Page 78 of Endgame

‘No. Vegetables survived and I hide the crab. Everything else, gone. You like too much cookies.’ MsPat points to the empty packet of biscuits next to Lara.

‘I—’

‘Thank you, MsPat. Anything you have will be wonderful,’ I interrupt to put an end to the exchange, then flop into the couch next to Lara.

‘Long day?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Ugh. I might have to go back to London.’

‘Why?’

‘Samir responded to my CV with just “no thanks” in his email. Your competitors were much more polite but are all still telling me to sling my hook. Also, Dominic isn’t responding to any of my threats to give me a job.’

‘I’m literally counting down my two years.’

‘I’d kill for two years.’

‘So, how are things going with you and Honey?’

‘You’re just as bad as Caleb. We’re just friends at the moment, which is more than I can say for you.’

‘Why? What did I do?’

‘You could have told me she was gay, babe.’

‘I couldn’t, Lara. I?—’

‘I know. She already defended you. I just wish you could have snuck me a little clue.’

‘I’m sorry.’ I reach over to hold her hand and she nods her forgiveness. ‘So, where have you been all week? I tried to reach you. Have the police been in touch?’

‘Honey had an exhibition fight in Bangkok so I went along for the free flights, hotel, room service, VIP seats and parties. You know, hanger-on, entourage shit.’

‘That’s all?’ I tease.

Lara immediately buries her face in a nearby pillow. When she pulls it away, she has the most adorable smile.

‘I hate you so much,’ she groans.

‘I know. So what are you going to do?’

‘Nothing.’

I’ve never seen Lara this unsure about anything. Honey has definitely got under her skin.

‘You know, Caleb is moving out of his apartment at the end of next month. You’re welcome to stay here with us or…’

‘Or I can get my own apartment as soon as someone gives me a job. I’m definitely not moving in with Honey and there’s too much drama going on with you two. I’m not quite ready to back up MsPat when she helps you dodge Dominic and I refuse to watch Caleb undressing you with his pervy eyes from across the living room.’

‘You have a bit of time. I’m sure something will come up.’

‘I just wish it’d hurry up.’ She pouts.

‘Crab salad, Miss Ariella?’ MsPat announces, setting a place for one in front of me while eyeing Lara.

‘Thank you, Ms Pat.’

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