Edward came into the living room and sat down with a tired sigh.
‘She wanted me to read four books and tell her the story of when she was born and then asked a lot of questions about how she was made and her birth that frankly I was unprepared for,’ he said.
Eve looked up from her book and laughed. ‘Do you need me to talk you through it?’
Edward made a face at her. ‘No thank you, I’m well aware. I was there, remember? It’s funny though, she won’t ask me about these things for ages and then all the questions will come at once, and they are more evolved than the last round.’
‘That’s called growing up,’ Eve said.
‘True,’ he agreed. ‘But I feel like Myles was born knowing everything about the world and more.’
‘But Myles had to learn early,’ said Eve. ‘He didn’t get to slowly discover the world can be a shitty place. Amber showed him from day dot probably, even before you were in their lives.’
Edward stared into the distance. ‘You’re right,’ he said.
Eve went back to reading her book.
‘What are you reading?’ he asked, peering at the cover.
‘A Scandi crime book, pretty good but gruesome.’
‘It’s the cold and no darkness for parts of the year – that’s why they write cruelty so well, makes them angry,’ said Edward.
‘You’re generalising. Don’t forget Moomins came from Finland, and they’re very whimsical.’
‘The hippopotamus trolls? Ah yes, Flora has a picture book of them. Weird little creatures.’
He was silent for a while.
‘Is crime your favourite genre?’
She put her book down. ‘No, I like anything really, well maybe not sci-fi but that’s because I don’t have the patience to mentally teleport my mind into another galaxy.’
Edward smiled. ‘But you can transport yourself to the fjords running with blood and villains hiding in the forests?’
‘Quite easily,’ she admitted. ‘What about you? What’s your favourite genre to read?’
Edward thought for a moment. ‘I think it’s historical fiction, but I will be honest with you… I stopped reading a few years ago. I just didn’t have time and I think it’s really affected my writing.’
Eve nodded. ‘That makes sense. I think writers need to stay relevant in their style and see what else is being written. Also good writing can be motivating to try and replicate in your own work.’
‘That’s a good point.’
‘What about your favourite film? Is there one you could watch once a month and not get sick of?’ she asked.
‘God, films are another thing I have left to my former life. I loved Hitchcock films, and I also lovedNotting Hill,’ he said, looking a little bit sheepish.
‘Notting Hill? The romcom with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant?’ Eve asked, trying to make sense of his admission.
‘What? It’s a great film. And Julia’s smile, I mean, there’s nothing like it is there?’
Eve started to laugh loudly, feeling tears in her eyes. ‘You, Edward Priest, like a romcom movie?’
He leaned forward, speaking in a conspiratorial tone. ‘I like lots of romcoms, as you call them.’
‘Oh yes? Tell me your top five then,’ she challenged.
‘Only five?’ he scoffed.
