All Tomorrow's Parties by Nicole Fitton Read Free Book Online Page B

as attractive as the first time she had seen them in the park. Funny how the boot was now firmly on the other foot, thought Laine: maybe Tony will realise that this is how he sometimes comes across.
    “We’ll sort it, trust me”, said Laine with a sly grin. As they stood at the bar Laine relayed her plan to offload Karenna.
    As they returned to the table Adam was discussing his recent trip to Scotland. Vestal’s latest signing Mahler had initiated a bidding war between the labels. Vestal had not offered the most money, but they were currently riding the credibility wave – something money couldn’t buy for the corporates. Adam and NME photographer Anders Langdorf had just returned from a Scottish photo shoot with the band.
    “And then we took the guys to Loch Ness, as the atmosphere around the Loch is amazing.” Karenna looked genuinely interested. OK, thought Laine, better try for the Oscar now.
    “What are you two looking excited about?” asked Adam; he had turned to see Tony and Laine heading back to them looking like a couple of lovesick teenagers.
    “Do you want to tell him or should I?” giggled Laine.
    “I’ve just asked Laine to spend a week with me in the States! I have to go for business but am gonna tag a few days onto the end; we’re going to meet up in New York”, said Tony, who was obviously playing his part with true enjoyment, secretly hoping that if he spoke it out loud it would come true!
    “This will be our first real holiday together. I’ve never been to New York, have you Karenna?” said Laine throwing herself into the role.
    Karenna looked as if she had just learned that Christmas had been cancelled forever. “No no I haven’t been”, she stuttered, her eyes focused on the rim of her glass.
    A long silence seemed to follow but in reality it was only a few seconds. Tony spoke first. “Laine I’ve still got your suitcase at mine from our weekend in Bath. Something tells me it may not be big enough for New York”, he joked.
    God, Tony, you’re gonna over-egg it if you keep on, thought Laine.
    “Yep, I may even need two”, Laine smirked, and with that excused herself, making her way to the ladies.
    She was feeling pleased with herself. It appeared the plan was working. Thankfully nobody had asked Adam to confirm anything. He had made his opinion known earlier that day and would be a rubbish liar. The door to the ladies flung open and Karenna appeared.
    “Hey Karenna, how are you, looking forward to the screening?’” said Laine in her best “let’s be friends” voice.
    “I was until you came along and spoiled it.” The venom in Karenna’s voice was unmistakeable.
    “Does your boyfriend know you’re screwing your way around the music industry?” she continued. “I feel sorry for him. Everyone warned me that you were the biggest bitch going and that I should keep away but Tony and I are meant to be together, and you…” she said through gritted teeth, “…well you’re just a distraction, a fly that needs to be stamped on”.
    Laine was speechless; she was looking face on to Karenna’s reflection in the bathroom mirror. Karenna’s face had darkened and for a moment Laine thought she saw a hint of pure evil in her eyes. OK you cow you’ve asked for this, thought Laine.
    “For your information, Miss High-And-Fucking-Mighty, I’m here as a favour to Tony. We are friends, good friends, although being you I doubt you know what the fuck that means. Tony was trying in the nicest possible way to tell you to fuck off so he recruited me as his fake girlfriend for the evening. He had hoped that somewhere in your dim head you might actually realise he couldn’t give a flying fig about you. You actually repulse him, to the point that he wished you’d get up and go for good. Apparently though you are so thick that you don’t or can’t see the sign tattooed above his head that says he doesn’t want you. The truth is he is into me and has been for a long time. I may even