Sin Tropez (41 page)

Reza had left the organization of the wrap party to Henry, who, as usual, had done a superb job. And he had his own reasons to celebrate. Now officially Henry Spectre, he had taken Alex’s
name following their civil partnership ceremony at Claridge’s last month. Sebastian had appointed himself maid of honour and bought his brother an engraved Rolex to show him how sorry he was
for his earlier behaviour. Even Reza was in the mood to make amends – he’d been forced to forgive Sebastian for ruining his launch because, in reality, he would do whatever Henry
wanted, and Henry wanted his husband’s family at the party.

‘Two years later, and here we are again!’ Abena sat sipping champagne on the deck of
Sin
with Tara, Natalya and Sarah. The sun glinted off the solid gold bar and the four
friends couldn’t have been happier.

Tara watched as a familiar pale figure pleaded to be let on to the boat. She poked her head over the side and smiled down at the rock star Dan Donahue.

‘Hi,’ he called up, ‘I know you!’

‘No,’ Tara replied, ‘I don’t think you do.’ She rejoined the girls and took a long sip of champagne.

This book was immense fun to write. Thank you to everyone who helped inspire it – rest assured I won’t name and shame you all!

Thank you also to my delightful agent, Sallyanne Sweeney, my fantastic editor and now friend, Laura Palmer, and to Rina Gill and all the brilliant people at Corvus.

All of my friends have been wonderfully supportive, so I am sorry for many undoubted omissions. The following people have offered particularly useful advice, jokes, tips,
support and encouragement, or just exceptional friendship while I was writing
Sin Tropez
:

Jenny Bacon, Candice Baseden, Paddy Docherty, Roley Finer, Laura Fraser, Mark Kent, Nura Khan, Nicholas Lezard, Ella Lister, Miles Morland, Faridah Nabaale, Amy Nelson, Katie
Prescott, Leonie Schneider, David Wildridge, and a dear friend departed, Jessica MacKenzie.

Finally, I ’d like to thank my family: my mother, father and two sisters, Enida and Natasha. Your unwavering love and encouragement means more than I can say.