Why is he calling me?

‘In any event, the TIARAs! Enjoy yourself tomorrow. Maybe, ah, don’t do anything you might regret.’ Jordan chuckles most congenially. ‘Although, if you do go mad, let me know. We might get another campaign out of it.’

I giggle.

Then Jordan and I break into nervous, raucous laughter that says, more than words, that whatever our past history, in this moment, all is forgiven.

‘You can come with me,’ I say, without overthinking whether I should.

‘What?’

‘You can come with me, to the TIARAS. If you want to.’

‘Are you serious?’

I’m serious, but I’m not about to beg.

‘Jordan, as of about two minutes ago, I have a spare ticket. We’re friendly, and I’d sooner the seat next to me not be empty. Would you like to come or not?’

I swear you could knock me down with a feather when Jordan answers without reservation, ‘Yes.’

34

Poppy fastens the diamond necklace delicately around my neck. She’s used rollers to set my hair in cascading waves of ebony silk. My eye make-up smoulders. The silver trouser suit fits me like a glove. My spotless Jimmy Choo crystal heels pair with it perfectly.

‘Miss Gracie, you’re beautiful.’

I check myself in the full-length mirror Faith has set up in her living room. I could cry with happiness. ‘Poppy, thank you.’

Poppy is wearing a strapless white gown over a pink tulle petticoat. Her shoes are slipper style and, though made of plastic, look like glass. Her wispy blonde hair is pinned into a high bun on top of her head, adorned with sparkles and a large ruby crystal. Her make-up is, surprisingly, sparse. Shimmery creams on her eyelids. Sweetly rosy cheeks. Soft-pink lip stain.

‘I look like a giant macaroon.’ Poppy laughs. ‘Cherry on top and all!’

With her delicate features, she’s angelic.

Faith passes us each a flute of champagne.

She’s ethereal in white silk, with whispers of purple through the fabric. Her dress skims the ground and twists, toga-like, across one shoulder. Her long, blonde hair is down and loosely tousled.

‘To the TIARAs,’ she toasts.

‘To that dress,’ I say.

‘To those diamonds,’ Poppy chimes in.

We sip stylishly, until we explode in delight.

‘I can’t believe we’re going to the TIARAs!’

‘I’m so excited!’

‘I’m a little nervous,’ I admit. ‘This is something more than smiling for the paparazzi on a night out. Right, girls?’

‘Where is Jordan meeting you?’ Faith asks. We haven’t properly discussed the topic of me inviting him. ‘Inside?’

‘Yes.’

‘Let the mystery of Master J live on?’ Faith laughs, but her expression says it all.

I take another small sip of champagne.