Free Don't Tell Eve by Airlie Lawson Page A

does?’
    ‘No one, no one deserves a cheating-lying-two-timing partner. But, who knows, maybe they have an open relationship?’
    ‘We’d have heard about that. Phil – he does sport at Papyrus – would have found out and broadcast it. He loves gossip, particularly anything salacious.’
    ‘Fair enough, just thinking laterally,’ said Oliver, moving into a position that allowed him a better view of Eve. ‘And you’re definitely right about the clothes, though I wouldn’t say the leather skirt, bustier and thigh-high boots are Dynasty – it’s more like she’s auditioning for the lead in a Tina Turner tribute band, Beyond Thunderdome period. If I were married and meeting an illicit lover in a public place I’d tone things down.’
    Kate glared at him.
    ‘Not that I would have an illicit lover if I were married.’
    ‘Hmm. You don’t know Eve, she doesn’t know the meaning of discreet,’ said Kate. ‘But wait a sec, what do you mean you’re interviewing her?’
    ‘Exactly that. I’m doing a series of interviews called “Designing Women”. I’m speaking to a number of successful women in creative industries who have a distinctive, recognisable style and a level of influence. I’m also doing a film-maker, theatre director, architect, and that – how to say it? – that plus-sized fashion designer with the hair.’
    Kate giggled, and nervously smoothed down her naturally sleek bob.
    ‘What?’
    ‘Sorry, nothing.’
    ‘No need to apologise – it’s a bad habit. Lots of women do it. But what do you mean, “nothing”? It’s really annoying when people say that.’
    ‘They generally say it because they don’t want to admit what it is they were thinking about.’
    ‘What? I thought plus-sized was a sensitive, New Age way of putting it?’
    ‘It is, I guess, although the sensitive thing would have been not to mention it at all, but that’s not it anyway. If you must know, it was the word “doing”.’
    ‘Ah, “doing”, yes, very funny. For the record, I’m not “doing” anyone right now.’
    ‘Really?’ Kate was unable to stop her face flushing.
    ‘Were you drinking before we came out?’ As it was completely impossible that she was flirting with him – she was Kate, after all – Oliver thought this had to be the answer.
    ‘What are you saying?’
    ‘Nothing, just that you’ve never commented on my sex life before – but hey, I’m always happy to talk about it …’
    ‘No, sorry, no, I know. I just … I didn’t have lunch … and the whole Eve business has thrown me.’ She noticed that he didn’t say love life – and wondered once again why someone like him was bothering to spend time with someone like her. She liked him, but she was intimidated, even more so now that she was on her own. It hadn’t mattered when her husband was around, as she hadn’t thought about Oliver in that way – not then.
    ‘Well, I think you’re safe enough from Eve here, he’s definitely got all her attention. But maybe we should eat. There’s an Italian place next door and risotto should soak a bit up.’ He rolled off his daybed and helped Kate out of hers.

    From the other side of the room Eve, a long-time if not particularly adept multi-tasker, watched as they walked out. While Kate was partially hidden, Oliver she was able to admire fully.
    Chris, meanwhile, was wondering what he was doing there. The drink hadn’t been his choice; Eve hadn’t asked, she’d commanded. Besides, she was head of the company that was publishing his book and she liked him. So he’d toldhimself there was no harm in being pleasant. However, he was going to have to convince her that groping and tongue use were out.
    ‘So, what do you think?’ Eve gestured towards herself.
    Chris wasn’t sure what to say: was she talking about her outfit? Her cleavage?
    ‘G-great.’ It was a useful, all-purpose word.
    Eve had taken considerable care in putting the outfit together, wanting it to send exactly the right