Miranda's Big Mistake - Jill Mansell [56]
`We're having a wrap party to celebrate the end of filming.' Florence eyed with amusement the front of Bev's flimsy white top, transparent where the condensation from the chilled bottles had sunk in. `Or we could make it a wet T-shirt contest, if you'd prefer.'
The phone rang just as Miranda was shovelling an asparagus sandwich into her mouth.
`Shall I get it?' offered Chloe, who was nearest.
`Don't worry.' Florence reversed like Damon Hill through the gap between the coffee table and the sofa and snatched it up. `Probably Bruce, ringing to make sure I haven't eloped.'
She listened for a moment, then waggled the phone at Miranda, who still had her mouth full.
Chew chew, swallow swallow.
`Who is it?'
Florence smirked, relishing the moment.
`He didn't give his name.'
`What's going on?' said Greg when Miranda had seized control of the receiver. `Sounds like you're having a party.'
`Oh, hi.' Miranda couldn't help it; she felt herself going bright pink.
`Who is it, your new chap? Brilliant! Tell him to come on over!' Bey turned excitedly to Florence. `She's been keeping this one under wraps, it's all deeply mysterious. I haven't even been allowed to meet him yet!'
`I thought you were decorating some bedroom,' Greg protested as Danny pushed a glass into Miranda's hand. As he filled it, the neck of the bottle went clunk against the rim.
`I was! I mean, I have! Florence's new lodger turned up and helped me finish it in double-quick time. Then Danny and Tony arrived, we've just done a bit of filming-'
`Shall I come over?' Greg wasn't at all sure he trusted Danny Delancey.
`Tell him to get himself over here this minute,' Bev bellowed across the room.
Miranda jumped, then hesitated. Should she? It had to happen sooner or later…
`Did you hear that?' she said lightly into the phone. `My friend Bev's here as well. Why don't you come on over? She's dying to meet you.'
`Jesus, no thanks.' Greg sounded horrified. `You haven't told her, have you?'
Miranda knew exactly what he was thinking: a potential bunny-boiler on his case, that was all he needed. `Not yet, but-'
`Just say I'm busy.' She could almost hear Greg shudder. `And you, watch yourself with that Danny character. Better still, fix him up with Bev,' he declared with satisfaction. `That should do the trick; those two deserve each other.'
Now there was an idea. Miranda gave it some thought as she hung up. Then, still lit up with happiness just from hearing Greg's voice, she grinned inanely across the room at Danny.
Making his way over, he studied her mouth with apparent concern.`Why the dopey smirk?'
`It isn't a smirk. I never smirk. I'm not dopey either. I just wondered, do you have a girlfriend?'
Danny topped up her glass.
`Why, are you offering? All applications for the post in writing, please. Just send a copy of your CV and a brief letter outlining why you feel you'd be the best woman for the job. If you make the short list, you'll be invited to attend for an interview-'
`So is that a yes or a no?' interrupted Miranda. Behind him, Bev was chatting to Tony Vale, but in a half-hearted fashion. Probably because he was in his forties, on the scrawny side, and had already told her all about his wonderful wife.
`It's a no.' Danny's mouth twitched. `And if you don't mind me saying so, I think it's very brave of you to take the initiative like this.' He consulted his watch. `Look, I have to be at Heathrow by six tomorrow morning so I can't stay out too late, but we could have dinner somewhere if you like. I'm afraid I don't sleep with girls on a first date, but I'll only be away for a few days, so play your cards right-'
`Honestly, are you ever serious? I was thinking of Bev!'
`Excuse me,' said Danny, `are you being serious? Is this baby-making, desperate-for-a-man Bev we're talking about?'
Bugger, thought Miranda, who had forgotten she'd told him about that. It was like trying to sell someone pleurisy.
`What?' Bev demanded, popping up behind Danny right on cue. `Who mentioned babies?'
Miranda