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‘But…’ Megan setically, and swore to herself that she would do untold dae to Robbie just as soon as they were in private somewhere
‘Of course’ Alessandro looked at her, one hand in his trouser pocket, the other slung round his fiancée’s shoulder ‘Why not?’ He kissed Victoria on her temple ‘What do you say? My chef is on duty twenty-four-seven He can get our lunch prepared and we can head to…where it’s all happening…’
‘It’s a very s kids hated was to be confronted by their teachers out of school hours Unfortunately he didn’t appear to be confor to the stereotype ‘It’ll be very crowded…’ she stammered ‘You wouldn’t believe the a on on Christ presents…and stuff…’
‘Of course ouldn’t dreaoodto the fore
Megan smiled weakly ‘No—you wouldn’t be, Mrs Park It’s open house…as Robbie said…just drop in, if and when you get the chance!’
‘And please do stop calling me Mrs Park…’ This tih it had required lots of effort ‘I realise that it’s not exactly protocol, but do call me Victoria’
‘Victoria…right…’
What a tableau theya severe case of sudden hero-worship syndroht out of the pages of a ratified to notice that Alessandro’s pristine suit was no longer in quite the same condition as it had been an hour before
‘And of course I’an’ She winked at Dominic, and tried a friendly, teacher-like chuckle, but he was still staring at Robbie There was ketchup sh it was a once-a-year treat that ht just vanish at any moment ‘And, yes…please…feel free to join us on Christh sounded a tad hysterical ‘The more the merrier!’
CHAPTER THREE
THINGS were under control In support of the three vegetarian guests coeood in the kitchen—particularly when theraw one for loads of salads and a poached saler had kindly supplied, cut-rate, for his two pretty custoiven him a Christmas present of a ceraan—which he solemnly promised would take pride of place on his mantelpiece
Drinks were in liberal supply Ho, several bottles of wine, and souys
It had left a satisfying a ready, and she was going all out They had decided on a colour thely, Megan had found the perfect red dress It clung like a second skin to hts in an interesting shade of bright green Megan was pretty sure she looked like a deranged elf, but nevertheless she was pretty pleased with the result
Being a teacher was in danger of turning her into a conformist She felt that she should be allowed to be ridiculous for one day in the year
Sos a bit too far, but it was a wash-in, wash-out colour, so that was all right
She looked critically at her reflection in the mirror, not sure whether red hair really suited her, but itblonde Made her look wild Especially with the cling-filhts and the fabulous red shoes She was sure she would never be able to walk properly in them
It had turned out in the end that Alessandro and entourage weren’t co Robbie, who seemed to have developed a cordial relationship with Victoria over the very short space of a week, had reliably infor ‘Christmas stuff’
‘Fiancé’s chef will need so his head ‘No nanny and a chef unfamiliar with the territory Never let it be said that life in the fast lane can’t be tough’
‘I know,’ Megan had replied, relieved that she wouldn’t have to face the ordeal of feeling persecuted in her own house on the one day when she ed relaxation ‘Much easier to just scrap the Christether and head for the salad counter So us’