Use Tania as Bait

Getting into the party was the easy bit. Rebecca Northeast was always keen to boost her attendance figures, took delight in public acts of magnanimity to old enemies and was eager to meet Lee’s new girlfriend.

Tania goggled at the massive beachside party pad that was Rebecca’s residence.

“Was she this rich when you were dating?” She asked in disbelief.

“Would you believe it, I basically bankrupted myself helping her buy this one,” Lee said with a sour expression. “Not that it meant anything once she got bored of me.”

Tania was horrified. “This one?”

“Yeah, she’s got a couple up and down the coast. Bit of a red flag, in hindsight.”

“You think?”

They flashed their IDs at the bouncers and were struck by a wall of noise when the doors opened.

“How will we find her?” Tania shouted over the din.

“We won’t have to!” Lee shouted back, guiding her to a table laden with finger food.

“You’re just going to stand here and eat?” Tania said as Lee began hunting for snacks.

“Remember the play: Coming here was your idea, I’m miserable and no fun to be around.”

“Lee!” it was all but screamed from halfway across the dancefloor.

Lee turned to see his ex sashay towards them out of the crowd, almost immediately passing by to stand between him and Tania.

“I can’t believe you came, it’s been so long! And you must be Tania, oh my God, you’re so gorgeous, I might actually be jealous!”

Lee focused on playing the part of deadbeat buzzkill while Tania and Rebecca traded compliments. It was with a thrill of irony that he watched Rebecca obviously and openly positioning herself between the two, pretending that she couldn’t hear him any time he ventured to speak.

“Lee,” said Tania, approaching him with Rebecca in tow. “Becky says she’s going to show me her room - apparently she’s got the most amazing collection of…”

Lee turned to his ex as Tania spoke, not having to fake his look of contempt at her exultant expression.

“Sure, babe - have fun.” He said flatly. “Don’t forget, we need to be home soon.”

Tania’s look of puppy-dog disappointment could have been printed on a novelty calendar. “Oh, but I’m having such a good time! You never want to go to parties like this!”

Rebecca slid into the conversation like a knife between two ribs. “Don’t worry, Tania. I’ve got a bunch of spare rooms - you can crash here and Lee can come pick you up whenever.”

“Really? That would be amazing! Lee, would that be okay?”

Lee rolled his eyes. “I’ll head home in ten. Call me when you want to come home.”

Lee watched Rebecca throw him a derisive look over her shoulder as she guided Tania away through the crowd, and Lee mused that not once did she think stealing his girlfriend away had maybe been a little too easy.

Well, she was used to getting what she wanted without effort, so that tracked.