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‘Oh, I know But I also know that Olivia Taylor doesn’t do dating It’s just what you need’

‘What I need is for you to stop h By need, she et over so that I am, in fact, already over someone Someone doesn’t have a naotten

‘Okay, okay’ Sylvie holds her hands up, still grinning, still delighted ‘What are you going to wear?’

I feel my face pale as I consider Sylvie’s question ‘Oh God, what a to wear?’ My wardrobe is full of Converse in every colour, piles and piles of jeans and endless tea dresses, but they are floaty and girly, not tight and sexy

‘Don’t panic’ She holdsafter work We’ll only have an hour, but I think I’ll co’

I look down at Sylvie’s skin-tight black jeans and chunky, studded boots and wonder if I should go shopping with her But then I have a thought ‘No, don’t worry!’ I break free of Sylvie’s hold and hunt down ory is off work today He’ll come’ I don’t even consider that I h of relief

‘Thank fk for that!’ She flops against the worktop ‘I would’ve endured Topshop for you, Livy, but it would have been pure hell’ Her brow puckers ‘Gregory? As in a bloke?’

‘Yes, ot terrific fashion sense’

She looks suspicious ‘He’s gy, isn’t he?’

‘Only eighty per cent’ I run out the exit door froory as I pace up and down

‘Baby girl!’

‘I have a date tonight!’ I blurt ‘And I have nothing to wear You have to helpnothing except pinning you down You’re not going out with that prick!’

‘No, no, no! It’s Mr Wide Eyes!’

‘Who?’

‘Luke A guy who’s been asking for a feeeks I figured why not’ I shrug todown the line before Gregory’s even spoken Then he does speak, confir my suspicions

‘Oh my God!’ he shrieks ‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! What ti Luke at eight’

‘Buy an outfit and get you ready in three hours?’ he gasps ‘Bloody hell, it’ll be a challenge, but it’s doable I’llup and rush back into the kitchen before my absence is noticed by Del It’ll be a rush, but I have every faith in Gregory He has ione for the day, I run to grabSylvie a kiss on the cheek and throwing a wave at Paul, leaving the in the kitchen

‘Good luck!’ Sylvie calls

‘Thank you!’ I burst into the fresh air and find Gregory waiting across the road

He waves his ar for me to hurry ‘We have three hours to dress you, preen you, and deliver you to your date That’s rins and throws his ar me quickly towards Oxford Street

‘You look cheerful’

‘I a on a date ‘Nice hair’

‘Thanks’ His hand glides over his scalp on a s one from me

‘Isn’t it sad that I’ve never actually been on a date?’

‘Yes, it’s tragic’

I nudge hih for both of us’

‘Yes, that’s tragic, too But I uy soon’

‘Aren’t you already?’ I ask, hoping Gregory isn’t about to be crapped all over He’s stupidly good-looking, and should probably hold all of the cards when it comes to a relationship, but he’s too nice and he’s paid for it in the past He’s a player when single but devoted when captured

‘You have to remain open to offers, Livy’ He sounds resolute, but that look is there again, and it’s screa fallen

I’et home I’ve spent practically every penny I’ve earned since working at Del’s, and I have three outfits – all short and not really me – and two pairs of shoes, neither of which are Converse It’s a waste I’ll probably only wear one pair of the shoes this evening, and as for the dresseswell, I don’t knohat I was thinking

I’ my eyes over each of my new outfits

‘It has to be the black one’ Gregory skates his hand down the short tight dress on a sigh ‘Yes, this one and the black pointed stilettos’