Page 2 of The Girlfriend


Font Size:

The lift started to rise. “Ow! Can I take you for brunch?”

She lifted her eyebrows. “It requires an announcement?”

The doors opened and he took her hand and led her out and through the hall into the expansive oak-and-granite kitchen. “Just want to treat my mum.”

“You old charmer. But before we go, give me a clue. I couldn’t stand the anticipation.” She stood firm.

He poured himself a voluminous glass of juice from the fridge. “I’ve been looking for an apartment. You know, for when I start the hospital training program.”

She sighed. “You’re sure I can’t persuade you to move back home?”

“Ah, Mum . . . apart from the holidays, and not all of those, I haven’t lived at home for five years.” It wasn’t that Daniel led a louche social life, he just enjoyed his privacy as any twenty-three-year-old male would, and didn’t want to spend the next two years living under his childhood roof, basement pool or not.

“Okay, okay. So, apartment hunting. At night?”

He grinned. “Just meeting with the agent.”

It took a moment and then it clicked. “A girl?”

“She’s very thorough. Knows exactly what I like.”

“A girl!”

“You say it like I’ve never dated before.”

“But this one’s special,” she said decisively.

“How do you know?”

“Well, you’ve seen her the last two nights, haven’t you?”

“Yes . . .”

“And only just met! Come on, spill. What’s her name?”

He was amused by her enthusiasm. “Cherry.”

“A fruit! Short season, select.”

“What?”

“Exotic?”

“She’s got dark hair. . . .” He held up a palm, shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this.”

Laura clutched his hand. “No, don’t stop, really. I want to hear all about her. Where’s she from?”

“Tooting.”

“Sheisexotic! Sorry! I was joking. I’ll be serious now.” Laura kissed his hand contritely. “How old is she?”

“Twenty-four.”

“And she’s a real estate agent?”

“Yes. Well, she’s training at the moment. She’s only recently started.”

“And she works here in Kensington?”