There was no mistaking the tenor of Colette’s voice. Like fingernails on a chalkboard the high-pitched screech made Kelly cringe. She didn’t turn around though, it was more entertaining watching the emotions playing out across Paula’s face. None of them happy.

Her cheeks turned crimson, whether from anger or embarrassment, Kelly couldn’t be sure. Probably both. The fact Colette was now calling her boss sweetheart was almost laughable.

“I told you, I’d meet you in the tearooms.” Paula breathed heavily.

Kelly wouldn’t have been surprised to see fire burst forth from her nostrils.

“I know, but you’ve been gone for so long, I started to worry you got lost. It’s a big place, you know?” Colette whined like a petulant child.

In that moment, Kelly didn’t know who she pitied more, Colette or Paula. On second thoughts, they deserved each other. The thought made Kelly smile.

After a brief stare down with Paula, Colette finally took stock of the three women before her.

Feeling smug, Kelly smirked and waved. Jo and Lucy stood mute.

Ignoring all three of them, Paula held a finger to Colette’s lips. “I’ll be right there, now go.”

“Fine, just make sure you don’t give any money to gold digger over there.” Acting like the self-entitled bitch she was, Colette poked her tongue out at Kelly then spun on her heels.

The comment bounced off Kelly like a poorly aimed dart. While she didn’t doubt Colette had always thought Kelly only dated Paula for her money, she no longer needed to defend herself.

Somewhat proud she’d resisted the urge to call after Colette, “enjoy my leftovers,” Kelly took the opportunity to turn the entire debacle back on the person making a scene.

Folding her arms across her chest, Kelly quirked an eyebrow. “Pot, kettle, black? How long have you two been cosy?”

“It’s not like that.” Paula looked at the floor, her bravado gone.

The fact Paula’s obnoxious P.A. was now calling her sweetheart suggested otherwise.

“Tell it to someone who cares.”

Kelly entwined her fingers with Lucy’s and linked her other arm with Jo’s. “Come on, ladies, there are more entertaining exhibits to see than this…this…” Kelly trailed off leaving Paula to fill in the blank.

*

After nabbing Tim on their way past the bathroom, Kelly put her arm around Lucy’s waist and guided them toward the ground floor.

Tim walked with a stoop, his ear close to Jo’s mouth as she no doubt gave him a rundown of the drama he’d narrowly avoided.

The good-natured humour they’d all enjoyed had been replaced by a dark gloomy cloud. One minute they’d been exploring the wonders of the world, the next a volcano had erupted and spewed shit on them.

“You okay?” Kelly squeezed Lucy’s side, pulling her closer.

“No.” Lucy shook her head. “But I will be.”