Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(9)

His friend, David, approached. He too had changed back into his own clothes; a wool jumper with a collared shirt underneath, jeans and black-rimmed glasses. He seemed a lot more approachable now, like your friend’s hot dad, or an attractive college professor.

“I see you two are getting acquainted,” he said, eyeing Julian a moment before his attention fell on me. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you earlier for fixing my tie. You rushed off so suddenly.”

“Oh well, a lady has places to be,” I replied sweetly. It was a lot easier to act as Elodie now that he was dressed down.

David smiled. “I’m sure she does. Are you going to the after party?”

“I am if you are.”

His smile grew wider, a twinkle in his eye. “Well, now I have to go.”

I gave a flirty laugh and Julian cleared his throat. “Looks like we’re all going then.” His tone showed a hint of irritation. Was he jealous? My inner Elodie preened at being pursued by two men at once.

Unfortunately, all that changed when two of Suze’s female models shared a cab with us. They were stylish and beautiful, and I was disappointed that they’d drawn David’s attention. It wasn’t that I fancied him more than Julian. He was just easier to talk to. This was my first proper foray in the world as Elodie, and David was perfect for Beginner’s Level flirting. Julian was Big Boss Level and I definitely wasn’t ready for that yet.

“Nice part of town,” he commented, his voice husky in my ear as we drew up to Suze’s building. He sat right next to me, his citrusy cologne invading my senses.

“Kenneth runs Cabello’s in Soho. It’s a Michelin star restaurant,” I replied.

“Oh, really? I ate there once. Hard place to get a reservation.”

I nodded. “That’s why he earns the big bucks.”

“And do you live close by?”

I shook my head. “My place is just down the street from the Polka Dot.” Why had I answered honestly? It was incredibly difficult to lie to this man. Staying in character was impossible, which again was why I wished David wasn’t so preoccupied with Suze’s models.

We left the cab and headed inside the fancy apartment complex. Julian didn’t let up on his questioning.

“What a coincidence. I live near there, too. I can’t believe we’ve never run into one another before. I haven’t seen you around the area.”

“I work a lot,” I replied stiffly.

“Oh? What do you do?”

“Finance. I’m an accountant.” The lie sat heavy on my tongue.

“Impressive. So, you must have a good head for numbers.”

“You could say that. What do you do?” I queried, turning the tables on him before he asked more questions I couldn’t answer.

He eyed me, seeming hesitant, then replied, “I’m in hospitality.”

I wanted to ask specifics, but a moment later we were inside Suze’s apartment. Erasure’s “A Little Respect” blared from the expensive sound system. The place was modern and spacious, the décor pared back with a few nods to Suze’s quirky style here and there. She came at us, eyes shining with merriment, as she gave me yet another hug.

“Welcome to my humble abode, drinks are in the kitchen. Make yourselves comfortable.” She glanced at David, pursing her lips drunkenly. “Do you know what? I feel like I know you from somewhere. It’s been bugging me all night.”

David gave her a charming smile. “I get that a lot. I just have one of those faces.”

It was the same thing he’d said to me earlier in the evening, and it made me curious.

“Oh, don’t listen to him. He’s being modest,” Julian chided. “David was a heartthrob in his day. Ever heard the song “Naughty”?”

Suze’s eyes widened, as did mine. He hadn’t looked familiar to me, but maybe I just wasn’t looking properly. Now I could see it clear as day. David Jonathan. I’d seen enough TV shows and documentaries about the music industry in the eighties to know it was him.

“Oh, my goodness! I can’t believe I didn’t realise,” Suze exclaimed. “How does the song go again? I want your mind…” She trailed off, trying to remember the lyrics.

Julian was quick to remind her. “And I want your body. Come on, babe, let’s do it naughty. A classic for the ages,” he teased. David gave an exasperated sigh.

“How you enjoy torturing me.”

“But it’s a great song. You should be proud. You’re up there with likes of Boy George and George Michael,” Suze enthused.

“A pity you didn’t pick David George as your stage name,” Julian continued to tease. “They could’ve called you The Three Georges.”

“That’s a regret I’ll just have to live with,” David deadpanned.

“Do you know what? I think I might have your song on my karaoke machine,” Suze exclaimed. “You should sing it for us!”

“I think I’ll have to very respectfully decline,” David said politely. He looked like he’d rather eat the legs off a spider than serenade us with his classic hit.

“Oh, come on. How long’s it been since you performed?” Julian cajoled.

David narrowed his gaze at his friend. “Not long enough.” His lack of enthusiasm didn’t put Suze off though, because she grabbed his arm and led him further into the apartment. I kind of felt bad for the guy, but at least this was a private setting.