messages. I’m just about to put her phone away when another thought occurs to me.
From the sounds of it, Serena is still arguing with both ladies with her, so I think I have some time. I scroll to her message outbox and see that she has sent about a hundred texts to Rivers. I randomly pick a few and am horrified to see they suggest their relationship is far from platonic:
“Last night was amazing. I can’t wait for us to be together and this to be in the open xxx,”
“If Lucinda knew what we were really doing it’d wipe the smug smile off her face xxx,” and:
“I know I’m risking everything for you, but you’re worth it xxx.”
Sickened. I drop the phone back on to the floor. How could she cheat on Ewan? Even worse, how could she still be planning to marry Ewan? It seems like Rivers is ignoring her, but even so, to jump back into her relationship and pretend that nothing ever happened? That would explain her hideous mood, I mean she’s clearly been trying to contact him to no avail.
I try to work through what I’d seen of them and what Cassie told me. From the messages, I’d guess it was just a fling for him, but Serena thought it was more. I don’t know whether to be furious with her or feel sorry for her.
My mind races, putting this information together with my other theories. This explains a lot more. Serena hasn’t been trying to frame me to steal my work, she’s been messing around with another man. Any sense of relief I might have is immediately overwhelmed by panic. What am I supposed to do? Should I ask her about this? Should I tell Sebastian? Should I tell Ewan? My speeding train of thought is interrupted by Serena’s mum whose head appears around the curtain.
“Lauren dear, would you mind grabbing Serena’s garter please? It’s somewhere in her bag.”
Mrs Taylor disappears and I look around trying to spot Serena’s handbag. I can’t see her familiar black Radley, but do spot a suspiciously new black leather Bottega Veneta tote. I know that bag. I’ve spent quite a long time lusting over it on Net-a-Porter. I also know how much it costs. Lets just say it’s expensive. Very expensive.
Cautiously, I pick it up and open the lock. I can see Serena’s makeup bag inside, so it’s definitely hers. I have a root around in the main body of the bag, marveling at the soft taupe suede lining. I can’t see any garter in here. Just as I’m about to shout out the bad news, I notice there is a side pocket. I pull the gunmetal zip open and put my hand inside. Instead of being met with a piece of flimsy lace, my hand encounters a rectangular shaped paper book. A cheque book. I pull it out and squint at the details on the first page. It’s my cheque book.
Chapter Twenty
I get to my feet and start to panic. If I take the book then she’ll know that I know. If I leave it, she could destroy it and I’d have no proof. If I take a picture then anyone could say I put it there. I follow my gut and shove the book into my coat pocket. Shaking, I run to the changing area, draw back the curtain and without looking directly at anyone mumble that something has come up. As I turn and practically run out of the store, I can hear Serena shouting something that sounds like abuse at me, I catch the phrase “terrible friend” but I’m too shocked to do anything.
In a daze, I get in my car and drive straight to Sebastian’s office. I’ve got a vague recollection that he’s in an important meeting this morning but I really need to see him. Now.
The lift is taking ages, so I decide to use the stairs, remembering too late that his office is on the seventh floor. By the time I emerge into the reception of his office, I’m panting like I’ve just completed a marathon and I know I must look like a state.
The room is filled with neatly suited men all reading the FT and drinking espresso. I stagger over to the receptionist. I don’t recognise her, but I don’t really get to come here often.
“I need to see Sebastian, I mean Mr. Reid.”
“Do you have an appointment?” asks the receptionist in what sounds suspiciously like a patronising voice. She’s