‘I wanted to get a head-start on sorting the Richmond Higgins debacle.’ Isaac shook his head as if disgusted.
‘As did I.’ Connie nodded at a pile of random clutter on one of the tables before turning her head back to me. ‘The wedding is in less than two weeks and yesterday they sent us a barrage of Instagram messagessaying they’d decided the Bridgerton theme we agreed a year ago was now passé, they want boho fairy tale – whatever that means, because the images they sent really didn’t make it any clearer – including a new colour scheme and décor, menus, entertainment, seating arrangements and forty more guests.’
‘Have you spoken to them?’ Isaac asked, dumping the papers on his desk and sitting down.
‘I’ve left two messages. I’ve also emailed, WhatsApped and replied on Insta.’
‘Can you try again?’ he barked, gaze now fixed on his laptop. ‘If you aren’t too busy gossiping with my sister?’
‘How about you try?’ Connie said, her expression a picture of serenity. ‘Seeing as I’m taking my first break since coming in at eighton my day offto work on these hideous chair flounces?’
Isaac had started furiously tapping away, jaw clenched. I took another sip of lemonade, thoroughly enjoying seeing someone stand up to him. After a few more taps he sat back with a long sigh.
‘Once you’ve finished your break, it would be great if you could spare a few minutes to try them again. I don’t want us to waste any more time on this without confirming costs. And…’ He cleared his throat, shuffled his chair an inch further under his desk, and to my astonishment startedblushing. ‘You’re better at handling them than I am.’
Connie arched one eyebrow.
‘And I apologise for taking out my couple-from-hell stress on you,’ Isaac half-mumbled. ‘I’m aware this is a lot more work for you, too.’
I had to scoop my chin up off the floor.Was that a genuine apology?
When, two minutes later, Connie had the couple on speakerphone, I quickly left them to it. It was no small distraction, however, once I’d returned to my desk. My brother had just been handled.
It may have been a case of one plus one equals a wild guess, but I had a strong suspicion I’d just met Isaac’s mystery ‘single lady’.
9
I went straight home after work, more than ready for a quiet evening with a book and a wedge of leftover quiche from lunch. After hiding upstairs until Elliot and Penny had set out on their eight-on-the-dot run, I decided to risk eating in the garden as they shouldn’t be back until after nine.
‘Ah, Jessica.’ Arthur appeared as soon as I’d taken my first forkful, savouring the gooey ricotta and roasted pepper filling.
‘You really don’t need to shake my hand every time you see me,’ I said, indicating that my hands were full.
‘Sorry. Work habit. I shake dozens of different hands a day.’
‘All the more reason why I’m happy with a hello.’
‘Right. Hello.’
I took another mouthful, finished it, and realised I was going to have to take the lead. ‘Have you had a good day?’
‘Yes, thank you. A cremation in Mansfield. Slight issue with a misspelled wreath, but who knew that Daisee could be written with two Es?’
‘I suppose Daisee’s family did.’
‘Would have been helpful if they’d told the florist.’
He continued hovering until I couldn’t bear it any longer.
‘Did you want something? It’s a bit weird having you stand there watching me eat.’
‘Ah. Yes. Sorry. I forgot. I was wondering if you knew where Isaac was or when he might be back. He’s not replying to my messages and the darts quarter final is at nine-thirty.’
‘He’s working. A Bridgerton wedding’s turned boho at the last minute.’
Arthur screwed up his face. ‘Ah, I hate it when that happens.’
‘Really?’
