over a few days ago. The movie isn’t making what they expected here, and they think a last-minute press tour might help. They’re certainly not sparing any expense.”
“Oh, okay—so that’s why their faces are parading around the city on the sides of buses!” Sarah contemplated the goodies waiting on her plate. “You can’t ride public transport without seeing them.”
“Yup. Feels like they’re everywhere.”
“I’m surprised you could take the day off.”
“I’m on call in case of an emergency, but beyond that, Shan’s ready to go. I gave her my spare key when I left Brooklyn, so she brought a bunch of dresses with her. We spent her first day planning outfits and accessories and arranging hair and makeup appointments. The tour is busy, but it’s not glam. There’s no premiere or parties, no schmoozing. It’s low stress but high impact—hopefully.”
“And no travel for you.”
“That’s the best part! And I’m getting tons of Instagram content for Frill-Seekers. The PR guy is taking photos all over London. You should check them out. Bastien shows up, too, wearing my moto-style jacket.”
Sarah’s face brightened in recognition behind her cup of tea. “The wool skirt one? Ah, I LOVE that one!”
“So does Bastien!” Leia laughed. “Shan was wearing hers around New York and he stole it, wouldn’t give it back. She begged me, ‘Make him one!’ Now, he won’t take his off.”
“That’s great press for you! Bastien shows up in all the gossip columns.”
“Yeah, he’s popular, all right. He was really sweet in Brooklyn during his fitting and gave me a big kiss and posed for photos. He posted one yesterday for Throwback Thursday. It got a shitload of likes.”
Sarah swapped her tea for the last bite-sized morsel of coronation chicken. “And what about Shantelle? She sticking around for your show next month?”
“I hope so. If Shan walks the runway, people will definitely take notice. But I’ll have to ask her again, see if she’s being serious or you know…just Shantelle.”
“Pray that Mercury isn’t in retrograde when you ask her.” Sarah giggled, savoring her sandwich. “I still can’t believe I get to be a model!”
“I’m relieved you said yes! One model down, nine to go.”
“But Simon’s helping you search, right?”
“Yeah, and he’ll help me backstage on the day.” Leia tore off a chunk of clotted-cream-slathered scone. “God love Simon. He also gave me info for three PR companies and suggested The Arches space at the brewery. I’d still be looking if it wasn’t for him. I have to let him know I got it once my phone is alive again.”
“Here, use my portable charger…” Sarah leaned over the side of her chair, her hand diving into her bag. “He’s been such a great friend to you.”
In more ways than one. Leia popped the scone in her mouth, her eyes trailing a tall server delivering two cake stands stacked with finger sandwiches, pastries, and jams to a group of Italian tourists, their phones aloft amidst joyful cries of “Bellissimo!” Simon has stuck to his word. Ten days into my stay and I’m pretty sure Tarquin has no clue I’m here.
“Shoot!”
Mid-chew, Leia’s stare bounced back to her sister, bent over her armrest. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just making a mess…stupid achy wrists.” Lifting up her tangled phone charger, Sarah let out a frustrated chuckle. “I fished this out of my bag and upended yours.” She left the portable device beside their bottle of sparkling water and dipped back toward the floor.
Leia peered under the table. Her unzipped gratitude journal lay open, splayed against Sarah’s left wheel. “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.” Shifting her chair back, a shooting bolt of knee pain curbed her descent. Great. Leia winced as her linen napkin slipped to the floor. Gonna be one of those days, is it?
Sarah scooped up Leia’s journal and pen. “Beat ya, old lady!” She giggled and cradled the book, fanned open to a rippled page marred by ink blotches and blurred handwritten words. “Where’d you write this? Outdoors in a rainstorm?”
Napkin in hand, Leia straightened up. “Uh, no.” Her eyes narrowed as Sarah’s fingers skated across the wavy paper.
“August 23, Leia Scott was grateful for…”
Shit. Leia’s body tensed. Please don’t read that!
Sarah flipped the page, then a few more, a flurry of blank white sheets parading past her nose. “Ley, you haven’t touched this for six weeks. Aren’t you supposed to write in here daily?”
Leia relaxed, resting her napkin on the table. “I’d just lost my job, remember? I didn’t feel very grateful.” With a sharp flick of her hand,