Between The Sheets by Colette Caddle Page A

partner.
    Dana picked up the paper again and studied the picture of Tom and Ashling. Yes, Tom definitely looked pissed off about something. Dana stared at the phone and considered her options. She could phone Gus and pretend that she hadn't seen the paper. She could phone Ashling and ask what exactly had happened last night. Or, she sighed, flopping back in the chair, she could do nothing. Her eyes filled up as the familiar feeling of depression started to engulf her. Gus had a new woman. Her career was going down the tubes. What was the point in going on?
    She could almost hear Judy's voice in her head. Fight! She dashed the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath. It was up to her if she fell apart. It was up to her to show Gus that she didn't care. It was up to her to get up off her arse and get on with life. Going to the mirror, she studied herself critically. Since her visit to the beauty salon on Saturday she was looking a lot better. Her hair was cut in a shorter, blunt bob. Her skin had a glow that had been lacking for some time. Her eyebrows were plucked into a perfect arch. But the eyes they framed were troubled and sad. They gave everything away. Still, Dana managed a wry smile, that's why God had invented sunglasses.
    Striding into her dressing room, Dana rummaged through her clothes until she found her white linen trouser suit. Next she called Sylvie back, taking deep breaths as she waited for her PA to answer.
    'Hello?'
    Dana forced herself to sound bright and breezy. 'Hi, Sylvie. Fancy going shopping?'
    'I can't believe it! Thank you, God! Where is she now?'
    Sylvie laughed at Ian's delight. 'We're having lunch in Les Frères Jacques and washing it down with Moet. She's just nipped out to the loo.'
    'So she saw the photos?'
    'I rang her, like you said — I have to tell you that wasn't easy — but she hasn't mentioned the photos since we met up.' Sylvie shot an anxious look at the door. 'But I'm sure she has. She's done up to the nines and obviously putting on a show.'
    'You see? Didn't I tell you it would work?'
    'Well, let's hope it stays working this time.'
    'You need to play along, make it a great day and boost her confidence and ego as much as you can,' he urged. 'Don't let her drink too much, though, or she'll get depressed and end up back in that bloody bedroom again.'
    'I'm not a childminder, Ian.'
    Ian laughed. 'Oh, like you're having such a miserable time.'
    'I suppose I can just about cope.' Sylvie smiled as she took a sip of her champagne.
    'You need to keep her on the go all day,' Ian continued. 'Don't give her time to think. Take her to an uber-trendy bar later. Let me know where first and I'll make sure someone's there to snap you. Be her best buddy, Sylvie, do whatever it takes to get her back on the straight and narrow. Tell her that being seen out socializing is the best way to let Gus and everyone else know that she's over him. The only way to save face.'
    'This could backfire on us,' Sylvie pointed out. 'If she starts going out every night, she might be too tired and hung-over to write.'
    'We'll worry about that next week. For now, let's just concentrate on keeping her out of that bedroom.'
    The door opened and Dana strode back into the restaurant, receiving several appreciative stares from men and envious ones from women.
    'Gotta go, she's coming,' Sylvie whispered.
    'Everything okay?' Dana asked.
    Sylvie grinned. 'Oh, yes.'
    'What?'
    'Everyone in the place is watching you.'
    Dana frowned. 'Do they recognize me, do you think?'
    'Maybe, but I think it's just the fact that you're looking gorgeous today. I love your hair like that.'
    Dana put up a self-conscious hand to her bob. 'I went to the beauty salon on Saturday.'
    'Well, you look great.'
    'Thanks.' Dana nodded towards the phone in Sylvie's hand. 'Problems?'
    Sylvie shrugged. 'I just checked the answering machine and Gretta is looking for you again.'
    Dana sighed. 'Wouldn't you think after eighteen books I'd be entitled to take a