Can You Keep a Secret?(83)
Author: Sophie Kinsella

‘Lissy, for the last time, I’m not a lesbian!’ I cry in exasperation.

‘OK!’ she says hurriedly. ‘OK. Sorry.’ She gives me another tight hug, then stands up. ‘Come on,’ she says. ‘You need a drink.’

We go onto the tiny, overgrown balcony which was described as ‘spacious roof terrace’ by the landlord when we first rented this flat, and sit in a patch of sun, drinking the schnapps which Lissy got duty-free last year. Each sip makes my mouth burn unbearably, but five seconds later sends a lovely soothing warmth all over my body.

‘I should have known,’ I say, staring into my glass. ‘I should have known a big important millionaire like that would never really be interested in a girl like me.’

‘I just can’t believe it,’ says Lissy, sighing for the thousandth time. ‘I can’t believe it was all made up. It was all so romantic. Changing his mind about going to America … and the bus … and bringing you that pink cocktail …’

‘But that’s the point.’ I can feel tears rising again, and fiercely blink them back. ‘That’s what makes it so humiliating. He knew exactly what I would like. I told him on the plane I was bored with Connor. He knew I wanted excitement, and intrigue, and a big romance. He just fed me everything he knew I’d like. And I believed it — because I wanted to believe it.’

‘You honestly think the whole thing was one big plan?’ Lissy bites her lip.

‘Of course it was a plan,’ I say tearfully. ‘He deliberately followed me around, he watched everything I did, he wanted to get into my life! Look at the way he came and poked around my bedroom. No wonder he seemed so bloody interested. I expect he was taking notes all the time. I expect he had a Dictaphone in his pocket. And I just … invited him in.’ I take a deep gulp of schnapps and give a little shudder. ‘I am never going to trust a man again. Never.’

‘But he seemed so nice!’ says Lissy dolefully. ‘I just can’t believe he was being so cynical.’

‘Lissy …’ I look up. ‘The truth is, a man like that doesn’t get to the top without being ruthless and trampling over people. It just doesn’t happen.’

‘Doesn’t it?’ She stares back at me, her brow crumpled. ‘Maybe you’re right. God, how depressing.’

‘Is that Emma?’ comes a piercing voice, and Jemima appears on the balcony in a white robe and face mask, her eyes narrowed furiously. ‘So! Miss I-never-borrow-your-clothes. What have you got to say about my Prada slingbacks?’

Oh God. There’s no point lying about it, is there?

‘They’re really pointy and uncomfortable?’ I say with a little shrug, and Jemima inhales sharply.

‘I knew it! I knew it all along. You do borrow my clothes. What about my Joseph jumper? What about my Gucci bag?’

‘Which Gucci bag?’ I shoot back defiantly.

For moment Jemima flounders for words.

‘All of them!’ she says at last. ‘You know, I could sue you for this. I could take you to the cleaners!’ She brandishes a piece of paper at me. ‘I’ve got a list here of items of apparel which I fully suspect have been worn by someone other than me during the last three months—’

‘Oh shut up about your stupid clothes,’ says Lissy. ‘Emma’s really upset. She’s been completely betrayed and humiliated by the man she thought loved her.’

‘Well, surprise, surprise, let me just faint with shock,’ says Jemima tartly. ‘I could have told you that was going to happen. I did tell you! Never tell a man all about yourself, it’s bound to lead to trouble. Did I not warn you?’

‘You said she wouldn’t get a rock on her finger!’ exclaims Lissy. ‘You didn’t say, he will pitch up on television, telling the nation all her private secrets. You know, Jemima, you could be a bit more sympathetic.’

‘No, Lissy, she’s right,’ I say miserably. ‘She was completely right all along. If I’d just kept my stupid mouth shut, then none of this would have happened.’ I reach for the schnapps bottle and morosely pour myself another glass. ‘Relationships are a battle. They are a chess game. And what did I do? I just threw all my chess pieces down on the board at once, and said, "Here! Have them all!"’ I take a gulp of my drink. ‘The truth is, men and women should tell each other nothing. Nothing.’

‘I couldn’t agree more,’ says Jemima. ‘I’m planning to tell my future husband as little as possible—’ She breaks off as the cordless phone in her hand gives a shrill ring.

‘Hi!’ she says, switching it on. ‘Camilla? Oh. Er … OK. Just hang on a moment.’

She puts her hand over the receiver and looks at me, wide-eyed. ‘It’s Jack!’ she mouths.

I stare back in utter shock.

Somehow I’d almost forgotten Jack existed in real life. All I can see is that face on the television screen, smiling and nodding and slowly leading me to my humiliation.

‘Tell him Emma doesn’t want to speak to him!’ hisses Lissy.

‘No! She should speak to him,’ hisses back Jemima. ‘Otherwise he’ll think he’s won.’

‘But surely—’