The two of us shopped a little more after tea, perusing the womenswear department, where Lady Golding bought a couple of new day outfits, and I bought a new top, before heading over to Shaftesbury Avenue to the Queens Theatre.
Les Miserables was spellbinding, and we both loved it. Lady Golding raved about it as we walked out, and into the waiting Bentley. "Such a wonderful story, and so well produced. I'm so glad you chose it."
"I read a lot of good reviews, which is why I thought we'd both enjoy it. I'll look out for other good shows in future." We sped through to the docklands to drop me home, before Lady Golding made her way back to Sussex.
"I've had the loveliest day Elle, so thank you for arranging it, and I hope we can do it again sometime."
"Definitely. I've had a great time too." Her driver pulled up outside my flat, and I grabbed all my bags, and hopped out of the car, watching as it glided away. I had really enjoyed her company, which surprised me a little, as there was a huge generation gap as well as wildly different social positions, but I had found her to be warm, funny, and fiercely clever. Yep, I'd grown to like her.
Up in the apartment, I switched on the telly and made a coffee. It was nearly ten, but I didn't feel remotely sleepy. I checked my emails, smiling as I read a soppy one from Ivan, and replied to it equally soppily. My phone rang, I pulled it out of my bag, expecting it to be Ivan, but was pleased to see it was James.
"Hey little Elle, I got great news," he said. I smiled.
"Go on big James, what's happening?"
"I'm gonna be home early. We had a breakthrough last week, and are pretty much finished with the coding. We start testing tomorrow, and all things being well, I could be home by next Friday."
"That's fantastic news. I can't wait. I've been drooling over that holiday link you sent me. Even ordered some new bikinis and a kindle."#p#分页标题#e#
"I've practically lived in shorts and vests for the last two months, so it's not quite so exciting, but I'm looking forward to eating, drinking and sleeping. I've been really homesick if I'm honest. I miss the flat, London, you, and our telly programs. TV in America is rubbish."
"Well I've been spending fourteen hours a day in suits and high heels, so two weeks of flip flops and a bikini sounds like heaven to me, and I've missed you too. Sunday nights just aren't the same without you snoring on the sofa."
"I don't snore."
"I think you'll find you do. I'll record it next time for you," I teased.
"Everything alright with you?"
"Yeah, Ivan's away right now, and I have to face mum's funeral Friday, but I'm coping ok."
"Good. I'll cook us both a huge roast when I get back. I've been dreaming about it for weeks."
"Mmm, I do miss your roasts. I feel like I've lived on ready meals and sandwiches for months."
"Naughty girl. You're too thin as it is. Anyway, I'd better go get on with some work. I'll call you next week when I know a firm time yeah?"
"Great. See you soon." We said our goodbyes, and I headed off to bed.
Chapter 16
The following day seemed to drag on forever. My work was tedious, and rather mundane contract stuff, which required intense concentration, mainly because it was so boring, and monotonous. The office itself seemed a little quiet, as we were in holiday season, and people had begun to take their leave. Most companies put merger plans on hold through July and August, so with the exception of a few other projects, there wasn't much else to do. I left at six, nipping down to the arcade to buy some food at the deli, some milk, and a few pairs of new stockings. I walked back to the flat, and was just about to put my code in the pad to open the door to the lobby, when a woman approached me.
"Excuse me, do you live here?"
"Yes, why?" I looked closely at her. She was small and pretty, with fair hair, piercing blue eyes, and a deep, golden tan. She didn't look like a nutter.
"I'm looking for a James Harrison, he used to live in the penthouse. Do you know if he's moved?"
"I'm his flatmate, Elle, and no he hasn't moved, but he's away working in the states at the moment. I can give him a message for you."
"Would you mind? I did write to him a few weeks ago, and didn't hear from him, and that explains why." She got a pen and piece of paper out of her handbag, and scribbled down a phone number. "Can you tell him that Janine needs to speak to him, and it's rather urgent please." I stared at her, wondering if she was his ex.
"Sure, I'll pass it on." I took the number from her, and watched as she wandered away, before tapping in my code, and heading in. I called James straight away, and gave him the message, and the phone number. He seemed stunned, asking what she looked like. I described her. He confirmed that it was indeed his ex, and he would give her a call to find out what she wanted.