Page 45 of Hollywood Games
‘It’s a kale and spirulina smoothie with maca and ginseng.’
‘Have you tried it?’
Kayleigh grimaced. ‘I think it’s proper horrible, but everyone else seems to like it,’ she whispered.
Zoe reluctantly lifted a glass from the tray and toasted her. ‘Here’s to another night serving the great Brad Bauer.’ Kayleigh watched with devilish delight as Zoe took a sip and turned to the wall. ‘Bloody hell, you’re right, it’s gross!’
Kayleigh giggled. ‘His Holiness told me the ginseng is to give you energy and the maca is for your libido.’
‘I think I’d prefer to have some oysters and pop a Viagra,’ Zoe replied. Clive snapped his fingers across the room and Kayleigh sped off. Zoe made her way to the fireplace, where Valentina was sitting, drinking a glass of champagne.
‘Want to swap?’ Zoe asked, holding out her smoothie.
‘Chica, you have got to be joking.’
Zoe sat down beside her. Valentina leaned in. ‘FYI, you might want to give the pot plants a bit of attention tomorrow as most of them have been fertilised by Vlad’s green juices,’ she whispered conspiratorially.
Zoe snorted. ‘So, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s disgusting?’
‘Uh-huh. I even spotted Rasputin palming his off.’
‘But it’s his idea!’
Valentina looked at her piously. ‘Do as I say, my child, not as I do.’
Zoe put her glass down by the fire. ‘He gives me the willies.’
‘Please tell me that’s a cute British phrase, and you haven’t actually let his willy anywhere near you?’ asked Valentina in mock seriousness.
Zoe nearly choked and shook her head violently from side to side.
Valentina leaned in, speaking out of the corner of her mouth. ‘Do you wanna know what he’s called in LA?’ Zoe nodded. ‘Vlad the Impale-her.’
‘Why?’
‘Because he’s the biggest man-whore there is.’
‘No way! So, him and Kirsten?’
‘Nah. She’s his golden ticket. He just likes to lift his skirt for everyone else.’
Zoe shuddered. ‘Well, he’s going nowhere near me.’
Valentina lifted her glass. ‘I’ll drink to that.’
She downed the champagne and the two of them looked up as Rory came to join them, dressed in his kilt and best jacket, decorated with his medals. His hair was damp and combed back. He was utterly irresistible. ‘Evening, Valentina, enjoying yourself?’
‘Yes, thank you, Rory, I was filling Zoe in on the gossip around Vlad.’
Rory looked as if he had just stepped in dog shit. ‘Let me guess. He can’t keep his hands to himself?’
‘How did you know?’
‘I saw him in the pub getting a little too close to Kayleigh, then he was at Mrs McCreedie’s house offering spiritual comfort to those affected by the tragedy.’
‘My god, he didn’t try it on with Mrs McCreedie, did he?’
‘Oh no, only women under fifty got his attention.’
