Chapter Two

What HAS my friend been up to lately? wondered Pippa as she strolled along Ponsonby Road en route to brunch with Catriona. I sure hope her life has been more satisfying than the “Stockholm Affair”. She crossed the road, waving cheerfully to Catriona who, as usual, had bagged a sunny spot in the café window. “Those large sunnies look great on you”, commented Pippa, “very Paris Hilton”. “I’m too old to be influenced by her”, Catriona replied, taking them off. Pippa gasped. Her friend was sporting two spectacularly black eyes. “How on earth did you get those?” she squeaked. “Same old story”, winced Catriona, “different protagonist.” “So tell me about this protagonist “said Pippa “have I met him?” Catriona smiled weakly and took a sip of her iced mineral water, “Ashley,” she whispered. “Has he been giving you boxing lessons?” enquired Pippa “Or have you speed-dated all the way to domestic violence? I didn’t even know you’d seen him since the party”. “Blepharoplasty, you idiot” hissed Catriona, “He’s hung up on the fact that his best mate’s better at oculoplastics; he said he needed some practice.” “I think you need to start at the beginning” said Pippa “How did you get to know him well enough to care about his hang-ups?”.

“Guess who?” Two small, soft hands covered Catriona’s recently exposed eyes. The hands were attached to the small but perfectly sculpted muscular body of the Eye Institute’s anaesthetic technician. “Someone’s spent too much time with formaldehyde,” snapped Catriona. “As opposed to under the knife?” Oliver smiled winningly. “And thank you, I will sit down and join you.”“Excellent” said Pippa “ I need to be brought up to speed on the Catriona & Ashley story, and perhaps you can help” “If you’re looking for gossip, darling”drawled Oliver, “I am your man.” ”OK” said Pippa “Gossip and the facts, please”

Catriona abruptly pushed her chair back and stormed out of the cafe. " What do we do now?" asked Oliver.