The Heart of Winter Read online

  Pippa

  PIPPA WOKE FEELING MUZZY AND CONFUSED. Glancing at her alarm clock, she was surprised. It was lunchtime already. She was mid-yawn before it registered in her brain that it was Monday. Cursing and almost doing herself an injury, she shot out of bed. Brianna was going to string her up. Stumbling toward the shower she grabbed the first thing she could find in the wardrobe.

  Knowing she hadn’t time to wash her hair, she pulled it into a high knot on the top of her head and dashed to the shower for a swift wash.

  She was dressed and made-up in record time. Snatching her phone and handbag she rushed out onto the main road and flagged a taxi, a luxury she rarely allowed herself.

  ‘Drive as fast as you can,’ she begged the driver. ‘You could be looking at a newly unemployed girl.’

  The driver chuckled and shot off up the bus lane at high speed.

  By the time she reached her office, switched her computer on and attempted to catch her breath, Pippa was in a state. What was she going to say to Brianna? A light knock at her door was followed by Missy’s head. Groaning inwardly, Pippa put on her best smile.

  ‘Hey, Missy. How’s it going?’

  ‘Good. Brianna and I are literally just back from that stupid fashion shoot. Apparently it’ll generate a whole heap of publicity, but it was damn boring. In this tatty-looking warehouse with no heating and actual holes in the walls. Ugh, I can’t imagine how couture clothes can possibly look good against such an awful backdrop, but the stylist was super excited about it all.’

  ‘Yes, of course! I was wondering all morning where you two were and it totally slipped my mind,’ Pippa lied seamlessly. She’d totally forgotten they’d be out that morning. Relaxing slightly, she thanked her lucky stars she’d gotten away with her sleeping beauty stunt.

  ‘So, I was wondering if you’re around tonight? Seeing as we’re going to be business trip buddies, I thought we could have a little bonding sesh tonight?’

  Pippa blinked, trying to think of a nice way of saying no. She could just about tolerate Missy. She knew it made perfect business sense to be in with the boss’s daughter, but she was seriously annoying. While she’d never actually done anything to Pippa per se, it was common knowledge the girl only had a job because her Daddy owned the department store and she was a perfect example of what happened to Verucca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory twenty years on.

  ‘Ugh, I’d love to see you, Missy. But I’m supposed to be going to Wicklow for a family evening,’ she said.

  ‘But you can do that anytime,’ Missy said. ‘I’ve got VIP passes for Fire and Rain nightclub. They’re doing a champagne promo tonight and it’s going to be the bomb.’

  Pippa was just about to say she’d pretty much camped at Fire and Rain all weekend, but stopped herself when she saw Brianna approaching.

  ‘It sounds like super fun,’ Pippa said cheerfully, coming to the conclusion it’d be a seriously bad PR move not to go with Missy.

  ‘Yay! You rock, Pippa. See you later. Toodles!’

  As Missy was about to leave, Brianna marched right up to Pippa’s desk.

  ‘Hi Brianna, so how was the shoot? I’m in the middle of a design. It’s been driving me crazy all morning . . .’

  ‘Next time,’ Brianna said sternly, ‘next time you are leaving work early, have the decency to remember not to post photographs of yourself along with cocktails on Facebook.’

  Oh shit, thought Pippa. She was well and truly goosed. Why on earth had she done that? She wasn’t normally so stupid. Besides that was two weeks ago.

  ‘I’m not on Facebook much but I decided to check in while we were in the taxi just now. I might not be that savvy with social media but I know when I’ve been lied to.’

  ‘Brianna, I can explain . . . I went home and took painkillers on the Friday in question. I . . . I went to bed and slept, but it was my flatmate’s birthday and I couldn’t let her go alone so I . . .’

  ‘Save it, Pippa. I’m not as stupid as you clearly think I am. Chalk it down. You’re on thin ice with me. I don’t like being made a fool of. Either cop on or cop out. Which is it to be?’

  Pippa swallowed. Brianna was bloody scary at the best of times, but when she was annoyed . . .

  ‘There won’t be any more mix-ups,’ Pippa said lamely.

  Brianna didn’t reply, instead she strode from the room, muttering and shaking her head.

  It was just Pippa’s luck to get into a mess like this with a business trip on the horizon. The prospect of spending two days and nights with Brianna hating her filled her with dread. Glancing to the right, Pippa realised Missy was still hovering. As Pippa was beginning to panic in case Missy reported the whole incident to her father the other girl rolled her eyes and stomped back over to her desk and leaned in close to Pippa’s ear.

  ‘Don’t mind her, she’s a total dragon. We’ll give her the slip in Paris. You and me against the world, kiddo,’ Missy said. She winked and spun on her Gucci heel and departed in a waft of expensive cologne.

  Thanking her lucky stars they were having a night out this evening, Pippa was delighted to have Missy on side. If the boss’s daughter liked her, Brianna would have to play ball.

  Her mobile rang. Pippa sighed.

  ‘Pippa, where on earth have you been?’ Holly said crossly.

  ‘Hey Mum,’ she said holding her nose. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t call. I was stuck at a work promotion. The one I told you about? Yeah, then I’ve been in bed. I felt like I was coming down with a stinking cold so I literally hibernated yesterday. I meant to call earlier.’

  ‘Oh,’ Holly said. ‘I didn’t know you were doing a promotion.’

  ‘I did tell you,’ Pippa insisted rather convincingly.

  ‘Oh sorry, love. I must have forgotten. I’m getting very remiss in my old age,’ Holly chuckled. ‘Will we see you next weekend so?’

  ‘I’ll do my best, Mum,’ she said, still holding her nose. ‘I have the Paris trip this week, so I’m not sure what state I’ll be in by the weekend.’

  ‘All the more reason to come home and spend some time in the fresh air.’

  ‘I’ll see Mum, yeah?’ Pippa didn’t want to get irritated with her mother but sometimes she really got on her wick.

  ‘All right then,’ Holly said sounding disappointed. ‘Well stay warm and if you’re feeling worse, just call. I could always come up for a little visit with Daddy tomorrow if you like? Bring you some chicken noodle soup?’

  ‘Ah no, you stay put and don’t worry about me. Talk to you soon. Gotta go.’

  Pippa hung up feeling guilty. Turning her attention to her work, she knew she’d better sort some of the new designs she’d promised Brianna. Luckily, she’d had some strong ideas which she hoped her boss would like.

  Totally engrossed, Pippa didn’t notice the afternoon flying by. Pressing the Print button, she looked over the new pitch before slotting it all into a clear plastic sleeve. Rushing to catch Brianna before she left, she handed her the work.

  Wordlessly, Brianna flicked through the pages.

  ‘I’m impressed,’ she said. ‘These are so edgy. You’ve outdone yourself with this, Pippa. Every now and again I wonder why I employed you and then you pull this kind of stuff out of the bag and I remember. I really appreciate the hard work you’ve clearly put in. To this and to the Beau Chausseur job last week.’

  ‘Hey, I’m just doing my job,’ Pippa said smiling sweetly. ‘About the Facebook thing . . .’

  ‘Let’s forget it,’ Brianna said sighing heavily as she gazed at Pippa’s work. ‘Onwards and upwards, yeah?’

  ‘Cool. See you tomorrow,’ Pippa said, breathing a sigh of relief. Her job was a snitch. Brianna seemed to think it was rocket science coming up with new and fresh campaigns each season. But Pippa could do it with her eyes shut. She knew she could probably work a bit harder and secure an even better job in London or Paris. But right now, she was enjoying the work-fun balance too much to make any changes.

  Missy waved
and squealed as she tottered on sky-high heels toward her.

  ‘Ready?’

  ‘Can you give me five minutes?’ Pippa asked. ‘I need to do a bit of a patch job on my make-up.’

  Pippa locked herself in the ladies’ and stared in the mirror. She looked rough. Her eyes were dull and lifeless and her skin was the colour of putty.

  Smoothing on some BB cream and a good shading of eye shadow she thanked God for the invention of make-up. Bright lipstick was the final touch. Stepping back to look in the mirror, she wasn’t overly thrilled by how haggard she looked, but she’d have to do.

  Missy was full of beans and chatted non-stop during the ten-minute journey to Fire and Rain.

  ‘I don’t know how you can walk in those heels,’ Pippa said. ‘They’re gorgeous, but I know I’d end up in a cast with a broken ankle.’

  ‘Oh I’m the opposite to most people, I can’t walk in flats.’

  Missy twittered on until they were greeted by a bouncer.

  ‘Back again, Missy,’ he said. ‘Ah, it’s yourself,’ he said smiling at Pippa and nodding in recognition. She blushed and said a hurried hello. Luckily for Pippa, Missy was on a mission to find someone and wasn’t in the least bit interested in her discomfort or the fact the bouncer had recognised her.

  ‘You’re such a doll for accompanying me tonight. I have my eye on this guy. His family own the Irish Fiddle pub chain and he’s such a laugh.’

  ‘Have you been dating?’ Pippa asked, suddenly wondering if she was about to be either dumped or made to play gooseberry all night.

  ‘No,’ Missy said, ‘sadly we’ve only spied one another, but I have it under good authority he’s going to be here tonight. And he apparently thinks I’m cute.’

  They were waved into the VIP entrance and although it was relatively early, the place was already filling up. Pippa sighed as she was offered a flute of bubbly. Down the hatch, she thought, feeling as if she were in the movie Groundhog Day. If champagne didn’t cure her, nothing would. Oddly, she was barely able to stomach it. Even the smell made her retch.

  Missy grabbed her hand and yanked her into the midst of the crowd. There was a huge kerfuffle as girls surged toward one person in particular.

  ‘Oh my God! Is that the guy from those cult movies who did the crazy naked streak down the Champs-Elysées recently?’ Pippa hissed.

  ‘The very one,’ Missy answered as she expertly elbowed her way into the centre of the throng. Pippa had to hand it to her, Missy was not used to taking a back seat and certainly wasn’t backwards about coming forwards.

  Before long the girls were stationed beside the movie star and his entourage. They even managed to muscle their way onto two of the precious high stools.

  ‘Fancy meeting you here,’ said a voice from over her shoulder. Pippa swivelled on her stool and came face to face with Danny.

  ‘Hi,’ she said surprising herself at how pleased she felt to see him. ‘How are you?’

  ‘Great, thanks,’ he nodded. ‘Hi Missy. How are things?’ he asked, smiling brightly as he tugged her over enough to kiss her cheek.

  ‘Better now you’re here,’ she said winking. ‘So you two know one another I take it?’ she grinned. ‘Pippa, you devil. I’d never have guessed,’ Missy giggled. ‘Or maybe I did. I knew we were kindred spirits for more reasons than one.’ Missy swatted her arm playfully.

  Not wanting to show her confusion, Pippa giggled and shrugged her shoulders.

  ‘Missy and I work together,’ Pippa explained. ‘We’re going on a business trip with my direct boss this week.’

  ‘Cool,’ Danny said nodding. ‘I didn’t realise you work for the Hassett empire, Pippa.’

  ‘Yup,’ she said raising her eyebrows. ‘And I’d love to continue working there for some time to come.’

  ‘Oh don’t worry about that,’ Missy piped up. ‘I’ll make sure Daddy knows what an asset you are. We’ll use the Paris trip as an example. If I’m good at nothing else in this life, I know I can shop. How hard can it be, buying stuff for two days?’

  ‘I’m actually pretty darn fabulous when it comes to shopping,’ Pippa said. ‘So we’ll make a great team.’ Suddenly feeling a lot less nauseous, Pippa swiped a fresh flute of champagne from a passing tray. Missy and Danny followed suit.

  ‘Drink up while it’s free,’ Danny winked. ‘Not that we’ll die of thirst later either.’

  ‘Not on my watch,’ Missy shrilled. ‘So first things first,’ she said, slipping Danny a wad of notes. In one swift movement he inserted the cash in the inside pocket of his jacket and pressed a tiny package into Missy’s waiting palm.

  ‘Save our seats, I can’t stand being squashed when this place gets thronged,’ Missy ordered.

  ‘Not yet at least,’ Danny laughed. ‘Once you’re powdered up you won’t care how many bodies are squashed up against you.’

  ‘Touché!’ Missy giggled. ‘Come on, Pippa. Don’t sit gaping at me. There’s no time to waste!’

  Pippa found herself catapulted into the same cubicle as Missy in the plush, dimly lit bathrooms.

  ‘Roll up a note and I’ll get cutting,’ Missy instructed.

  ‘Well, I actually don’t think I’ll bother,’ Pippa said. ‘I had a couple of late nights over the weekend. I’m in the shits with Brianna as it is. I’ve to play it cool until we get this buying trip over and done with.’

  ‘Oh sod her,’ Missy said. ‘She’s got a chip the size of Everest on her shoulder. She’s just jealous because you’re younger, more beautiful and living life on the edge. Daddy thinks she’s a genius, but as I told you earlier, I think she’s a dragon.’

  Pippa felt immeasurably grateful that Missy was taking her side.

  Looking down at the cistern of the toilet, Pippa was impressed. Missy was in a hurry and seemed to be very au fait with this drill. In no time she’d used her credit card to chop up the white powder and arrange it into neat lines.

  ‘We’ll have two each for starters, yeah?’ she asked, looking wide-eyed with anticipation.

  ‘Sure,’ Pippa heard herself saying. ‘But only if I can give you some money towards this. I don’t want you thinking I’m a sponger.’

  ‘Ah don’t sweat it, Pipps. You can buy a bottle of bubbles or something. I’m just so grateful you came out with me tonight.’

  ‘Who do you normally hang around with?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘A gang from school, but they’re all away or doing boring couple stuff. So many of them are getting married. They’re dropping like flies.’

  ‘I know what you mean,’ Pippa agreed as she leaned in and copied Missy. She was still terrified of the coke thing. Besides she’d been hammered each time she’d done it before, so she honestly didn’t trust herself to do it right.

  ‘Wow,’ she said, relieved she’d managed the snorting without spluttering and making a total eejit of herself.

  ‘Yeah, seriously good shit, isn’t it? So clean and pure.’

  ‘Totally,’ Pippa said, grateful she hadn’t sounded foolish.

  ‘Danny’s the most reliable guy I’ve found. There are so many scumbags around lately. I only buy from him unless I’m totally desperate.’

  Pippa computed the information and remembered to close her mouth. So Danny was a dealer? Surely not? He wasn’t a gouger. He spoke nicely and was dapper and well dressed. He was articulate and funny. He had a job. He’d been to university. People like him weren’t drug dealers surely?

  ‘How long have you known Danny?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘Um . . .’ Missy flushed the toilet and smiled. ‘Just in case there’s anyone in the bathroom, you know it’s always better to play the game and pretend we were peeing!’

  ‘Oh yeah!’ Pippa smiled back. ‘So how long did you say you know him?’

  ‘About two years,’ Missy said. ‘Yeah, it must be that. You?’

  ‘I only met him recently,’ Pippa said.

  ‘He’s a nice guy, but I wouldn’t want to hang around with him or anything,’ Missy said, pul
ling the door open and strutting back towards the bar.

  Pippa was totally confused. This didn’t fit. She needed to talk to Danny. She figured this was probably just a small-time weekend thing where he bought stuff from a mate and supplied a few people he knew well.

  As they were handed yet another glass of champagne and the music seeped into her bones, Pippa forgot to feel puzzled about Danny. He’d kept their seats but as soon as they arrived back, he’d waved and grinned and said he’d see them later. The dry ice and laser lights swallowed him as the girls got down to some serious fun.

  Pippa had never felt better. Well, at least not since the last time she was this wasted the other night.

  ‘I adore your dress, Missy,’ she said impulsively, leaning over to hug her. ‘You must have the most enviable wardrobe ever.’

  ‘I have tons of dresses,’ she agreed. ‘But the sheen kind of wore off a while back,’ she admitted. ‘I’m not as thick as people think,’ she said dryly. ‘I know most of them look at me as if I’m some spoilt brat.’

  Pippa was going to wave her hand and tell her that wasn’t true. But she felt a sudden confidence to say what she thought.

  ‘A lot of people do think that,’ she began, wondering what on earth was coming from her mouth. ‘But feck the begrudgers. They’re just jealous of you and haven’t gotten to know the real you.’

  ‘Aw thanks, Pipps. Well I can tell you for nothing that Brianna despises me,’ Missy rolled her eyes. ‘She totally hates me.’

  ‘Yeah, I think she hates me too,’ Pippa grinned. ‘Great that we’re going to Paris together, eh? I’ll have your back and you have mine. We’ll be just fine.’

  Missy squealed and tottered toward her and looped her skinny arms around Pippa’s neck. ‘We’re going to be BFF’s from here on in. I can just tell . . . You can be my bridesmaid and oh . . . godmother to my child.’

  ‘No way! When are you getting married?’

  ‘Oh not yet. I’m not even dating. I’m just saying you will be all those things.’

  ‘Well when ever you decide. You need to have your wedding at Huntersbrook, our house. It’s going to be the dog’s once it opens to the public. When I say it’ll be the coolest venue from here to Vegas . . . I mean it’s gonna rock it.’