Page 50 of Someone Like You

‘Excuse me, but you’re not saving this for anyone, are you?’

Raff and I both look in the direction of the softly spoken voice. It’s her. God, she is really pretty –wayprettier than she seemed in the photos Poppy showed me. About five-six, with a chocolate-brown pixie cut, striking brows that frame almond-shaped brown eyes, and rosebud lips. Apt really, as she reminds me of a young Rose Byrne.

Raff looks between me and Ava –twice– then splutters, ‘Oh no, all yours.’

Does that reaction mean Raff finds her attractive? I hope so.

Ava smiles at us sweetly, then lowers herself onto the lounger next to Raff’s and reclines, sighing serenely as her chin tips towards the ceiling. We could take a photo of her exactly like that and use it in one of Elysium Elite’s ad campaigns – without having to edit it.

‘Isn’t this place divine?’ she asks, looking over with a smile.

‘Is this your first time at Elysium?’ I ask, leaning past Raff.

‘First, but definitely not the last. You?’

‘First time for us both.’ I lean in closer and whisper, ‘It’s a perk. I’m their marketing manager.’

‘Ooh, nice perk.’ We exchange smiles. ‘And what do you do?’ she asks Raff.

For a pseudo-celebrity who hates being recognised, Ava pretendingnotto recognise Raff is a slam dunk. No wonder he grins. ‘I work in marketing as well,’ he replies.

Trust him to downplay his big winandomit his career change. He really is hopeless.

‘But not for much longer,’ I tell her.

Raff’s cheeks turn pink. ‘Er, yes. That’s right. I’m becoming a baker.’

If I could, I’d backhand him. There’s modesty and there’s ultimate understatement.

‘Raff recently wonBritain’s Best Bakers,’ I say. ‘The Christmas edition.’

‘Oh,’ she says with a laugh. ‘I should have recognised you. My nan loves that show.’

There’s a beat of silence, then we all snigger, and a middle-aged woman on a lounger across the way shoots us a filthy look.

‘Eek,’ Ava whispers. ‘I’m Ava, by the way.’

‘Rafferty – well, Raff,’ he says, pointing to himself.

‘And I’m Gaby, Raff’s friend.’

Raff’s head snaps in my direction, a scowl passing over his face.I can almosthearhim wondering why I clarified that we’re not a couple.

‘So, what treatments are you having?’ she asks.

Raff turns back to Ava, his eyes staying locked on mine until the last second. ‘Er, massages, then a facial.’

‘And pedicures,’ I chime in.

‘But I’m only doing the bits without nail polish,’ he’s quick to add.

‘Sounds fab,’ she says, and we all fall silent.

Say something, Raff, I think, willing him to engage. Maybe me being here is the issue. I should excuse myself.

‘I’m going to the bathroom,’ I state, climbing off my lounger.

Without looking back, I leave the relaxation room and head out into the corridor. I don’t need the bathroom, but I may as well scope it out. If it’s anything like the rest of this joint, including the locker room, it will be something to behold.

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