Carrington’s at Christmas: The Complete Collection: Cupcakes at Carrington’s, Me and Mr Carrington, Christmas at Carrington’s, Ice Creams at Carrington’s. Alexandra Brown
details. Start at the bit where he threw you on the bed and ripped your knickers off,’ Sam breathes in a whispery voice right into my ear. It’s the morning after and we’re huddled next to each other in a booth at the far corner of the café. I just couldn’t wait to tell her, so the very minute James left my flat this morning, I sent Sam a text and we agreed to meet in here right away before I start work.
‘Cheeky, I didn’t say he ripped my knickers off,’ I say, remembering how gloriously slow and sexy he was.
‘I know. But there’s nothing wrong with a bit of embellishment to spice things up even more.’ Sam laughs. ‘And you are glowing girl. Glowing. It’s like there’s a sex aura all around you.’ She laughs and I nudge her in the ribs.
‘Shush, someone might hear you. He said to be discreet – the divorce, remember.’
‘I know.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘And you know what this means?’ Sam says, stifling a squeal of excitement.
‘What?’
‘Valentine’s Day! A few more dates in the bag and you’ll practically be an established couple by then. What will you get him? I’m treating Nathan to an exquisite La Perla Frou Frou ruffled tulle balcony with matching ruffleback knickers and a pair of sky-high cherry-red Choo’s.’
‘Wow, I didn’t know Jimmy Choo made man-size heels too,’ I say, my mind working overtime at the possibility of spending Valentine’s Day with James. I wonder if he’s been invited to Tina’s wedding? Bound to be. We could go together – maybe Mrs Grace was right after all.
‘Ha ha, very funny. Soo, one down. And one to go.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘The bombshell. Tom of course … keep all your options open, I say.’
‘Stop it!’ I smile, but the mention of Tom makes me feel uncomfortable suddenly, and I’m not sure I even want to think about why that might be.
‘But he’s sooo HOT he’s practically on fire,’ she shouts with such indignation it makes me laugh out loud. I slap a hand over my mouth when one of the waitresses, Stacey, looks up from a table she’s wiping nearby.
‘You know, it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, this thing with James,’ I whisper, pausing to ponder for a moment. ‘Maybe it was a dream,’ I add … and maybe something inside me is beginning to wish it was.
‘It was no dream, trust me. Nothing gets past me, not when it comes to men. This is real, babeee,’ Sam says, her voice jumping up a couple of notes.
‘Yes, you’re right.’ But I can’t stop those doubts resurfacing. ‘What if it’s too soon?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know … sleeping with him on the first date,’ I say, keeping my voice really low.
‘Don’t be daft. You’ve known each other for years. Besides, it’s the second date, if you want to get really specific about it.’ She laughs and nudges me gently. ‘Anyway, that’s what the suffragettes did for us, they gave us that choice.’ I grin at her bizarre logic. Maybe she’s right, lots of people have flings, why shouldn’t I?
‘That’s better,’ Sam says as she sees me smile. ‘So, are you feeling better about the job thing?’ She winks.
‘Stop it.’ I smile furtively. ‘Yes, I suppose so, but knowing about him and Maxine makes me feel uncomfortable,’ I add, thinking what a double whammy it would be if I were to lose my job and the pair of them got back together.
‘Did you ask him about her?’
‘Yes, and he seems to be OK with the situation.’
‘Well, there you go. Nothing to worry about then.’
‘I’m not so sure. James might be over it but I don’t trust Maxine. She’s up to something.’
‘I don’t blame you for being wary. You know she called me yesterday. Apparently she’s well aware that sales assistants are covering for each other so they can “abscond” during work hours to visit the café. Said she would appreciate it if I didn’t indulge them as they’re putting Carrington’s in jeopardy. Can you believe that? Good job I have lots of other customers, or I’d be out of business once word of that gets around,’ Sam snorts.
‘See what I mean. She’s horrible. And I wouldn’t put it past her to sack me and give James my section just to try and win him back, leaving me joining the dole queue. Or … she’ll find out he stayed last night, get all jealous and try to ruin it some other way.’ Sam shakes her head. ‘And OK, I know staff shouldn’t be bunking off, but we’ve all been coming to the café for – like – forever, and it’s practically recycling – if we spend our wages in here, then it’s just going back into the store.’
‘Good point. Although technically it doesn’t because I lease the space, so the money goes to me, but hey … it’s a nice thought. Hold on!’ Sam clutches my arm, with a worried look on her face. ‘You don’t think she’ll suggest ending my lease and putting Carrington’s staff in here instead, do you, as part of her revamp?’
‘Why would you think that?’
‘I don’t know, but a memo came this morning, inviting a member of my staff on some team-building thing.’
‘That’s weird,’ I say, trying to work out if Sam’s fear is founded. ‘Oh well, maybe it was just a mistake,’ I add, erring on the side of optimism. ‘My session is the first Sunday in Feb. What will you do? Can’t you nominate yourself and keep me company?’
‘Would do hun, but I’ve already promised Dad I’d accompany him to some really important polo match business function.’
‘Hmm,’ I groan, feeling disappointed.
‘I’ll make Ciaran go instead. He could do with a bit of team building. Serve him right for not telling me, his TEAM MATE, about the engagement,’ she snorts. ‘Besides, won’t James be going?’
‘Ooh, I forgot about that, I checked the list and he’s down for the same session.’
‘See, wouldn’t you rather he keep you company?’ Sam pauses for a moment, then claps a hand to her mouth. ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I haven’t told you yet.’
‘What?’ I say, suddenly desperate to hear her news.
‘Nathan has invited me to his parents’ holiday home in Italy. Can you believe it? Not a mini-break either, no – a whole week.’ Sam is beside herself with glee and sounds as though she’s swallowed a can of helium.
‘That’s fantastic!’ Her excitement is infectious. ‘Tell me all about it,’ I demand, leaning in closer to her.
‘Well, his parents live by Lake Como and he wants me to meet them. They’re celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, on February the fourteenth, and, well, he’s invited me to the party, and to meet them of course,’ she says, sounding all bubbly and happy.
‘Oh Sam, I’m so thrilled for you. I take it you two are serious then?’ I ask, hoping that’s the case.
‘Yep, meeting the parents, it doesn’t get more serious than that. And Dad is thrilled.’
‘I bet he is, and I’m really pleased for you too. Just imagine … both of us with a man at the same time – that’s a rarity.’
‘Sure is.’
And then it dawns on me.
‘Hang on a minute. Did you say February the fourteenth? As in Valentine’s Day?’
‘Yes, so romantic. Why?’ she replies, slowly.
‘That’s the day of Tina’s wedding. I was hoping you’d come with me.’ My heart sinks at the thought of having to go on my own or, worse, with Maxine.