Geeks Go Greek. Aimee Duffy

scenery with the mood she was in.

      ‘Elle that’s bitchy, even for you,’ Gem said.

      ‘I’m being a friend, not bitchy. But it’s okay, her top covers it.’

      The fat. The new fat she’d acquired from comfort eating everything she could stuff into her face their last day in Paris. Served her right, really. But she was paying for it now.

      ‘What are you talking about?’ Gem asked as they pulled up in front of the restaurant.

      Ciara let herself out of the Land Rover, not wanting to hear what she knew was the truth but Elle didn’t make an effort to whisper.

      ‘She’s got camel-toe.’

      Freezing mid-step, she tugged her top right down until the cups of her bra were on full display. Speechless didn’t cover it, and it wasn’t the first time a Muir had done that to her was it?

      ‘Oh shit. Ciara turn around and let me see!’ Gem said.

      There were people all around on the street and she swore every set of eyes zoned in on the spot between her thighs. Her face burned hotter, adding to the humiliation.

      ‘Ciara!’ Gem said, louder this time.

      She climbed back into the car, ignoring her friends. ‘I’m going back. Right now.’

      ‘Don’t be a little girl. I told you, your top hides it,’ Elle said.

      She scowled at her prettiest friend. ‘You could have told me!’

      Elle scowled back. ‘You told me not to, remember? Now get your arse out of here before we drag you out. We’ll enjoy dinner and the show and no one will know what’s going on under the table.’

      Gem snorted out a laugh, then quickly covered her mouth with both hands. Ciara turned her scowl on her until she mumbled out an apology.

      ‘Fine but I’m not staying all night and I’m not getting up for anything.’ Ciara said.

      Elle told them that after the meals had been served the performers encouraged the customers to get up and dance. No matter how drunk she got, she’d never risk putting herself on display that way.

      ‘Deal. Now come on, you’ll love the food,’ Elle said, taking her arm and tugging.

      She stumbled out of the car, pulling at her top as she went. ‘Food’s the bloody problem! I should be doing more laps in the pool and munching on lettuce instead.’

      ***

      Elle was right, she did love the food. After her chicken with aubergines and feta, she swore she could never go back to plain old chicken and broccoli. And with every course and act put on, her mood lightened to the point she could almost laugh at herself.

      The restaurant was pretty and rustic, with huge arched walls filled with lights aimed at the stage in the centre of the room. The food was traditional Greek too, and the dancers, who wore different coloured outfits, put on a fabulous show. Right after everyone’s deserts had been cleared, the performers started pulling people up for a round or two on the dance floor.

      This was the part she’d been dreading. Thank god there was lots of wine left.

      ‘We should dance,’ Gem said. ‘It looks fun!’

      ‘I’m sure it will be hilarious if I get up,’ Ciara grumbled. ‘I’ll be the entertainment for the rest of the evening.’

      ‘You’re a crabby shit when you want to be aren’t you?’ Elle said.

      She shook her head then sighed. ‘I’m sorry, it’s not your fault I ate all those croissants and now I’m bursting out of these trousers.’

      Gem, obviously well on her way to sloshed, said, ‘Can you really put on weight on your vag? I mean, I get hips and arse and even stomach but down there?’

      Ciara didn’t know if it was the honest to god curiosity in Gem’s tone that pushed her toward the edge of madness or whether she’d just hit the point of cracking up, but she laughed so hard her eyes watered and her ribs hurt.

      Elle joined in, and soon Gem too but she still had that burning need for knowledge glittering in her eyes.

      After pulling herself together, Ciara said, ‘I don’t think so. I just had to tug them up too high to get them fastened.’

      It wouldn’t be a problem for long. First thing tomorrow she was starting her new get fit and skinny routine which meant lots and lots of exercise. Maybe even enough so she could come back here every night and enjoy a three courser. It would be her treat after being forced to lie around all day getting massages and facials and whatever else Elle had planned.

      ‘Ladies, can I persuade you to join in?’

      Elle and Gem turned to the gorgeous Mediterranean man who’d asked. By the gaga look on Gem’s face and the little sheen of drool on Elle’s lips, they really wanted to accept the offer.

      ‘You two go have fun. I’ll watch our stuff.’ And the wine, though she was planning on doing more than look at it.

      ‘You sure?’ Elle asked, but Gem was already out of the chair and fawning over the male performer.

      She laughed. ‘Really sure. It’s a pity I don’t have a camera. Snapping you two would keep me busy.’

      ‘Here!’ Elle dug out her own phone and handed it to Ciara. ‘Snap a few and Instagram them. The good ones I mean.’

      Her eyes widened. Elle didn’t hand over her ‘baby’ to anyone.

      ‘It’s the least I can do. I should have told you earlier whether you wanted to hear it or not,’ Elle said.

      Ah, so it was an offering to ease the guilt. Ciara didn’t care, she’d take it. Even though she really shouldn’t. Having Zack’s number within a few taps on the screen was a bad idea.

      ‘Go have fun. There’s still lots of wine here to keep me company,’ she assured her friend. Gem had already taken off. From what she could see, she was getting the hot dancer to show her some moves.

      Elle followed her gaze and laughed. ‘She wasn’t down for long.’

      The reminder of the night in Paris when they got a little too close to real trouble made her shiver. ‘We stay together okay? And go home at the end of the night.’

      Elle got serious. ‘Definitely. I’ll peel Gem off him, even if it ruins my new manicure.’

      She relaxed a little more. Having Elle on side would mean they’d get out unscathed. ‘Go learn how to dance, I know you’re dying to.’