Chapter 48

As Cassie left, Adam retired to his room to make a phone call. “Hello? Mr Goodman?”

“Adam? Is that you?”

“It is.”

“I’m surprised to hear from you after what Chloë did. Actually, I’m surprised you didn’t run off to the papers. I know I might have done. I bet that leech from The Echo offered you a fair whack for an exclusive.”

“He did. But I promised Chloë I’d never kiss and tell. Look, Mr Goodman, I need a favour...”

After the call, Adam took a shower and shaved. He dressed in the tuxedo he’d worn to the Oscars and had a glass of Scotch with a similarly attired Eddie to calm his nerves.

“I can’t believe I’m so nervous,” he said.

“I guess it’s to be expected, mate,” Eddie said. “You’ve made your choice now, haven’t you? You just don’t know yet if it’s the right choice.”

“Thanks,” Adam said with more than a hint of sarcasm. “That makes me feel tons better.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” Eddie slapped him on the back. “You’ve picked a good ‘un—even if you don’t know it yet.”

The doorbell rang. Adam answered it to find the ever-reliable Josh, just as Chloë’s father had promised.

“Did you come in the BMW?” Adam asked.

“No. I brought something a bit more appropriate.” He stepped aside so that Adam could see past him to the white limousine parked by the kerb.

“Excellent. Eddie, come and look at our ride to the ball.”

Eddie rushed to the door and looked outside. “Mate, we couldn’t. It’s for you and Chloë.”

“Don’t be silly. There’s more than enough room. Besides, Chloë would want you there. Actually, I think I’ll need you there.”

“All right. But it’s yours after the Ball.”

“Okay. Josh, we got some time before we need to leave. Fancy a drink?”

“Thanks. But, I’d better have a Coke or something. The last thing you want is a drunken driver.”

Adam led him into the kitchen and poured a drink.

“This is for you.” Josh handed Adam a box with one hand and took the glass from him with the other. “Well, for you to give to Chloë.”

“What is it?”

“Open it and see.”

Inside was a delicate white orchid. “A corsage?”

Josh nodded. “Chloë’s father didn’t think you’d have time to get one so asked me to pick one up on the way down. I went with white ‘cause I didn’t know what colour Chloë would be wearing and white goes with anything.”

Adam closed the box. “Thanks, Josh. I think she’ll like this.”

“Yeah—she will. Come on, I think we better go, or you’ll be late.”

“Yeah, right,” said Eddie. “Fiver says they’re not ready when we get there.”

Adam and Eddie climbed into the back of the limo while Josh donned a peaked chauffeur’s cap and got behind the wheel. The interior was very well appointed. A white leather couch wrapped around three sides. The sole entrance was towards the rear of the forth side while a bar stocked with all kinds of drinks took up the rest of that side. Above the bar was as large a TV screen as could be fitted in, with two large speakers either side.

“Aw, man!” said Eddie. He spread out to take up as much of one of the sofas as he could. “This is the good life. This is riding in fucking style, right here. Woo hoo! Hey, do you reckon we’ll be the only students rolling up in a limo?”

“I don’t know,” Adam replied. “I overheard a bunch of girls in the canteen the other day talking about splitting the cost.”