Page 69 of Playing the Game

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“Where’s all the action?” Ewen asked.

“There’s a ball pool in the lounge,” Cynthia replied, linking his arm. “And if you’re a really good boy, we can get your face painted.”

They walked into the vast mansion. In the white marble entrance hall, a man in livery waited.

“Welcome,” he said. “May I take your coats?”

“You can take this,” Ingvar replied.

The poor man staggered as Ingvar deposited the bear in his arms.

“I’ll put it with the other gifts.”

As they watched him totter off, Ingvar took his wife’s hand.

“I think I’ll go for a tiger face,” he said. “What about you, Skipper?”

Adam took his jacket off. “I’ve not decided yet. Maybe Shrek.”

The butler returned and took their coats from them. They wandered into the main room to be immediately greeted by Goran, who had lilac swirls and gems on his face.

“Since when do you have staff?” Adam asked, hugging his friend.

“Just for the day,” Goran replied.

“Nice face,” Ewen said.

“It’s mandatory,” Goran replied with a sickly-sweet smile.

“For you maybe,” Ewen said. “No one touches me. You can’t beat what nature did.”

The room was full. Javier and his wife, Nikki, were in the corner chatting to Steven and Udo. Noah and Tito were lounging on the sofas.

Where is he?

“Did you bring that bear?” Paloma asked.

“Guilty,” Adam replied.

“At least we have room for it.”

She snuggled into her husband, who wrapped a protective arm around her.

“Where’s the guest of honour?” Adam asked.

Paloma pointed. Colin and Meg were in the conservatory. Colin held Petar with Meg supervising. They were very sweet together.

“Don’t go giving him any ideas,” Ewen said. “I’m not sure we’d cope with Daddy Colin yet.”

“He loves him,” Goran added. “It might only be a matter of time.”

The butler for the day appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat.

“Mr and Mrs Navojec. Some more guests have arrived.”

“Duty calls,” Goran said.

They left Adam and the others alone.

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