Page 83 of The Retreat
‘Immy,’ Jade said, breezing past, ‘this place is cool.’
‘Thanks. But don’t call me Immy,’ Imogen told her.
‘Would you prefer me to call you Alex?’ Jade asked.
Imogen groaned.
‘Relax. I’m just joshing,’ Jade said with a flash of teeth.
‘I’d quite like to live that down at some point, if that’s possible,’ Imogen told her.
‘I’m sure you would. Hey, I’m feeling a bit faint. Is there a doctor in the house?’ Jade asked.
‘Jade…’
‘OK, that’s my last one. For tonight at least,’ Jade promised.
Imogen nodded. ‘Thanks. Enjoy the art.’
‘Baby, Iamart,’ she said, swaggering off.
Imogen had to laugh at her audacity.
‘She never quits, does she?’ Talia said, irritated.
Imogen kissed Talia on the cheek. ‘She ought to. She’d have more luck flirting with the fire extinguisher.’
‘Glad to hear it,’ said a voice. Celeste Monroe appeared beside her, sleek, poised, and silently appraising. ‘Well doneon this place, Imogen,’ Celeste said. There are some truly interesting pieces in here. I might even buy tonight.’
Imogen couldn’t help but feel lifted by that.
Talia slipped her hand into Imogen’s, squeezing gently. ‘See? The place is great.’
Celeste leaned in, a teasing smile playing on her lips. ‘You know, I still can’t quite believe I’m seeing this.’
Imogen looked around. ‘Yes, some of this work is…’
Celeste waved her hand between Talia and Imogen. ‘No.This. When Talia brought you to those work drinks as her girlfriend, I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused. I thought it was an ill-advised prank.’
Imogen laughed, recalling the awkwardness. ‘Yeah, I was pretty much waiting to get slapped by, well, anyone.’
‘God, imagine. Rebecca would have had a heart attack,’ Talia said with an amused sigh.
Celeste chuckled. ‘It didn’t take long to realise it was no act. Well,now.’
Imogen laughed, then looked around for Mr Celeste. ‘Your hubby not coming tonight?’ she asked.
Celeste’s smile twitched. ‘No, he’s at a conference.’ She blinked and shook her head. ‘For god’s sake, he’s not at a conference. I don’t know why I said that. We’re just taking some time away from each other at the moment.’
‘Celeste!’ Talia cried, putting a hand on her boss’s arm. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Well, you know. Marriage. It has ups and downs,’ Celeste said, mouth turned down.
Talia nodded. ‘Of course.’
‘We’re going to try couples’ counselling, so I’m hopeful.’
‘That’s great,’ Talia told her sincerely.
