Page 26 of Shout Out To My Ex

‘Not actually a prat,’ interjects Nasrin.

‘Well, probably not,’ I concur.

Though, people do change, I think.

‘I agree,’ says Cassie. ‘In the greater scheme of things, he’s probably not, but Elle said he was arrogant and superior and kind of a dick. He even showed up late – without an apology.’

Nas and I exchange a look. ‘Well, let’s proceed as though he’s got a good heart,’ I say.

‘And a good reason for behaving like a dick,’ adds Nasrin. The line goes silent and she grimaces at me.

Cassie breaks the silence with a loud sigh.

‘Look, Cassie,’ I say, ‘you’re Elle’s sister and if youreallythink there’s no sense in pursuing this any further, we totally understand. We can close the case. Sometimes, that’s all a client needs – closure – but it’s your call.’

There’s more heavy silence from Cassie and I move to the window to watch the boat traffic on the river. Finally, she speaks.

‘No, I don’t want to give up just yet. I knew Leo back then and you’re right, he was lovely, and now we know why he left so suddenly. I still can’t fathom why he thought he needed to break off all ties with Elle – they weresoin love; surely they could have made it work – but I believe he deserves a second chance. They both do.’

‘Good,’ I say. ‘So, setting aside Elle’s anger for a sec?—’

‘Hell hath no fury, right?’ Nasrin interjects and, even though it’s mildly annoying that she’s interrupted me again, Cassie chuckles on the other end of the line.

‘So,’ I say, leaping back into the conversation. ‘If we can fashion a situation in which the two of them canreallyconnect?—’

‘So to speak,’ says Cassie.

‘Yes, so to speak,’ I say. ‘Andgive Leo the chance to explain his absence, then?—’

‘We may just get back on track,’ says Nasrin, finishing my thought.

‘All right, we’re in agreement,’ says Cassie. ‘And this leads me to an ask. It’s big.’

‘Go for it,’ I prompt.

‘Poppy, I want you to come with us – to Paris.’

‘Me?’ I ask, right as Nasrin asks, ‘Her?’

‘Yes!’ says Cassie. ‘I need you there. Actually, if this is going to work at all,weneed you. I’m not good at all this subterfuge and manipulation.’

I don’t take it as an insult that she thinksIam – it’s part and parcel of my job.

‘But how would that work?’ I ask. ‘How would we explain my presence?’

‘You could be undercover as a fashion journalist or something.’

Nasrin starts laughing.

‘Hey!’ I say to her. I mean, itisa reach, but laughing about it is just insulting. She raises her hands, indicating that she can’t help it, andkeeps laughing.

‘Please, Poppy,’ says Cassie. ‘We have to fix this. And I’d feel better about everything if you were with us.’

‘Okay,’ I say, conceding. ‘I need to run it by our boss for approval.Ifshe approves, I’ll try to find a connection to a fashion magazine – and fast.’

‘Paloma might know someone,’ Nasrin says to me, clearly enjoying this. ‘That’s our head of client relations,’ she tells Cassie. ‘I’ll check with her after this.’

God, evenwitha connection, I have about as much chance at passing for a fashion journalist as a Formula 1 driver. Still, Cassie may be right – I should probably be close at hand while Elle and Leo are both in Paris.

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