standing ovation at the end of the show, and Sophie couldn’t help the tears welling in her eyes as the crowd applauded Carol.
“She was absolutely brilliant,” Sophie gushed to Matthew as they walked out of the theatre. Oddly, as if they were actually together, his fingers entwined with hers.
“She was phenomenal,” Mickey admitted as they all exited the theatre, caught in the crowd. They were all suddenly ballet experts, commenting on what she’d done and how she done it. Even though none of them really know what they were talking about, they all agreed Carol was magnificent. And surely, she was much better than the usual principal dancer.
“Do you think she’d be good on camera, like in a commercial? She’s slim and very pretty.”
“God, I wish she would be in my commercial; she’s so graceful,” Matthew agreed.
“Why don’t we see her after the show?” Mickey insisted. “We’ve come all this way and I want to see the star!”
***
After the show there were no issues with security. Sophie freely led the entourage backstage which was heaving with activity. Ballerinas scooted down the halls, appearing much more dishevelled then they were minutes ago, prancing on stage.
Sophie rapped on Carol’s dressing room door. “Is the superstar inside?” she called. They huddled outside, waiting in anticipation for Carol to answer.
A musical voice resonated through the door. “She’s here. Come on in,” Carol hollered. Sophie pushed the door open and the group bounded inside.
Turning from the dressing table and extensive mirror, Carol swivelled in her chair to face her guests. She’d already swapped her costume for a stylish, short, chic dress emphasizing her muscular frame. “Welcome, welcome,” she breathed and blew kisses to each person, the effect stopping Matthew and Clive in their tracks.
A wide smile crept across Carol’s face as she hurriedly extracted pins, disassembling her bun which had sat rigidly in place for her whole performance. Her hair was soon loose and lengths of blonde trailed down her back. Wisps of hair created a halo around her face.
“You were amazing,” Sophie shrieked. “Just incredible.”
Carol shrugged and stood up. She folded over, bending from the waist into an elaborate bow. “Thank you very much. Autographs later folks,” she joked. Carol’s eyes settled on Matthew, waiting for some type of reaction.
“You were captivating,” Matthew encouraged.
“Thank you. And thank you so much for coming,” Carol whispered. She clutched Matthew’s hands and kissed both his cheeks. “I know men don’t often like the ballet.”
“All those women in leotards,” Matthew teased. “Guys should be queuing for each performance.”
Carol faced Mickey, her eyes widened in question. She swallowed, a microscopic gulp most people wouldn’t notice, betraying her bravado, and proof of her total lack of confidence in her performance.
“Did you hear the applause?” Mickey said. “They loved you. I thought you were sensational.”
Relief flooded Carol’s face and her esteem seemed to recover. Her face radiated, with her lips turning into a firm grin. “Thank you darling.” Carol turned expectantly to Clive who remained by the doorway. “You must be Clive Jefferies. I’m so thrilled to meet you.” She extended a graceful hand.
He was absolutely mesmerised and wiped his palm on his shirt before he shook her hand. “Wonderful, you were just wonderful,” Clive gushed.
“What a lovely thing to say, thank you.” Carol glanced at both men, revelling in the attention.
Josh cleared his throat, he was already in the dressing room and completely overlooked, sitting on a bench amidst the flower arrangements. “Hello everyone,” he said with a slight wave. “I told her she was fabulous.” His enthralled smile followed Carol hungrily round the room. Carol dashed to the other side of her dressing room in her ultra-high platform shoes, which emphasised her lean legs.
“I feel like a celebrity with so many people here,” she gushed as she strode to pick up a champagne glass. “As my first fans, would you like to have a cheeky celebration with me?” She indicated to a bottle next to Josh.
He leapt up to search for flutes. “I don’t believe there are any more glasses.” Josh darted a glance at Carol, who shrugged apologetically. “Maybe swig out of the bottle?”
“As long as our saliva doesn’t ruffle the Swan Queen’s feathers,” Mickey laughed. “Are you right for a top up?”
Carol nodded. Her movie star smile remained undisturbed.
“Who needs glasses? We can all share.” Sophie reached for the champagne bottle but her fingers slipped. The bottle crashed onto the floor and glass splintered over the tiles.
Everyone froze.
Sophie dropped to the floor and scrambled to clear up the mess. “I’m so sorry,” she trilled. “That was your special champagne. I’ll buy you a new one.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Carol said. “There will be plenty more performances.”
Bodies crouched around the spill, helping to collect fragments.
“Since I’ve clearly made the place dry, I have a proposition,” Sophie said. “I’m a solutions type of girl.”
“What’s your proposition?” Mathew raised his eyebrows pointedly at the word. “I didn’t think you liked propositions.” He’d located tissue to mop up the liquid.
“I managed to pull some strings at work. We work for this client, Tonteria. It’s an exclusive bar, apparently the royal hot spot for Prince Harry. It’s quite a big deal.” The shattered champagne bottle was cleaned up, almost like it had never existed. “I’ve got all our names on the door. Only if you’re interested, of course. There’s no obligation to show up.”
“I’m so much on a high,” Carol admitted. “So I’m definitely in.”
“Me, too,” Mickey stated firmly.
She widened her eyes questioningly at Matthew. “You interested?”
There was a flicker behind his gaze. “Of course.” He nodded. His expression was blank and unreadable. “So Carol, are you front and centre again tomorrow?” Matthew asked.
“I’m not sure. It’s Saturday night tomorrow. My director said he’ll see how the lead is feeling; if she’s feeling up to it, she’ll dance the Swan Queen. The life of an understudy is a b
it complicated. Remember, I’m almost twenty-six, ten years older than most of the brats who dance here.” There was bitterness in Carol’s tone.
Matthew’s smile stiffened. “You certainly don’t look old,” Matthew stated. “Or act old. I’m older than you. So you can’t be old.”
“Besides, it’s the experience that counts. Right?” Mickey chimed in, approaching Carol and rubbing her soothingly on her back.
“You’ve danced the lead in Swan Lake and no one can take that from you,” Sophie said brightly.
“No, I suppose they can’t,” Carol admitted. “Except one of those little backstabbing bitches will certainly try and get the spot tomorrow night if the lead’s not back.”
“Forget them,” Josh said softly. “They’ll ruin your night if you keep thinking about them.
Carol acquiesced and plastered a smile back on her face. “Yeah you’re right.” She shrugged, acting nonchalantly. “We better make the most of it. I guess I’ll never know when I’ll be chucked out into the back with the ensemble again. So we should simply go and make the most of it?”
Everyone agreed unanimously.
Chapter 19
Sophie felt flat as she loaded her red Volkswagen Beetle with presents for Christmas at the cottage. Things had been very tense every time she’d spoken to her mother since the discovery of Roger’s redundancy and Sophie’s involvement in the cover up.
The only consolation was, at least the news was now out in the open. The family could move on.
Sophie had left driving to the cottage for Christmas until the last minute. Carol’s departure to her parents’ place the night before had left Sophie feeling alone.
Sophie felt quite single at twenty-five without a boyfriend on the horizon. Christmas festivities would be tiring, with her single status the subject of much contemplation.
She felt even worse because she hadn’t expected one night out with Matthew to cause a complete deterioration in their relationship. She’d evidently offended him greatly. Although she wasn’t sure how. But after that night, he hadn’t called or texted her. She didn’t understand quite what she’d done. All she could think about was the kiss. He must have hated it.
Sophie slammed down the boot of her car. She leapt inside, set to drive to the cottage for Christmas. On the bright side, at least she would be able to talk to her dad – they hadn’t spoken for about a month.
She turned her key in the ignition. The car lurched and failed. She chanced another attempt to start the vehicle. The engine spat, then stopped. She hunched over the steering wheel, willing the car to move.
A rapping on her car window startled her. She jolted in her seat. She sighed gratefully as she noticed Matthew on the pavement. “Merry Christmas,” he mouthed.
She catapulted out of the Volkswagen Beetle, stopping mere inches from him. She smiled warily. He grinned. His smile was enough encouragement for Sophie, an implied invitation. She flung both arms around his neck and gathered him into an embrace. She clamped her eyes shut. She gripped him tight and realisation swooped over her. She was scared to have almost lost him.
She felt his warm body move as he laughed. Pulling her closer, his arms circled her waist. He’d been so good to her. As she held him she couldn’t help but wonder why he was at her place, on Christmas Day.
“I was wondering how you were,” she said into his neck, recalling the kiss in the middle of the theatre.
His breath was warm on her neck. “Sorry but I’ve been super busy,” he whispered. “Just wrapping things up at Brighton for Christmas.”
Jubilation danced through her body, and she felt a thrill of excitement. “I’m going down to Brighton after Christmas,” she enthused.
“Are you?” he exclaimed.
“To work on your job.” She released Matthew from her grip, suddenly awkward at her enthusiasm. “It’s good to see you,” she mumbled, trying desperately to shake her feelings of embarrassment.
He wore a sheepish expression on his face. “I tried to call your phone earlier this morning, but you weren’t picking up.”
“I’ve been packing. I must have missed it,” she said.
“I wanted to catch you before you took off. You said the other night you were leaving this morning. So I just came by….”
“Yeah. Almost ready to go. Got to get this baby running. It doesn’t seem to want to cooperate this morning.” She tapped the Beetle’s bonnet lovingly. She adored her car. If her car had been reliable, she’d have left already and missed his visit.
“Want me to take a look?”
Sophie was impressed. “Do you know anything about cars?”
“A little. I have a car habit, remember.”
“Okay, would you mind? I don’t know what I’ll do if it won’t start.”
“I could drive you, if you wanted?”
She cocked her head to the side, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t want you to have to do that. You’d be late for your own Christmas dinner. Your mum would hate me.”
“I’m sure she’d be absolutely charmed by you, if she met you. Although, you’re right. She is touchy about people being late for her roast dinner, including me. We couldn’t have that.” His eyes twinkled playfully.
“Let’s think positive, the car will start,” she said with a serious note in her voice.
“Yes, positive thoughts.” He nodded and jumped into the car, his muscular body a little too large for her small car. “Can you hold this please?” He handed her a package, meticulously wrapped.
He focused on the ignition, turned the key. The engine spluttered. He tried again and Sophie twisted her hands. What was she going to do? On the third attempt the car buzzed into life and he turned his head toward her.
“Magic touch,” Sophie enthused. “What talents you have magical Matthew.”
“The engine was probably just cold, I think….” He got out of the driver’s seat and stepped back onto the pavement.
She sighed with relief. “Thanks,” she exclaimed. “Thanks so much,” she said, handing him the present back. He waved his hand, he wouldn’t take it.
“It’s for you. Merry Christmas. That’s why I’m here.”
She looked down at the gift, her heart racing. “You didn’t have to. Did you like my gift? Have you opened it yet?”
“I haven’t opened it.” He shook his head. “Besides, you told me not to open it until Christmas.”
“But it is Christmas – today,” she said pointedly.
“Well, then, I’ll report back to you as soon as possible,” he said. “Open this here, if you want, in front of me.”
With shaking hands she undid the ribbon. She tore the wrapping with the excitement of a child, to reveal a rectangular Ted Baker box. “Wow,” she gasped. Ted Baker was an extremely expensive brand and not one Sophie ordinarily splashed out on.
Amusement flashed across his face. “Do you like it?” he questioned.
“I like anything from Ted Baker.” With an element of showmanship she shook the box. Unable to resist much longer, Sophie peeled the lid from the box. Her eyes widened. “Ah, a wallet.”
“I know you like leather.”
“I do. Thank you.” Overwhelmed with emotion she leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you so much. You have an impressive memory. I mentioned it when we first met.”
“How could I forget?” He shrugged. “Look inside.”
“Should I be expecting a hundred quid too?” she questioned, and they both roared with laughter. He twinkled as she peeled the purse open to expose a folded piece of paper. She shook the page out and scanned the writing.
“It’s bad luck to give someone an empty wallet,” he explained, observing her curiously. “Instead of cash I thought you might like this instead.”
“Vouchers to use at the swimming centre.” She laughed. “Thank you.”
“A bit of a joke….” He shifted on his feet. “I was going to ask…, since you said you were possibly going to Brighton?”
“Ah.” He shuffled awkwardly on the pavement. “I think I mentioned beforehand that the publicist for my hotel chain was thinking about throwing a New Year’s Eve party at our Brighton hotel to generate a buzz. Well it’s happening because most of my Brighton hotel is empty. So my publicist is pulling out all the stops as a last effort to generate bookings. Of course they’re inviting about two hundred people in the travel industry and the press. I’ve agreed to the event but have insisted upon inviting some of my own friends. Eve and Josh are going, and some mates from school and university. It’ll be fun. You should come too.”
“It sounds fun.”
“Carol and Mickey of course are invited and Clive can come, too. Just let me know because of the catering.”
“I’ll ask them.”
“You must,” Matthew encouraged. “There will be fireworks down by the water. Quite a few of the suites are empty and I’m reserving a few for mates. Why don’t the three of you girls take one? No cost to you, of course. You can have some drinks, relax, and then join the party when you’re ready.” He grinned. “No pressure.”
“It sounds like fun. I’ll talk to them. I’m sure they’ll agree.” Anticipation ran up her spine. “If I’m up in Brighton, I might work beforehand while I’m there and check out the sites.”
“Really Soph? Don’t you ever take a break?” he frowned. “It’s a holiday.”
“Well I’ll already be there. There’s no point going twice,” she insisted.
“Fair enough.” He shook his head. “Since the work’s for my commercial, why don’t I meet you there and help.”
“Sure, if you want to. You don’t have to. I’ve got it all under control.”
“I’d like to.”
“Okay,” she paused. “If it’s okay, with you?”
He nodded. “Very okay.” He smiled and she couldn’t help but smile back. “We’ll organise the time to go over all the professional work stuff later. But it would be nice to try and separate the personal and the professional.”
Skinny Dipping (Skinny Sagas) Page 19