‘I know, I know. And I need to sort it. I’m going down to Brighton this afternoon on business. I’m planning to set up a team for Happening Today down there. Come with me. I’ve booked a lovely hotel on the seafront – we can stay there tonight and travel back tomorrow together. That’ll give us a chance to talk.’ He glanced round the office. People were starting to arrive in dribs and drabs. He let go of her hand. ‘We can’t get five minutes’ peace here.’

‘What will people say?’

‘I’m the boss,’ he expounded. ‘I can give you the afternoon off if I want to.’

Lauren giggled. She loved him when he was like this, reckless and spontaneous.

‘Say yes,’ he implored. His fingertips tugged playfully at the sleeve of her blouse. ‘I can’t last the week without you.’

‘Don’t complain if the revenue figures are down on Friday.’

‘It’s the last thing I’d do,’ he promised as he stood, deal done. He winked at her as he went to his own office.

Her heart was still pounding in her chest when Zak came in and put a takeaway coffee down on her desk. ‘Because the lady loves her latte,’ he drawled seductively.

‘Thanks, Zak.’ She smiled up at him.

‘I bought a skinny lemon muffin too.’ He plonked a brown bag down on her desk. ‘Now that I’ve spent the weekend with you, I realise that you really don’t eat.’

‘I had a lovely time,’ she said honestly. They’d hung out together for the rest of the weekend after the Friday Night Disaster. Nothing too drastic. They’d had a walk on Hampstead Heath, gone to the pub in the evening. On Sunday they’d wandered round Camden Market together and had eaten noodles outside a cheap Chinese place in the sunshine. It was just relaxed. Zak didn’t try to hold her hand or jump her bones. He was cool.

‘I’m thinking of going to the cinema later in the week. That new Tarantino is showing. Fancy it?’

It was one thing having some fun with Zak when they were both at a loose end at a weekend, but this felt more like fixing up a date. ‘Not really my thing,’ Lauren lied. ‘Maybe another time.’

Zak shrugged. ‘Catch you later, then.’

‘Sure. And thanks for the breakfast.’

Lauren sipped at her coffee and smiled. A trip to Brighton with Jude. What a great way to start the week.

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

I put on my trendiest top and trousers and head off to All Bar One for the planning meeting about the proposed Peru trip.

Greg hasn’t yet returned from work. I’d have liked to discuss this further with him before I went out. I want him to support me, to encourage me, maybe even to come with me – but it looks like it’s not to be.