Johnny's Girl Read Online Free PDF Page B

I hire a new PA/occasional nanny called Annie, who’s petite and pretty with twinkly eyes and a warm smile. But
underneath her pixie-like features, she packs a hefty punch and she came highly recommended. Kitty heard about her on the CPA grapevine – she was working for an aged movie star who, to put it
kindly, is a little bit of a diva. Annie decided that it wasn’t unreasonable to desire a life outside of work, so she’s here during normal working hours, although she has agreed to help
out with after hours babysitting sometimes. It’s a far cry from the 24/7 of my CPA past, but it suits us, and we love having the house to ourselves at weekends.
    We have two new maids, Sharon and Carly, who come in every morning. Johnny’s old maid, Sandy, has moved to Indianapolis with her husband for work, so there was no chance of her
returning.
    As for our cook, I’m thrilled when Eddie – our American cook who came to England with us – decided to join us on our return journey. We’ve even managed to persuade two of
our old security/bodyguards to come back: Samuel and Lewis. I’m happiest to welcome back Davey though, the limo driver who I have always had a real soft spot for. He’s not long out of
retirement, but he quit his other job for a company executive as soon as Johnny got in touch. Now he has a brand new, shiny black Mercedes limousine to ferry us around in, with car seats for the
kids at the back of a long bench seat which curves along one whole side of the vehicle. Opposite the bench seat is a mini bar, stocked with anything but alcohol.
    I see Kitty occasionally while Johnny is at work, although I’m yet to go out with her over an evening. She asks me to at our next lunch date.
    ‘It’s a film premiere,’ she tells me. ‘Should be really good fun. The after party is at Chateau Marmont.’ The notorious rock star hang-out.
    ‘When is it?’
    ‘Tomorrow night.’ Which is a Thursday. ‘Johnny could come too?’
    ‘I’ll ask him. Barney, stop wriggling.’
    It’s a warm, sunny day, and we’re in a little café on Melrose Avenue – one of our haunts from the past. This time, though, I have
two
children, and Samuel is
waiting outside the door. It still freaks me out to have a bodyguard. I accept that the added security is necessary when I have the kids with me, but sometimes I insist on going out alone if
it’s just me. It’s a shame we can’t sit outside today, but if there’s one thing I hate more than the paps getting pictures of me, it’s the paps getting pictures of the
kids.
    Kitty bounces Phoenix on her lap and makes him giggle. I watch on, half with amusement and half with dread because he’s just had some milk and could throw up at any minute on her very
beautiful and very pink Amber Sakai dress.
    ‘I’m full,’ Barney moans from beside me.
    ‘Two more mouthfuls,’ I insist.
    ‘But I’m full,’ he complains again, flopping back in his seat.
    ‘Fine.’ I give up. So much for being consistent. ‘Do you want me to take him?’ I ask Kitty hopefully.
Give me the baby before he barfs
…
    ‘No, no, he’s fine!’ she says breezily. ‘So what do you think about the premiere?’
    ‘Can I have an ice-cream?’ Barney interjects.
    ‘I thought you were full,’ I say wryly.
    ‘I am, but I really, really want an ice-cream,’ he tells me seriously, his green eyes pleading with me.
    I stare back at him, wavering. Kitty still can’t get over how much he looks like his dad.
    ‘Get him an ice-cream,’ she butts in good-naturedly.
    ‘Okay, but let me take Phoenix before he’s sick on you.’
    She laughs, but all-too-willingly hands him over.
    ‘Can I?’ Barney interrupts.
    ‘Yes, okay,’ I say wearily.
    ‘Yay!’
    ‘But only if you promise to eat your dinner!’ I hastily add.
    The baby hiccups, burps, and then vomits into the napkin I’m holding, ready and waiting. I really am too good at this.
    Kitty grimaces.
    ‘Sorry,’ I apologise, then I smirk. ‘You know