Poppy couldn’t believe how the young Russian girl had made her feel, and couldn’t wait to reciprocate, but she was exhausted. ‘I need a drink first,’ she said. ‘And a cigarette.’ ‘Are you being cruel to me?’ asked Niki. ‘Making me wait?’ ‘No love,’ said Poppy, reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze. ‘I’m just… God, I don’t know what I am. Give me a minute will you.’ ‘Take as long as you want,’ said Niki. ‘There’s no rush is there?’ ‘No. Joseph’s out with the bitch and the brat as usual. What about you?’ ‘As long as Connie’s tea, as he calls it, is ready for six o’clock, then he doesn’t care. He thinks I’m safe with you.’ ‘And you are darling,’ said Poppy, sipping at her champagne, and sitting up in bed to light a cigarette. ‘And we’ve got hours.’ Hours that they spent exploring each other. When they were lying close together under a sheet, when Niki had tumbled off her, Poppy asked, ‘What did you say?’ ‘When?’ ‘When you were all excited.
