The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson
Page 28
‘Is that eight people or eight p.m.?’
‘Eight people. Get them to hold the table. I don’t know what time we’ll be there.’
So I’m still employed, then? I get up hastily and take his empty glass from him, unable to meet his eyes. I turn away and notice in the reflection of the glass window that he’s watching his new PA’s departing derrière as she makes her way inside to the office.
Half an hour later Johnny Jefferson comes downstairs and finds me tapping my fingers on one of the two big desks in the office. I’m still feeling nervy, despite the tequila, and I’m not quite sure what to do next.
‘Table all booked?’ he asks, hooking his thumb casually into his jeans pocket. They’re the same ones he was wearing earlier, but he’s changed into a fitted cream shirt with silver pinstripe.
‘Yes, and champagne chilling on ice. I didn’t know if you wanted the car so I called Davey just in case. He’s waiting on the driveway.’
‘Cool.’ He nods. ‘Thought I’d have to take the bike.’
At least I got that right.
He stays standing in the doorway for a moment, staring at me, his hair still damp from the shower.
‘Right then, I’m off.’ He pats the palm of his hand on the door with an air of finality.
I try to resist asking, but can’t. ‘When will you be back?’
‘Tomorrow,’ he answers. ‘Probably.’
And then he’s gone. And suddenly the house feels very empty indeed.
Table of Contents
Half-title page
Adult novels by Paige Toon
Title page
Copyright page
Dedication
Contents
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
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Acknowledgements