Page 107 of Be More Lucy

‘I don’t read that left-wing rag. Waste of paper.’

Peter nodded towards the group of people walking into the garden. ‘You’ve got more guests to greet. I’ll say hello to Olivia. I can see her waving to me from the bar.’

‘Is he always so rude? I counted at least four insults in that one exchange,’ Em whispered to Jack.

‘Yes. I told you he doesn’t believe in praise. I’m not allowed to get too big for my boots. And, just to be clear, I have no intention of cheating on you, regardless of how long we’re married.’

‘I never thought you would. I think you take after your mum rather than your dad.’

‘I hope so. I really do.’

‘Not like you to be in the kitchen,’ Ella said to Lucy.

‘I’m trying to make myself useful.’ And hanging around to see if Mark made an appearance, but she wasn’t going to share that with Ella. She didn’t want to sound like some sad schoolgirl with a crush.

‘No one with you today?’

‘No. I meant it when I said I’d given up men.’

‘Where is the man who put you off men for good? I was looking forward to meeting his pregnant girlfriend. I thought we could swap notes on coping with fat ankles.’

‘I can’t imagine Hannah permits her body to develop fat ankles. But she’s not here. They’ve split up.’

‘Ooh, Mark is here on his own then?’

‘Yes. He’s somewhere in the marquee, I think. He was propping up the bar earlier.’

‘All our menfolk are.’ Ella sounded pissed off.

‘Are you and Sam ok?’

‘Yeah. Take no notice. I’m just fed up with not being able to have any alcohol while Sam’s drinking enough for both of us. I’m looking forward to meeting Charlotte’s new man.’

‘Which one’s that?’

‘Claudio, the hot Italian banker, or I may have misheard.’ Ella chuckled

Em walked in. ‘A hot Italian what?’

‘You didn’t tell me Charlotte was bringing a new man tonight,’ Lucy said.

‘I didn’t know she was. What’s he like?’ Em was eager to get the latest gossip.

‘That,’ said Ella, nodding towards the door where Charlotte was walking in with a George Clooney lookalike.

‘Hi! I hope you don’t mind. I brought Claudio along.’ Charlotte looked very pleased to have Claudio on her arm.

‘Ladies. It’s lovely to meet you all properly at last. I’ve heard a lot about you all.’ Claudio had a hot voice to match his looks. Lucky Charlotte.

Charlotte introduced everyone before announcing she needed the toilet. ‘I’ll show you where it is. I need another wee,’ said Ella.

‘I should find Jack.’ Em said. ‘See you later.’

‘Was it something I said?’ Claudio asked Lucy.

‘I don’t think so. Can I get you tea or coffee? That seems to be my job this evening.’

‘Coffee would be lovely.’

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