The Complete #LoveLondon Collection. Nikki Moore

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       Opposite main Knightsbridge station.

       Their range is extensive, but very expensive.

       A flagship store; beauty, designer and more.

       ? x

       P.s Hope the chocolates makes you smile.

       P.p.s. Ask for Millie on the second floor.

      Frankie hit the redial button on her phone, peering out along the road as the double tone rang in her ear. The clue was vague in one way - everything around here was pretty expensive, she was in Knightsbridge for heaven’s sake - but she was pretty sure from the reference to flagship store where she was going next. One side of her tingled with anticipation at the thought. It was where she’d used to shop all the time, when she was with Christian. But, oh god, the other side of her thought, did that mean it was definitely him?

      ‘Hi, it’s me.’ She said as Kate finally answered the phone.

      ‘Hi, Hun.’ Her friend sounded breathless. ‘Sorry, I was out back with the dogs. How’s it going?’

      ‘Good, I think. I made it to the first place, a McLaren dealership and they had an envelope for me. Apparently it was delivered by some twelve year old kid, which is a bit strange.’

      ‘That is odd. So what was in the envelope?’

      ‘Another clue, and some mini Bounty bars.’

      ‘Ooh. Nice.’

      ‘Christian knows my favourite chocolates,’ Frankie said flatly.

      ‘Yes, but anyone who works with you knows that too. I bet you still eat them all the time. It’s like your thing. It’s a wonder you’re not three foot wide.’

      ‘Thanks. Helpful.’

      ‘So, do you think it is Christian?’

      ‘I thought it was unlikely but I am starting to wonder. I think I’m off to Harvey Nichols now, which is totally his style. And I can’t imagine Davey or Zack being able to afford anything in there, so by a process of elimination…I don’t know how I feel about it if it’s him. We split up for a reason.’

      ‘If it is him, he’s gone to a lot of trouble to see you and you’re there, so you might as well see it through. And it might not be him. Go to Harvey Nicks and give me a call when you’re done there.’

      ‘Okay, but for the record, I’m not sure about this.’

      ‘Noted,’ Kate laughed, ‘now stop being such a big baby and get going. It sounds great to me; I’d loved to be treated to something expensive.’

      ‘Noted in return,’ she said drily, ‘catch you later.’ Ending the call, Frankie threw another thank you over her shoulder as she left the McLaren dealership, hoping she wasn’t going to regret this.

      ‘I’m supposed to ask for Millie?’ Frankie spoke to the top of the girl’s downturned head, hoping she was in the right place.

      ‘That’s me,’ the girl said coolly, looking up. ‘You must be Miss Taylor.’

      ‘I am.’

      ‘Welcome. I’ll be your Personal Shopper today.’ She smiled, green eyes steady, brown hair tucked neatly back into a low ponytail. ‘I'm here to help you get ready. You are cutting it a little fine though Madam, we shut at six ‘o’ clock today.’

      ‘Sorry. I’m always late. And Frankie’s fine. Madam is far too formal.’ She raised her eyebrows hopefully, ‘I don’t suppose you know what I’m getting ready for?'

      The girl smiled politely, as if she handled questions like this every day. 'Your date. The Daniel Hersheshon Salon on the floor below us are going to do your hair and make- up, very quickly, and then I’ll sort you out an outfit. Have you ever been to the salon before? Do you know it?

      'Yes.’ In another lifetime she’d spent a lot of time there, having manicures, pedicures and regular blow dries. As much as it was nice to be treated, she wasn’t sure how she felt about being that person again.

      ‘Do you know who the date is with?' Frankie blurted. This was looking more and more like it had Christian stamped all over it. But he should be halfway across the world, and why make contact after all this time, and in this way?

      The girl gave her a strange look at that one. 'You don't?'

      'Erm, no,' she stumbled, 'I’m kind of on this scavenger hunt thing where I have to follow the clues and-

      'Oh, that’s so romantic!’ Millie clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling, 'Like in a film. I am so jealous. You lucky thing!’ She seemed to have completely forgotten herself and the composed professional she’d first presented as, but Frankie much preferred this version. ‘Oh, wait until you see the dress, I can’t wait to see your face. Come on, we need to hurry.’ Gesturing her over to the lift, Millie beckoned Frankie to follow her.

      ‘I don’t suppose the name Christian means anything to you,’ Frankie asked as they stepped in together and the lift descended soundlessly.

      ‘No. It was a woman who made the appointment.’

      ‘A woman?’ Frankie frowned.

      ‘Yes.’

      This day just got stranger and stranger.

      Half an hour later Frankie stepped back into the warm-toned, beige and brown Personal Shopping suite with Millie, stiletto heels of her ankle boots clicking on the marble floor.

      ‘You look fantastic, Frankie,’ Millie said, leading her into a separate dressing area.

      ‘Thanks,’ Frankie stopped and looked in a mirror as she entered the room.

      The senior stylist in the salon had done something incredible with a hair dryer and texturising spray, creating a sexy, messed up look that said just got out of bed after an orgasmic all-nighter. The make-up technician had done her proud too and Frankie could hardly believe how flawless her skin was, how sculpted her cheekbones, her violet eyes defined and feline-like, a bit like Gemma Arterton in a magazine advert she’d recently seen.

      ‘Do you like it?’ Millie came up behind her.

      ‘Yes.’ Frankie breathed. The girl staring back was definitely her, but better. She might even venture, striking. She’d forgotten just how flattering luxury make-up was, in comparison to the stuff she’d been buying from the supermarket for the last year. She knew it was shallow, but she had missed this. Missed looking stylish and polished. Missed the superior products and designer names.

      ‘It’s a pity they didn’t have time to do your nails,’ Millie said, backing away and walking into an adjoining room, voice carrying through to Frankie, ‘but what you have on will still work.’ She came back in with a garment over her arm. ‘Time for the dress.’ Millie's eyes were shining and Frankie felt an instant of friendship with the personal shopper, like they were in this together.

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