‘Then they’re the idiots.’
‘OK.’
‘OK.
‘What are you doing now?’
‘I’m sprawled on the bed. There’s a sci-fi film about to start so I’m going to watch that with my dinner.’
‘You should be out partying in the Big Apple. Make the most of it.’
‘There’s a thing tomorrow evening.’
‘A party?’
‘Yeah. I’m not sure whose exactly. It gets complicated sometimes as to the connection but someone’s throwing some party at a place on the Upper West Side.’
‘Ooh, swanky.’
‘Yeah.’
‘You sound thrilled.’
‘I’d rather be here watching HBO.’
‘Oh, Charlie! Go and enjoy yourself.’
‘I enjoy myself watching HBO and talking to you.’
I smiled. ‘You’re hopeless, you know that, don’t you?’
‘No. I refuse to accept that diagnosis. I just prefer a quieter life.’
‘That’s true. I take it back.’
‘And because you’re worried if you don’t, you might not get help with your taxes.’
‘There is that.’
‘You’re a hard-nosed businesswoman underneath that bubbly, kind exterior, aren’t you? Cold, hard steel.’
‘Uh oh. Busted.’
He laughed, a deep rumbling that tickled my ear.
‘You are going to be OK to do Tilly’s photos, aren’t you? I mean, we all know you’re doing it as a favour, and that you’ve been travelling a lot lately.’
‘Yes. My assistant knows that weekend is a no-go for anything. I’ve taken the Friday off too so that I can go over some things.’
I smiled at the slight nerves in his voice.
‘They’re going to be fantastic pictures, Charlie. I know it.’
‘I hope so. Obviously I will be blaming my studio assistant if anything does go horribly wrong. You do understand that.’
‘I’d expect nothing less from an artistic master such as yourself.’
The laugh rumbled gently over the line again.
‘Have you got any more trips coming up?’
There was a slight hesitation before he answered, and I assumed he was thinking ahead in his calendar. ‘No, things should start settling soon.’
‘That’s good, then, isn’t it? I mean, I know you like travelling sometimes but…’
‘Yes. There’s been more than I anticipated lately.’
Down the line, I heard the doorbell to his room sound.
‘Room service is here. Better go.’
‘OK, go and watch your film and enjoy your dinner. And have fun tomorrow! I absolutely insist.’
‘All right. I’ll try. Now go to bed, it’s late.’
‘Yep. Heading off now. Night, Charlie.’
‘Night, Libs.’
32
I was waiting for Charlie in the car park and heard the throaty engine before I saw him turn in. He pulled up to me and I scooted around to the passenger side and hopped in.
‘Morning.’
‘Morning. Ready to do this?’
‘I am. Are you?’
‘I feel better now you’re here but… yes, I am.’
I tilted my head at him. ‘Charlie Richmond, I do believe you’re actually excited about this.’
A grin slid onto his face. ‘I am. I really am. But I’m also totally bloody terrified about messing it up. It’s a very odd combination, I have to say.’
I grabbed his hand. ‘You’re not going to mess up. Just do what you did with us in the bedroom…’ He raised his eyebrows and I silently ran through the sentence again. ‘Yes, OK. That came out decidedly different from how it sounded in my head, but still you know what I mean. Do what you did then, and what you always do when you go out taking photos, and it’ll be great. It’ll be amazing. It’ll be—’
He laughed, clapping his hand over my mouth. ‘I get the idea.’
‘Mmmff.’
He removed his hand.
‘Just psyching you up. All part of my assistantly duties.’
‘Assistantly?’
‘Yep.’
‘Nutcase.’ He grinned, then grabbed me in for a quick hug and dropped a fleeting kiss on the top of my head. Letting go, he put the car into gear and pulled smoothly away, heading towards Tilly’s parents’ place to start with some early morning getting-ready shots.
We pulled up outside the address and Charlie was out and opening my door before I’d finished undoing my seat belt.
‘That’s all right. Just start getting your stuff out. I’ll be there in a minute.’
He merely held out his hand in response. Which I took and thereby made a more elegant exit than I would have alone. Charlie didn’t let go of my hand as I stood, closer to him now.
‘Thanks for doing this, Libs. I really appreciate it.’
‘It’s my pleasure, really. I think you’re wonderful for offering to do it for them anyway – you have no idea how much it meant to them. Tilly didn’t stop talking about you for a week. Frankly, I was sick of hearing about you by the end. I was kind of glad you’d had to go back to New York again.’
I tilted my head back up to meet his eyes and winked.
Charlie gave me an even look, bent quickly and placed a kiss on my forehead before taking the straw hat I was holding and plonking it down on my head. I shoved my hand up and pushed the brim back in order to see him.
He was smiling now. ‘Like I said, thanks. Now, are you ready to be a packhorse?’ he asked, leading me to the boot, which was full of camera gear.
I made an ee-yore sound.
He looked round at me.
I shrugged. ‘I don’t really know what noise a pack horse makes. It was the best I could do.’
He looked at me like he didn’t know what to say, but I saw a flash of something in his eyes. My smile faded a moment.
‘Is everything all right?’
Charlie looked away, back at the range of the stuff in the boot. ‘Absolutely. Come on, let’s get going.’
It wasn’t hard to get the bridesmaids to smile for Charlie as they attended to their preparations. It was, however, a little harder for him to get the candid shots that Tilly and Sam were so keen on, due to the fact the women kept throwing glances his way. One particularly enamoured cousin began talking about some photos she’d seen where the bridal party were in their underwear – beautiful, tasteful black and white shots, that she was sure Tilly would love. I had a feeling that the benefit would be more for the cousin than Tilly as they were all laced into corsets and this particular bridesmaid certainly looked amazing in it, from the flash I’d seen earlier as she swooshed past, her robe left open and her cover-girl figure perfectly suited to the style.
I sneaked a glance at Charlie, trying to think of something to say to diffuse any feeling of awkwardness, knowing he’d be going as red as a signal beacon right about now. But he wasn’t red at all. He merely transitioned over the suggestion by making others, giving directions and laughing at little jokes the girls were making as they flirted outrageously with him. It was as if he’d become someone else for the day. My stomach flipped a little as I suddenly realised I was hoping this new aspect of Charlie was fleeting. The fact that he was a little shy was one of the many things I loved about Charlie. It made him… him. I never wanted him to be uncomfortable, of course I didn’t. But it was endearing that he wasn’t always all super smooth. It was… refreshing. But today he was taking it all in his stride. And, for some reason, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it.
My phone buzzed in the pocket of my dress and I pulled it out.
✉︎ I know you probably don’t want to hear from me, but I just wanted to say again I’m sorry how things went. I never meant to hurt you. I really hope everything goes well for Tilly today. Take care, Alex x
From what I had managed to find out, Charlie and Alex were still a little tense with each other but I truly hoped they’d sort
that out in time, and that meant I’d probably end up having to see Alex again at some point. But that still didn’t mean I was ready to forgive him quite yet.
I shoved the phone back in my pocket, shook the thought from my head and, refocusing, wandered over to where Charlie stood. He sensed me standing there and gave a ‘two seconds’ signal. The camera rolled off a few more frames and he turned to me, leaving the girls to their own devices for a few minutes.
‘All right?’ I asked.
‘Girls!’ a voice called up the stairs. ‘The flowers are here! Come and see!’
Four bridesmaids and one bride rushed towards the door. Charlie hooked an arm out and scooped me out of the way before I got mown down in the melee. He put the camera down and perched on the edge of a bedroom chair.
‘You seem to have all this in hand. I’m not sure you need me at all. Quite the charmer under all that, it would seem,’ I teased.
His head snapped up. ‘It’s all bravado, believe me. Don’t you dare leave!’ I was slightly relieved to see that the Charlie we all knew and loved was still there. ‘I’m just trying to get the shots.’
‘Let me see?’ I scooted over and sat on the floor next to him for a minute. He handed me the camera and I rested it on one of his legs, and leant on the other one, as I cycled through the shots he’d taken so far. ‘Charlie!’
‘What? What’s wrong? Are they not what she wants?’
‘No! I mean, yes. They’re perfect. They’re absolutely perfect! She’ll love them! Promise me you’ll take my wedding photos!’ I laughed.
He looked down at me. ‘I thought you said you didn’t see yourself getting married.’
I tilted my head, still looking at the shots on the screen on the back of the camera. ‘True. But these are so beautiful. You might change my mind.’
‘Might I?’
I looked up and met his eyes, their blue enhanced by the deeper tan he’d acquired from travelling, alongside the great weather here at home. The white shirt he wore, sleeves rolled up to mid forearm, set both off perfectly. It was pretty damn easy to see why the bridesmaids were falling over themselves to call his attention. I was half tempted to find a spare corset and try it on myself.
‘What?’
‘Huh?’
‘You said something about corsets.’
Oops.
‘Oh, something for the blog,’ I blustered. ‘Thinking out loud. Sorry. Concentrating now. Promise.’
I pushed myself up from the floor, using Charlie’s knee as a crutch. ‘Right, Bailey, are you ready for round two?’
‘Will you throw in the towel for me if it looks like I’m losing?’
‘Nope. Not an option. Go get ’em, Tiger!’
He stopped and looked at me. ‘Go get ’em, Tiger?’
I shrugged. ‘I don’t know. It just came out.’
He gave me a full-wattage grin, snagged my hand with his free one and pulled me along to go get ’em together.
It was half past ten and Charlie and I were sitting, or rather slumped, on his sofa, each holding a very large glass of wine, and both trying to find the energy to actually make the move to bring them to our lips. The large windows were open and the muffled sounds of a summer evening in the city blew in on the faint breeze. A single lamp lit the room as the sky outside lost the last deep blue of twilight.
‘I’m shattered,’ Charlie said, eventually.
I made a ‘mmh hmmn’ sound of agreement and took a swig of wine.
‘Lie in tomorrow?’
Charlie rolled his head on the back of the couch to look at me. ‘I think we both deserve it, don’t you?’
‘I do. But I’m having the boys tomorrow. So, think of me when you’re lying sprawled in your bed with nothing to do all day.’
He raised one tired brow. ‘You probably shouldn’t tell blokes to think of you when they’re lying in bed.’
I whacked him with a cushion.
‘I get the hint. But my point still stands.’
I whacked him again because I was too tired to think up a clever reply right now. I’d probably have a zinger of one ready for tomorrow. He took the cushion off me and tucked it down the side of his hip.
‘What have you got planned with the boys?’
‘I honestly don’t know yet. I haven’t thought that far.’
‘Have they been to Legoland?’ he asked after a pause.
‘Ugh. No. They haven’t, much to their disgust. Matt’s said he’ll take them but it’s been a case of finding the right time.’
‘What about tomorrow?’
I looked at Charlie. ‘I love those boys to bits, but I am not driving up to Windsor tomorrow to spend most of my day standing in lines, waiting to go on a two-minute ride.’
‘I could drive you. And there are special passes that mean you don’t have to queue.
I raised an eyebrow. ‘You seem to know an awful lot about this.’
He brought his wine glass up and took a sip. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’
‘I’ve a feeling there’s another little boy who wants to go to Legoland…’
‘Be careful where you’re throwing that description around, won’t you?’
I laughed. ‘Afraid Elaine might change her mind?’ I said, referring to his Marilyn-esqe neighbour. ‘Is she still after you, by the way?’
‘I don’t think “after me” is the right description. But she has invited me over a couple more times, yes.’
‘Then “after you” is exactly the right description.’
‘Can we get back to Legoland?’
‘I can text Matt and ask him what he thinks. You just said you were shattered though. It might be better to have a rest tomorrow. We can always go another time if you’re still up for it.’
He turned his attention to the stem of his wine glass, its contents barely touched. ‘I’ll be fine after a good sleep. And I know I’m free tomorrow.’
I let out a sigh and pulled my phone from my bag.
‘I’ll ask him. It’s hardly a cheap day out so I’d better check first.’
Pushing himself up off the sofa, Charlie crossed the room and began rummaging through some paperwork that sat piled on the corner of the dresser.
✉︎ Hi. Are the boys still wanting to go to Legoland?
I messaged my brother.
His reply came back swiftly. An emoticon with a wiggly line for a mouth. I got the idea. Another message immediately followed.
✉︎ Yes. Gonna have to bite the bullet some time and actually take them. Have you seen the prices??!! Why are you asking?
Charlie padded back across the room and held some papers in front of my face. I reached up and took them. Four complimentary VIP passes to Legoland Windsor.
‘Seriously?’
He sat back down next to me.
‘A client gave them to me the other day. I’d rather they got used than went to waste.’
‘And you want to go to Legoland.’ I smiled.
‘I’m just offering to drive.’
‘Oh, so you’re going to stay in the car?’
‘Well, if I’m there, I may as well go in.’
I smiled. ‘Of course.’ I looked at the tickets again. ‘Are you serious about this? I mean, the boys will be ecstatic, but you’ve had a long day today.’
‘It’s fine. I wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise. I can lie in bed another day. I’d enjoy spending the day with you and the kids. Especially if it’s something they want to do anyway. Seems a shame not to.’
‘Wow. First the James Bond car and now Legoland. I hope you’re ready for a bit of hero worship.’
‘Always.’
I rolled my eyes at him but couldn’t help grinning. I started typing another text out to my brother.
✉︎ Would it be OK to take them tomorrow? Charlie has free VIP tickets and has offered to drive us.
The reply came back so fast I imagined Matt’s fingers smoking.
✉︎ Yes! Absolutely! Yes! You are the best sister ever!
Maria says you totally need to marry Charlie. I agree. The sooner the better preferably!
I told Charlie that they were happy with the plan – a massive understatement. I didn’t mention the second bit of the text.
‘What time should I say we can pick them up?’
‘What time do they get up?’
‘Oh, dark thirty, usually. Don’t worry about that.’
‘OK. Well, if we say pick them up at eight, if traffic’s OK, we should be there about half nine or so.’
‘Sounds good.’ I texted Matt the details, and asked him not to tell the boys what was happening.
‘We can tell them when we pick them up.’
Charlie grinned and his eyes sparkled in the soft light from the lamp.
‘I’m not sure who’s going to be the most excited. Them or you.’
‘Could be close.’
I flopped my head back on the sofa. Charlie moved and the sofa dipped. I opened my eyes to find him shifting position, and now facing me.
‘You sure you’re going to be OK? I’m sorry. I didn’t think to ask. I got sort of carried away.’
‘I’ll be fine. Although I do need to get home and get to bed.’ I glanced at the wine in his hand. ‘I’ll call a taxi.’
‘I’ve only had two sips, literally.’
‘No, it’s fine. You enjoy your wine.’
‘Look. Why don’t I whizz you home, collect your stuff for tomorrow then come back here and we can both enjoy our wine? I’ve only got to come and get you in the morning anyway.’
‘I could always drive here first. Or meet you at Matt’s.’
Charlie looked at me for a moment. ‘Yes. Both good options. But I’ll run you home now anyway.’ He placed his glass down, grabbed his keys from the side table he’d put them on earlier, and pushed himself up.
I was reluctant to move, having now found an exceptionally comfortable position.
He glanced at me and then turned to study me more intently.
‘You look comfy.’
‘I am,’ I said, sounding none too happy about it.
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