Page 175 of The Last Love Song
‘Want to go into the guest box and watch for a while?’ Freddy suggested.
‘Sure. We have hours yet,’ said Con.
‘I won’t. I’m waiting for someone actually, so I’ll hang around here,’ replied Derek.
‘Okay,’ said Todd. ‘Join us there.’
‘Will do.’
The guest box was crammed with politicians, royalty and a number of the stars taking part in the concert. Champagne was flowing.
‘Twenty million pledged so far.’ Johnny looked haggard but elated. ‘We should easily triple that in the next few hours. New York is just about to kick in.’
‘What a day,’ enthused Todd. ‘It was a dream of an idea, Johnny.’
‘But it was you lot giving your support that has really made it come together.’
‘Hello, Todd.’
The familiar voice behind him made him shiver. He turned around. ‘Lulu.’
She reached forward and kissed him on both cheeks. ‘How are you? You look well.’
‘I am, very. What brings you here?’
‘I had some PR to do in London and thought I’d pop in today to see some old friends.’
‘Excuse me. I’ll leave you two to it.’ Johnny nodded and disappeared.
‘This is turning into a real reunion.’ Todd tried to maintain his cool.
‘It is. How is the one that’s newly returned?’
‘He’s over there talking to the prime minister. I doubt whether he knows who she is,’ he smiled.
‘Has Con told you where he went?’
‘Not in any great detail. Anyway, how are you? You look fantastic.’
‘Thanks. I’m fine, just fine.’
‘The life of a Hollywood star must be suiting you.’
‘Sort of...yes...It’s pleasant. But I really miss...London.’ Lulu gave him a warm smile.
Todd responded in kind.
‘Well, if I say it myself, I’ve done a good job.’
The hairdresser stood behind her and showed Helen theback of her head. ‘A one-hundred-per-cent improvement, don’t you think, duckie?’
Helen smiled. The shiny bob took years off her. Matched with the slimming suit and the carefully applied make-up, no one from prison would recognise her.
‘Yes, thank you.’
She went to the desk and handed over some pound notes.
A roar of applause came over the radio.
