Page 21 of The One That I Want

I laugh at that. ‘How did you know?’

‘A few reasons,’ she says, ‘not the least of which was your sour expression when I wrote it on the board.’

We all chuckle.

‘Have you seenHow to Lose a Guy in Ten Days?’ I ask them.

‘Seen it?’ scoffs George. ‘It’s my second-favourite Kate Hudson romcom.’

‘Only second favourite?’ I tease.

‘Fool’s Goldwas grossly underrated,’ he replies earnestly.

‘We’re getting a little off track,’ says Poppy before I can respond. ‘I’m guessing you asked aboutHow to Lose a Guybecause the main character gets lumped with those awful how-to articles?’

I look between them, impressed. ‘Are you all across famous – and almost-famous – romcoms?’ I ask with a laugh. Perhaps it’s a job requirement.

‘Yes,’ they reply in unison.

I grin at them, delighted – even though they obviously missed my Kate Hudson/Almost Famousreference. And I’msure the gin is playing its part, but I’m far less apprehensive about this assignment than when I arrived. I feel like I’m in good hands with Poppy and George.

‘Okay, number three’s off the table,’ says Poppy, redirecting our conversation yet again. ‘What about number four?’

I re-read it:The best of both worlds – a career woman’s guide to finding The One.

‘Bleh,’ I say candidly. ‘It sounds like something fromCosmopolitancirca 1985.’

‘Well, then we have a concept,’ says Poppy with a smile. ‘Here’s to the dating pool and avoiding the shallows.’ She lifts her glass in a toast and I do the same, then we both take a sip.

‘Oh, bugger,’ says George. ‘I’m totes dry.’

At that, I find myself laughing again. Perhaps this won’t be so bad after all.

6

POPPY

‘How do I look?’ George does a spin, then looks at me expectantly.

‘Like someone who will fit right in atNouveau,’ I reply – and I’m not just saying that. As he does every day, George looks a million dollars.

He beams immodestly, then scans my outfit. ‘You too, Poppy.Trèschic.’

‘What, this old thing?’ I quip, regarding my navy and turquoise wrap dress – Diana von Furstenberg-ish and quite the departure from my typical shift dress – and matching turquoise Lorenzos. ‘Don’t forget, I was once a fashion journalist,’ I say, lifting my eyes to meet his.

‘Oh, Poppy, this case is going to be brilliant fun!’ He grins at me, gleeful.

But he needs to get this out of his system, because once we get toNouveau, I want him on his very best behaviour –andfocussed on our case. This isn’t an excursion.

‘Where are you two off to then?’ asks Nasrin as she approaches. ‘A wedding or something?’

It’s not unusual for us to be invited to a client’s wedding, but they’re rarely on a Wednesday. Besides, we look chic but we’re hardly in wedding attire.

‘Today’s Poppy’s first day atNouveau Lifeand I’m tagging along,’ replies George. ‘By invitation, of course,’ he adds.

‘’Course– youdefinitelydidn’t invite yourself,’ she teases.

‘You’re just jealous,’ says George knowingly.

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