Chapter 63
SIXTY-THREE
Gracie felt like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City when Leo’s car arrived outside with its blacked-out windows. As it slowed, one back window wound down slowly.
‘My very own Mr Big,’ she laughed to Leo, as the chauffeur got out and put her overnight case in the boot.
Leo kissed her on the cheek. ‘Are you ready for an adventure?’
‘As I’ll ever be.’ Gracie laughed again. She could pretend she was rich and famous just for one night at least.
‘You look gorgeous, Grace. Coral really suits you. It goes with your tan.’
‘Thanks. I wasn’t sure what to wear since I don’t know where we are going.’ She tried to sound casual, not daring to tell him that she had tried on at least seventeen outfits, settling for a coral sleeveless above-the-knee dress which accentuated all her curves in the right places – with
another five outfits crammed into her little case. Noms had also lovingly curled her hair into soft waves.
Leo handed her a glass of champagne as the Bentley zoomed to life down the M4.
‘Not too much for me,’ she laughed. ‘You don’t want me in a coma again, do you?’
‘I don’t know. You’re really quite cute when you’re sleeping.’
‘Is that a compliment or not? I’m not sure.’ She gently poked the handsome actor in the ribs. ‘Where are we going, anyway?’
‘All will be revealed, Grace, but not yet.’
Gracie sat back in the comfy seat and let out a massive sigh.
‘Are you OK, baby?’
‘More than OK, thanks. That was a sigh of relief. It’s so good to be escaping.’
‘Good. I want you to relax and enjoy the ride.’
After about an hour, they pulled into an airfield. Gracie looked at Leo quizzically.
‘Not sure if I’m up for a flying lesson after two glasses of champagne.’
He laughed and pointed to a small jet. ‘That’s my plane over there.’
A private jet! Gracie was speechless.
‘You and I, my lovely, are having an overnight stay with a difference.’
‘We’re staying on the plane?’
‘Of course not.’ Leo smiled at her innocence. ‘Come on. Sam will bring your bag. He’ll stick around to drive us at the other end, too.’
Gracie pinched herself. Before their trip to St. Lucia, she had only ever flown economy before. Here she could walk around or lie down, and eat and drink whatever she liked. It was simply amazing. The interior was so plush, the seats so comfortable. It was like being in a well-appointed hotel.
‘We must be going somewhere in the UK, because I haven’t got my passport.’
‘That, doll, is where you are wrong. Check the front pocket of your handbag.’
Gracie couldn’t believe it. ‘How did you…?’
‘I asked Noms to sneak it in there.’
‘The sneaky…’ Gracie couldn’t believe that her sister had known about this all along. ‘You’re good, Leo Grant, very good.’
‘Ain’t I just, honey? I was going to come out with another cheesy line from a film then, but I thought you’d bust me so I held it in.’
‘What the hell, say it anyway. But if one day you come out with something original I may faint.’
‘I can’t be responsible for your actions once I’ve said it, though.’
Gracie laughed. ‘You’re funny. Go on – what is it?’
Leo cleared his throat. ‘No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.’
Gracie bit the inside of her lip. Her favourite scene from Gone with the Wind . She looked across the seat to Leo. The thought of being kissed by him made her toes curl. This was it, she would be brave; she would kiss him hard on the lips. She got up out of her seat only to be halted by the pilot telling them to fasten their seat belts: they were making their descent into Barcelona.
‘Barcelona!’ Gracie screeched. ‘Oh my God! I’ve always wanted to come here. I’ve got a Miscarriage Matters meeting tomorrow at five, though.’
‘Chill, baby girl, we’ll be home by lunchtime.’
‘I can’t believe you,’ Gracie laughed. ‘And I’m so, so glad that I can’t.’