Hook, line and sinker. Really, I should get some kind of award for my performance. Paula is totally eating out of my hand, lapping up every word like a hungry dog. I’m really quite proud of myself. I just wish I could share my success with someone. It doesn’t quite feel real when it’s only me that knows about it.
I think I’ve done enough. I don’t really need to add any more fuel to the fire. She’s on the verge of kicking him out. He has a bolt-hole, a place to run to, when she does. It’s all about to come together.
I’ve been trying to persuade him he shouldn’t come to the party. I think it’s rubbing salt into the wound for Joshie – not that he’ll realize it, not till later, anyway. But it feels needlessly cruel. Robbie tells me Paula is insisting they come. Of course, I know it’s because she’s hoping to see him and Samantha in action. He’s just confused about why she suddenly wants to crash his social life. I’ve tried to say to her that it’ll be dull as dishwater and that Samantha probably won’t even come, but how can she resist the possibility?
Thank God Paula’s not the type who would confront Samantha herself. Can you imagine! The whole thing blowing up right in front of my face! Robbie finding out what I’d been saying! I’d just have to deny everything. I’m a good enough actress. He’d believe me.
I wasn’t even going to invite Samantha. Or Robbie, for that matter. I’ve tried saying to Joshie that maybe we should keep it to close friends only, make it an intimate do rather than a full-on party, but he isn’t having it. He’s invited practically everyone I’ve ever met. It’s going to be like an episode of This Is Your Life.
Still, we just have to get through it. And once it’s over, then the countdown can really begin.