Page 33 of Shout Out To My Ex

‘And that’s coming fromyou.’

‘Don’t you know I am a respected fashion journalist?’ I ask with a laugh.

‘Good to see it hasn’t gone to your head.’ We exchange grins. ‘But are you really going to let this poor woman think she’s getting a proper feature inNouveau?’

‘Pretty sure her sister is banking on her being too loved up to care.’

‘Well, I wouldn’t be happy about it. Would you?’

I frown. ‘Hmm, you might be right.’

‘I often am. Hey, unrelated, your hair… I can’t get over it, Pop – I mean, it’s gorgeous. You’re like Poppy two-point-o.’

I reach up, still shocked to find my neck exposed. ‘Thanks,’ I reply feebly.

Despite me beingexplicitwith the stylist that I wanted as little off the length as possible, he gave me a chin-length bob, angled slightly from the back to the front and parted on the side. I’ve never coloured my hair before, but now it’s got some subtle caramel highlights. If I didn’t get a shock every time I caught a glimpse of my reflection, wondering who the hell that woman is, I would probably agree with Shaz. It’s a cool style. I just don’t think it’sme.

Though, I look the part. Together with Cassie’s guidance on my wardrobe, my hair and (now-signature) red lip mean that no one has looked at me sideways over the past few days – and I have been in and out of a dozen fashion-related venues. Apparently, to all these fashion people, I am just another fashionista. Hilarious!

I yawn again. ‘I need to go. I still have some emails to answer and Tristan’s waiting forhisgoodnight.’ Shaz makes a face. ‘Not like that, you dork.’

She chuckles. ‘Okay, sleep tight. Don’t let the out-of-fashion bugs bite. And take photos, will you? Good ones. A blurry shot of the Eiffel Tower out a car window doesn’t count.’

‘Goodnight, Sharon.’

‘Night.’

After ending the call, I remind myself that when I return to London, we need to have a proper talk about her moving in with her girlfriend. She still hasn’t given (poor) Lauren an answer.

But more pressing is what Shaz said about theNouveauarticle, which validates my concern. I fire off a text message to Nasrin:

Can you figure out a way to get Bliss Designs a proper feature in Nouveau?

She must have her phone in her hand because she writes back immediately:

Really?

Yes.

I can try. Not hopeful.

Talk to Saskia.

Will do.

And Marie.

Okay Poppy!

I read it as, ‘Oh-kay, Poppy, calm the farm,’ with an added eye roll. But Nasrin likes a challenge almost as much as I do. I reply:

Thanks.

Nasrin also likes having the last word and replies with a thumbs-up emoji.

Elle

My heart is thudding so loudly, it’s almost deafening.

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