Page 74 of Choose Us
“Yes, the one you spoke about for three months after.”
“Okay, I’m sold.”
Paula chuckled. “Perfect, seeyou there.”
*
The Botanist was one of the more elegant bars I’d been to. It was a two-minute walk from the tube station, ideal really. The modern interior was perfect for a chic cocktail bar, but it was also the type of place that could host a canapé reception, a quiet lunch, or a suave business meeting. It catered for all occasions.
Paula was waiting outside when I arrived, as prompt as ever. I noticed her from across the street because you don’t get many short, red-haired women with killer heels and the eccentric dress sense of a Gucci ambassador at the MET gala. I was only envious she could pull off green and red like the two colours weren’t supposed to be mortal enemies. Everybody knows red and green should never be seen.
What I didn’t notice until I got closer was the two figures stood to her left. She wasn’t shy of talking to a stranger or two, but she laughed and joked with them as though they belonged. When she saw me approaching and waved frantically, they turned, and their identities were revealed.
It was Francesca and Ashleigh.
I would notice those high cheekbones anywhere. I was going to kill Paula, but first I told myself to smile and wave back.
“Sorry I’m a few minutes late,” I said through gritted teeth.
“I don’t know why you still apologise.” Paula laughed. She embraced me with wide open arms giving me the perfect opportunity to whisper in her ear. “You’ve ambushed me.”
“You can kill me later,” Paula responded.
“I will.”
I pulled away smiling politely at the company I had been blissfully unaware would bejoining us.
“Ashleigh.” I nodded. She pulled me in for a hug.
“We’ve missed you at work.”
“Idoubt that.”
She was being polite.
“Are you kidding? There’s only one lawyer that gets shit done, and that’s you. Do you know we’ve had cheap coffee beans in the machine for the past seven days because we ran out and nobody dared ask Mr. West for £100 to get that beautiful roasted blend you get fromthe market.”
“Seriously, Holly. If you don’t fix that and I have to hear Ashleigh mention it one more time I’m going to throw the coffee machine out of the window.” Paula rolled her eyes.
“My coffee fix is important, Paula!” Ashleigh said.
“I’ll sort it for you next week. Don’t panic.” I laughed. Yes, £100 was excessive for coffee beans, but the taste was worth it.
I turned my attention to Francesca. “Hey,Francesca.”
“Hi, Holly.” The soothing sound of her Italian accent made me perk up instantly. I hugged her too; it was only polite to do so.
“How long’s it been? Aboutsix months?”
“Your thirtieth birthday,” Francesca clarified. The wind blew her hair from left to right, which only enhanced her appearance; even the wind worked in her favour. How didshe do that?
“Oh, of course.” I smiled.
Awkward silence.
Paula changed the subject. “Shall wego inside?”
I nodded eagerly. The bar was fairly quiet, the service quick, and within five minutes I had a strawberry mojito in my hand. I got the feeling that Francesca hadn’t known I was coming. Paula was up to her sneaky ways again. When Ashleigh excused herself to go to the toilet, Francesca accompanied her, as all good friends do, and I took my opportunity to accost Paula.
