‘You kissed?’ she squeaked, her voice cracking.
‘Calm down, not like that. Just on the cheek.’
‘Which cheek?’
‘Behave woman!’ I giggled back.
A squeal came down the phone. ‘I told you he liked you! Oh, I’m so excited for you! What are you going to wear?’
‘Thanks, I’m actually really looking forward to it. And I don’t know yet.’
‘You sound surprised about looking forward to it.’
‘No. Well, I guess. Oh, I don’t know. With everything else going on at the moment, and then this deal with Glam, work is going nuts. I suppose I just haven’t thought much about anything in that direction for a while.’
‘All work and no play makes Libby a dull girl.’
‘You’re calling me dull? Thanks for that.’
Amy laughed. ‘Of course not! Just, you know, it’s been a while. I’m happy for you. And Alex seems nice. Marcus said he’s a good bloke. I couldn’t get much more out of him than that.’
‘Thanks. I’m not raising my hopes, but it might be nice to go on a date. Like you say, it’s been a while.’
‘It has… so what are you going to wear?’
‘I’ve really no idea! I don’t know where we’re going. I’m going to have to hedge my bets, I think.’
‘Or just go all out and knock his socks off.’
‘Oh. I don’t know. I don’t want to set standards I can’t keep.’ I laughed.
‘Rubbish. He’s seen the floaty, day version of you. Now show him the vampy night version!’
‘I don’t have a vampy night version!’
‘Of course you do!’
‘And what if we go to a diner? I’m going to look ridiculous.’
‘I’ve a feeling that Alex isn’t going to take you to a diner on a first date. He’ll be wanting to impress you. Don’t you want to impress him?’
Did I?
‘I’m not looking for anything… serious. You know that. And I don’t want to pretend to be someone I’m not.’
‘You’re not. It’s just clothes and make-up, Libs. I can’t believe I’m telling you, of all people, that!’
‘Argh, I know, I know.’ I flopped down on the sofa.
‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Of course!’
‘What if something serious comes looking for you?’
‘Alex isn’t serious.’
‘You don’t know that. But hypothetically. Not necessarily Alex.’
I didn’t answer.
‘You don’t think someone will ever be worth the risk?’ Amy’s voice was soft and concerned.
My mind tumbled back to the look on my dad’s face as he caught Mum falling that day. The pleading in his voice as he performed CPR. The stunned, shattered expression he wore as he helped bear her coffin at the service.
‘It’s not that people aren’t worth the risk. It’s that I’ve seen what happens when luck turns its back on you. That’s what I’m not prepared to risk.’
Amy didn’t reply but I heard her sigh.
‘You should get some more rest.’
‘I’m OK. Do you want me to come round and help you get ready?’
I kind of did, but I thought of Amy, more than likely tucked up in a blanket with Marcus fussing around her as she recovered from her party head – and what might have been a long night, judging by the way she and Marcus were locked together when they left.
‘No, it’s fine. But thank you for the offer. You just concentrate on recovering.’
‘OK, if you’re sure. And thank you. It’s a shame you don’t know where you’re going. Can’t you ask him?’
‘I sort of like that it’s a surprise in a way. Besides, I don’t have his number. He’s going to get mine off Charlie today.’
‘Charlie! Of course, Charlie would know where Alex always takes his first dates to.’
‘Err, hello? I may not be looking for lifetime commitment but please try not to make me sound like I’m just one of a long line. Even if I am.’ I thought back to what Alex had said about how his goodbyes to women usually went so smoothly. Yep, I was definitely one of a long line. But right now I was, at least, first in that line.
‘I didn’t mean it like that, sorry.’
I laughed. ‘Don’t worry about it. And Charlie will be leaving for the airport by now. He’s flying out today on a business trip.’
‘Does he know you’re going out with Alex tonight?’
‘I suppose he does now if Alex got my number off him this morning when they went biking.’
‘Right.’
‘What?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Hmm,’ I replied, having a good idea of what she was thinking. I opted not to mention yesterday’s moment of alcohol-induced befuddlement on this point. It had cleared as quickly as it had arrived and all was back to normal in the Libby/Charlie world now. Thank goodness.
‘Charlie and I are really good friends and that’s amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without him these days. Not just because of the advice he gives me with the business stuff, but just his friendship. Charlie just being Charlie. You know?’
‘I do. He’s lovely. Whoever does end up with him will be one lucky girl, that’s for sure.’
‘They will. Absolutely.’
‘OK. If you don’t need me, I have a nap calling my name. Have an amazing time tonight! I want all the details.’ She hung on the word ‘all’.
‘Of course.’
‘Now go! Vamp up!’
‘We’ll see.’
‘Don’t make me come round there.’
‘Go and lie down now. Too much excitement’s not good for you.’
‘Oh, so true. Today anyway. See you later, honey. Love you.’
‘Love you too. Feel better soon. Hugs to Marcus.’
‘OK, bye.’
‘Wow!’
I’d taken Amy’s suggestion and gone for it. Rather than my more normal relaxed look, I’d chosen a watercolour print silk shift dress. One side had a thin strap and the other had a long floaty sleeve. It was shorter than I generally wore – by about two feet – and I loved it. I’d only worn it once, for a post on the blog, because there just hadn’t seemed the right opportunity since. After scanning my wardrobe for about the fifteenth time, I’d gone back to this one. My first date in a very long time seemed as good a time as any to give it an airing. Pairing it with some strappy, nude-coloured sandals and a small metallic clutch, I was ready.
Now that Alex was here in front of me, without the fortification of yesterday’s alcohol, I suddenly felt a lot more nervous.
‘I’m hoping this is OK,’ I said, waving a hand to encompass my outfit. ‘I wasn’t sure where we were going. If I’m overdressed – or underdressed – I can change really quickly.’
‘No! No, not at all,’ Alex replied. ‘It’s perfect. You look perfect.’
I gave a laugh that came out a bit weird. Probably not the elegant, sophisticated response the compliment called for. And clearly not the one Alex was expecting, by the brief flash of surprise I saw flit across his features.
‘I mean, thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. You ready to go?’
‘Yes.’
I pulled the door shut behind me and turned back to my date. He was looking at me with an expression I couldn’t quite make out.
‘What is it?’ I asked.
‘You.’
‘Oh.’ I shifted my weight.
Alex sensed something and brushed his fingers against my hand. ‘In a good way.’
I smiled, glancing down then back up, flattered by his compliment and the way he was looking at me. He held out his hand and I took it, partly because I wanted to and partly because the towering skinny heels on these shoes combined with the stairs to my flat ran the risk of being an accident waiting to happen.
‘That’s quite some grip you have there,’ Alex said when we got to the bottom. I glanced down at our hands and noticed his fingers
were almost entirely white from where I’d slowed the blood supply as I clutched his hand. So much for the romantic hand-holding gesture.
‘Whoops. Sorry,’ I said, releasing his hand. He opened and closed his fist a couple of times to encourage the colour back.
He flashed me one of those easy-going smiles. ‘Not a problem. I like a woman who’d give me a decent run in an arm-wrestle.’
I raised one eyebrow. ‘Give you a run? I believe the words you meant to use were “beat me”.’
He laughed. ‘Is that so?’
‘I’m a woman of hidden talents.’
‘Now that, I don’t doubt for a minute.’
I smiled, the slight awkwardness of the first date pick up dissipating thanks to Alex’s perfectly timed banter.
‘I’m sorry. I’m just a little nervous. It’s quite a while since I went on an actual date.’
He stepped closer, his hand on the car door handle next to me. ‘I know. First dates can be like that. But we had fun at the barbecue. You already know me, sort of. And you look amazing. So just relax.’ I could smell the aftershave he wore, just a hint, nothing overpowering. His shirt was open at the neck and a slightly deeper tan ran above his collar line, a sign of his outdoor lifestyle, combined with patrol duties. His eyes watched me, a soft openness in their expression.
I nodded. ‘OK.’
He opened the door and a problem immediately became obvious. Alex’s four-by-four featured a high step up – one which certainly hadn’t been designed for anyone wearing a short silk dress. I half lifted one foot, then swapped and tried with the other. Each time I came horribly close to showing way more than I planned. I turned back to face him. For the first time, he looked slightly unsure. And then the confidence bounced back onto his face. He stepped in front of the open car door.
‘OK. Face me.’
‘Huh?’
‘Face me.’
I did so.
‘I know this isn’t ideal. But do you mind?’
‘Mind what?’
Placing his hands at my waist, he swiftly lifted me into the vehicle. I made a surprised squeak as he did so and clamped my knees together in an effort to preserve my modesty as I was now sitting sideways with my legs hanging over the edge of the seat, out of the door.
‘Oh. Mind that. Right.’
‘Sorry. Maybe I should have asked Charlie if I could borrow his car. It’s a little more impressive than this old thing.’
‘Don’t be silly. It’s just about finding a solution. Which we have.’
‘I have to say it’s not exactly how I had imagined this going. I was going to be all suave and help you in.’
‘You did help me in.’
‘Yeah, but not quite James Bond, was it?’
‘I’m not interested in going out with James Bond. Too flashy. Now,’ I said, my knees still firmly clamped together as I swung myself to face forwards, ‘are we going to dinner, or what?’
‘We are. We most definitely are.’ He pushed the door shut, pulled it open again when it didn’t quite catch and slammed it a bit harder. I pulled the seat belt out and plugged it in as Alex slid into the driver’s seat. ‘Sorry. I really need to get a new car. It’s finding the time to look lately, what with work and studying for my transfer to plain clothes.’
‘It’s fine, Alex. Honestly.’
‘No, I’ve been meaning to for ages. It’s good for hauling about my mountain bike and windsurfing gear but it’s kind of getting a bit tatty now. It’d be nice to get something a bit newer and smarter.’
‘Well, it’s doing the job perfectly right now, so could you take me to find food, please? I’m starving!’
‘Your wish is my command. The restaurant’s not far at all, don’t worry.’
20
Five minutes later, Alex was reverse parking the Jeep into a space I’d never have a hope of getting into. I waited whilst he fed the meter and then waited again, as requested, until he came and opened the door for me. In a reverse of earlier he lifted me quickly out of the car and placed me down on the road. I stepped away from the car and he gave the door another heave before locking it.
‘I hope you like French food?’ he said, holding out his hand for me to take.
‘I do. Very much so.’
His smile widened at this information as he squeezed my hand quickly and gently.
‘Good.’
We were outside a Regency town house that had been converted to a hotel with a restaurant in what would have been one of the front rooms. It was quiet, intimate and beautifully decorated, paying homage to its heritage but infused with a Gallic flair that had been married perfectly. Alex kept hold of my hand as we mounted the stone steps outside the house and entered the building. An enthusiastic waiter greeted us and showed us to our table, pulling my chair out ready for me. Once I’d sat, the waiter advised that he would return momentarily with menus and a wine list. I glanced around as we waited.
‘This is lovely!’ I said, taking in all the period details and the paintings on the wall. I squinted at the plaque underneath one, seeing that it was by a local artist and for sale, as were all the other prints in the room.
‘I’m glad you like it.’
‘I love that painting,’ I said, pointing at one that didn’t appear to be of anything specifically but with colours that melted together like the most perfect sunset. It made me feel tranquil and happy.
‘Really?’ Alex frowned at it, apparently not quite so enamoured with the art.
‘Yes. Don’t you like it?’
‘Not really. But I guess that’s the thing with art, isn’t it? It’s very subjective.’
‘It is. But you do like Charlie’s photography, I’m guessing, from your enthusiasm at the barbecue?’
‘I do. He’s definitely got talent, and I’m happy you’ve made him realise that. He’d never say it but he’s over the moon about this commission. He doesn’t always show a lot, but I’ve known him far too long for him to be able to hide much from me.’
I smiled. ‘I’m happy for him too.’
‘When we were biking today, he mentioned that he’s decided to take a few extra days at the end of this business trip to go off exploring and taking pictures. He’s never really done that before.’ Alex fixed me with a look. ‘You’re clearly very influential.’
‘Oh, rubbish!’ I said. ‘I just wore him down. He likes a quiet life. The blog thing was just to shut me up, like he said.’
‘He wouldn’t have done it if he really was against it.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. You’re right. He’s all for a quiet life but you don’t get where he is by letting people walk all over you. Charlie has limits, like most of us. I think he just needed a push in the right direction from the right person.’
There was something in his tone and eyes that held the suggestion of a question.
‘Come on, out with it,’ I prompted.
Alex opened his mouth to speak just as the waiter glided back to our table, producing our menus with a Gallic flourish before telling us about the specials, every one of which sounded delicious. I was suddenly glad I hadn’t gone for something incredibly fitted when picking my outfit for the evening. He left us to make our choices.
‘Out with what?’
‘I might not have your training, Officer, but I can tell you’re dying to ask something.’
Alex smiled and shook his head. ‘Hard to get anything past you, eh?’
‘Oh.’ I waved my hand. ‘You’d be surprised, but go on.’
‘That sounds like a story.’
‘It is. But not one I’m telling right now. Stop prevaricating.’
His smile turned into a laugh. ‘OK, OK. I guess… I just…’
I waited, not prompting him. He’d get there eventually.
He started again. ‘When Charlie started talking about you, I thought there might be more to it than just friendship, you know. He certainly seems to enjoy spending time with you, but, like I said on Saturday, h
e never mentioned that you were beautiful. I guess I sort of assumed…’
I shrugged. ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that.’
Alex pulled a face. ‘That came out way more blunt than it was supposed to. Sorry.’
It was my turn to laugh. ‘Don’t worry about it. I’m just wondering where this is going.’
He took a breath. ‘I knew I wanted to ask you out the moment Marcus introduced us, but… I guess, I suppose I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t setting myself up for failure here…’
I waited for more, but there wasn’t any.
‘Are you asking me if I have a crush on Charlie?’
He pulled a slightly awkward face.
‘You certainly have an interesting style of dating, I have to say.’
‘Believe me, this wasn’t how I planned on opening. I don’t know what happens to me around you. I lose all my charm and sophistication.’ The easy smile returned.
‘Oh, I think there’s still a little charm left there.’
He laughed and tentatively moved his hand on the table so that his fingertips brushed mine. I dropped my eyes to them, and then moved my hand, placing it on top of Alex’s.
‘Charlie is lovely and I’ve been metaphorically buried six feet under several times by women in the vicinity when we’ve been out places, and I can totally understand why. But we’re friends. That’s all. So this—’ I waved my hands around, encompassing the conversation ‘—is all irrelevant. And frankly, as much as I love Charlie – as a friend – I’d really rather hear about you right now.’
Alex turned his hand so that it caught mine; his smile was soft and the expression was reflected in his eyes. ‘Glad we got that out of the way.’
‘I didn’t realise it was even in the way.’
‘It isn’t now.’
I was enjoying myself even more than I’d expected. Alex was funny, smiled readily and laughed often. But having also enjoyed three courses and two glasses of wine, I was pretty much ready to pop by the time the waiter brought the bill. I lifted my clutch bag from my lap.
‘I’m paying,’ Alex said, without looking at me, concentrating instead on wiggling a credit card out of his wallet. ‘Why do they make these slots just the tiniest bit smaller than the actual cards?’ He shook his head as it finally came out before placing it in the little holder on the menu and put the whole thing to the side.
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