the others.” With this, he gives me a wink. Mortifyingly, I can feel my cheeks start to redden. God, how old am I? Fourteen? Before I have a chance to reply, he continues.
“Here, I just wanted to give you this.” He hands me a piece of paper on which there is some messy black scrawl. “My contact details,” he explains “Just in case you wanted to discuss the case, or something.”
“Thanks,” I fish into my bag and retrieve a business card from my purse. I flip it over, write my mobile number of the back and hand it to him. Lucinda helpfully chooses this moment to join us.
“I hope you’re not asking Andrew to help you Lauren,” she scolds. “He has enough to do without carrying you too.”
I give an exasperated sigh.
“Lucinda, I know that you didn’t exactly pay much attention today, but even you should have realised that we’re on opposite sides of this case.”
My words have clearly fallen on deaf ears as she is now fawning all over Rivers, stroking his hair and wittering on at him about her proposals for dinner.
“We have to try the new Thai place by the canal, it’s supposed to be amazing. I’m sure I can get reservations if I book now. I heard that the do the most fantastic cocktails.”
“Lucinda, no,” he interrupts. “I have to work.”
“But you’ve been working all day!” she whines, “When are we supposed to discuss important things, like the wedding?”
“See you tomorrow!” I laugh, turning to leave, glad that I’m not the one who has to put up with her on a daily basis.
Serena is still at the back of court. I watch her gathering her things and making her way over to where Quinn is stood talking to Hobbs and his lawyers. She hovers behind them for a few moments before clearing her throat.
“Mr. Quinn? Where do you want me to send my notes?”
“Ah yes!” he replies, “Sabrina! The thing is, I don’t really need them, as Rivers usually keeps a good version, but they’ll be interesting reading material for you, I’m sure.”
He turns his back on her and resumes his conversation. I can see expressions of fury and disbelief on her face. For a moment it looks as though she is going to try and speak to him again, but to my relief, she turns on her heel and storms out of the courtroom.
On one hand I can see why she would be upset, but on the other, she’s still getting paid and it is a great experience, so she really has nothing to complain about. I resign myself to having to listen to her bitch about this for the considerable future and follow her out.
Unusually, I’m home before Sebastian tonight as I arrive back at the house and find it in darkness. I’ve been listening to the news reports of the trial on the local radio station. It’s really odd to hear it all again, to see what the media have been making of it. My mum has already been on the phone to try and get the ‘inside story’ from me; apparently even my dad is impressed by my involvement in this case. I unlock the front door and pick up the days post. Amidst the usual bills is a heavy cream envelope. I tear it open greedily and am happy to find my ticket for the upcoming reunion inside. I’ve already booked a hotel for the night so I can really let my hair down. It’s being held in a hotel in Nottingham in about three weeks and Serena and I are travelling together. I’ve already found the most perfect dress. I really shouldn’t have bought it, but I saw it online at the weekend and couldn’t help myself. It’s a tight strapless satin pencil dress in emerald green with a really delicate black lace detail. It fits me perfectly and will look amazing with my black Louboutins. As I recall the price tag I wince slightly. I pray that Sebastian doesn’t ask me about it. On cue, the front door opens and I run down to say hello.
After dinner we’re curled up on the sofa. I’m highlighting portions of the evidence that we’ll need for tomorrow and Sebastian is watching a documentary about American conspiracy theories. I’m miles away reading about Hobbs when my phone vibrates. It’s a text message from a number I don’t recognise. I open the message and read it
“She was right, the cocktails are fantastic. I’ll have