Read Online Soon by Charlotte Grimshaw - Free Book Online Page A

hear . . .’
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜First he looked sort of pointedly between me and Roza and Sharon, to show he was comparing us, I suppose because they’re both so tall and thin and stylish. And then he whispered, “Of course, Karen, that shirt is the most unflattering thing you could possibly wear, with your curves . ”’
    Simon sat down on the bed. ‘Christ.’
    â€˜He’d know I’d never repeat it to Roza, because you don’t want to repeat an insult, do you? And you don’t want to make trouble. It was so sneaky. I thought, boy, you really don’t like me.’
    She blew her nose. Her face was flushed and her hair was all on end. He thought of the care she’d taken that morning getting dressed. He’d been bored by her going on about some new outfit; now she seemed only innocent and harmless, and humiliated. The new shirt was crumpled on the floor.
    He lay down beside her. ‘Don’t even think about it, darling. You’re right; he wouldn’t dare let Roza hear that. She’d despise him. Whispering and bitchiness, and about clothes of all things; it’s so petty, it’s beneath contempt.’
    He stroked her shoulder. ‘I suppose he’s got some idea of divide and rule, among the ladies. Just ignore him. He’s tried to hurt you, so don’t let him see he’s succeeded.’
    â€˜But I was so disconcerted, I rushed off. I think the others wondered why I’d gone and were a bit disapproving, as if I’d been rude to Sharon.’
    â€˜They wouldn’t have even noticed.’
    â€˜It’s weird to be insulted out of the blue by someone who’s supposed to be a friend . . . by a man . . . and so personally insulted. I know I’m not beautiful and slim and fashionable like Sharon and Roza but I try . . . And I’d been enjoying myself. And I’d thought my clothes looked all right and then I felt like a fool . . .’
    He lay beside her and said soothing things. He supposed the Police Minister played dirty in every sphere, out of habit, but still, it was a warning not to be too relaxed at Rotokauri. He thought how frank he’d just been with Roza.
    The TV at the end of the bed was on without sound, a shot of Julian Assange in front of a crowd, reading a statement about WikiLeaks. The ticker at the bottom of the screen announced record low temperatures and blizzards in the United States, travellers stranded, six thousand flights cancelled. A snow scene. Above it, the window was a rectangle of cloudless blue summer sky.
    Karen sat up, clenching her fists. ‘So now I know he doesn’t like me. What if he tries to damage my friendship with Roza?’
    â€˜He can’t.’
    â€˜I have to be friends with Roza. If we fell out, she might take Elke away.’
    He said, ‘But I thought—’ He stopped himself and didn’t say what he’d always assumed: that Roza had cynically befriended innocent Karen in order to keep Elke close.
    â€˜You thought what?’
    â€˜Nothing. Just that Elke’s pretty much grown up these days, and she adores you. No one can take her away from you.’
    Karen lay back down.
    â€˜Everything’s all right,’ he said. ‘Roza and Juliet love you. Roza would have no idea you worry about Elke; she’s just pleased we’re all friends. Enjoy the rest of the holiday. We’ll be back in town soon, and then you won’t see Ed.’
    She sighed. ‘I do love you.’
    â€˜I love you too.’ He put his arms around her. ‘Now, I’m feeling very knackered, and pissed from Trent’s gins, and we’ll have to sit across the table from Ed and act nice.’
    â€˜Oh God. What am I going to wear?’
    â€˜Wear the shirt! You look lovely in it.’
    â€˜Shall I? Do you know, I think I will. I mean, he’s no oil painting himself, is