‘He?’ Helen picked up sharply. ‘And who might “he” be?’ she asked suspiciously.
Jenny gave Matt an angry glare. ‘Now look what you’ve done! I had no intention of mentioning that he was behind the invitation.’
‘Oh,’ Matt looked shamefaced. ‘I see.’
‘By “he”,’ Helen said tautly, ‘I take it you mean Leon Masters?’
‘Well—’
‘Of course we do,’ Matt acknowledged impatiently. ‘Hell, what’s the use of prevaricating, Jenny?’ he snapped as she went to interrupt yet again. He looked down at Helen. ‘Leon wants you there today.’
Her mouth tightened. ‘Does he now?’ She looked angrily at her cousin. ‘I take it this is what you meant by a different approach?’
‘Now look what you’ve done, Matt!’ snapped Jenny. ’Why couldn’t you have just kept quiet?’
Helen stood up. ‘I’m glad he didn’t. So I was supposed to go along today as Leon Masters’ companion,’ she mused softly. ‘God, that man has a nerve! Doesn’t he know how to take no for an answer?’
Jenny shrugged. ‘I should think it’s quite a few years since anyone said it. It’s a new experience for him.’
‘Well, his new experiences can continue. Tell him the answer is still no.’
‘Now look, Helen,’ Matt chided. ‘Leon isn’t an easy man to cross. He can be a right swine at times.’
‘Oh, I know that,’ she said bitterly. ‘But I don’t have to say yes to him. Some of the other women in his life may not have been so lucky—I’m sure he has a lot of influence in the acting world.’
‘Hey, now I wouldn’t ever say he’s used blackmail to get a woman,’ Matt admonished. ‘When I said he could be a swine I meant in his manner and verbally. As far as I know he’s always played it straight with everyone.’
‘Except me,’ said Helen vehemently. ‘He was being underhand and arrogant in getting you to take me with you today. All it’s done is increase my dislike of him. Tell him his little plan failed—miserably. I don’t like him and I don’t want to go out with him.’
Matt raised his eybrows. ‘Another new experience! Most females I know would love to have your opportunity.’
‘They’re welcome to it!’
‘Come on, Matt,’ Jenny linked her arm through his, ‘let’s get out of here before you do any more damage. I think you’ve put your foot in it enough for one day.’
He looked sheepish. ‘Well, how was I to know you hadn’t told Helen about Leon’s involvement?’
‘You should have tried using a little common sense.’
‘Please don’t argue about it, you two,’ Helen told them. ‘It isn’t worth it.’
Jenny bent to kiss her on the cheek. ‘Sorry, love. I was only doing what I thought best.’
‘Involving me with Leon Masters?’ Helen derided.
‘With any man. I didn’t care who it was.’
‘Thanks!’
Jenny sighed. ‘You know what I meant. I was only trying to help.’
Helen grimaced. ‘That kind of help I can do without.’
‘All right, I know when I’m beaten. Have a nice day.’
‘And you.’ Helen picked up her book. ‘And don’t rush back on my account.’
‘We don’t intend to,’ Matt said moodily.