Miranda's Big Mistake - Jill Mansell [78]
Fenn, spotting the faint glimmer of diamond chips before anyone else, said, `I think I can guess.'
Oh dear. You could know that someone was a bastard but still feel a bit mean, Miranda discovered. Self-consciously she waggled her fingers.
Whooping, Florence and Bev simultaneously made a grab for her left hand.
`Ouch, I'm not a wishbone.'
Bev gazed across the table at Miranda.
`It's an engagement ring.'
`God, it's tiny!' Florence crowed.
Abruptly, the knot returned to Miranda's stomach. Conflicting emotions tangled inside her like yo-yo string. Greg might be a shit and a deceiver, but it was cruel to make fur of an engagement ring. Okay, so it clearly hadn't cost a huge amount, but it was the thought that counted. Greg had gone along to a jeweller's and chosen that particular style because he had thought it would suit her…
Across the table, someone was clearing their throat Miranda looked up.
`Actually, it's my engagement ring,' said Chloe.
At midnight, Fenn rose to leave.
`Bev? I'll give you a lift home.'
`I need the loo first.' Rocking on her high heels, Bev made a dash for the house.
`I'll show you out,' said Chloe, observing Danny an(Miranda still huddled together deep in conversation. `It'; past my bedtime too.'
At the front door, while they waited for Bev, Fern said, `Tell Miranda she doesn't have to be in until ten tomorrow.'
Chloe looked envious.
`I wish my boss would say nice things like that to me.' `I'm not always nice. I can be terrifying sometimes.' `I know. Miranda's told me.'
Fenn smiled briefly.
`Then again, I'm not a complete ogre. She's had a hel of a day.'
`She certainly has.'
Chloe opened the front door and peered out, the orange glow from the streetlamps turning her hair to apricot.
`So have you.' Fenn hesitated, feeling awkward. Before today, he had never even met Chloe. `Are you all right?' Upstairs, a lavatory flushed. Bev would be back at any minute.
`Oh, I'm okay.' Chloe nodded vigorously. `Better than I expected, to tell you the truth. It helps to know I'm riot the only woman he's treated like dirt. Poor Miranda, though…'
Fenn marvelled at her attitude. She really did feel sorrier for Miranda than she did for herself. Accustomed as he was to the tedious, self-absorbed ramblings of much of his female clientele, Chloe's lack of self-pity was like a breath Df fresh air.
`Ready,' Bev announced, clattering down the stairs. `Bye,' she told Chloe, giving her a kiss.
Fenn, following her lead, leaned across and kissed Chloe's Cheek as well.
`Bye. Take care.'
There were dimples in Chloe's cheeks that deepened when she smiled.
`I really am fine, you know. You don't have to feel sorry for me. Plus, I always did hate that engagement ring.' Fenn laughed.
`Okay. See you soon.'
`Absolutely,' said Chloe. The mischievous dimples reappeared. `See you at the wedding.'
Chapter 33
The salon was packed to bursting on Monday morning, but one voice was still clearly audible above the rest. Eleanor Slater, a former Tory front-bencher with a grossly inflated sense of her own irresistibility, was making sure everyone knew she was there. Since losing her seat at the last election, Eleanor had swiftly relaunched herself as a fearless radio interviewer, famed for her ability to flirt and simultaneously stick the knife in. There was nothing she was too bashful to say. She particularly relished embarrassing other people in public, and accusing them of being prudes.
She was grotesque, and Miranda would have loathed her even if she didn't have a hangover the size of Harrods. She waited for Eleanor to stop booming instructions to her PA into her dictaphone.
.. and firm up that interview with Terry for tomorrow morning. If he's pushed for time, we'll do it in his car between meetings.' Leaving the tape running, she smirked