2019
Juliet was having a drink with Matt.
After bumping into him at the Sotheby’s auction, she’d agreed – against all her instincts and rules – to meet him at Christie’s the following week to look at the lots coming up in their next contemporary art sale. Once again, she’d found his insights on the works fascinating. They were still talking avidly as they left the building. Matt indicated his bicycle, chained to a railing outside. ‘I’ll walk you to the Tube,’ he said.
Juliet agreed, not wanting to tell him she had a driver waiting, and there was something so interesting about this man, endearingly wheeling a bicycle beside her, that she didn’t feel ready to end the conversation yet.
So, when they got to St James Street and he’d suggested popping over to Dukes Bar, it seemed like a fun idea.
And there she was, sipping one of their legendary martinis. Another thing she never did, because she had to be up early every morning for her trainer and then on top form for work.
‘Cheers,’ said Matt, raising his glass to her.
She raised hers and took a sip, eyes snapping open when she realised how strong it was.
He chuckled. ‘They are rocket fuel, these martinis,’ he said. ‘They’ll only serve you two.’
‘I’m not sure I can even drink one,’ she said, blinking as she took another taste and the fresh zest from the Sicilian lemon the waiter had peeled in front of them hit her nose. ‘Rather delicious, though, once you get used to having your head blown off.’
Matt smiled and took another sip from his glass.
After that, the chilled liquor had slipped down rather easily and they’d chatted and laughed, talking about the ridiculous way people bought artworks for status and investment, not for the love of them.
They didn’t talk about what they did, or anything else about their lives, and, for once, Juliet allowed herself just to be. Not constantly analysing the situation for dangers as she usually did.
And after they finished the second round of martinis, it seemed perfectly natural for them to take a room at the hotel upstairs and go to bed.