‘It has been said.’
Outside this hotel, there’s a massive twinkling Christmas tree in the courtyard as a backdrop, a line of festive soldiers with handlebar moustaches looking over us, Mariah still warbling in from somewhere. The winter air is still biting so Cameron huddles in closer to me, smiling.
‘So. I am very sorry. I guess I thought this would be a nice date?’ he explains. ‘Maybe I should have been clearer about what we were doing.’
‘I should have asked. I just jumped to the conclusion that this was some sort of…’
‘Sex liaison?’
I chuckle. ‘You make it sound vaguely romantic and respectable. There’s me looking like some sort of nympho. First, I accost you in my car, now I’m showing up to hotels in lingerie and a trench coat.’
He widens his eyes. ‘Is that all you had on under there?’
‘I had a sailor outfit on, but it’s a little brief… There are nipples on show.’
He shifts me a look. It’s what I will now call the burrito look.
‘I mean, if you want to… I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of seeing that costume in more detail.’
His leg brushes against mine. I look at him, he looks at me, we pretend to look away, blush hard and then catch eyes again, some comedy flirtation that makes us descend into giggles. God, I’d very easily straddle you now and give you a preview, but there’s a Mandalorian vaping next to us who’d see the whole thing.
‘You know, this whole week has been fun,’ Cameron proceeds. ‘That’s understating it – it’s been like truly… amazing,’ he stutters nervously. ‘But unexpected too. And I didn’t want you to feel like that’s all I’m here for. That bit is crazy fun, but you’re kind and nice. If this is something, then maybe we need to do something more than…’
‘Have very animated phone sex.’
We both laugh. It was two nights ago and so animated, he dropped his phone twice.
I feel his hand fall to my knee. And I feel all that spark, all that warmth flood through me every time he’s been around me, the sort of spark that you’re begging to ignite, to see where the fire will take you.
Tell him. Tell him now.Hey, Cameron. While we’re on the subject of rebuilding this very vague relationship, it’s important that I tell you something. You know that the party where we met? That was my brother’s house and I don’t work in catering. I’m actually a below-average cook. The sort who burns toast. That evening, you know you alluded to his parents who both used to work in porn? Well, they’re my parents too. And that sex empire they own, I run that too.Let’s start this again, maybe shake hands.
‘You’re really lovely, Cameron. Maybe you’re right. Maybe we need to start from the beginning without all the drama, the misunderstandings.’
He nods, earnestly. ‘I’m Cameron.’
‘Josie.’
‘And you’re vibrating.’
For some reason, I think he’s making a sex joke, but then realise he’s talking about my phone. With a big sigh, I reach into my pocket. Mum. Oh my life, you choose your moments. I reject the call.
‘Like I was saying, let’s be upfront. Start afresh,’ I say.
The phone goes again. Reject.
‘She’s keen,’ Cameron says, peering over.
‘She’s my mum.’ She should also assume I might be naked and not to be disturbed.
The phone rings. Again. I glance as messages pop up and my phone chimes like church bells.
Call me.
Now.
This is very very important. I’m so sorry.
‘I’m sorry, Cameron. This is so rude but let me handle this and then you can have my full attention.’
