‘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.’
