LAURA ZIEPE
Made in Essex

For my mum: my beautiful best friend, agony aunt, shopping partner and confidante all rolled into one. I’d be lost without you.

For my lovely, kind and generous dad: you always taught me to work hard from an early age even when I protested about my Saturday job (that’s life in the big city/ that’s the way the cookie crumbles!). You’ve influenced me to become the woman I am today and I’ll always be grateful for your love and support.

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Also by Laura Ziepe

Copyright

About the Publisher

CHAPTER 1

‘Open your eyes after three. Ready?’

Jade squeezed her eyes shut and nodded, excitedly. ‘One, two … three.’

Her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped loudly as Kelly coolly strolled into the room, wearing the very first bikini in their new collection. It was amazing seeing something that they’d actually designed themselves as a finished product, and it looked far better than she’d ever imagined.

‘How hot is this bikini, babe?’ Kelly beamed from ear to ear. ‘Just picture how good it would look with a dark tan and blue vajazzle as well.’

‘Oh my God! You look unreal,’ Jade said admiringly, eyes bulging. It was a bright petrol blue colour and had a glittery effect which sparkled in the light; it would look even better in the sunshine. The girls had decided to replace the simple tie strings on the bottoms with a row of three gold chains and then inserted some pretty gold dangling charms in between the two cups on the top. It was simply done and looked incredible on Kelly’s killer figure. ‘It looks easily as good as the expensive ones you buy from America, Kel. It’s beauts!’

‘I know! I love it!’ Kelly said as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. ‘What are we calling this one?’

Jade thought for a moment. ‘I like the name “Essex Showgirl”,’ she decided. ‘What other colours can we get for this design?’

‘Caitlin said she also has gold and hot pink, hun.’

Jade jotted it down in her notebook happily. Those colours would also look great. She had a feeling that the ‘Essex Showgirl’ bikini was going to be very popular indeed.

She was thrilled to be starting her own swimwear business, Vajazzle My Bikini, with her best friend, and couldn’t wait until everything was up and running. They’d been on holiday to Marbella the year before and when Jade had realised she was the only one with ordinary, plain swimwear on her first day she’d almost been in tears. After finding a boutique that stocked similar glitzy and glamorous bikinis to everyone else’s, she’d been horrified at the expensive prices and had decided they should make their own instead. It had been fun visiting the Spanish market for jewels and beads to customise their swimwear, and when they were constantly stopped by girls wanting to know where they’d purchased their costumes from, Jade had realised they were on to something. Kelly was still working as a freelance beautician and Jade had been temping in mundane office jobs to save money for their website. They’d finally saved enough now, and while their friend Lisa’s cousin, Tony, was designing and creating their website at a reduced price, they were making the swimwear and planning their collections. They’d found a lovely lady online that ran a swimwear company in America, who sold them bikinis in bulk at discount prices so they could customise them. So far, everything was working out perfectly.

Jade inspected the bikini and looked closely at how well Kelly had made it; she was impressed. Kelly was fantastic at sewing, whereas she was better at sketching the designs on paper, so they could share the workload. They were going to split the administration and had decided that Jade was going to take all the calls and deal with customer queries.

Kelly looked round the room blankly. ‘When can we arrange the office properly?’ she enquired.

Luckily Jade had an office in her home that was big enough for the two of them. It belonged to Jade’s dad, but he never used it for more than one day a month. She paused. ‘What do you mean? All we need is another chair. We’ll just go out and buy one.’

Kelly arched a perfectly neat eyebrow. ‘Mmm … I was thinking we could change it a bit as well, you know, make it our own?’

‘By doing what?’ Jade asked in bewilderment, looking around at the perfectly practical and tidy oak wood office.

‘I’ve brought some bits with me in my car, hun. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m not really feeling it in here. I read online the other day that you need to feel comfortable where you’re working to be able to work your best. The work place is an important environment, babe. You go and get yourself a snack or something and come back in about thirty minutes. Just let me have a little move around with the furniture,’ Kelly told her wisely.

Jade gave a little nod and surrendered. ‘Okay, whatever you think. Just don’t touch any of my dad’s work in the bottom drawer, or he’ll kill me.’

‘Cross my heart,’ Kelly smiled, getting changed back into her clothes and making her way downstairs to her car.

Thirty minutes later, Jade heard Kelly calling her so she made her way upstairs, wondering what on earth was wrong with the office in the first place. As she entered the room she was greeted by fluffy pink pens in sparkly pen holders, pink and white flowers in a silver mirrored vase, decorated photo frames with their holiday snaps, hot pink feathered cushions, and a white furry rug in place of the plain brown one.

‘Ta-dah!’ Kelly sang as she twirled round on the spot, pleased with her work. ‘What do you think?’

‘I think it looks like Barbie and Sindy have decorated the room!’ Jade snorted with laughter. ‘What is my dad going to think?’

Kelly giggled. ‘Oh come on, old Jimbo will love it,’ she said with an amused smile.

‘I can’t imagine my dad appreciating you calling him Jimbo,’ Jade joked.

Kelly swivelled round on the spot, looking at her work. ‘Do you not like it?’ She pouted.

‘I’m sure I’ll get used to it,’ Jade replied, knowing Kelly could never work in an office without a bit of sparkle. If it inspired them to create the best swimwear then the sparkle would stay. It did make the office a bit more girly and personal too, she thought, and was unable to contain her grin when she spotted a photo of her and her boyfriend, Sam in one of the frames.

‘That’s such a gorgeous photo of you two,’ Kelly said, when she saw Jade looking at the photo. ‘I just a hundred per cent had to put that one up.’

‘Thanks,’ Jade said, flattered, as she picked up the frame. The photo had been taken at Kelly’s boyfriend’s birthday last year in Nu Bar. They both still had a slight tan from Marbella, where they’d met, and it made their teeth look amazingly white. They looked so happy, and luckily they still were.

‘You two make such a sweet couple,’ Kelly grinned. ‘I’m so glad that Sam’s become good friends with Billy too. I love going out just us four.’

Jade nodded. She had to agree it was great that they all got on together so well. If only Lisa had a boyfriend too though, she thought, remembering her other single best friend. Not that Lisa minded being single one bit. Ever since she’d split up with Jake, her long-term boyfriend, the year before, she’d been having the time of her life. It was difficult for her and Kelly to even get a minute of her time because she was always going out. She had been in a relationship since she was sixteen though, Jade reminded herself – Lisa was simply making up for lost time. She was constantly on dates with different guys and it was impossible to keep up! Jade didn’t blame her though, and she was happy if Lisa was; that was the most important thing. She had really thought that Lisa would have married Jake a year ago and they’d even been engaged, but after Lisa cheated on him with Billy’s friend, Jonny, in Marbella, Lisa had realised she hadn’t really been as happy as she’d always believed. Thank goodness Lisa finished it, Jade thought, otherwise she would have been divorced in her early twenties!

Kelly interrupted her thoughts. ‘So what are the categories going to be on the website?’

Jade opened her red notebook. ‘We decided on the places where all the best pool parties are, didn’t we? So we have the “Essex” section, which is going to be our most over the top, blinged-up swimwear, the “No Carbs before Marbs” section, the “What Happens in Vegas” section, the “Romantic Getaway” section, which will be a bit more toned down for when you go away with your boyfriend or husband, and the “Ibiza Zoo Project” section, which will be all animal print.’

‘Love it,’ Kelly beamed, running her fingers through her thick blonde hair, ‘it’s going to be so much fun naming all the bikinis. I just love this job already!’

Jade felt the same. ‘Me too. We need to meet with Tony tomorrow at six o’clock to go over the web designs, so make sure you’re free. I’ll meet you straight from work.’

Kelly nodded and there was a long pause. ‘I so need a diary.’

‘You need one of these,’ Jade said waving her red notebook in front of her, ‘diary and notebook in one.’

Kelly poked her tongue out cheekily, ‘Alright, Miss Organised!’ She took a package out of her bag ebulliently. ‘I forgot to show you some of the sequins and beads that got delivered to my house this morning. They’re gorge.’

‘Wow, they’re great,’ Jade agreed, as she watched Kelly pull out various colours of sparkling sequins and pretty beads from the package. She couldn’t believe how good they looked when they were so cheap to buy. It filled her even more with excitement, and ideas for new bikini designs were flying around in her head.

‘I know,’ Kelly sighed, ‘although I’m going to have to call the company up we bought them from and complain about something.’

‘What?’

‘Well, look here at the receipt,’ Kelly pulled out a piece of paper received in the package, ‘it says flat shipping rate, £3.99.’

Jade squinted as she read it. ‘So?’ she asked, bemused.

Kelly looked at her with a surprised expression, as though Jade had missed something. ‘I don’t live in a flat, so why should I have to pay that? The package was delivered to my house!’

Jade laughed. She was going to have to get used to hearing these silly comments all the time working alongside Kelly every day. ‘Kelly, flat shipping rate doesn’t mean they’ve charged you because they think you live in a flat. That just means standard shipping rate, you dope!’

‘Oh,’ Kelly said sheepishly, packing the sequins away again, ‘well they shouldn’t call it that then, it’s confusing. Anyway, I must dash as I have a client coming at seven for a spray.’

‘Why? What’s the time?’ Jade asked in a panicky voice.

‘Quarter to seven,’ Kelly replied, glancing at her watch.

‘Oh shit!’ Jade said slapping her hand on her forehead, ‘Sam is going to kill me! I was meant to meet him at six-thirty for dinner!’

Kelly pulled a face. ‘Oh dear. You did the same thing last week, didn’t you? Just call him, babe, don’t worry.’

Kelly kissed her goodbye and left.

Jade sighed, biting her bottom lip. The problem was she couldn’t just call him and let him know that once again, his girlfriend had simply been too busy working and forgotten she was meeting him. What could she say? She looked at her appearance in the mirror and quickly added some MAC lip gloss and kohl eyeliner. She quickly brushed her long highlighted hair and tied it back in a ponytail. Jade threw on the first pair of skinny jeans she found, texted Sam she was on her way and ran out of the front door.

‘Come on,’ Jade said to herself moments later as she was sitting in traffic, feeling stressed. Why were all the cars in front of her going so bloody slow tonight? She could hear her phone ringing in her bag and the fact that she knew it would be Sam, wondering where she was, made her even more anxious. She needed to make something up. She had been extremely preoccupied with the website recently and forgetting about Sam was becoming a regular occurrence, much to his frustration.

Ten minutes later she was almost running through the doors of The Bluebell restaurant in Chigwell. She saw Sam’s unimpressed expression as soon as she walked in. As Jade made her way over to the table she asked herself, yet again, how she’d managed to get with someone so drop-dead gorgeous. He was looking smart in a tight white shirt and light pink tie, which emphasised his natural olive-coloured skin and penetrating green eyes. His fair hair was brushed over to the side and Jade felt the urge to run her fingers through it.

‘Hi, babe,’ she said, and kissed him hard on the lips, hoping to ease his annoyance at her being over forty minutes late.

‘Where have you been? Why are you so late?’ Sam asked petulantly.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Jade said as she sat down, ‘it’s just we had some issues with the new website and I had to sort them out with Tony.’

Sam nodded and the look on his face told her he’d heard it all before. ‘You could have called earlier to tell me, you know, so I didn’t come here and have to sit alone for over half an hour. You did the same thing last week too.’ He looked offended as he sipped his glass of water.

‘I’m sorry,’ Jade said, gazing into his eyes to show she truly meant it, ‘please don’t be annoyed with me. Let’s have a nice evening, yeah?’ She grabbed his hand and held it across the table.

Jade noticed his expression soften and felt relieved.

‘So, how’s it all going anyway with the website?’ he asked a few moments later, genuinely interested. She knew he found it attractive that she was taking a risk and running her own company with Kelly. He was proud of her.

‘It’s all coming together now,’ Jade grinned. ‘Kelly put on the first bikini in our collection today and it looked amazing. We know exactly what we want on the website, which is nearly done, and then we just need to make the rest of the swimwear, have a photo shoot so it all looks professional and then the website can go live. I can show you some of the categories we’re putting the various bikinis in,’ she said, getting her notebook out of her bag and passing it across the table to Sam.

‘That’s great,’ Sam said browsing through the pages. He laughed, ‘You take this red notebook everywhere.’

‘It’s in case I think of new ideas,’ Jade told him, smiling warmly. ‘I write everything down.’

He looked at her lovingly. ‘You look nice tonight by the way.’

‘You’re joking? I’ve got hardly any make-up on and got ready in about two minutes! I’m as pale as a ghost!’

‘I like you looking natural, you know that,’ he said.

Jade smiled. Sam always said the right thing and made her feel good about herself. Thank goodness he was nothing like her awful ex-boyfriend, Tom, who not only used to constantly make jokes about her being from Essex, but also cheated on her. She was so happy with Sam; he meant everything to her.

‘Anyway, there are some good films on at the moment at the cinema. Fancy it tomorrow night?’

‘Yeah, that’ll be great,’ Jade said, her eyes bright. Then she remembered, and her face fell. ‘Oh no, I can’t tomorrow night, sorry. We have a meeting with Tony about the website design. I don’t know how long it’s going to go on for.’

She could tell Sam was trying to hide his disappointment. He lowered his voice and fiddled with his phone. ‘No worries.’

‘What about Saturday night though? We may be meeting Tony again in the afternoon but I can meet you in the evening?’ Jade suggested cheerily.

Sam nodded. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d be worried about you and Tony.’

Jade’s jaw nearly hit the table.

‘Only joking,’ Sam added when he saw her shocked expression, ‘Saturday night sounds good to me.’

Jade hoped he was only joking. She couldn’t handle him starting to get jealous, especially about Tony. She thought of Tony and his dark hair and hazel eyes. She supposed he was quite good looking, in a rough round the edges kind of way, but she didn’t look at him like that. Tony was far too old for her too, Jade thought, she guessed he was in his mid-thirties. He was just Lisa’s cousin: their web developer. She didn’t want anyone else and wouldn’t dream of ever even looking at another man when she was with Sam. Why would she, when he was pretty much perfect?

‘Sam, I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately. I promise you, it’s just work, nothing else.’

‘I know,’ he reassured her, ‘it’s fine.’

CHAPTER 2

‘That’s definitely the one,’ Lisa said with tears in her eyes, as she was handed the tiny ball of fluff.

‘So you’re going to take her then?’ the woman asked, getting a little emotional herself.

‘How could I resist buying her with this gorgeous little face? She’s adorable,’ Lisa answered, stroking the puppy behind the ears, much to the dog’s delight.

‘You’ll love her,’ the woman said, with a twinkling smile. ‘They’re such good company; all they want is to be fed, watered and loved. My three sit on my lap all day.’

Lisa was so happy she’d found her perfect Chihuahua. She was long haired and chocolate coloured and literally the smallest dog she’d ever held. There were two to choose from; a boy and a girl. The girl was smaller and had seemed to take a shine to her, so there was no doubt she was choosing the right one. She had also bought lots of pink things for when the dog arrived, so she didn’t really have much choice anyway.

She had been ecstatic when her parents had finally agreed to let her get one. Since she’d split up with her fiancé, Jake, eight months ago, she hadn’t been herself. The guilt of cheating on Jake on holiday had been too much to bear and eventually she had admitted it to him. Ever since the day she had confessed to him, she hadn’t heard a word. One of his friends had texted her, asking to meet so he could give her some clothes she’d left at Jake’s and get some of his bits from her, but apart from that, there was nothing. Lisa had tried to send him messages at the beginning, but he’d just ignored her. Who could blame him? She was surprised she hadn’t seen him around and could never go out without searching the bar or club for his familiar face. She knew her parents just wanted to see her happy again, and if a dog was the very thing to do that, then so be it.

Lisa had decided to get Jade and Kelly to look after the dog in the daytime when she was at work. Seeing as their business, Vajazzle My Bikini, was home-based, it wouldn’t be any trouble for them to dog-sit. They would be so excited about her new puppy, she just knew it. Kelly’s mum had a Chihuahua, Lord McButterpants, and they all adored him; now Jade and Kelly had their very own gorgeous puppy as their mascot. Lisa thought they were so lucky working together and their business was such a good idea. She couldn’t wait until they started making the swimwear so she could get some for her next holiday.

‘What are you going to call her?’ the lady questioned.

‘I think I’m going to call her Cupcake,’ Lisa said, her heart melting as she stared into the dog’s little coal-coloured eyes.

‘I can tell she’s going to be spoilt rotten,’ the woman said with an easy smile.

‘Most definitely.’

Lisa could tell that the lady found it difficult letting the puppy go. She could see why though. Who wouldn’t get attached to this cute little thing? She placed her in the new pink dog bag she’d purchased, on the soft white blanket, and put the dog on the floor on the passenger side of her car. Cupcake sniffed around inquisitively, and Lisa felt guilty as the dog began to shake and cry when she pulled away.

‘There, there,’ Lisa soothed in soft tones, ‘now stop that crying. You’re going to be just fine, I promise. I love you lots already.’

She couldn’t stop looking at her new pet the whole journey back. She even got beeped by another car because the traffic lights turned green and she hadn’t noticed, being too engrossed with Cupcake. Just looking at her and stroking her silky fur made her smile. She was the most beautiful dog in the world and she couldn’t wait for Jade and Kelly to meet her. They’d be so happy that they’d get to look after her every day! How lucky they were, Lisa thought.

Her parents had agreed to dog-sit tonight because Lisa had a date. Now she’d found her perfect pet though, she actually felt like cancelling and spending the night with Cupcake. It’s too late to drop out now, she told herself, she’d agreed to this date and she’d have to go. If only she could remember exactly what he looked like? She’d met Alex in London after work one night, but had been quite tipsy when they’d exchanged numbers. Hopefully he’s as nice as I remember, she thought. Lisa had lost count of the amount of times she’d given her number to men and agreed to meet them – only to be greeted by someone she didn’t find one bit attractive. She was learning that alcohol, dark bars and clubs were definitely not a good mixture when it came to dating. It was so much fun though, and getting to meet new people all the time was exciting. She had no one else to worry about apart from herself. It was a weird feeling at first, but one she was really enjoying. She couldn’t believe she had really thought at one point in her life that Jake was the one. She’d have missed out on so much!

She was so happy since her friend, Nicola, had joined the television company she worked for. She, too, was single and lived in Essex and they had hit it off straight away, often having to work together on projects and new TV shows. They were always out after work meeting new men and Nicola had just asked her earlier that day to move into her new flat. After picturing how much fun they would have together, Lisa had known she couldn’t say no and she was planning on telling Nicola her answer on Monday morning.

She dialled Jade on her car phone. She wanted to show off Cupcake as soon as possible. Getting the dog had been a slight spur of the moment thing after her parents had finally agreed, and she’d seen the advert online only yesterday. The girls had no idea about it.

‘Hi Lisa,’ Jade answered in her friendly voice.

‘Hi babe. Where are you at the moment? At home?’

‘Yeah. Me and Kelly are just doing a bit of work before our meeting in an hour. Why?’

‘Just wanted to check you were in. I have a surprise for you both.’

‘Really?’ Jade replied excitedly and Lisa could tell she was smiling.

‘Yep. Will see you in five.’

Not long after, Lisa was standing on Jade’s front doorstep with Cupcake safely in the bag, which was half zipped up so the girls couldn’t see straight away.

‘Hi, come in,’ Jade said as she answered the door, not noticing the bag.

Lisa followed her upstairs to the office where Kelly was sitting.

‘You alright, hun?’ Kelly smiled fondly when she walked in.

Lisa looked around the office and couldn’t believe the transformation. ‘Wow. Love what you’ve done in here, girls.’

‘It was Kelly,’ Jade nodded in her direction.

‘I’d never have guessed,’ Lisa smiled warmly.

‘Come on then, what’s the surprise?’ Kelly beamed.

No sooner had she asked, Cupcake started to cry, unfamiliar with her new surroundings.

‘Oh my God. What’s that in your bag?’ Kelly asked eagerly, standing up.

‘Girls,’ Lisa pulled the puppy out of her bag, ‘meet Cupcake.’

‘Oh she’s gorgeous!’ Jade said in shock, her voice high pitched as she moved nearer to stroke the dog.

‘Oh. My. God. Shut up! I’m in love! Where did you get her? Please say she’s yours? She is beauts!’ Kelly practically grabbed her out of Lisa’s hands.

‘My mum and dad finally agreed to let me get a dog!’ Lisa said happily, ‘which is quite strange actually, because I’ve just decided to move in with Nicola.’

‘What? Where to? It better not be anywhere far away?’ Jade asked quickly, slightly worried.

‘It’s not. Nicola has bought a flat in Chigwell and it has a spare room I’m going to rent.’

‘Hello, gorgeous little girl,’ Kelly was saying in a squeaky baby voice as she stroked the dog lovingly.

‘She’s so cute!’ Jade said, tickling her behind her ears, ‘let me have a hold.’

‘So when are you moving?’ Kelly said, passing the dog reluctantly to Jade.

‘Well I think Nicola is moving in straight away. So I suppose I can go as soon as I want. I haven’t even told my parents yet, but I’m sure they’ll be fine about it. She only asked me today and I’ve decided to definitely do it.’

‘What’s the flat like?’ Jade enquired, her eyes remaining firmly on the puppy.

‘I don’t even know yet. I think it’s meant to be quite big though. Nic’s bought it and I’ll be paying her rent each month.’

‘That’s great,’ Kelly said before she turned back to look at the dog, ‘you can have a moving-in party. Jade, let me hold Cupcake again please.’

‘You two won’t need to fight over her, don’t worry,’ Lisa grinned wryly. ‘I thought you two could dog-sit during the day when I’m at work, seeing as you’ll both be working from home. What do you think?’

Jade and Kelly looked at each other.

‘I think yes!’ Kelly almost screamed. ‘You don’t understand how much I’m going to spoil her. There is this amazing dog’s boutique down Queens Road in Buckhurst Hill. We can get her some gorgeous little Juicy Couture outfits and diamanté collars.’ She looked at the dog and put on her baby voice again, ‘You’re going to make all the other dogs jell, aren’t you, Cupcake? In fact, I’m going to call her Princess Cupcake. She’s far too important to just have one name.’

‘Will she be okay here all day do you think?’ Jade asked, slightly concerned. ‘Won’t she get bored?’

Lisa waved her hand casually. ‘She’ll be fine. All they do is sleep and sit on your lap the lady said. Apparently they’re really easy to house train too, so she’ll be clean in no time. Oh, I’m so glad you’ll have her. I didn’t know what to do otherwise!’

Kelly hugged the dog to her chest. ‘Babe, we’re going to love having her all day, aren’t we Jade? I’ll dog-sit anytime! Can’t believe how amazing she is!’

‘Thanks. I can’t stay long,’ Lisa explained, ‘I have a date tonight.’

‘With the same bloke you went out with the other night? James?’ Jade asked.

Lisa looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully and then finally answered ‘James? Oh no, not him. I’ve gone off him since he turned up to the date bright orange.’

‘What?’ Jade cried.

‘He’d clearly had a spray tan,’ Lisa shook her head remembering it, ‘and not a very good one either.’

‘Lisa, there’s nothing wrong with a man having a healthy-looking glow with the help of fake tan,’ Kelly chipped in. ‘Do you have his number? I’ll text him to come to me next time.’

‘Trust me. He was the colour of a tangerine and he was wearing a white shirt that made it look even worse!’ Lisa exclaimed, closing her eyes as if trying to block out the memory.

They laughed.

Lisa continued. ‘I’m going on a date with this guy called Alex, and for once he’s not from Essex. He lives in Hertfordshire and I met him in London.’

‘What’s he like?’ Jade enquired.

Lisa exhaled. ‘That’s the problem. I’m not too sure. He’s got dark hair and blue eyes … or were they brown?’

‘Well, good luck with him,’ Kelly said kindly. ‘What are you doing tomorrow?’

‘Nothing,’ Lisa replied, ‘why?’

Kelly’s eyes gleamed with excitement. ‘We’ve a hundred per cent got to go shopping for Princess Cupcake.’

‘We’ve got a meeting with Tony tomorrow, remember?’ Jade reminded Kelly.

Kelly scrunched up her nose. ‘Oh yeah. What time?’

Jade looked through her red notebook. ‘Five o’clock. I suppose we have plenty of time then to go shopping and for lunch. Deffo count me in.’

‘Ah thanks girls! This is going to be so much fun,’ Lisa smiled. ‘Right, I’d better go then.’

‘Good luck with Alex,’ Jade said.

‘Thanks.’ Lisa opened the dog bag and turned to Kelly. ‘Okay Kelly, hand Cupcake back now.’

Kelly didn’t move or even acknowledge she’d heard.

Lisa repeated herself, her voice louder. ‘Kelly, hand me back the dog please.’

There was still no response.

Lisa took a deep breath. ‘Kelly! You can see her tomorrow. Give her back!’

Kelly handed her back with a sulky pout. ‘Okay, okay, fine.’ Then she looked thoughtful for a minute. ‘It’s lucky you got a girl actually. I remember Lord McButterpants used to hump everything in sight until we had him circumcised, especially my cream Ugg boots.’

Jade and Lisa burst into laughter.

‘Kelly, do you mean castrated? It’s only people that get circumcised, silly! Not animals!’

Kelly grinned, before laughing with them. ‘Oh come on, you know what I mean.’

*

The following day, the girls were walking down Queens Road, with Cupcake securely in the pink bag over Kelly’s shoulder.

‘Make sure you don’t trip over and drop her in those shoes,’ Lisa said, concerned by Kelly’s four-inch black Jimmy Choo heels, which she was wearing with shiny black skinny jeans and a black peplum top with a diamanté collar.

‘Stop worrying. I would never fall over,’ Kelly said confidently, jutting her chin skywards. ‘I’ve been wearing heels since I was about seven.’

‘I doubt it,’ Jade frowned.

Kelly turned to her sharply, appalled that it was being questioned. ‘Yes I have, actually. I had black patent Kickers remember? They were big thick heels. We were in Mrs Horne’s class, so we were seven.’

‘Oh my God, so you were,’ Jade remembered, shaking her head in disbelief.

‘I might get a blow dry while we’re down here too,’ Kelly announced, as they passed a blow dry bar.

‘Going somewhere tonight?’ Lisa asked.

‘Me and Bill are going to go for a nice meal somewhere. I always like to look nice for him. I’ve had a spray tan as well,’ Kelly explained as she looked down at her bronzed arms.

Jade glanced at Kelly, who looked tanned, as she always did. Jade didn’t even know Kelly’s natural colour at all anymore; she never went out without a bit of fake tan and though Jade hated to admit it, neither did she nowadays. At Jade’s uni, in Bath, it had been a different story. Jade wasn’t even sure if she had owned any fake tan for the three years she was there.

‘What about you, Jade?’ Lisa asked.

‘Just going to the cinema with Sam. How did your date with Alex go, by the way?’

‘Mmm … he was okay,’ Lisa said thoughtfully. ‘I haven’t fallen head over heels for him or anything. He’s nice, but I really wasn’t keen on his shoes.’

Jade and Kelly laughed heartily.

‘You can’t not like someone because of their shoes!’ Jade exclaimed. Lisa was so fussy, she thought, but as she glanced at her, with her beautiful shiny long dark hair, slender legs and striking coffee-coloured eyes, Jade realised she could afford to be.

‘Well I didn’t really like his shirt either. It was far too baggy and didn’t do him any justice,’ Lisa told them before stopping. ‘Right girls, here it is up here on the right. Puppy Kit Pet Couture.’

‘Oh my God. Is that an actual four-poster bed for a dog in the window?’ Jade asked, completely astounded by what she was seeing. How had she never spotted this shop before? It was madness! As they walked in, Jade was mesmerised. There were dog coats, jackets, t-shirts, dresses, skirts, fancy dress costumes. There was even dog perfume! They were surrounded by everything you could ever need for your pet and more.

‘Hi girls,’ the lady that worked there greeted them, ‘awww … let me have a look at her,’ she said as she approached them and spotted Cupcake poking her tiny head out of the bag.

As the lady chatted to Kelly and Lisa, Jade walked around the shop, amazed at some of the things she was seeing. She picked up a gorgeous Swarovski collar and bracelet set, thinking Cupcake would look adorable in it, and then reeled in shock at the £150 price tag. This one is better, she thought, picking up a little white one with pink crystals, which was only £17.95. As Jade browsed through the adorable little dresses, picking up some as she went, she froze. She could hear a girl talking loudly behind her to the lady at the till. How did she know that voice?

‘Jade?’ the husky voice said, sending shivers down her spine.

She turned around, to be confronted with her worst nightmare. It was Adele. Memories of Marbella last year came flooding back to her. Not only had Adele, who was Sam’s ex-girlfriend, tried to keep them apart by telling lies about Jade and snogging Sam right in front of her face, but she had also stolen their bag of sequins and jewels from the market and put them on her own bikini! She’d denied it of course, but Jade and Kelly knew the truth. She was just a complete bitch and Jade had hoped she’d never see her again. She had spotted her once since Marbella down Loughton High Street, but she had hid in a shop until she had gone. There was nowhere to escape in here.

‘Oh, hi Adele,’ she said, about to turn back round to the shelves of clothing. The last thing she wanted was to actually have a conversation with her.

To Jade’s surprise, Adele practically jumped on her, kissing her cheek. ‘Oh my God, I haven’t seen you for ages! How are you, hun? Who are you with? Oh my God, shut up! It’s Kelly. Kelly!’ she shouted, flapping up and down and interrupting Kelly’s conversation with Lisa and the shop assistant.

Kelly’s face dropped and she waved unenthusiastically, looking like she’d seen a ghost.

‘Come over here, babe!’ Adele signalled, a huge grin plastered on her face.

Kelly said something to Lisa, who looked over, and they made their way to where Jade and Adele were standing.

Adele grabbed Kelly as soon as she was within reach, hugging her tightly. Jade had to stifle a laugh as she watched Kelly’s terrified face.

‘Hi Adele,’ she said, trying to pull back from her forceful embrace.

‘How are you, babe? Can’t believe how long it’s been! I’ve been hoping to bump into you two for ages.’

‘I’m good thanks,’ Kelly replied, taking another step back. ‘This is Lisa by the way; I don’t think you met her in Marbella?’

‘No,’ Adele shook her head, ‘I do recognise you from Marbs though. I saw you with Jade and Kelly a few times. Hi, hun.’

‘Hi,’ Lisa nodded, looking bored. She knew all about Adele and how much of a cow she was.

‘Oh my God! Your dog is amazing!’ Adele roughly put her hand through the opening of the bag to stroke Cupcake, who cowered and hid further into the safety of the blanket. ‘What a lovely Chihuahua.’

‘Thanks,’ Lisa replied, looking at her watch.

‘I’m buying a miniature Yorkshire Terrier, so just getting some little bits for him now. He’s completely adorable. Costing my dad a fortune because he’s like, from the best breeders ever. Think his dad was a winner at Crufts and everything. Over one and a half grand he is. Oh well, it’s worth it, isn’t it babe?’ she said to Lisa, as though they understood each other because they both had dogs. ‘What’s she called?’

‘Cupcake,’ Lisa replied.

‘Princess Cupcake,’ Kelly corrected her hastily.

‘Cute,’ Adele smiled. ‘I’m calling mine Buddy. He’ll keep me company in my new amazing flat my dad bought me. You girls have to come over soon. It’s stunning. Huge. We’ll go out for the night and have drinks before at mine. Where are you girls living now? Not at home with your parents still, surely?’ Adele smirked.

‘Me and Kelly are, yes,’ Jade answered indignantly. ‘At least this way we can save money as luckily our parents don’t charge us too much rent.’

Adele looked as though she’d tasted something bitter. ‘Your parents make you pay rent?’

Jade and Kelly nodded.

‘Oh right,’ Adele remarked, raising her eyebrows in disbelief. ‘My dad has taken care of everything for me, luckily. He’s bought me all new furniture too. What about you?’ she asked, her eyes flicking to Lisa.

‘I’m moving in with a friend,’ Lisa replied, ‘and will be paying my own rent and buying my own furniture. I could never just sponge off my parents without contributing, even if it was an option. No offence,’ Lisa grinned caustically.

‘None taken,’ Adele retorted, with one of her fake smiles that Jade knew so well.

‘Anyway Adele, nice seeing you. We really better hurry up though, we’ve loads to buy,’ Kelly said, as she turned and picked up a tiny white frilly dress.

‘Okay girls, have fun shopping. I’ll add you on Facebook and we can go out soon, yeah?’

‘Yeah, though I don’t go on my Facebook much,’ Jade lied.

‘No problem. Give me your phone, babe,’ Adele demanded, holding out her hand.

‘Why?’ Jade said, trying to think of a good reason why she wouldn’t have it on her without it looking too obvious.

‘I’ll put my number in,’ Adele told her firmly.

Seeing no way out, Jade passed her the phone and Adele put her number in and called it so she had Jade’s number on her own. How annoying? Jade thought, hoping she wouldn’t keep texting and calling. Why couldn’t she just get the picture? They didn’t, and would never like Adele; she was bad news.

‘Cheers, hun,’ Adele turned to leave, ‘oh, and Kelly?’

‘Yes?’ Kelly replied, warily.

‘I really wouldn’t go for that white dress for Cupcake. It’ll do nothing for her figure,’ Adele remarked and then waved dismissively and left.

*

Later on that day Jade and Kelly were on their way to the meeting with Tony.

‘I still can’t believe that Adele suggested our gorgeous little Cupcake was podgy,’ Kelly huffed moodily, shaking her head; her thick, blonde, freshly blow-dried luscious waves bouncing. It was all they had spoken about since it had happened. They’d said goodbye to Lisa, who was also furious with Adele’s remark, and then Jade and Kelly had had their hair done. It was so nice to simply sit there while someone made your hair look amazing. Jade’s long blonde hair extensions were quite hard to handle, and she’d got into the habit of having them blow dried whenever she could. It was worth the money in her opinion.

‘I know,’ Jade said for the umpteenth time, ‘it’s ridiculous. As if a puppy could be fat. She’s just jell.’

‘Who does she think she is? Coming over to us like we’re best mates. She even took your number! The cheek of it. I can’t bear her! And I never hate anyone. But picking on little Cupcake, well,’ Kelly shook her head violently, ‘that’s just taking things to another level.’

‘Let’s not waste any more time talking about her,’ Jade said, slightly bored with going over the same thing. ‘We need to get our business heads on now.’

‘Yes, you’re right,’ Kelly said, much to Jade’s contentment. ‘But I just can’t believe she called her fat!’

Jade sighed. Why oh why did they have to bump into Adele today?

Ten minutes later they were in Tony’s office in his home in Abridge.

‘Hi girls,’ he greeted them with a warm smile.

‘You alright, babe?’ Kelly said.

Jade smiled and took one of the seats beside the computer.

‘How’s it all going then?’ Tony enquired, his hazel eyes sparkling. He ran his hand through his jet black hair, which Jade noticed had a few grey strands. ‘Got the bikinis made yet?’

‘I’ve made a few,’ Kelly explained. ‘But don’t worry, Tone, I’ll get them done in no time. You should see me on the sewing machine! I’m a whizz kid,’ she giggled.

Jade nodded in agreement. ‘She’s really good. I’ll be helping out too,’ she told him.

‘Great. It would be good to get some images of the bikinis sooner rather than later,’ Tony advised. ‘We want to get the website up and running as soon as possible and obviously we’ll need the images so people can see what you have to offer. So I suppose you’ll need to get a photo shoot done.’

Jade jotted it down in her red notebook and when Tony spotted her doing so he suggested some photographers they could contact that weren’t too expensive.

‘Thanks, that’s a great help,’ Jade smiled graciously as she took their phone numbers.

She was so pleased that they were using Tony. Not only was he great at designing websites, but a really nice, helpful person too. He genuinely wanted the girls to make a success of their business and thought their idea was fantastic. She was still shocked at Sam’s remark about worrying about the two of them though. Yes, Tony was fairly attractive with his dark hair and strong jaw line, but even if Jade had been single, he was far too old for her and had a four-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Sam had absolutely nothing to worry about.

‘Will you be modelling the bikinis yourself?’ Tony asked Jade with a half-smile.

Jade felt herself blush. ‘As if! No, we’ll be getting other people to model for us.’

Tony nodded as he rubbed the stubble on his jaw. ‘I’m sure you’d look just as good in them,’ he said, catching Jade’s eye and making her turn away uncomfortably. Tony changed the subject. ‘Okay, so I’ve already started Vajazzle My Bikini’s Facebook and Twitter page. You just need images to put on now, as well as getting people to like your page on Facebook and followers on Twitter of course.’

‘Thanks, hun,’ Kelly beamed as she plaited her hair.

‘In the meantime,’ Jade suggested, ‘let’s just use the photos of us in our bikinis in Marbs, which we designed.’

‘Good idea,’ Tony said. ‘I’ll go make us tea while you two add some images and start suggesting friends to like your page.’

The girls added a few photos where they both agreed they looked nice and then started requesting friends to like their page.

‘Oh look,’ Kelly said excitedly a few minutes later, ‘we already have three likes on Facebook!’

Jade’s heart melted when she saw one of them was Sam; he was so sweet and supportive. How lucky she was to have him.

‘Three likes already, well done,’ Tony smiled. ‘Okay, now I’ll show you the three designs I have for the homepage,’ Tony said, handing them a mug of tea each.

The designs appeared on the screen on the computer. Kelly’s face lit up when she saw the last one. It had a black background with big pink glittery letters saying ‘Vajazzle My Bikini’. It had stars which moved across the screen and looked magical. Sample images of bikinis flashed on repeat and not only did it look extremely user friendly, but impressive too.

‘A hundred per cent the last one!’ Kelly said, ‘I just love it! Every swimwear website will be so jell of us!’

‘Yes, I agree,’ Jade said cheerfully. ‘The last one is perfect.’

‘Thought you were going to say that,’ Tony said with an amused smile.

An hour and a half later Tony told them he was going away for two weeks.

‘It’s vital I show you the back end of the website tonight and teach you how to use it so you can get started,’ he said.

Jade looked at her Michael Kors watch. It was six forty-five already. ‘How long will it take?’ she asked, dreading the answer.

‘To show you the whole thing so you understand?’ Tony thought for a few seconds. ‘Maybe two hours? Two and a half tops?’

Kelly and Jade looked at each other, thinking the same thing: they both had plans.

‘Only one of you needs to stay,’ he added quickly when he saw their concerned expressions.

‘Babe, I’ll stay,’ Kelly offered kindly, ‘I’ll learn the computer stuff easy-peasy, honestly.’

Kelly started pressing the computer screen, while Jade and Tony sat there, baffled.

‘Kelly, what are you doing? It’s not a touch screen!’

Kelly started to giggle, ‘I thought I was using my iPhone for a minute! Need to get my brain into gear.’

Jade stifled a giggle. It was sweet that Kelly had offered, but she could hardly even use her own laptop and always needed help with the simplest things, like how to turn it on! She even remembered the time Kelly had complained her laptop was stuck and wouldn’t open, not realising she had it the wrong way round when she was trying to lift the screen up. She doubted she’d ever have any clue about technical stuff. She knew Kelly hated computers and offices, one of the reasons she’d become a beautician.

Jade took a deep breath. ‘Kelly, it’s lovely of you to offer, but I’ll stay and learn it.’

‘After seeing you do that, Kelly, I’d have to agree.’ Tony laughed. ‘I promise I’ll be as quick as possible, Jade.’

Kelly nodded, knowing that was definitely the most sensible thing to do. ‘If you’re sure, Jade? I’ll stay too if you like?’

‘It’s fine; it only needs one of us. Honestly, you go.’

‘I’m sorry I can’t make it another day,’ Tony said, looking guilty, ‘it’s just I really think you should get it up and running ASAP.’

‘That’s okay,’ Jade said lightly, secretly worrying about letting Sam down again. ‘I’m going to drop Kelly off and then quickly drive to Sam’s and tell him I can’t make tonight. Would it be okay if I came back in about forty minutes?’ she asked Tony.

‘Perfect,’ Tony said, rubbing his hands together and getting out of his seat.

After dropping Kelly off home to get ready to go out with Billy, Jade pulled into Sam’s drive. For the first time since they’d been a couple she actually felt a little nervous about his response.

‘Hi,’ he grinned, opening the front door and kissing her.

‘Bad news,’ Jade said as she walked into his bedroom and sat on his bed.

Sam’s smile vanished. ‘You can’t come?’ he guessed, looking disappointed and making her feel terrible.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Jade said, ‘I’ll be done in a few hours and can meet you after if you like? I could co—’

Sam interrupted her. ‘I’ve already bought the tickets for the cinema and booked a meal. Is there no way you can get out of it?’ he asked, unable to control his irritable tone.

Jade shook her head, bit her lip and looked at the floor. ‘Tony is going on holiday for two weeks so it has to be done tonight.’

Sam nodded, looking even more unimpressed now she’d mentioned his name. ‘Right.’

‘I can meet you after?’ Jade asked hopefully.

‘Don’t worry about it,’ Sam said curtly, looking away. ‘My mates are going to Sugar Hut tonight and I blew them off because I wanted to see you, but I’ll tell them my plans have changed. There’s no point in you rushing around for me when you have work to do.’

Jade nodded, knowing he was angry. ‘Tomorrow?’

Sam raised his shoulders. ‘I have a football match late afternoon and then I said I’d help my cousin move out.’

‘I can help you?’ she offered, desperate to make it up to him somehow.

There was a long pause. ‘No, it’s going to be lifting loads of heavy things. Thanks anyway though.’

Jade felt awkward. He was being slightly cold towards her and it hurt. She felt like he wanted her to leave. Sam was never like this normally; he was always so affectionate and loving. ‘Are we okay?’ she asked, her voice slightly shaky.

He nodded and cleared his throat. ‘Fine.’

‘Okay, well I’d better be getting back to Tony,’ Jade told him, standing up and swinging her bag over her shoulder.

‘Of course,’ he said blankly, opening his bedroom door with an unreadable expression.

Jade sighed sadly. ‘Speak to you soon then. Have a nice night.’

As Jade left Sam’s flat, she felt unsettled. Was her business ruining her relationship?

CHAPTER 3

Adele was bored as she waited for her nails to dry. She grabbed her laptop from the dressing table and switched it on. As she waited for it to come alive, she thought about what had happened that day. She couldn’t believe she’d bumped into Kelly and Jade at last. She hadn’t seen them since Marbella and had been dying to go out with them on a night out. She’d been gutted when she realised she didn’t get their numbers after the holiday, even if things didn’t end on the best note. They always looked like they had fun when they went out and she knew they lived close to her, so it would be perfect to use them for that reason. She’d wanted to send them both a friend request on Facebook, but had worried that they wouldn’t accept it because of what had happened in Marbella. Surely they were over her stealing their junk from the market to sew on their swimwear? Adele couldn’t handle the thought of them rejecting her friend request, she was far too proud for that, so in the end she had stopped herself. Kelly, Jade and Lisa had all looked like such good friends today; Adele wanted to be included in their plans and go out for girly nights, lunches and shopping trips. They were nauseatingly pretty though; could she really handle being around them all the time and having to fight for attention? She cursed herself for thinking that way. Of course she could – she was easily as attractive as them, if not more so. She’d heard that Jade was going out with Sam now. She absolutely hated the thought of them together and could kick herself that her plan to split them up in Marbella hadn’t worked. Oh well, Jade was welcome to her sloppy seconds, Adele thought nastily. She’d already been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

She was going to Sugar Hut tonight with an old friend from school called Donna. They’d become really close recently and Adele loved going out with her because Donna was a bit on the heavy side, which meant she ended up stealing all the limelight. Donna did everything she said too and Adele loved it that she always got to pick where they went out. Adele liked being in control; she had to be, in fact. They were friends at school, but had lost contact when Donna went to college and then off to university.

Adele had contacted Donna after her mum had bumped into Donna’s mum and told her Donna worked for Mulberry in the head office. Why couldn’t Adele land an amazing job like that? She didn’t even want to think about the discounts she must get, which Donna was very tight-lipped about. Some people just had it so lucky. So what if Donna had a degree in fashion and marketing? She didn’t exactly look the part, being a size sixteen (though secretly Adele thought she looked more like a size eighteen and that maybe she was lying). Adele would be much better suited to a fun job like that, and it angered her that sometimes life was just so unfair. She was hoping Donna could get her in the company somehow, but so far she’d been nothing but useless, saying some crap about how she couldn’t and she’d have to go through the normal hiring process. Whatever! Everyone knew that if you knew someone in a company they could always manage to get you in somehow and put in a good word. Adele hadn’t really worked since Marbella, she realised as she stretched her legs out on the bed. She’d done the odd couple of shifts in her mum’s boutique in Ongar, but apart from that, nothing. She was getting slightly bored, she had to admit. Money was never an issue, her dad made sure of that, but she did feel the need to do something with her life, other than going shopping, getting her hair done and just sitting around and looking pretty. She wondered if she should try modelling or acting or something interesting like that and told herself she’d look into it on Monday.

Maybe she should text Jade and ask her to come out tonight? See if Kelly and that other Lisa girl wanted to come too? It was sometimes a bit boring being with just Donna and Adele imagined it would be much more fun with a group of them. She took her phone from her dressing gown pocket.

Hey babe. How are you? Fancy coming out tonight? I’ve got a table with champers? On me of course Xx

The reply came back almost instantly.

Busy, sorry x

Is that it? Adele thought, infuriated. No, ‘I’m fine thanks’, ‘how are you?’ or ‘thanks for the offer’. There was no need to be so short; it was just plain rude! Who did Jade think she was, treating her like unwanted rubbish?

Adele logged into her Facebook account miserably for a browse. Donna would be round soon and she’d have to start on her hair. She noticed that one of her friends had ‘liked’ a company called Vajazzle My Bikini. Intrigued, she clicked on it and when the image of Jade and Kelly appeared on her screen, Adele couldn’t believe her eyes. So they had decided to make their customised swimwear into a business had they? She looked at the company information and read that they were making special and unique swimwear, perfect for pool parties. She assumed it had just been a little hobby when they were away, but they were actually taking it further! She felt a wave of anger and jealousy wash over her. Why hadn’t she done that? Adele would love to have her own business and make swimwear! She’d wasted so much time doing nothing, when she could have been creating her own business and getting there before those two airheads. At the bottom of their company information something caught her eye. It said ‘website coming soon’. So they didn’t have a website yet then? Maybe she could do the same thing and get there first? Adele’s heart beat faster as ideas raced around in her mind. She needed to speak to her dad who owned a very successful property development business; he’d be able to help her and put her in touch with the right people. Picking up her phone, she called him.

‘Hello,’ came her dad’s gruff voice down the phone.

‘Hi, Dad. Really quickly. If I wanted my own website as I have a really good business idea, how quickly could you get it done do you think?’

He paused. ‘I’d have to speak to Martin, he takes care of that side of things for our business. He’s usually pretty quick. He did our website in just over a week, but it’s fairly simple and I suppose it depends on what you want? Why, what’s your idea?’

‘I’ll come over tomorrow and tell you. We can talk then,’ Adele said happily, smiling from ear to ear.

‘Okay, darling. Look forward to seeing you then,’ he said fondly.

‘Okay, bye, Dad.’

This was perfect, Adele thought ecstatically! Her dad would get Martin to build Adele her very own website and then she’d make all the bikinis. It wasn’t exactly hard was it? Sew on a couple of beads and diamantés here and there, big deal. Adele had seen lots of Jade and Kelly’s creations in Marbella and they didn’t look that difficult to copy. She could undercut their prices too so people would use her website instead. She couldn’t wait to see the look on their faces the next time she bumped into them. They always treated her like she was a bad smell or something. She’d soon show them, and they’d be sorry for ever underestimating her.

*

Sam felt irritated. All he wanted was to spend some quality time with his girlfriend, but lately it was proving impossible. He loved that she was starting her own business with Kelly; it was ambitious and he’d always found independent women irresistible. His idea of hell was a money-grabbing gold digger, and there plenty of those in Essex, that was for sure. Sam had been surprised by how quickly he’d fallen for Jade. After Marbella, they had literally never left each other’s sides and the more he got to know her, the more he fell in love. She was down to earth, loyal and thoughtful as well as being beautiful. He thanked God every day that Adele hadn’t managed to keep them apart with her vicious lies about Jade being easy. He’d never really understand why she lied and kissed him that night in Marbella so Jade would see; Adele didn’t have feelings for him, so what was her problem with him being with Jade? Adele really was a bigger bitch than he’d ever realised. A serious psycho that one, and he’d had a very lucky escape.

He wondered when he’d become so attached to Jade. Love was funny like that. One minute he’d been acting cool and casual, and the next, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. He hadn’t told her he loved her yet, but he knew he did. He’d never said it to anyone before and if he was honest, it was because it terrified him. He would be putting his heart on the line and it was a huge step. Say she didn’t reciprocate? He had these worries in his head, though he knew deep down that she was just as keen on him. They were so happy together and he knew that he loved her the first time she made him really laugh. He couldn’t even remember what she’d made him laugh about now, but it wasn’t just a giggle; it was a deep, throaty, stomach-aching laugh that made tears run down his cheeks. He loved that Jade had a sense of humour and didn’t take herself too seriously. But now she was busy all the time, letting him down constantly. Excuse after excuse – and it was hurting him more than he cared to admit. Surely there was still room for him in her life? Was there really no way she could fit him into her busy schedule? When was he going to come first? He understood she was preoccupied, but did she realise how she made him feel when she simply forgot they were meeting and arrived forty minutes late? Was he that easy to forget? Sam hated that their otherwise perfect relationship was being jeopardised by her new job. He did want to support her, but it was hard when it was at their relationship’s expense. He was as understanding as the next guy, but tonight he felt nothing but angry, let down and disappointed.

Sam switched off the TV, unable to concentrate on anything apart from Jade. Maybe he was a bit harsh with her earlier? Jade knew he was being offish and had felt like she had to leave. Perhaps he should be more understanding at times? It was a busy time for her at the moment and it wasn’t always going to be like this, he told himself. He picked up his phone to call her. Maybe he would meet her a bit later after all.

‘Hello?’ came the unfamiliar male voice down the line.

Sam frowned and checked the screen on his phone to make sure he’d dialled the right number. ‘Err … hello, is Jade there? Who’s that?’

‘Sorry, it’s Tony. Jade’s left her phone here and has just popped out to pick up a takeaway for us. Shall I get her to call you back?’

‘No, leave it,’ Sam said starting to feel angry again.

‘Okay, bye.’

Sam hung up, fuming. So she was out buying a takeaway for the two of them was she? How cosy. The last thing he wanted was to call his girlfriend and hear another man’s voice at the end of the line. He imagined them together, laughing and joking as they ate their meal. He knew he was being insecure, but he couldn’t help it. His friend Steve, who was single, had suggested Sugar Hut earlier that day and at the time, he had actually felt quite relieved that he was spending the night with his girlfriend he loved. Sam had been thankful that he didn’t still have to go out on the pull and wake up the next day with a hangover, but perhaps he shouldn’t get too comfortable, he told himself, as he pulled on his True Religion jeans. Maybe Jade was too busy for a relationship? Maybe she’d end up marrying Tony, the bloke she was spending her Saturday night with, he thought jealously. He cursed himself; Jade would never cheat and he needed to grow up, thinking thoughts like that. What was with him? He usually wasn’t the jealous kind. He needed to stop getting so angry.

Reluctantly, he pulled on his All Saints t-shirt and thought about his night ahead. He always got attention from girls when he went out and used to love it, but now it just irritated him. He wasn’t interested in anyone else, not when he had Jade. He’d never wanted to move in with another girl or settle down and get married, but with Jade, all these things seemed exciting rather than scary. She’d completely changed him – and to think she’d been there the whole time in Marbella. He’d wasted so much time looking for someone that had been right under his nose the whole time. As he slipped his shoes on, he hoped their relationship would be back on track soon.

*

Adele looked down at her legs in annoyance. Her spray tan hadn’t come out half as dark as she wanted and she was even looking at Donna enviously for once.

‘God, I look so bloody pale!’ she spat, applying more bronzer to her cheeks to compete with Donna’s golden glow.

‘You should go to Kelly who you went to college with,’ Donna suggested, aware that Adele had taken the same beauty course as Kelly, but given up halfway through. ‘She does the best spray tans ever, babe. She sprayed me twice over so it comes out darker and uses Sienna tan, which is like the best there is. She knows just how I like it.’

‘I’ve heard Kelly is terrible,’ Adele lied, bitterly irritated by the fact that Donna was friends with Kelly. ‘How do you know her anyway? I didn’t realise you were friends. She is so thick it’s embarrassing and was crap at college. I’m surprised she even made it to the end of the course.’

Donna shook her head. ‘No way! Kelly is great at her job, trust me. She does my make-up too sometimes and I love it. Don’t you like her? She’s such a nice girl and beauts as well. A friend recommended her to me a while back and we’ve been mates ever since.’

‘Of course I like her,’ Adele snapped, in case it got back to Kelly and she blew her chance of being friends for good. ‘I just didn’t think she was that great at beauty, but whatever.’

‘Your dress looks gorgeous,’ Donna admired, staring at Adele’s gold one-shoulder Forever Unique body-con.

‘Cheers, hun,’ Adele said, loving the way the dress hugged her in all the right places and made her look a dress size smaller. She glanced at Donna’s plain black dress that looked far too small for her and dug in her arms, making them bulge out at the sides. Thank God she didn’t have her figure, she told herself happily. ‘Luckily, I can wear body-cons,’ she remarked, feeling glad she’d scored a point back from the fact her spray tan wasn’t as dark.

Donna looked down at herself. ‘I wish I could lose weight,’ she sulked wistfully.

Adele had no sympathy and shook her head dismissively. ‘It’s really not that hard, Donna. Just stop eating so much chocolate and crisps. I’m not being funny, but it’s a fact. If you eat more calories than you burn off, you gain weight. Go for a jog on your lunch break or something.’

Donna was affronted. ‘What lunch break? I never have time for one!’

‘How is the job going by the way?’ Adele asked, glad the subject had been brought up. ‘Is there any chance you can get me a discount on the bags yet? I’ve got my eye on this amazing cream clutch.’

‘I’m sorry, but they’re really strict on it. That reminds me though; I do have some good news for you. I asked HR again about you getting a job and they need sales assistants in Selfridges if you want me to take your CV in?’

Adele looked as though Donna had said she could get her a job cleaning toilets. ‘What? A sales assistant? Donna, please. I wouldn’t be seen dead as a shop worker! Even if it was for Mulberry. No way. Besides, I actually don’t need a job there anymore. I’m starting my own business instead.’

‘That’s great!’ Donna enthused. ‘What business? Tell me everything.’

Worried it could get back to Kelly, Adele shrugged, ‘Just wait and see.’ She added Chanel lip gloss to her plump pink lips. She’d had collagen injections two weeks ago and loved how big they looked. She flicked her long dark hair over her shoulder, satisfied with her appearance. ‘Right Donna, call a taxi now and we’ll go.’

Forty minutes later, they arrived at Sugar Hut.

‘Oh my God, shut up!’ Donna sighed. ‘Look at the size of the queue! It goes back further than we can even see!’

Adele tutted loudly. ‘Donna, don’t be so ridiculous. Like I would ever need to queue. I wouldn’t queue in that if you paid me. I’m friends with the bouncers.’ She laughed at the sheer thought of joining the end of the line.

‘Oh, wicked,’ Donna said, brightening up instantly.

Adele marched with her head held high to the front of the line and kissed Dave, the bouncer who she knew on the cheek, giving him a saccharine smile. She’d sucked up to him the previous year so much that he thought she fancied him and asked to take her out on a date. She’d gone reluctantly, demanding he take her somewhere expensive, and they ended up going to Nobu in London, where Adele made sure she ordered the most expensive sushi and champagne so she could boast to everyone how much the meal cost. She also knew it would mean a free queue jump whenever she went to Sugar Hut. He’d been really into her, which hadn’t surprised her in the slightest, and she pretended she’d got back with an ex-boyfriend to get him off her case. Luckily, Dave had understood her predicament and on a few occasions when she’d been in the club she’d given him a cheeky snog goodbye when she left, just so he didn’t lose interest in her. So simple really. Men were so thick and gullible sometimes that they couldn’t really see what was going on. Did Dave seriously look at his vile bald head and ever-expanding waistline and think that someone like her would genuinely be interested? It was laughable.

‘One moment, gorgeous,’ Dave winked.

Adele smiled back seductively. ‘Thank you, babes. You’re looking well,’ she said in a soft, honeyed tone.

She looked at the queue, which seemed to have grown even longer. Donna was right; it was exceptionally busy tonight. As she glanced at the sea of faces looking at her and Donna, some slightly angry that they were getting let in before them, she caught a pair of green eyes that she knew far too well. It was Sam. She looked behind him, noticing he was with his friends rather than Jade. Hopefully he’ll cheat on her tonight, Adele thought wickedly. There was plenty of temptation in Sugar Hut and she imagined Sam would have lots of admirers. He looked very handsome tonight, wearing a white top which showed off his tanned skin and toned physique. She waved and gestured for him to come to the front with her and Donna. He acknowledged her, but mouthed ‘No, it’s okay, thanks.’

Adele was not impressed. So he’d rather queue like a civilian than jump to the front and go in with her? How pathetic. He was obviously still bothered about the stupid lies she’d told him about Jade in Marbella. It was a joke for God’s sake. He really needed to get a life and get over it. God, Sam and Jade were as bad as each other. Talk about holding a grudge!

‘Who’s that?’ Donna enquired, raising an eyebrow.

‘My ex, Sam,’ Adele replied blankly.

‘Oh my God, he’s so fit!’

‘Really bad in bed,’ Adele fibbed. ‘I had to dump him because of it. He literally didn’t have a clue, bless him.’

Donna laughed. ‘I wouldn’t mind teaching him.’

Adele grimaced at the thought. ‘He was a lost cause, trust me, I tried.’

‘What a shame, with a gorgeous face like that,’ Donna said disappointedly, shaking her head.

‘Mmm …’ Adele said, still fuming that he’d brushed off her queue jump invitation so quickly.

As they walked through without paying, Adele could tell Donna was overjoyed to be out with her receiving special treatment. They walked through the entrance to the bar on the left, and Adele decided to wait until Sam came through so she could speak to him. They ordered a bottle of white wine.

‘Shall we go to the table now?’ Donna asked excitedly, her eyes bulging.

‘No, silly,’ Adele huffed and rolled her eyes at Donna’s complete stupidity. ‘The table is upstairs in the club. It will be dead now. No one goes up there until later so we’ll stay here first.’

Donna listened to her attentively, like a child in a classroom in awe of their teacher’s every word.

Not long after, Sam made his way through and Adele couldn’t help but approach him immediately. She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t handle the thought that he didn’t like her. She’d been his girlfriend once upon a time, but now he looked at her like dirt on his shoes and it didn’t feel good.

‘Hi Sam,’ she said, kissing his cheek. She could tell he wasn’t pleased to see her standing there.

‘Alright?’ he said vacantly, about to walk away.

‘How have you been?’ she asked quickly, before he disappeared. ‘I haven’t seen you since Marbs. Weird, because I bumped into Jade today as well. Are things going well with you two? How come she’s not here?’

Sam glared at her. ‘Adele, with all due respect, that really has nothing to do with you. Don’t pretend to care about me, or even Jade for that matter. Please, I’m just really not in the mood tonight. Enjoy your evening,’ he brushed her off.

As Sam walked away, Adele felt her face go hot with fury. Did he have to be so rude to her? Did she really deserve to be spoken to like that? It made her even happier to be copying his darling Jade’s bikini business. She couldn’t wait to wipe the smiles off their faces when they realised her plan. Money was no object to her so she could make her business ten times bigger and better than Jade’s and so she would! They both deserved each other as far as she was concerned. A pair of complete idiots! They wouldn’t last either; she’d lay money on it.

An hour and a half later, Adele and Donna were seated on their table. She ordered a bottle of champagne and felt extremely smug and superior to the girls on the table next to them drinking pikey Smirnoff Ices. Did people still drink those awful sugar-laden drinks? How chavvy, she decided, turning her nose up at their cheap dresses, which looked like they’d been purchased from Romford market.

Adele sighed, feeling pretty bored. She liked Donna, but sometimes she could be quite dull. Donna was so lucky to be out with someone like her, why couldn’t Donna be more fun? The night wasn’t going well. Sam had been rude to her twice, the only bloke she fancied who was standing at the bar had now disappeared and she was stuck with Donna. Where were all the fit men?

A short while later when Adele was in the ladies toilet in a cubicle, she heard a big argument between two girls outside.

‘You’ve been giving me dirty looks all night, you tramp. Have you got a problem or something?’ she heard one girl snap, aggressively.

There was a timid response from the girl she was addressing. ‘I haven’t even seen you before. I certainly haven’t been giving you dirty looks.’ She sounded terrified.

‘Don’t lie. I saw you with my own eyes. Who the hell do you think you are?’ the angry girl countered.

Eager to get a better look and excited by the drama, Adele left the cubicle as soon as possible. She couldn’t have been more shocked as she was faced with Chloe, Sam’s younger sister, almost in tears because of the girl confronting her. Adele saw the relief in her eyes when Chloe recognised Adele. A look that begged for help. The poor thing was petrified. Adele couldn’t believe the change in her! The last time she’d seen Chloe she’d been around fourteen with a cute blonde bob, freckles peppered on her nose, a fixed brace, looking every bit the young teenager she was. Now she looked like a woman! Much older than eighteen, which she guessed she was now. She had beautiful long wavy blonde hair, a stunning golden complexion, the most captivating green eyes like Sam’s and the best figure she’d seen in a long time. Her slim legs seemed to never end and her natural bust was full and curvy. If Adele didn’t know what a lovely girl she was, she too, like the girl before her would have hated Chloe. Adele knew as well as she knew her own name that Chloe hadn’t so much as glanced at the furious-looking girl in front of her. It was clear that this girl didn’t like her and never would. But it wasn’t Chloe’s fault and it wasn’t because she’d done anything wrong. The girl was simply jealous.

‘Are you okay, Chloe?’ Adele butted in; making sure the dark-haired girl heard her loud voice.

Chloe’s chin wobbled and she looked as though she was going to burst into tears. Adele had always been fond of Chloe. Of course, when she’d been going out with Sam, Chloe had only been a young girl, but often she’d sit in Chloe’s room giving her advice on boys in school, curling her hair and doing her make-up. Chloe had always looked up to her and adored her and Adele had felt like she was the little sister she never had.

‘Sorry, is there a problem here?’ Adele asked the bully, sternly marching towards her.

The girl eyed her up and down, weighing her up and looking uncertain whether to carry on with her fabricated story. Her confidence was clearly evaporating by the second since Adele had showed up, and even her friend beside her edged away, as though to state she wasn’t part of it.

‘She’s been giving me dirty looks and I was just asking her about it,’ the girl retorted, attempting to keep up the bravado. The change in her once-authoritative voice wasn’t lost on either of them.

‘I didn’t give you any dirty looks, I swear. Why would I?’ Chloe said, looking frustrated. She turned to Adele with a tormented expression. ‘She won’t leave me alone.’

‘Oh, I think she will,’ Adele asserted, her head held high as she stared at the girl domineeringly. ‘I think you’re done here. And before you go, if I see or hear you ever speaking to Chloe like that again, you’ll have me to deal with and there will be trouble. Understand?’

The girl merely nodded, backing away. ‘Whatever.’

‘Where do you think you’re going?’ Adele scowled, her voice abrasive.

‘Back to the club,’ the girl mumbled, trying to get away quickly.

‘Not before you say sorry to Chloe,’ Adele demanded, folding her arms across her chest and looking down at the bully.

‘Really, it’s fine, Adele,’ Chloe said shakily, her large green eyes glistening.

‘No, it’s not fine.’ Adele’s eyes flicked back to the bully. ‘Say you’re sorry now.’

There was now a crowd in the toilets and girls were pretending to do their make-up so they could watch and listen. The dark-haired girl looked embarrassed and very regretful for ever starting anything now.

‘Sorry,’ she said shamefacedly. She visibly shrunk and turned to walk away after her friends, who had already deserted her.

‘Good, now piss off,’ Adele added in her direction for good measure.

Chloe sighed in relief. ‘Oh my God, Adele! Thanks so much. I thought she was going to beat me up!’

Adele shrugged, ‘No problem. You need to stand up for yourself against bitches like her.’

‘I was scared,’ Chloe said, embarrassed.

‘Never mind, it’s over now, you can relax. How are you? I haven’t seen you for ages.’

‘I’m good. How are you?’

‘I’m fine,’ Adele said washing her hands. ‘I can’t believe how much you’ve grown up. You look lovely.’

Chloe blushed, clearly uncomfortable with compliments. She was still as shy as she ever was and completely unaware of the extent of her beauty.

‘Thanks. You look gorgeous too. I love your long hair.’

Adele smiled. ‘Extensions. I get them done in London where Victoria Beckham used to go. It’s one of the best places,’ she boasted. She remembered how she’d had her awful, natural thin hair when she’d been with Sam back then. How completely clueless she’d been! ‘Where are your friends?’ Adele asked, looking round.

‘In the club on the dance floor,’ Chloe explained.

‘You can come and sit with us, babes. I’m here with my friend Donna who works for Mulberry.’

Chloe looked amazed. ‘Oh really? She works for Mulberry? I’d love one of those bags but could never afford it.’

‘She gives me a discount on them,’ Adele fibbed to impress her, ‘has to keep it quiet though so obviously don’t mention it.’

‘Are you sure you wouldn’t mind if we sat with you? That would be incredible.’

‘Course not,’ Adele said, staring at her flawless make-up. I wonder what mascara she uses.

‘Thanks so much, Adele!’ Chloe was thrilled. ‘I’ll get the others.’

‘We’ve got a table with champers. It’s only Dom Perignon though. We’ve just ordered another bottle.’

‘Oh my God! I love champagne. Thank you so much!’ Chloe’s voice was now an excited squeak.

Adele grinned. ‘Come on then, hun, I’ll show you where we’re sitting.’

They left the toilets and Adele was delighted that they bumped straight into Sam. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

*

Sam watched in horror as he saw his little sister approaching him with Adele. What the hell were they doing together? he wondered suspiciously. That’s the last person on earth he’d want Chloe to be hanging around with. Adele smiled in his direction, then whispered something to Chloe, pointed to a table and walked away. Hopefully that would be the end of their chat, he prayed, remembering how close the two of them had become when he was dating Adele. Of course, back then he didn’t realise what a vindictive and manipulative cow Adele was.

After downing shots all night, Sam realised they were finally taking the desired effect. The only problem was, try as he might, he couldn’t get Jade out of his head. If he’d checked his phone once, he’d checked it a million bloody times and she still hadn’t contacted him. He was feeling more angry and hurt at how she kept blowing him out with every drink.

‘Hi,’ he said to Chloe as she made her way over to him. He hated how much older she looked recently. She’d started to wear a bit more make-up too and he wasn’t a fan. He’d have to keep an eye on her. There was certainly no denying how beautiful she was. He’d even caught his own mates checking her out on several occasions, which made him feel nothing but sick. It was as though his sweet, innocent sister had developed into a woman overnight.

‘Hi,’ she said, looking pleased to see him.

Sam’s eyes flicked to Adele then back to Chloe. ‘What were you doing with Adele?’

Chloe squinted. ‘I ran into her, why?’

‘Keep well away from her. She’s nothing but trouble.’

Tears formed in Chloe’s eyes.

‘What’s wrong?’ Sam asked, baffled.

Chloe hesitated. ‘It’s just this girl and her friends started on me in the toilets. I hadn’t done anything, but she pushed me really hard and said I’d been giving her dirty looks. She was much bigger and older than me and I was really frightened. Adele saved me. She was in the toilets and overheard. I don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for her.’

Sam nodded, furious that anyone would dare start a fight with his inoffensive sister, who wouldn’t harm a fly. Thank goodness Adele had been there to rescue her. ‘You could have come to me. I would have sorted it. Where are these girls that started on you? Can you see them now?’ Sam asked. He would give them a piece of his mind if he could.

‘I couldn’t come to you. I didn’t even know you were here,’ Chloe said, looking round. ‘No, I can’t see them, but it’s fine now. They won’t bother me again. Adele has made sure of it.’

Sam nodded, his earlier thoughts of Adele being nothing but bad news slowly disintegrating. She’d helped Chloe when she desperately needed it, despite him being completely rude to her when he first walked in. She could easily have left her. She hadn’t seen Chloe in years and owed her nothing. Was she really as bad as he thought? So she’d made up a few lies about Jade in the past. Perhaps, she hadn’t liked the thought of him with someone else. Sam was her ex-boyfriend, it was only natural. Maybe he shouldn’t treat her so dismissively in future. Maybe she’d changed and grown up a bit? She’d saved his sister from being beaten up tonight and he’d always be thankful for that.

‘I’m going to find my friends,’ Chloe explained. ‘Adele has invited us to sit on her table.’

Sam felt relieved. Chloe would be safe with Adele and he wouldn’t have to keep checking she was okay all night. His sister being old enough to go clubbing was nothing but a worry. Especially when she looked like Chloe did.

‘Okay, if you need me, come find me,’ he said.

Sam couldn’t enjoy the rest of his evening, no matter how hard he tried. He hadn’t eaten dinner seeing as he’d planned to go with Jade and the drinks were going straight to his head. He looked over to see Chloe and her friends who were now sitting on Adele’s table. How kind of Adele to include his eighteen-year-old sister and her friends. He was sure they must be cramping her style, but it didn’t show. As Chloe and Adele laughed about something together, Sam turned to Steve.

‘Mate, I think I’m going to make a move. I’m smashed and don’t really feel in the mood.’

‘You absolute boring lightweight,’ Steve joked, slapping his back. ‘Only joking. See you tomorrow at the footy match. You want to sober up or you’re going to play shit. A few of us are going to Nu Bar after tomorrow’s game if you fancy it?’

‘Yeah, should be able to. Call me tomorrow,’ Sam replied and then left when the brunette girl Steve had been chatting up all night started talking to him again.

He staggered over to Adele’s table and she noticed his arrival instantly and smiled as though she was expecting him. See, she was being quite nice, maybe she was different now? He leant over to her.

‘Can I have a quick word, please?’

Adele jumped up. ‘Of course, babes.’

He walked off to a quiet spot by the bar, where they’d be able to hear each other better.

He felt his head spinning and propped himself on the bar for support. ‘Look, I spoke to Chloe a while ago and she told me how you stuck up for her in the toilets. I just wanted to say sorry for being such an idiot to you at the beginning of the night.’

Adele nodded, gently touching his toned arms. ‘It’s fine, honestly. I would always stick up for Chloe. We go way back.’

‘I really mean it,’ Sam slurred, ‘thanks so much. Chloe’s so young and naïve and I appreciate that you were there for her when she needed someone. I was so rude to you earlier, but there’s more to it.’

‘What’s up Sam? You can tell me,’ Adele probed, fluttering her eyelashes, her look a face of concern.

‘Me and Jade are having some slight issues,’ he blurted, not even considering who he was talking to. It felt good to confide in someone. It was a release to just say it out loud.

‘What kind of issues?’ Adele asked surprised.

‘She has this new business. It sounds ridiculous, because of course I want her to do well. I’d help her in any way I possibly could. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for that girl, but lately she just has no time for me at all. Like tonight for instance. We were meant to be going out and she just blew me off last minute.’

‘She’s just busy, babe,’ Adele replied. ‘What’s the business? Tell me everything about it. It sounds interesting.’

Sam waved his hand dismissively. ‘Oh, it’s some swimwear thing. I won’t go into it. I just feel a bit down, you know? Am I being pathetic?’

Adele thought for a minute. ‘No babe, you’re not being pathetic. The more I think about it, I agree with you. It shouldn’t matter how busy Jade is, you should always come first. I know you always came first with me, when we were dating. And I think you have a serious right to be pissed off with her.’

Sam nodded in agreement. ‘She’s always late to meet me recently and never answers her calls or texts me back for hours. All I want to do is just be with her and spend time with her. She’s the first girl I’ve ever loved …’ He stopped what he was saying, not knowing how Adele would take this news.

She laughed at his worried expression. ‘Sam, please! You don’t have to worry about me, hun. We were practically kids when we went out! If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t love you either.’ She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, which gave her away. He’d clearly hurt her feelings.

‘I won’t bore you any longer anyway,’ Sam muttered, feeling slightly awkward. ‘I’ve said too much. I’m drunk and need to make a move.’

‘Well you can’t leave Chloe; you’ll have to drop her at your mum’s. Your flat is in Chigwell, isn’t it?’

He nodded.

‘Perfect, then I’ll come in the taxi too.’

*

Jade had been tossing and turning in bed for the past hour. She had so much on her mind and was finding it almost impossible to sleep, despite feeling exhausted.

She’d learned how to do the admin section of their website with ease and had picked the whole thing up quickly, but even still, hadn’t got home until gone ten o’clock. Tony kept remembering problems they might encounter and had to teach her how to fix them, seeing as he wouldn’t be in the country to help. They could still contact him, but he was going to Australia and there would obviously be a huge time difference. He’d suggested they open a bottle of wine at one point and even though Jade had felt like saying yes, she wanted to make sure she had a clear head so she didn’t forget anything. Something told her that Sam wouldn’t be too impressed either if he knew she was drinking with Tony and it hadn’t felt right. She was glad she had stayed now so she knew exactly what to do; it meant they could get started as soon as possible. She’d agreed a photo shoot for the following week, so they would need to have a sample of every bikini in their collection made by then. They also needed a model and Jade had the perfect idea. Sam’s younger sister, Chloe, would be ideal. She was slim, tall, busty and absolutely stunning. The bikinis would look amazing on her and she was certain she’d love to do it too. She was a lovely girl and really friendly and it was easy to tell she was related to Sam. Perhaps Lisa would model too, she thought, and then they’d have a blonde and brunette. The photographer looked brilliant and she was so thankful for Tony and his contacts as he’d agreed to give them a discount if they used him regularly.

She wondered how Sam’s night had been. He’d seemed so angry when she went to his flat that she hadn’t wanted to contact him and pester him. She was probably the last person he had wanted to hear from. It was the first blip in their relationship and it was horrible. She didn’t want things to go wrong and decided she would have to start putting him first and considering him more. She couldn’t keep forgetting their plans and turning up late to meet him, it wasn’t on. She didn’t want a successful business but no Sam, did she? The thought made her stomach flip over with fright. She’d organise something special for him this week to apologise for her behaviour. He had to forgive her. She had just wanted to do well in her career; it wasn’t a personal attack on him.

As she closed her eyes she realised that she’d have to go over to see Sam tomorrow anyway, even though he told her he was busy. He wouldn’t have his football match until the afternoon, so she’d go round first thing in the morning. She’d stupidly left her red notebook round his house when she’d gone there to inform him she couldn’t go out and had had to write all her notes on some paper Tony had given her. She’d add the notes to her notebook tomorrow when she got it back, she told herself. After all, it contained everything about their business in it.

*

Adele strolled into Sam’s flat, impressed not only with its tidiness but also its modern décor. From the stunning French limestone floor to the spacious, luxurious kitchen with black marble surfaces it was every bit the perfect home. She secretly even preferred it to her own flat. It wasn’t as large, but for some reason it had a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

‘Nice place,’ she said, looking round.

‘Thanks,’ Sam murmured. He looked confused in his drunken state as he narrowed his eyes. ‘I still don’t understand why you got out at mine though? Why didn’t you get the taxi to drop you to yours?’

Adele tried to think of a good lie. ‘The taxi man said we only said it would be two stops on the way back and seeing as we dropped Chloe back and then you, he wouldn’t drop me and told me to get out.’

Sam had fallen asleep in the taxi and Adele had found a perfect opportunity to get back at Jade for snubbing her. She knew he didn’t have a clue what was going on and even better, he would never remember.

‘Well, just call a taxi,’ he mumbled, as he lay down on his cream leather sofa and started to fall asleep.

‘Sam,’ Adele giggled, ‘you can’t go to sleep there, silly. Here, let me help take you to bed.’

He moaned as she tried to pull him up by his arms.

‘Leave me,’ he croaked.

‘Come on,’ Adele said, yanking him harder until he eventually gave up and followed her. She took him into his room and helped him on the bed, knowing Jade would kill him if she could see what was happening. The thought made her smile. Sam was, yet again, about to fall into another one of her traps. As he started to snore softly, Adele looked around his room. He had a photo of him and Jade in a silver antique frame on his window sill. They were both smiling and Jade looked beautiful, Adele acknowledged enviously. They were the most annoyingly perfect couple. She couldn’t believe that Sam had confessed Jade was the only girl he’d ever loved? What did Jade have that she didn’t? When was Adele going to meet someone perfectly suited to her? She hardly ever met anyone she liked. She wanted someone good looking who had money. None of this ‘I’ll take you out to Prezzos for a meal’ crap either. She wanted to be wined and dined in the poshest West End restaurants, taken away for the weekend abroad on a luxury yacht and driven around in a Ferrari. It was what someone like her deserved and she wasn’t settling for anything else. She had to admit that Sam was doing well for himself. She’d heard through the grapevine that he worked as a stockbroker in London and was earning good money, as well as getting hefty bonuses. He must be doing well, judging by his flat, Adele thought, as she nosed around. Jade was a lucky girl.

She spotted the red diary on the end of his bed thinking she’d hit the jackpot. This couldn’t be true. Sam had a diary? This was turning out to be the best night ever! As she picked it up, expecting to read his deepest darkest confessions, her mouth dropped open as she read the title ‘Vajazzle My Bikini’ in girly handwriting. As she turned the pages, her heart beat faster and she beamed in ecstasy. This was a million times better than finding Sam’s diary! This was Jade and Kelly’s notebook with every single detail about their new business! She found details of where they bought their bikinis from, all their designs, a photographer they were going to use, advertising ideas, fashion shows they’d planned to attend and every other thing they’d done so far. She wouldn’t have to do hardly any work now! She could just copy everything they’d done and use all their contacts. This was fantastic! Adele couldn’t wait to tell her dad the next day and start getting her website built. She could buy all the same accessories to decorate the bikinis with now she knew the website they purchased them from, and just slightly change the designs. She could do better than them anyway, she thought, as she flicked through Jade’s sketches. Luckily she’d used a fairly big bag tonight, she decided, as she slipped the notebook in her beige Hermès leather tote. Not that Sam was going to wake up and catch her, she realised, trying not to laugh as she slipped the notebook in one of the compartments. She was elated. This was a dream come true coming here tonight.

She walked over to Sam and looked down at his peaceful-looking face. He was fast asleep. She slowly began to unbutton his shirt, praying she wouldn’t wake him. Luckily, he didn’t even move. He was far too drunk to ever remember anything even if he did wake up, Adele told herself, banishing her nerves. She was safe. Before she knew it, his shirt was off and she was unbuckling his belt and pulling his jeans down. She moved the bed covers from underneath him and put them on top. As she peered under the covers at his tanned, toned, athletic body she wondered whether she should remove his boxers or not. She decided she should. Well, she had to make it look real if she was going to pretend they slept together.

CHAPTER 4

Lisa spotted Nicola instantly. Her long platinum blonde hair was easily recognisable, even from a distance. She was wearing leather trousers with a baggy snakeskin blouse and gigantic black sunglasses, despite it being cloudy. It was always weird seeing Nicola wear normal clothes; working for a television company they didn’t have to wear suits, but had to dress fairly smart still. It also never ceased to amaze Lisa how professional Nicola was at work; she changed her voice so much that her Essex accent was almost undetectable, and she was completely serious and hard working. It was as though as soon as she left the office she could relax and be her true self. Lisa was meeting her in Chigwell to view their new flat and was really excited to see her room, which Nicola had told her she’d love. Nicola had been overjoyed when she’d told her she wanted to move in and they’d spent most of their day at work looking at the Zara Home website, deciding on what bedding they were going to buy and getting ideas about how Nicola should decorate. Then they’d discovered Kylie Minogue bedding and had fallen in love. Lisa had already bought two Kylie bedding sets; one stunning gold with diamanté cushions to match and a gorgeous white set with lace trim and a beautiful throw. It had cost a fortune, but it would look great, Lisa consoled herself.

‘Morning, honey!’ Nicola grinned as she reached her.

‘Hi,’ Lisa smiled, ‘nice shades.’

‘Thanks. I know it’s not sunny but they’re my new Tom Fords and I wanted to wear them. Ahhh, you brought Cupcake! Her little pink top is so cute!’ she flapped. ‘Oh, it has diamonds on it, how amazing?’

Lisa let Nicola stroke her dog, who she was carrying in her arms. She had to wait until she’d had all her jabs at the vet’s before she could let her down and walk her.

‘She’s got a whole wardrobe of outfits,’ Lisa laughed. ‘You really don’t mind me moving the dog in?’

‘Babe, are you kidding? She’s so cute. How could I not want her in our flat?’

‘I suppose so,’ Lisa said, following Nicola through the gates to the building. There was a big sign saying ‘Manor Hall’ on the side of the wall. Not only did the building look lovely from the outside, but even the stairway, walls and carpet looked fresh and clean. So far, so good, Lisa thought happily.

They walked to the first floor and Nicola stopped outside number ten.

‘Here we are,’ she sang, ‘home sweet home.’

The front door swung open and Lisa stood there, amazed. It was beautiful!

‘Wow. I love it!’

‘It’s got underfloor heating and state-of-the-art surround sound and everything!’ Nicola said enthusiastically. ‘How lucky are we to be living in this place? I can’t believe this is my flat!’

‘Show me my room!’ Lisa said, putting Cupcake down, who sprinted up and down the floor, relishing her freedom.

Lisa was delighted when she was taken through to a gorgeous room, which even had its own en-suite bathroom.

‘Do you like it, babe?’

‘I absolutely love it!’ Lisa said as she took everything in. ‘We are going to have so much fun being single here!’

‘I know,’ Nicola agreed. Her eyes darkened. ‘Do you like being single? I mean, you’re happy aren’t you?’

Lisa sat down on the bed, wondering why she was asking her. She thought for a moment. ‘Yes, I love it at the minute. It’s nice not having to worry about anyone else.’

Nicola sat down next to her and became a bit serious all of a sudden. ‘I have to tell you something.’

Lisa felt anxious and fiddled with her bracelet. ‘What’s up?’

‘What did you say the name of your ex-boyfriend was?’

‘Jake. Jake Sutcliffe, why?’

Nicola nodded as though she was expecting to hear that. ‘I thought that was him. I got my nails done today before I came here and my nail technician, Katy, she was going on about her new boyfriend and how he proposed to her last weekend.’

Lisa had a feeling where this was going. ‘Yeah, go on.’

‘Well, when I asked about him, she said he was a carpenter and he was from round here. So I asked his name,’ she looked up at Lisa’s face, unsure whether to continue, ‘and she told me it was Jake Sutcliffe.’

Lisa froze. She could hear her heart beating so loud it sounded like someone was banging drums ferociously. Her head felt hot, like it was going to burst.

‘Are you okay, honey?’ Nicola asked, worried. ‘Oh, babe, please don’t get upset. I didn’t want to tell you, but thought it was better coming from me than someone else!’

Lisa couldn’t speak. She never thought she’d feel this way. She knew Jake hadn’t been the right man for her and she knew her cheating on him was a cry for help, but now he was gone for good. She could never get him back, even if she wanted. He had moved on; he was marrying someone else. How could he have moved on with someone else so quickly? How could he be engaged again?

‘Lisa?’

Lisa shook herself and looked up at Nicola. ‘Sorry. I was in a world of my own. I’m okay. Thanks for telling me. It just feels so weird! I can’t believe Jake is marrying someone else. He didn’t waste any time did he? We’ve only been split up for eight months and he is already engaged again!’

Nicola shrugged, her brow wrinkling. ‘Maybe it’s just a rebound?’

‘No, Jake would never propose on a rebound. He is far too sensible for that. He just loves being in relationships and he’s obviously met someone else he truly loves already. I’m happy for him, really I am. But, I just feel so shocked. I always assumed it would take him ages to get over our relationship, like it’s taking me. Yes, I’m happy and I like being single, but I’m still not one hundred per cent over him. I’ve been with him since I was sixteen! I still have days when I feel a bit lonely and question whether I did the right thing!’

Nicola cocked her head to one side thoughtfully. ‘That’s understandable. You know you did the right thing, don’t you?’

‘Yes,’ Lisa said, ‘I know I wouldn’t have been happy to stay with him forever and that wouldn’t be fair on me or him. I always knew he’d meet someone else and I thought I’d feel fine about it, but I’m so shocked. The thought of him being with someone else just seems so strange. This time last year, he was with me and we were happy. Well, I thought I was, anyway. He’s moved on so quickly and is settled again. Then there’s me going on loads of dates and just being the fussiest person in the world.’

‘We’re too young to meet Mr Right,’ Nicola said.

Lisa thought for a moment. ‘You’re right. Let’s just have fun meeting Mr Wrongs!’

‘That’s the spirit,’ Nicola said getting up, ‘now come with me to the kitchen.’

Lisa followed as Nicola pulled out a bottle of Moët from the fridge and got two glasses out of one of the cupboards. She squealed as she pulled the cork out and it made a loud popping sound.

‘Scares me every time it does that, honey!’ she explained, her hand on her chest. She filled their glasses. ‘A toast. To being single, having fun and to not being engaged at twenty-two!’

‘I’ll cheers to that,’ Lisa smiled. ‘Also, to having the most fun ever in our new flat. Cheers!’

‘Cheers,’ Nicola grinned, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid.

They both jumped when they heard dogs barking.

Lisa put her glass on the glass table. ‘Oh my God, Cupcake!’

‘Oh shit,’ Nicola muttered under her breath, worrying when they saw the flat door ajar.

Luckily the dog sounded close by, and Lisa sighed in relief when they opened the flat door and found Cupcake barking at a miniature Yorkshire Terrier dog sitting at the door of the flat opposite.

‘Cupcake, that’s enough!’ Lisa said loudly, trying to capture the dog’s attention, which didn’t work. The other dog started to bark back even louder and Cupcake made a growling sound.

‘Cupcake, honey,’ Nicola chipped in. ‘Be nice.’

‘Yes Cupcake, stop that. Come inside, that’s enough,’ Lisa said sternly, wagging her finger at the dog.

They heard a girl shouting in the flat opposite and when she appeared Lisa stood there with her mouth wide open, agog.

‘Oh hi, it’s Lisa, isn’t it? What are you doing here? Is that your flat? Buddy, stop that yapping!’ she yelled at her dog, brazenly.

‘Adele? You live here?’ Lisa asked, her voice almost a whisper, hoping she was just visiting a friend. This couldn’t be happening!

‘Babe, these flats are like the nicest round here for miles. Of course I live here!’ Adele cackled, reminding Lisa of a witch.

‘Oh …’ Lisa said feebly, her earlier excitement bursting like a bubble.

‘So is this your flat or your friend’s?’ Adele asked, eyeing them one at a time quizzically.

‘It’s mine,’ Nicola informed her politely, ‘and Lisa is going to be renting a room as from tomorrow.’

‘Oh amazing!’ Adele smiled, ‘we can do dinner and have girly nights in. How great is it we live opposite?’

Lisa nodded unenthusiastically, ‘Yeah, really great.’

‘Excuse the state of me, girls, I’ve only just got back from last night, if you know what I mean,’ Adele grinned, pulling her dressing gown round her tighter.

‘What’s his name?’ Nicola asked with a wry smile.

Adele held her hands up with a mock-offended look. ‘Now come on. Do I look like the kind of girl that would kiss and tell? Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?’

‘It’s Nicola.’

‘I’m Adele.’ She picked up Buddy who was still barking at Cupcake and shut him in her flat. ‘Give them time and they’ll be best friends,’ she gave a short, gravelly laugh, which sounded like she smoked too many cigarettes. ‘Do you mind if I take a look at your flat?’

Lisa looked at Nicola, willing her to say no. She wanted to get away from Adele and pretend this wasn’t happening. How could she live in the flat opposite? Out of the whole of Essex, what were the chances of them both being in the same building? It wasn’t fair! This was supposed to be their dream flat. A chance to finally taste freedom. This wasn’t freedom – what with Adele living dead opposite, showing up at their door every night, like Lisa bet she would. Girly nights in? This was a complete nightmare!

‘Of course you can,’ Nicola said, scooping up Cupcake and walking inside.

Lisa followed reluctantly.

‘Oh, it’s so tiny compared to my one!’ Adele exclaimed, looking delighted as she nosed around in every room. She noticed Nicola’s frown as she made her way out of the bathroom. ‘Of course, it’s more homely or whatever this way though.’

She clearly doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of Nicola, Lisa thought resentfully.

‘How big is your one then?’ Nicola enquired.

‘It’s got a much bigger lounge and the rooms are double the size,’ Adele boasted smugly. ‘Your one is really cute and small, though I could never live somewhere as little as this myself.’

‘Well I like it,’ Lisa retorted.

‘Oh great, champagne!’ Adele squeaked, walking to the kitchen and looking through the cupboards for a glass.

Nicola looked at Lisa questioningly and Lisa gave her a furious expression to show how annoyed she was with Adele for just inviting herself in for a drink. What a nerve she had! Helping herself to their champagne! Who did she think she was?

‘We can’t stay for long,’ Lisa lied, frustrated that Adele had ruined her morning. First she found out Jake was engaged, now this.

‘Oh I’ll just have a quick glass to celebrate us being neighbours. Oh, it’s Moët,’ Adele said disparagingly, trying to disguise her grimace as she tasted it. ‘I haven’t had this since I was a teenager.’

‘What’s wrong with Moët?’ Nicola asked, puzzled.

‘Nothing, hun. It’s nice. I think I’ve just been spoilt with expensive champers in my time and it’s hard to go back to the cheap stuff. I’m a Cristal girl myself. Ignore me,’ Adele said, flapping her hand.

‘We will,’ Lisa said under her breath, making Nicola snort with laughter. ‘Anyway Adele, I hope you don’t mind, but we really must be going soon.’

Adele looked disappointed. ‘Oh right. Where are you going?’

Lisa was caught off guard. Where could she be going? ‘Oh … erm … we’re …’

‘She needs to go to the clinic,’ Nicola helped out quickly.

Lisa shot Nicola a baffled look, who then made a face as if to say the clinic was the first thing that came into her head.

‘The clinic? Are we talking …?’ Adele nodded, eyes widening as she gave them both a knowing look.

‘That’s right,’ Nicola said, continuing the lie, ‘the STD clinic.’

‘But it’s Sunday,’ Adele frowned. ‘What clinic is open Sunday and what’s actually wrong?’

Lisa faked a strained expression. ‘I’d really rather not say.’

‘Oh, well okay then,’ Adele said, looking rather uncomfortable as she downed her champagne. ‘Though if you want my advice the best clinic to go to is the one in Romford and ask for Dr Stevens, he’s the best. Hot too. He’s helped me loads in the past.’ Adele looked flustered as she realised what she’d just said. ‘Not loads exactly … just the one time. Anyway, must go, I think I can hear Buddy barking for me!’

She turned and left, leaving Nicola and Lisa standing there in fits of laughter.

*

Sam woke up and groaned. His head was throbbing in pain and he was gasping for a drink. What on earth had happened to him last night? How did he get home? He shivered, and wondered why he was completely naked. He had been so drunk and he could feel that he was going to be paying for it today. He got his phone from his bedside table and saw he had two messages. The first was from Jade. He squinted as he read the message, trying to focus on the words.

Morning. Hope you don’t mind, but I’m coming over this morning as I left my red notebook at yours and also think we need to talk. Xx

The message was sent about an hour ago, so he needed to sort himself quickly. He didn’t want Jade seeing him in this state. He was bemused when he saw his previous message was from Adele, and then memories of him speaking to her and apologising came flooding back to him.

Hi Sam. I left early this morning before you woke. I hope you don’t mind. Had the most amazing night with you;) You’re still as good as I remember! Adele xx

Sam felt as though someone had punched him. Still as good as she remembered? What was she talking about? What the hell happened? Surely he hadn’t … he couldn’t even bear thinking about it. This was a disaster! He felt his face burning and a sick feeling wash over him. He deleted the message, jumped up and grabbed his dressing gown, running to the toilet and just making it on time before he spewed up vast amounts of liquid. What a mess, he thought, as he hugged the toilet seat, feeling like death. Why on earth had he thought it was a good idea to drink so much? He was such an idiot! What had Adele meant? he questioned, as he got up and walked to the kitchen to get a sachet of Alka-Seltzer. He put the white tablet in a glass of water, waited for it to dissolve and then downed it as though his life depended on it. Please make me feel better, he prayed as he wiped his mouth, and inhaled deeply as another wave of nausea washed over him.

He froze when the loud shrill of the doorbell went off. Surely Jade wasn’t here already? He hadn’t even had a shower or brushed his teeth! He didn’t want her seeing him hungover; he knew she hated it when he went out and got wasted and now he could see why.

He opened the door, attempting a smile as he saw Jade’s pretty face staring back at him. Her long dark blonde hair was loose and wavy and even though she was wearing casual jeans and a mint green jumper she still looked as glamorous and sexy as ever.

‘Morning,’ she said, kissing him.

He grimaced as he turned; knowing he’d just been puking up and she’d kissed him.

‘Hi,’ he exhaled, concentrating on acting completely normal. He didn’t want her to guess anything was wrong.

‘Rough night?’ Jade asked, going into his room.

‘No, not too bad,’ he lied. ‘I’m just going to jump in the shower and brush my teeth. Won’t be long.’

‘Okay, I’ll watch the telly for a bit.’

Sam put his head under the hot sprays of water and rubbed his face. What had he done last night? Adele’s message kept flashing through his mind. He had to act normal. Whatever had happened, Jade couldn’t know about it. Surely he’d been too drunk to do anything though? He would never cheat on Jade, would he? If only he could piece together last night’s events. He honestly didn’t believe he had slept with Adele, but the sad and frustrating thing was, he couldn’t be certain. He was so annoyed with himself for being so stupid! He had been completely drunk, which was why he’d blacked out and could only remember being in the club. The last thing he remembered was speaking to Adele. Why did things go so wrong whenever she was around? He needed to talk to her and get her to tell him the truth. The trouble was, he was terrified what she was going to say. He wrapped a towel round his waist, brushed his teeth and put some deodorant on and then made his way to his room. Stay calm, he told himself; you’re not ill, you’re fine. And you did not do anything untoward with Adele last night.

‘There’s nothing on,’ Jade sighed as she saw him, throwing the remote control on the bed. She sat down and patted the duvet. ‘Come sit.’

Sam sat down, feeling nervous and paranoid. Alcohol always made him feel that way the day after, and he wondered, not for the first time in his life, why he even bothered drinking. It always seemed like such a good idea at the time.

‘Listen,’ Jade started easily, ‘I really want to apologise for being so busy recently. I’ve let you down time and time again, but I promise it’s got nothing to do with my feelings towards you. I just really want my business to do well, but you’re more important to me and will always come first. I’ve been in another world recently and I’m out of it now. I’m so sorry for always being late and letting you down, I really am. But it stops now.’

Sam put his head in his hands and gave a gusty sigh. ‘Jade, it’s me that should be sorry. I was acting like such a spoilt brat not getting my own way, and I know it’s not your fault you’ve not had much time recently. I was just hurt and disappointed, which turned into anger. I know it’s pathetic. I want your business to do as well as you do, trust me. I suppose I just don’t like sharing you. In a selfish way, I like to have all of your time, but I understand that that’s not always going to be the case.’

Jade gave a natural smile, looking relieved they were having this conversation. ‘So we’ve made up then?’

He nodded.

‘Good,’ she said, ‘that means I didn’t buy the tickets for nothing.’

‘What tickets?’ he asked, baffled.

‘Plane tickets to Italy. I’ve booked a long weekend in a hotel for the two of us in September. We’ll have so much fun and Kelly may be booking for her and Billy to go too. It’ll still be hot and we can sunbathe all day and go for romantic dinners at night,’ she beamed.

‘Babe, are you kidding? That’s amazing!’ He pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. ‘That’s so nice of you.’

‘You’re worth it,’ she replied, kissing him back.

‘I love you,’ Sam said without thinking. It was the first time he’d ever told her. The words just came right out and he felt embarrassed, not knowing where to look.

‘Awww,’ Jade looked into his eyes, ‘it’s a good job I love you too then.’

Sam smiled warmly, even though his head was throbbing in pain. He was so glad he’d finally said it and even happier she loved him too. Jade pushed him playfully on the bed and slid the towel off from round his waist. ‘You know the best thing about arguments?’ she asked him, with a suggestive glint in her eye.

‘What’s that?’ He smirked.

‘Making up,’ she said, her voice soft and sexy.

Sam pulled the duvet back and got under, watching her as she removed her clothes and joined him. He kissed her hungrily, his heart beating faster by the second. As he felt under the covers to touch her warm body, his fingers brushed past something unexpected. As Jade kissed his chest, he sneakily peered underneath the covers and felt faint with fear when he saw an unfamiliar bright pink thong. Where on earth had that come from? The words from Adele’s text message flashed through his mind: You’re still as good as I remember. It must be Adele’s thong! He frantically kicked it to the very end of the bed where Jade wouldn’t see it, then did his very best to try to relax. Unluckily though, there was only one thing on his mind the whole time.

*

An hour later and Jade was still lying in bed with Sam, cuddling up to his warm body and not wanting to leave the bed. The TV was on in the background and Sam was playing a game on his iPhone. She stretched lazily and smiled. He’d finally said he loved her! She felt like she’d been waiting forever to hear those words. There had been so many times she was sure he was going to say it, but nothing. Now he had, Jade felt she could finally tell him her true feelings also; she was head over heels in love with him too.

‘I better get going,’ she groaned, getting out of bed and getting her clothes on, ‘you need to leave for football soon.’

Sam looked at the clock on his wall and sighed, ‘Yeah, you’re right. I would rather just stay with you today if I’m honest. But, I can’t let the team down and then I’ve got to help my cousin, Joe.’

‘Are you sure you don’t want me to help?’ Jade offered sweetly.

‘No it’s fine. Thanks though, it’s nice of you. When will I see you next?’

‘Look at you,’ Jade smirked teasingly, ‘just can’t get enough of me.’

‘You’re not wrong there,’ he said, pulling her over to him as she pulled her jeans on, and making her giggle as he kissed her.

‘Why don’t we go for dinner one night this week?’ she suggested as she wrapped her arms around him.

He nodded as he kissed her neck. ‘Sounds good.’

‘Oh before I go, I need my red notebook. Good job I remembered. Whereabouts did you put it?’

Sam was mystified. ‘Where did you leave it? If I’m honest, I haven’t even seen it. You sure you left it here?’ he asked, glancing round his room.

‘Yeah, a hundred per cent,’ Jade replied as she walked around and searched.

‘What about in the lounge? Or kitchen?’ Sam suggested. He hadn’t seen it in his room.

Jade pushed her hair back from her face. ‘I didn’t even go in there though. I only came in your room.’

‘I swear to God I haven’t seen it. You must have left it somewhere else.’

Jade scratched her head, perplexed. ‘Maybe Kelly picked it up then? Or maybe it’s in my car or something? I was certain I’d left it here though. I remember bringing it in.’

Sam shrugged. ‘It’ll turn up. I’ll search a bit more here if you want and call you if I find it.’

‘Thanks,’ she answered, frustrated with herself for losing something so important. How could she have lost it? It had every bit of information they needed in there. ‘I’ll have another look round and then go in a bit.’

Fifteen minutes later, Jade kissed Sam goodbye, leaving his flat without her notebook. She was losing her mind. She was certain she’d left it at Sam’s. She got in her car and searched everywhere, but to no avail. Where on earth had she put it? How had it disappeared into thin air? Her phone rang and she was glad when she saw Kelly’s name flashing on her screen.

‘Hello,’ she answered.

‘Hi, babe,’ Kelly greeted her brightly. ‘How did it go last night?’

‘Yes, really well. The website is pretty simple to work and I think I’ll be able to upload the products quite easily. I was just about to call you actually. Did you take my red notebook by accident?’

Kelly paused as she thought. ‘No. Why, have you lost it?’

‘Yeah. I was sure I left it at Sam’s when I dropped you back and then went to see him, but it’s not there, I just checked. I must have left it at Tony’s then. I don’t think it’s there though. It’s so strange.’

‘It must be at Tony’s, hun,’ Kelly replied to reassure her. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll find it. It’s bound to turn up somewhere. I was just calling you because I’ve been up since seven this morning making some sample bikinis for the photo shoot.’

Jade felt excited. ‘Oh well done. Do they look good?’

‘Totes amaze. Seriously, whoever wears them is going to look so reem it’s not even funny.’

Jade laughed gaily. ‘Well, I look forward to seeing them. Aren’t you tired getting up so early at the weekend?’

‘No babe, I would work twenty-two hours a day, every day doing this. I love it!’

Jade was confused. ‘Why twenty-two hours?’

‘You know, a full day, hun,’ Kelly answered as though it was obvious.

‘A full day is twenty-four hours though,’ Jade said, smirking.

Kelly gave a little giggle. ‘Is it? Oh my God, how funny? I thought it was twenty-two. Are you sure?’

Jade burst into laughter. ‘I’m pretty certain, Kelly.’

Kelly laughed even more at herself. ‘So, shall we meet Lisa for lunch today and ask her to do our bikini modelling?’

‘Yes, good idea. If there are two of us we’ll be able to convince her. Then I’ll go to yours after and help you do more bikinis.’

‘Cool. Call me in a bit and I’ll ring her.’

*

Two hours later the girls were sitting in Pizza Express in Loughton.

‘What did you get up to last night?’ Kelly asked Lisa as she studied the menu, running her long French-manicured finger down the page.

‘Oh, I had another date actually. A guy called Mark who Nicola set me up with because her brother plays rugby with him and thought we’d hit it off.’

‘And?’

‘Mmm … he was okay,’ Lisa said nonchalantly. ‘His shoulders were a bit too broad for my liking. I have so much to tell you two by the way.’

‘Oh good, I love a gossip,’ Kelly said eagerly as the waiter came over and took their orders.

‘The first thing is that I heard some news about Jake today. Big news,’ Lisa told them as she handed her menu back to the waiter.

‘Jake your ex?’ Jade asked, wondering why Lisa was talking about him all of a sudden.

Lisa nodded. ‘I met up with Nicola today to see the flat, which is amazing by the way and where the second part of my news comes in, but I’ll discuss that afterwards. Anyway, so I met her and she told me that her nail technician …’

‘What? Where and who does she go to? She could use me!’ Kelly interrupted morosely with a pout.

‘Okay, calm down,’ Jade giggled, ‘I’m sure Lisa will tell her all about how fantastic you are and she’ll use you in future. Go on, Lisa. What about Jake?’

‘He’s engaged. Just like that. He’s all loved up with this nail person Nicola knows and already he’s replaced me with someone else. That quickly! I can just see him now; he’s probably bought a flat, she’s moved in and they probably sit there doing each other’s nails every night.’

Jade sat there, incredulous. Jake was engaged to someone else so soon? She’d imagined him wallowing in self-pity for months, not getting hitched!

‘Well I think that maybe it’s a good thing,’ Kelly finally spoke. ‘I mean, at least you won’t have to feel guilty now he’s happy with someone else?’

‘I suppose so,’ Lisa replied stoically. ‘It’s just a really weird feeling, but I’m glad he’s happy. I would be a complete cow not to be pleased for him.’

‘And you’ll be happy with someone else one day too,’ Jade added, trying to cheer up her friend.

Kelly grinned. ‘Yeah babe, you go on more dates than bloody Russell Brand, I wouldn’t worry!’

Lisa snorted with laughter. ‘The next bit of news is probably even worse than that. Just guess who lives dead opposite our flat?’

‘Oh please say Jodie Marsh or Chantelle Houghton or someone? I could do with some celebrity clients. People love it if you’ve got a few celebs under your belt, my beauty business would be even more booming and we can give them a free bikini each,’ Kelly said hopefully.

Lisa shook her head. ‘No and no. It’s not anyone famous.’

Kelly and Jade thought for a minute.

‘No idea. Tell us!’ they whined.

‘Adele.’

‘Oh. My. God. Are you joking?’ Kelly replied, aghast. ‘I just love her songs! Why did you lie and say she’s not famous? You’re hilare.’ She closed her eyes, concentrating as she began to sing, ‘Someone like you’.

Lisa burst into laughter. ‘Not the singer Adele, Kelly,’ her eyes widened, ‘you know, Adele. The girl you despise from Marbs?’

Kelly’s jaw dropped as reality dawned on her. ‘Oh no, not her! Are you being serious?’

‘I wish I was. I couldn’t believe it when I saw her. She said she’d only just got back to her flat after a night out.’

‘How classy,’ Jade commented sarcastically as their pizzas arrived. ‘Walk of shame. Did she look like a complete tart?’

‘She was actually in a dressing gown, so she must have already had a shower. Urgh, she’s just vile,’ Lisa said, remembering how she’d barged in the flat and helped herself to their champagne after complaining about it.

‘Oh I’m gutted, I really thought it was the singer Adele. I was going to ask to duet with her,’ Kelly said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Lisa and Jade giggled.

‘Adele’s never going to leave you alone now, hun,’ Kelly said ruefully.

Lisa raised her eyebrows as she cut her pizza into slices. ‘I know! I’ve met her twice and I can’t bear her.’

‘Just never answer the door unless you know who’s coming over,’ Jade suggested as she chewed a mouthful of cheese and pepperoni.

‘Or put a sign on your door saying that you’re not home?’ Kelly offered, looking up from her meal.

‘That’s a good idea. We’ll have no visits from Adele, but burglars instead,’ Lisa laughed.

‘Oh yeah, maybe not then!’ Kelly said pulling a face.

‘So how was your night with lover boy, Billy, anyway?’ Jade asked Kelly.

‘Really nice. Me and Billy are meant to be, I can feel it,’ she beamed. ‘He’s the perfect Ken to my Barbie. His business is doing really well too. He’s like, the sweetest man on earth. He saw me looking at Christian Louboutin shoes on eBay, as I was going to buy this pair that had only been worn a few times for a hundred pounds, complete barg. Obviously I’m trying to save money for the business, so eBay is where I’m getting all my designers at the minute, but he said he’d treat me and buy me a pair from Harrods at the weekend.’

‘That’s so cute,’ Jade gushed, secretly finding it hilarious that Kelly acted like she was trying to cut back on shopping. She seemed to buy a new designer bag every week! She was glad Billy’s business was successful though. They had spoken to him lots about his corporate hospitality company since they had started their own business and he often helped them out and gave them advice. It was starting to go really well for him and she could tell Kelly was proud when she spoke about it. It was adorable really. His business partner and friend, Gary Jacobs, hadn’t exactly been pleased when Billy had left the business which they’d been running for two years to work in Marbella for the summer. But he’d been able to cope by hiring temporary staff once he knew Billy had made his mind up about going. It was something he had needed to do and now he’d met Kelly it had definitely been the right thing, Jade acknowledged.

‘How’s Billy’s mum by the way?’

Kelly nodded her head. ‘Yeah, she’s doing well. I think things are looking up, which is good.’

Jade sighed with relief. Billy’s mum had breast cancer and had gone through chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Kelly was often worried about Billy, who was terrified his mum might die. Kelly was the only person he ever spoke to about it.

‘Would you like dessert?’ the disconsolate-looking waiter asked.

‘Yes please, babe,’ Kelly said excitedly, ‘I’ll have that frozen yoghurt thing with the chocolate straw?’

‘Sotto zero leggera?’ he asked effortlessly.

‘Yeah that’s it,’ Kelly nodded, pretending she knew the name. ‘The leggera.’

He glanced at Lisa.

She perused the menu, eyes like saucers. ‘Oh, I’ll have the chocolate glory please.’

‘I’ll go for the frozen yoghurt thingy too,’ Jade decided.

Ten minutes later their desserts had arrived.

‘This is to die for,’ Lisa exhaled, through a bite of chocolate fudge cake and ice cream.

‘Mmm, so is this,’ Kelly agreed. ‘Really refreshing.’

‘Okay, we need to ask you something,’ Jade looked at Kelly to let her know this was the moment. ‘We’re doing a photo shoot this week as we need images of the bikinis for our website. We need people to model them and we were wondering if you would?’

Lisa opened her mouth to reveal chocolate-stained teeth, making them guffaw with laughter. ‘Why have you let me eat this dessert then like a fat cow if you want me to model? I should have had the healthy yoghurt crap like you two!’

Kelly chortled, ‘Lisa, you don’t need to worry about your weight! Your figure is amazing, babe, one of the reasons we’ve asked you in the first place. Everything you put on looks incredible.’

‘Thanks,’ Lisa said with a half-smile. ‘If it helps you, then of course I’ll do it. I’d better cut down for the next few days.’

‘Great!’ Jade exclaimed happily. ‘It’ll be one night this week, maybe Tuesday, so I’ll let you know when.’

As Lisa made Kelly promise she’d do her hair and make-up for the shoot, Jade’s mind drifted as she thought about all the things they had to do that week. It was going to be busy as always, but she would definitely allocate more time to Sam. They had to make more bikinis, get the photo shoot done and then add them all to the website. There was Essex Fashion Week to prepare for too, which she believed was the week after next. If only she had her red notebook she would know for sure.

‘Anyway girls I need to go,’ Lisa said standing up. ‘Jade, I’ll see you tomorrow, about seven in the morning?’

Jade’s face creased into a puzzled frown. ‘What? Why?’

‘You’re dog-sitting Cupcake, remember?’

Oh yes, Jade thought groggily, not liking the thought of getting up early, I remember.

*

Adele cursed herself as she stubbed her finger with the needle. How could anyone be bothered to sew for a living? Seriously, it was tiring, boring and not exactly easy like she’d first thought. You needed patience, she mused, as she added yet another sequin to the plain black bikini she was practising on. Patience was something she definitely didn’t have. She wondered whether she should pay someone to do it all for her and then decided against it, wanting a bigger profit for herself with each one she sold.

Adele exhaled loudly as she finished the last one. It was a similar copy to the one in Jade’s notebook, but something didn’t look quite right. She’d bought the sequins from Hobbycraft, seeing as the other ones from the website Jade and Kelly used wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow. That must be it, she told herself; when she had the right sequins the bikini would look great. It would look better on too, she decided, taking her clothes off to try it.

‘Shit!’ she cursed, when several of the sequins flew off immediately. Now she’d have to do them again, she thought, furious with herself for not being more careful. She’d have to send a letter out with every bikini purchased that the garments were very delicate and needed to be handled carefully. Then if the customers stupidly ruined them, it was their own fault. She wouldn’t allow anyone to send them back unless they were swapping sizes.

She’d already ordered a hundred bikinis from Caitlin in America, the lady who was written in the notebook. Her prices were so cheap when you bought in bulk that the girls would have made a killing. Too bad they would now have competition, Adele thought nastily. Everyone would be on her website because she’d make sure her bikinis were cheaper and looked better. She’d noticed in the notebook that the girls were hoping to use Chloe and Lisa as their models, as Jade had written their names with question marks. It was hilarious that they were using amateur models. How embarrassing? Yes, Lisa was attractive, Adele admitted reluctantly, but a model? Absolutely not. And as for Chloe, she was about as confident as a flea. They wouldn’t have a clue what to do or how to pose! She, on the other hand, had already been in touch with Skye, a professional model who had even appeared in the Ann Summers catalogues. Skye was charging three hundred and fifty pounds for the day, but everyone knew that you got what you paid for, Adele thought arrogantly. She would be worth every penny. Her images would be stunning; Skye would make a black bag look like something from the covers of Vogue. Now all she needed was to get enough bikinis ready so there were plenty to shoot. She’d decided against using the photographer Kelly and Jade were using. She’d looked at his website and yes he was good, but nothing compared to the photographer she’d found online, who had shot Madonna. Who wouldn’t choose the photographer that had shot her? She was an icon. A huge megastar. Adele’s photographer’s prices were a lot higher, but her work was flawless. It doesn’t even matter how much it costs, Adele reminded herself, you had to put money into a company to ever get some back and luckily her dad had plenty of it.

She couldn’t wait for Nicola and Lisa to move in opposite. She could just see them now, heading out to dinner when they got back from work, or going round there to watch films and for a chat. Then they could all go out at weekends together. Maybe they’d even join her in Funky Mojoe at the weekend? It would definitely beat going with just Donna who she had had to persuade to come anyway, seeing as she’d made plans for some boring aunt’s fiftieth birthday party. Adele had told Donna outright she couldn’t think of anything more pathetic than hanging out with some dried-up nobodies on a Saturday night and at this rate she would be single forever. Donna had seemed a bit put out by this comment, so Adele had changed tactic and softened a bit, telling her it was because she had a male friend that was interested in her and wanted to meet her. It was a complete lie but she knew that would change her tune. She would just conjure up some fictitious story on the night about him being ill or something like that. Donna had only ever had one serious relationship before, in senior school. The moment she started piling on the pounds he’d dumped her and she’d been a wreck and lost her confidence after that. She seriously needed to do something about herself if she ever really thought someone was going to like her again, Adele thought wickedly.

Adele looked through her drawers and found another bikini she could practise on. She couldn’t think of anything worse than sewing a whole load of sequins and beads on yet another one, but she would do it. She would do anything to beat Kelly and Jade.

CHAPTER 5

‘No, Cupcake!’ Jade shrieked in horror as she watched the little dog running off with a bikini top. ‘Come back here!’

‘She won’t come back if you shout,’ Kelly told her, raising her eyebrows, whizzing a bikini up and down on the sewing machine.

‘And she won’t come back if I whisper either, so what do you suggest I do?’ Jade couldn’t hide her exasperation. They’d had the dog for half a day and already she was driving Jade mad. Kelly could see no harm in her, which was making matters worse.

‘Don’t take it out on me,’ Kelly sulked, pouting.

‘I’m not. Sorry, I’m just stressed,’ Jade said as she marched off down the hall to find the dog. ‘No, Cupcake! No!’ she shouted as she saw the dog squatting down and urinating on the floor. ‘You’re meant to go on the puppy pad, you silly girl.’

The dog gave her an imperious look and sprinted off, making Jade even more incandescent. She cowered when Jade caught up with her.

‘Ah-ha!’ Jade felt a sense of achievement, ‘nowhere to run now, is there? I’ve got you, oh yes. Now, don’t even think of running off again.’ She swept her up and took her back to the office, closing the door firmly behind them.

‘Cupcake, you’re such a naughty little dog, aren’t you?’ Kelly said in her baby voice as the dog ran over to her and jumped, wanting to be picked up.

‘She’s weed again on the floor, so I’m going to clear it up,’ Jade said frustrated. They really needed to be getting on with things and Cupcake was taking up all their time. She never realised that dogs needed so much attention. They would have to close the door at all times now or she would just keep running out. The puppy pads were a complete nightmare as she either missed or just ignored them completely. And who knew that puppies went to the toilet so many times in one day! It was absurd!

‘Babe, just relax,’ Kelly told her when she walked back through the door. ‘I’ve got an idea. We’ll send Cupcake for a massage for a few hours so she can de-stress. It will give us some rest and then we’ll just give Lisa the bill. She feels a bit tense,’ Kelly observed, stroking the dog and feeling her back.

‘Are you being serious? Feels tense? A dog massage? Do they even do them? I don’t know about her being tense, but I sure as hell am.’

‘Yeah they definitely do them, Lord McButterpants always has them done,’ Kelly told Jade as she looked up the website on her iPhone. ‘Here you go. We’ll get her the gold package yeah? She gets a bath with shampoo and conditioner, mini massage, a deep cleanse facial, nail buffing, clipping and filing, haircut, goodie bag and toy.’

‘Wow. All for just one little dog,’ Jade was shocked.

‘Oh, but she’s so worth it though, aren’t you Cupcake?’ Kelly cooed.

Jade wasn’t so sure. She was cute to look at, but the way she was feeling right now, that was as far as it went. Kelly’s mum’s Chihuahua, Lord McButterpants, seemed much better behaved than Princess Cupcake. Lord McButterpants was honestly no trouble at all. ‘Right, you take her then and I’ll be getting on with these bikinis. Is that one done?’

‘Yes, look how well it’s come together,’ Kelly said as she held up the purple fringed top and bottoms.

‘Amazing,’ Jade said, in awe of Kelly’s work. ‘I can’t wait for the photo shoot now. Chloe should be here soon, she’s coming over to borrow one of my dresses for her friend’s party, so I can ask her to model the bikinis.’

‘Oh I love Chloe. I’ll go now and drop the dog off so I don’t miss her. I want to see her try this fringe one on.’

Fifteen minutes later Chloe arrived, looking as immaculate as ever without even trying. Her long blonde hair was wavy in a side parting, with a cute little plait pinned back on the right side. She was wearing light blue jeans with a tight baby pink jumper.

‘Hi,’ she said cheerfully with a huge smile.

‘Hi Chloe. Come in. Do you want a drink?’ Jade asked her as she closed the front door.

‘Yes please.’

‘Tea?’

‘Perfect.’

‘Come in the kitchen,’ Jade told her, ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

They chatted for a few minutes while the kettle was boiling, until Jade brought it up.

‘I’m sure Sam has told you already that Kelly and I have started our own bikini business?’

‘Yes, it’s such a good idea,’ Chloe replied, ‘I’ll definitely be coming to you when I buy my holiday bikinis.’

‘Well, I was wondering if you’d like to model them on our website? My other friend Lisa is doing it too and she’s never modelled before, so you won’t be the only one. You can get some really nice photos and I don’t know, maybe you could even forward them on to some agencies or something. I’m sure you have what it takes if you do enjoy it.’

‘What me?’ Chloe was abashed. ‘You’re sure you want me to model on your website? Really?’ She looked flabbergasted.

‘Of course,’ Jade replied, amazed that she was so shocked, ‘you’re completely stunning! When we went shopping that time you had literally everyone staring at you. Even girls just want to gaze at you all day.’

Chloe’s face suffused with colour. ‘I don’t know what to say,’ she managed at last. ‘Thank you so much. I’d love to do it if you want me. I’m not sure if I’ll be any good though …’

‘Excellent!’ Jade was delighted. Chloe was such a sweet, modest girl; just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. She was perfect for the job.

The doorbell sounded and in walked Kelly.

‘She’s agreed,’ Jade informed her merrily.

‘Fab, hun. Now come try on this bikini I’ve just made. It’s going to look so beauts with your skin tone and hair colour!’

When Chloe walked in the office wearing their latest new bikini, Jade and Kelly watched her avidly and gasped. It looked nicer than they ever could have imagined.

‘Oh my God! Babe, you look like a Victoria’s Secret model,’ Kelly complimented her. ‘Your legs are so long. I would kill for them!’

‘Thanks,’ Chloe said, blushing from head to toe.

‘Do you like the bikini?’ Jade asked Chloe.

‘I love it!’ Chloe said with an honest smile. ‘You two are so clever.’

Kelly shook her head. ‘Babe, she’s the intellectual one that comes up with all the ideas. I’m just good at sewing and making the swimwear.’

‘Don’t put yourself down, Kelly,’ Jade told her crossly. ‘We’d be nowhere without you. And Chloe, as a thank you for modelling for us, seeing as we can’t pay you at this point, we’re going to let you and Lisa have a free bikini.’

‘Oh thank you so much!’ Chloe looked like she genuinely appreciated it. ‘I think I’m going to choose this one. It’s so nice.’

‘You haven’t even seen the others yet,’ Jade giggled, knowing that Chloe was going to end up loving them all. ‘Anyway, I’ll pick you up tomorrow night if that’s okay? Then take you to the studio and Kelly will do your hair and make-up.’

‘Okay, thanks. Thank you so much for asking me,’ Chloe smiled, revealing her perfectly straight white teeth.

‘Thank you so much for agreeing!’ Kelly said. She eyed her over, deep in thought. ‘Babe, you may want to come to me tonight for a spray tan. I mean, I know you’ve got quite naturally tanned skin, but … well Lisa is coming and I just think you should both look proper tanned. Obviously you don’t have to pay.’

‘Thank you,’ Chloe said.

‘Kelly, she’s tanned enough!’ Jade protested.

Kelly shook her head. ‘You can never be tanned enough; you know my motto.’

*

Chloe left Jade’s house, feeling on cloud nine. She couldn’t believe they actually wanted her to model! Her friends would all be so jealous. Maybe she wouldn’t tell them? She hated it when they envied her; they acted all weird and quiet, and she knew they constantly spoke about her behind her back. She recalled the one time when she started going out with the hottest boy from college, Adam Lockwood. Everyone had fancied him and she’d only said yes because all her friends had boyfriends at the time and she wanted to be able to join in conversations about dating and snogging. Her friends had been so bitchy, arranging days and nights out without telling her and not including her in any conversations. It was only when she broke up with him that they went back to normal, as though it had never happened. At first she thought she’d done something wrong, but when she confessed to her mum what was happening, she told her they were simply jealous, and that jealousy brought out a very vicious and nasty side to people. She didn’t want everyone to hate her but nothing could stop her feeling excited about tomorrow. She was going to have her own professional photos done as well as a free bikini and Kelly, who always looked gorgeous in her opinion, was going to be doing her spray tan, hair and make-up! Then to top it all off, she was going to be featured on their website! Chloe couldn’t wait to tell her mum. Sam and her dad might not like the idea of images of her wearing nothing but a bikini online so maybe she wouldn’t tell them for now. Her dad was so over-protective and old fashioned and she just knew he would ramble on about weirdos and perverts looking at her photos online. Sam looked out for her, but he wasn’t over the top like her dad, so maybe he would be okay with it.

Her mobile started ringing and Chloe was surprised when she saw Adele’s number flashing on the screen.

‘Hi Adele. You okay?’

‘Hello, babe,’ came the husky reply. ‘Yeah I’m good thanks. You?’

‘Yeah I’m really well,’ Chloe said. ‘Thanks again for the other night.’

‘That’s fine, honey. I only ended up going back to Sam’s didn’t I? God we were so wasted,’ Adele gave a little laugh.

Chloe was stunned and didn’t know what to say. Sam was with Jade; what on earth was he playing at? ‘Oh. What happened?’ She closed her eyes, trying to block out the thought of it.

There was a long pause. ‘Well it’s a bit awkward saying seeing as you’re his little sister, but I slept with him.’

Chloe felt sick. She’d always respected Sam so much and Jade was lovely. She never thought he would cheat on her. How could he? ‘Oh,’ was all Chloe managed to finally reply.

Adele exhaled what Chloe guessed was a cloud of smoke. ‘Yeah I know. I’m not exactly proud, but it takes two to tango doesn’t it?’ she replied robustly.

‘Yes, I suppose so,’ Chloe mumbled.

‘Anyway, babe. The reason I was calling is because I know I can trust you with something. It’s a long story, but basically Kelly and Jade have stolen my business idea and I know they’re going to be asking you to model the bikinis for their website.’

Chloe didn’t like the sound of this. She was sure Jade and Kelly would never steal Adele’s ideas, but Adele scared her too much for her to say that. She swallowed hard. ‘Yes, they did mention something about it,’ she answered wanly.

‘Oh good. I knew they would. Anyway hun, like I said, me and you go way back and I know I can trust you. I’ll need you to get in with them and report back to me what they’re doing and any new designs they come up with. I can count on you, can’t I, Chloe? You won’t let me down after I helped you the other night, will you?’ Adele’s voice was hectoring.

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