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‘Any time. Right then, off you pop.’

As he walked to the door, he turned and blew me a drunken kiss, which I pretended to catch mid-air and place in my pocket. I patted said pocket to indicate it was safe and snug.

‘See you at nine o’clock sharp tomorrow morning for some curtain hanging!’ Tom shouted, as he was ushered out of the pub by his boisterous colleagues.

I laughed quietly before turning around to return to my bar-wiping duties, only to come face to face with a smirking, wide-eyed Becky, her arms folded in friendly challenge.

‘“Curtain hanging”? Is that what they’re calling it these days? Debrief. Now.’

Becky pointed to a pair of well-worn sofas next to the fire, which was gradually dying down but still deliciously warm. I sank into the softness of one of them, relieved to take the weight off my sore feet. Becky sat on the sofa opposite, leaning towards me with eagerness and intent. I prepared for an Elle-style interrogation.

‘Firstly, thank you.’

Oh! Unexpected.

‘You don’t have to thank me, Becky, I just—’

‘I’m gonna stop you there. You prevented all that food going to waste and helped us have our best night in bloody months. You stood up to that dickhead Christian Woods and finally got through to him. And you laid and unlaid that massive table like seven times. You did fucking loads and I’m obsessed with you.’

‘Gosh. Er, thanks! I guess…’

‘And can I tell you what else I’m obsessed with?’

Ah, here goes.

‘I have this feeling you might tell me anyway?’

‘Correct. I’m utterly obsessed with this thing between you and Tom. Turning up his collar and catching his cute little kiss? I mean, Jesus, I’m a sceptic when it comes to all things romance, but even I couldn’t help but swoon at the sparks that are almost literally flying between you guys.’

‘Argh, stop it!’

‘I couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to. Thishasto go somewhere! Speaking of which, why didn’t you go with him just now?’

‘Because he’s smashed and I’m very much not.’

‘Fair enough. Fledgling relationships often rely on drunken equality.’

The word ‘relationship’ gave me goosebumps, which made me feel hopeful and pathetic all at once.

‘In that case, if the last couple of days are anything to go by, Tom and I may be forever doomed to remain on opposite sides of the sobriety fence.’

‘Oh my God, youdolike him, don’t you?!’

I said nothing as I heaved myself off the sofa and began collecting up my things, but my internal fairy lights were now flashing at maximum speed, and – somehow – Becky could tell. She let out a squeal so high-pitched that it was almost inaudible.

‘Oof. I dunno, Becky – I’m heading back to London soon. Even if what you’re saying is true, it all just feels a bit futile. And I still can’t figure out why on earth he would’ve been interested in me back then, let alone now.’

She drummed her fingers on the table and bunched her lips to one side.

‘Okay, I reckon I’ve got something back at mine that might help to convince you. I can drop it round in the morning. What number Hollyhock Close are you staying at?’

‘Eleven.’

‘Cool. If I find it, I’ll pop it through your letterbox first thing on my way to the wholesaler’s. And trust me – it’s conclusive.’

Chapter 16

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