Page 20 of Bad Influence
‘What, not even on your days off?’
‘It doesn’t sound like I’ll get many days off. She sounds paranoid about confidentiality.’
‘So, I won’t be able to touch you or kiss you, for three whole months? One quarter of a year?’
‘That’s right. And I’ll miss you, obviously. It won’t be easy, for either of us.’
He turned to look at me. ‘Do you really want to do it?’
I nodded. ‘Styling Mandy this morning reminded me of who I used to be. It’s my passion. My reason for being. Besides’ – I sighed – ‘I might not get offered an opportunity like this again. It’s literally fallen into my lap at just the right time.’
‘It hasn’t fallen into your lap – you’ve worked for this, Amber. You won this job, and you deserve this opportunity.’
‘Plus, the bonus – think of the bonus,’ I said.
‘It sounds like a no-brainer.’ Rob smiled. ‘We can FaceTime and WhatsApp, I assume?’
‘Of course.’ I nodded. ‘It’s not like I’m going to Wandsworth Prison, and it’s not forever.’
Then he leant into the side of my face and whispered in my ear, ‘We’ll have to come up with some innovative ways to feel connected then. And I’ll keep the bed warm for you.’
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss on the lips.
‘Snog!’ Nora pointed at us and giggled.
‘Cover your eyes!’ Rob called back.
‘Julie-Ann wants to know my answer today, they mentioned a few other stylists they could see if I can’t do it,’ I told him.
‘You’d better let her know then.’
As I stood up to locate my phone, I heard it ringing from the other side of the room. I saw Nora reach for it on the breakfast bar. Before I could stop her, she had chimed into it, ‘Nana’s phone!’ and then laughed hysterically.
‘If it’s Auntie Vicky, tell her it’s your birthday!’ I called,motoring towards her. Vicky often rang me from LA around this time on a Friday, for a quick check-in ahead of the weekend.
‘Auntie Nana says to tell you I’m seven and we had caterpillar cake!’ the little girl squealed enthusiastically, before adding, ‘What? Hello?’
I got the impression it wasn’t Vicky on the other end and whipped my phone out of her hands. ‘Give that back to me, you cheeky caterpillar,’ I said, retrieving the sticky device. ‘Hello?’
‘Is this the right number for Amber Green?’ asked a clipped American voice on the other end.
‘It is, this is Amber.’
‘Oh, hiii. It’s Mandy Sykes.’
‘Mandy, hello! I do apologise,’ I said in my best English. ‘I’m just with my niece. It’s her seventh birthday, as you may have gathered.’
‘We have a little,’ she paused, ‘fashion emergency. I’m hoping you can help?’
I felt my face heat up. ‘What kind of emergency?’
Rob’s ears pricked up across the room and he looked at me quizzically.
Okay?he mouthed.
I shrugged.
‘A major event has come up for tomorrow. BAFTA are throwing a lunch for key talent. I’m amazed I’ve been invited and, obviously, I want to be there.’ She paused. ‘We were meant to be on a plane to the Maldives, but we’ve delayed the trip and I have nothing, and I meannothingto wear.’
