Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I appreciate all your feedback.
Chapter 85: How to Deal with Your Ex's Fucked Up Mom at a Fashion Show.
September 21, 2010: Midday London
When the driver opened the door to their town car, Betty wasn't expecting to see Victoria Hartley on the red carpet. Neither was Lindsay. His forced smile made Betty's teeth hurt. However, too many cameras were around, and nobody wanted to be featured in the Daily Mail if they could help it. Betty and her boss went through the motions as they went through everyone to get to the smaller venue where Christina's show was taking place. Betty was hoping that Victoria was going to the big show, but instead, she followed them to Christina's show.
"You're supposed to be in Barbados right now," Lindsay whispered as he went in for a fake hug.
"The new head of Isabella should be seen here," Victoria argued.
"The new EIC of Isabella should be doing her job. That means being at the Barbados shoot. I spent half the car ride troubleshooting the thing."
"Zora can handle it." Victoria retorted.
"Marc St. James could have handled it, but you scared him away by threatening to take his daughter away. I found out about that stunt from my niece." It looks like Lindsay had nothing to do with the custody situation. That was good to know.
If Victoria said anything in response, she didn't hear it because they moved further away from her. That's when she sent a quick text to Daniel, warning him to keep Amanda away.
Betty assumed that by this point she could just sneak backstage, but she forgot that she was now Daniel Meads's fiancé, not just some random employee waiting in the wings for her boss. (That was Ms. Sanchez, who thankfully informed her that the alarm had been sounded with the others.) This carpet was for her, too. When they asked why she wasn't with Daniel, Betty would talk about Christina. She wonders if Daniel avoided the red carpet for the venue. Betty is sure there was a back entrance, and she wished she had taken it this time.
After the fourth interview, she managed to catch up to her boss. Of course, Victoria was sitting next to them, with Ms. Sanchez being banished to the back. Betty was thankfully Mode was across the runway on the other side. Victoria would be able to see Amanda but wouldn't be able to talk to her. Thank the universe for that.
"I see you are with your boss and not your fiance. Is he too busy with his mistress? The Meades are never faithful or loyal." Victoria told her as soon as she took her seat.
'And you would know that because you were with Bradford when Claire was with Cal.' However, Betty kept that thought to herself.
"I don't think you called the third of poly relationship a mistress. Other partner, perhaps. I really should ask Jordan. She's dating your sister-in-law, by the way." Somehow Betty heard that Jordan told her uncle that she was in a Poly relationship with Brianna and Alexis because he was being a dick last week. They are just good friends. However, just the mention was making Victoria uncomfortable. Good.
"Former sister-in-law. I only claim Alexis Junior." Victoria replied. Good luck seeing your niece anytime soon. No one will send her daughter to play dates with a potential murderer. "She's such a lovely child despite her mother's bad influence. She takes after her grandfather Bradford."
"That doesn't change the fact that they're in a relationship. I'm not entirely against it. Brianna is a remarkable woman." Lindsay commented.
"Unfortunately, Alexis's father leaves much to be desired." Vivian remarked.
"Yes, of course."
"Mother." Betty corrected the two because she couldn't help it. "Alexis Senior is the other mother of Alexis Junior." Betty received an icy glare from Victoria.
"You can't change the truth." 'That you're a horrible human being that may have killed someone.' Betty also kept that thought to herself.
"I am not you. I am not upset that my fiancé has children from a previous relationship. I adore Amanda and look forward to being a part of the twins' life as their Aunt Betty." Amanda wants her to be Mommy Betty, but she's on the fence about that. But Aunt Betty, she can do.
"Is the relationship previous? They're probably fucking right now while you're here." Per the image she received earlier from DJ, Amanda, and Daniel were posing with baby William in the back with the models. Again, something that Victoria did not need to know.
"Only in the sense that before, it was Daniel and Amanda. Now it's me, Daniel, and Amanda." She had no problem making Victoria believe they were in a poly relationship. They've already said similar comments to paparazzi that they found annoying. "Again. I'm not you."
"And we're all grateful for that. It would be best to let your fiancé know you're here. Do you think Amanda would be up to getting tea later? She's such a lovely girl." That received another glare from Victoria. Lindsay returned it in-kind. He always had a sweet spot for Amanda. She has even received a baby shower gift for Amanda from Lindsey's assistant.
"I'll ask later if she's available. I already sent a text message. Daniel is backstage with the designer. Christina is a personal friend of ours. She stayed at our house this weekend." Betty explained.
"We have a couple of minutes. You should pop by and say hello. And bring Ms. Sanchez back with you. We have a seat for her." Betty was aware that Lindsay suggestion was an order. One that she appreciated since it meant leaving.
"Of course." Betty couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Xxxxx
Slightly earlier on another cell phone line:
#1 cousin: Hey, I just got done talking to Mandy's cousin. Victoria decided to ditch the shoot in Barbados and come to London for Fashion Week. The first thing she shows up at is the Christina McKinney showcase.
Monique: Fucking hell. Of course, she would pull something like this.
London Daniel: Shit! That explains Betty's cryptic message from a few minutes ago.
London Daniel: And why Candy is arguing with the security team.
#1 cousin: I called her first. But as a precaution, I also added you to this chain. I didn't know if you were checking your phone regularly or not.
Fashionista Marc: I'm not even surprised Vicky decided to ditch her actual job to crash London Fashion Week. However, this may explain why the head of Isabella Press HR called me five minutes ago to offer me the creative Director position—this time with competitive pay and bonuses.
Brianna: God, they're desperate. I wonder how many other people Victoria scared away.
Matt #6: Too many.
Monique: I heard Zora Medea, Carlo Medea's soon-to-be ex-wife, is now acting creative director. That's never a good sign. She was an intern last time I was at Isabella.
Fashionista Marc: Don't worry, my answer is still hell no. They didn't even bother apologizing for Victoria meddling with my custody situation. We may not even be able to take Jade with us to Paris in a couple of weeks because of her interference. They are even sitting on Jade's passport.
Monique: Nice to know you're loyal. Tamika, do you know somebody that can help?
#1 cousin: Already working on it.
Fashionista Marc: You're my favorite. It took me a while, but I have learned to stay with people who value me. Also, I know I will never get the main job at Isabella. Here, I have a decent shot of getting five years in before Justin takes over.
Monique: [annoyed emoji]
Fashionista Marc: That's after you, Monique, take over for Claire when she decides to retire to spend more time with the grand babies.
Monique: Acceptable.
Brianna: I'm going to warn Cal. He will be in Europe starting tomorrow for the next few weeks.
Fashionista Marc: Is he going to London?
Breanna: Rome first. I think he will visit London if Amanda delivers before he needs to be back in New York. He knows he will still be a granddaddy soon and is happy about it.
Brianna: Happier about it then my former sister-in-law, at least.
Matt #6: I didn't tell him.
Breanna: [frustrated emoji]
Matt #6: I just heavily implied.
Breanna: You are very exhausting, nephew.
Breanna: Did I tell the group that Victoria showed up at Andie's work yesterday to pay her to dump my brother?
#1 cousin: I knew because you wanted me to pass that info to Amanda's cousin.
Monique: Am I the only one who thinks Andie should've taken the money and ran before your brother pulls a Claire on her? She's so lovely.
Breanna: He's happy, and Andie might be a better match. She doesn't care at all that he's a billionaire. That's an excellent quality to have. She also isn't blinded by old feelings and nostalgia.
Breanna: My big brother wants me to offer Andie use of my New York apartment since she refuses to move into his townhouse. Which honestly makes me like her more. Of course, I'm extending an invitation.
Matt #6: Is it wrong I hope he doesn't screw this up because I want Andie as my new stepmom? She wants to help out with the foundation. She's even having lunch with Tyler next week to talk about his project for Vivian's foundation. It turns out he really is working for Vivian.
Monique: I'm glad Tyler found something that will put his background to good use. Andie is an improvement on your current maternal figure.
Fashionista Marc: Not that it would be hard.
Xxxxx
"Victoria is here," Daniel said, looking up from his cell phone.
"She is supposed to be in Barbados. That's what the text message from Tamika said this morning." Amanda looked up at him. Very annoyed. She didn't think she would be dealing with Victoria Hartley this week. They knew from Betty that Lindsay banned her from showing up after her poor showing last week in New York.
"That was what we thought was going to happen. Even though Lindsay told her not to be here, she decided to come here instead." Candy explained.
"I don't think Victoria understands the concept of no." Daniel lamented. He did not want to deal with the woman this week. It was chaotic enough without her being present.
"Most rich people don't," Amanda mumbled under her breath.
"I would find that offensive if it wasn't so true." Daniel just shrugged.
"I talked to Ronald, the head of security, and there is a way to get Amanda out of the venue without Victoria or the press seeing her," Candy explained.
"That's good." Daniel wanted to get Amanda out of there as quickly as possible.
"Do you want me to sneak Amanda out while you go up front?" Candy asked. "Although if you do that, please do not sucker Punch Victoria or your fiancé's boss. You already owe the PR team a cookie basket. Let's not add to it."
"I'm never going to be forgiven for what happened at the UN?" Daniel sighed.
"Never." Candy replied as she grabbed Amanda's hand, but she pulled away."
"No," Amanda answered firmly.
"What?" Daniel and Candy asked simultaneously.
"I'm not leaving. I want to see Christina's show, which I will do." Amanda held firmly.
"This woman has threatened to kill you multiple times long distance, and now she's here. I don't want you in the same country as her, let alone the same building." Daniel's voice was filled with concern.
"It's not my fault she snuck over here without anybody realizing it. I'm not running from her again. She wants me to be afraid." Amanda explained.
"And we are afraid because Tiffany is still missing. I don't want that to happen to you." Daniel countered.
"What?" Candy turned to him, completely shocked.
"I knew I forgot to tell you something." Daniel lamented. "I'll explain later."
"I already decided I wouldn't go to any more shows because baby back sucks. But I want to be here for this one. Christina is my friend. I am tired of giving Victoria everything she wants because she is unhinged. If Austin can go to the Black and White ball with her there, then I can do this." Amanda argued.
"Because we knew she wouldn't do anything to Austin publicly," Daniel argued back. "Although she still managed to get into a shouting match with Cal and Tyler."
"That only ended because Cal and Tyler threatened her with revealing his paternity to the press corps," Amanda argued. Not that it mattered that the two never actually visited the press line. Rumors about Tyler's paternity were starting to circulate again after Friday night, and Cal's name was at the top of the list.
"And less than 48 hours later, Victoria was making surprise hospital visits and offering the new girlfriend money to leave." This may have happened because the Tyler truth is very close to coming out.
"Daniel, I'm not backing down on this. I need her to see that I am out here living my life despite what she did. Maybe her interference was for the best in the long run. I want her to see me thriving."
"OK," Daniel replied reluctantly. He knew he couldn't change Amanda's mind right now. "Candy, do you mind sitting back here so Ronald can come with us."
"I'm OK with that. I'd rather stay back here, but we are definitely discussing the fact that Austin's mom is MIA later. I've been in constant contact with Tamika. That feels like something I should know about." Candy looked very annoyed.
"I don't even know if Tamika knows all the details. We're trying to keep it close hold for now. I will text the group, and then we will go to the front of the house."
"Good, I have been standing way too long." Amanda started rubbing her back again.
"Earlier, you said you were sitting too long," Candy commented.
"When you're 36 weeks pregnant, you'll understand that both can be true simultaneously."
Xxx
London Daniel: Amanda doesn't want to leave. So, we will take our seats with Ronald, the security guard, in a few minutes.
Fashionista Marc: Have you tried offering shoes?
London Daniel: She wants to be here for Christine's show. Thankfully, she had already decided to sit out the rest of fashion week.
London Daniel: Pregnancy has made Amanda extra stubborn. I'm walking away and just bringing the security guard with us.
Monique: She is 36 weeks pregnant with twins. I am surprised she made it to this show.
London Daniel: She's having contractions already. She claims they're Braxton Hicks, but I'm not entirely sure. She is staying over tonight, so that I can keep an eye on her. We will know more after her doctor's visit tomorrow. I will keep everybody posted. We're taking our seats now. I'll talk to everyone later.
Brianna: Do that. Although if the alleged Braxton Hicks contractions start to come five minutes apart, you call your doctor immediately. I already had Lexi Junior by this point. And there is only one of her in there. She's always been a very impatient child.
Monique: At least Amanda won't deal with what I did when I went into labor early. Although that was way too early. Still, let's hope Amanda doesn't deliver until week 37.
Matt #6: Why?
Monique: I don't want Amanda to go into labor with your mom in the country. Also, you can't go to London if Victoria is there. That will shatter the illusion that Amanda is out of your life for good despite the new boyfriend.
Fashionista Marc: I don't know. I feel like you're super homophobic Mom would almost appreciate you getting back with Amanda at this point.
Fashionista Marc: Not that it would happen because she's too good for you.
Matt #6: Cory is still in Malick, which is something my mom cares about more.
Matt #6: I know Amanda and I weren't good for each other. I'm trying to be better with Cory.
Brianna: Also, as far as I know, Cory's mom never slept with my brother. I think that's another reason Victoria hated Amanda.
Breanna: Although Cherry Malick did. After the divorce, of course. They dated for a couple of weeks when I was in college.
Matt #6: I did not need to know that. It was already weird enough that I slept with my boyfriend's sister.
Fashionista Marc: Now I'm sad I have to drop off this chain. I need to get ready since I have an extra 45-minute commute now that I live in Queens.
Monique: But it will be quicker for you to get to LaGuardia if I decide you're going to London to fill in for Daniel. Although I don't know if you would be okay leaving Jade and the boyfriend.
Fashionista Marc: Cliff is okay with me going to London without him. I will have a bag ready to go if you decide I need to fill in for fashion week.
Fashionista Marc: Or I can stay with Amanda during labor so Daniel can keep showing up at events, and Victoria would be unaware that Amanda is in labor.
Breanna: You'll have to convince Daniel that it's safer for Amanda if he follows that plan. Good luck.
Monique: Tamika, can you check on flights? Also, can you call Spencer to see if he can leave early?
#1 cousin: I'm already checking on options. There are some nice flights leaving tomorrow morning. I'm sure we will have a readout of Amanda's doctor's appointment, and then we'll know if everybody should go to London.
Fashionista Marc: I'll have a bag ready. Mostly because I'm not done unpacking at the new place yet.
Breanna: I will call my brother and update him on the latest shenanigans before leaving for the airport. I deeply regret the decision to fly commercial.
Xxx
Sexy fiancé: Victoria is here. Lindsay is mad. He also told me to warn you and Amanda. I think he still likes her. I'm on my way backstage.
Sexy fiancé: OK, I think he wanted me to leave so he could yell at Victoria without me overhearing. Their business relationship has gone sour already.
Sexy fiancé: I'll help you get Amanda out the back.
Xxx
Meanwhile, elsewhere in London
Amanda was starting to second-guess her decision not to sneak out the back as she and Daniel made their way to their seats. Not because she was afraid of Victoria, but these Braxton Hicks contractions are starting to get annoying. She felt like she was being crushed, and this was just the warm-up act per the baby books. Labor is going to suck.
"Are you sure you want to sit for a 30-minute show?" Daniel asked as he slowly rubbed her back. "You look like you're in pain."
"It will pass soon, and I probably won't have another episode until after the show. It's sporadic, not like actual labor pains. "But I expect lots of chocolate when this is over," Amanda commented as Betty ran to them.
"Hey, I'm glad I found you. I guess the reception is bad here, and you didn't get my text message. You can't go out there." Betty warned.
"Victoria is here. We know." Daniel told his fiancée.
"Then, why are you still going in?" Betty asked, confused.
"I am done running. The only thing Victoria cares about is controlling people. If I leave, I give her exactly what she wants." Amanda argued.
"I also think she wants to torture me with your presence. Although I told her we were a triad. She was not amused." Daniel leaned over to kiss Betty as soon as she was done explaining.
"I love you."
"If you weren't painfully straight, we would be," Amanda tells her. "Seriously, Daniel, why are you the one with the flexible orientation?"
"I wanted to get back at Bradford and, during the process, realized that I liked giving my tutor a blow job. However, I'm now firmly Betty sexual." Amanda chuckled at that.
"The teenage years will be a nightmare if the twins take after either of you," Betty remarked.
"Probably." Amanda and Daniel said simultaneously.
"We're going to take our seats, but I really don't want you going back to sit with Victoria." Daniel sounded concerned. "Maybe you can take Ronald's seat. I think our security guard would rather stand in the back,"
"I would prefer that, Sir." Their security guard said from the side.
"I unfortunately don't have a choice but to return to my boss." Betty sighed.
"You could stay backstage with Christina. You should go say hi anyway." Amanda suggested.
"I need to find Victoria's assistant, so that might involve going backstage." Just then, a woman approached the group who reminded Amanda of Fay. The most significant difference was the dark hair color and the lack of Botox lips.
"I think she found us," Daniel remarked.
"Cou— Ms. Sanchez?" Amanda started to say cousin but corrected herself at the last moment.
"I was trying to warn the two of you, but I see Ms. Suarez found you first."
"Lindsay sent me away. He wanted me to find you," Betty explained.
"Also, per the Google alert I put on my boss, Lindsay is yelling at her. He probably didn't want you to see that." Her cousin pulled up her phone to show video footage of the two in some sort of argument.
"I've been gone five minutes." Betty sighed.
"After being Victoria's assistant for about half a week I realize that is all it takes with her." Everyone else nods their heads in agreement as Betty's phone chimed.
"I think I will have to take you up on your offer to sit in Ronald's place," Betty says as she looks at her phone. "Lindsay wants Ms. Sanchez to take my seat."
"He's letting us stay together?" Daniel asked happily.
"He's letting me sit with Amanda. You just happen to be there." Betty explained.
"I finally got a hold of his assistant after trying since I realized we landed in London, not Barbados. He is super angry. I think having you sitting with Amanda is his revenge." Amanda's cousin explained.
"I am definitely going to make her regret switching the test. We are holding hands the whole show. How mad would you be if I kissed you in front of everybody once we sat down?" Amanda asked. She had plans to make Victoria extremely uncomfortable.
"Not that mad. It wouldn't be the first time you kissed me."
"I think I've had dreams about this." Daniel joked.
"I'm going back to keep an eye on Victoria. I'll report back on anything important for Tamika. If I get any free time, I'll try to sneak away. I actually have wanted to visit for a while." Amanda does, too. She regrets not looking for phase family earlier.
"Later, when you're not working for the evil socialite," Amanda tells her.
"Maybe she'll fire me before leaving London." Her cousin joked.
"That seems probable."
Xxx
Justin: OK, I am fully dressed and moisturized. I have about 15 minutes before the car picks us up for Mode. What did we miss?
DJ: [6 pictures attached]
Justin: Why is Aunt Betty kissing Amanda?
Justin: Actually, why is she sitting with them? I thought she had to stay with her boss.
DJ: That was the plan before Victoria crashed. Lindsay is furious that she skipped the Christmas shoot in Barbados. This is his idea of a punishment especially because Victoria made snide comments about Daniel and Amanda's relationship earlier. Aunt Betty is 99% sure the stunt with the test was Victoria's attempt to break her and Daniel up.
Justin: That something Victoria would do. Apparently, my aunt is entirely OK with psychological torture.
Austin: Psychological torture against the woman who may have killed my mom. I'm all for anything that would make her highly uncomfortable.
Antonella: It looks like Victoria's plan backfired spectacularly.
Antonella: What test are you talking about? What did Victoria do?
Justin: Ask your sister-in-law. DJ, how did you get that picture?
DJ: Victoria's new assistant via Tamika.
Justin: It has made it to UK Fashion Twitter. I need to explain what's going on to mom and grandpa.
Justin: OK, Mom is all for psychological torture.
Justin: Grandpa is still asleep, and she will deal with him in like three hours.
Antonella: Fair.
Justin: OK, show me pictures of the clothes. Fashion Twitter is only talking about my aunt.
DJ: [9 pictures attached]
Justin: Everything looks so good. I'm glad I talked Charlotte in to doing a feature. Christina deserves it.
DJ: It's going to be in the November issue. But we will do a mini fashion week article for the website.
Justin: Good. Christina deserves all good things.
Austin: Can you see how angry Victoria is? I need to know she's having a horrible day.
DJ: I really can't see from back here.
Antonella: According to UK Fashion Twitter, she is furious.
Justin: Also, her outfit is hideous, and her assistant is better dressed.
Austin: That feels right.
DJ: [5 pictures attached]
Justin: Christina brought William out with her for her final bow. That is so adorable.
DJ: He stole the show.
Antonella: He's so cute.
X
Andie was exhausted by the time she managed to unlock the front door of her building. She was supposed to do this two hours earlier. Unfortunately, she rarely arrives home on time. Tonight was no different. Although her phone ringing is. Most people know not to call her on workdays, including her boyfriend. He made an exception today, probably because she should've contacted him by now.
"Hey, I'm about to leave for my breakfast meeting, but I wanted to check in since you haven't called yet," Cal said once she was on the line.
"In my defense, technically, I am not home yet. I am only in the foyer of my lobby. I was going to text you as soon as I at least had a bowl of cereal." This definitely felt like a cereal-for-dinner type of night. Technically, it's morning, but it's night to her since she's just getting home from work.
"What happened?" Cal asked, concerned.
"One of the other doctors was late, and we had a mass casualty situation. The mass casualty situation may have been why they were stuck in traffic. Anyway, it wasn't safe for me to leave until about 30 minutes ago. Thankfully, I'm not working again until Wednesday afternoon." Andie said as she hit the button for the elevator.
"I am grateful for that."
"I am grateful that your ex-wife didn't show up again." Andie would prefer not to see the former Mrs. Hartley again for at least a month.
"That will be hard since she is in London right now." Cal sighed.
"London? Isn't that where Matt's ex-girlfriend is hiding?" Andie asked as she stepped out of the elevator.
"Yes. She is supposed to be in Barbados."
"The ex-girlfriend?"" Andie asked.
"My ex-wife. She was specifically told not to go to London for fashion week by her business partner. However, Amanda decided to get back at Victoria by making out with Matt's other ex-girlfriend, who now lives in London. Breanna's stepson sent her pictures, which she just sent me." Even though Breanna continuously denied being back with Alexis all weekend, she refers to Alexis's son DJ from a previous relationship as her stepson. It took Andie a moment to remember that stepson currently lived with Alexis's brother and fiancé in London—the fiancé who happened to be Matt's former girlfriend.
"The aunt of Austin's boyfriend, right?" Andie asked. "Breanna's stepson lives with her and his uncle right now if I remember correctly."
"Yes."
"See, I told you the complicated family relationship flashcards would pay off." Andie joked as she turned the corner to her apartment.
"They did. Although I'm now a little less worried about Victoria because she is in another country." Andie wasn't listening at that point because she just saw that the lock for her front door was broken along with half the wooden frame.
"I am still worried. I'm switching to video real quick." Andie said, switching the call to the video feed in turning the phone around so her boyfriend could see what happened to her front door.
"It appears that somebody broke into your house. I don't want you to go in there right now."
"I wasn't planning to." Andie sighed. "Who knows what booby-traps wait for me. I doubt this was random." Andie told her boyfriend.
"I'm 100% sure my ex is involved." Cal sounded annoyed.
"Oh, I know your ex-wife is involved. Am I calling the cops or your private investigation team?" Andie asked.
"Both. I am also having my assistant send a car to pick you up. I'll take care of fixing the door as well."
"I appreciate the offer. I am still unsure if I am comfortable staying at your house without you. I can get a hotel." She tells her boyfriend. She wants the man never to feel like she's only with him because of what he can give her.
"Or you can stay at Brianna's house. She's going back to Cleveland this afternoon. Her building has good security. She needs a house sitter anyway since she's not coming back until November at the earliest."
"Call your sister." She tells him, realizing that it's better to give him this one. Being a housesitter isn't freeloading.
"Done. My assistant will be there in 15 minutes. Do you think you'll be safe there while waiting? Is there a café close by you can go to. I'm sure you haven't had anything to eat yet."
"I will call the police from my next-door neighbor's place. I'm surprised I didn't get a text from her. She's such a light sleeper." Although maybe she was working last night as well.
"Do that. Be careful."
"I will be."
"Does this make you more inclined to take the money and run?" Cal asked.
"Less. I was married to a controlling asshole once." Victoria reminded her a little too much of her ex-husband. "I swore I wouldn't put up with that again. I won't let you either."
"You are wonderful. I'm sorry I dragged you into this."
"It's not your fault she won't let you live your life. You deserve better,"
"I let you make your calls. Text me when it's over with."
"I will."
"I'm also going to fly back to New York after this breakfast. I can reschedule tomorrow's meetings for later in my trip."
"I will not say no to that." Andie really wanted her boyfriend right now.
To be continued…
I just want to mention that Daniel is going in and out of the group conversation and not reading all the other messages. That will be more obvious in the next chapter. He's very busy with everything else that's going on in London. Otherwise, I think he would've made a lot more comments, especially the stuff about Claire.