‘I’m not sure you’re actually capable of hiding much at all, from what I’ve seen.’
I frowned.
‘It’s a compliment.’
‘Oh.’
‘I take it everything was over with the boyfriend?’
‘Definitely. I found out later they’d been dancing around each other for a while. She was some city girl high-flyer, same as him, so I’m sure they had much more in common than he and I ever did. I’m quite a people person generally—’ at this I saw a glint of a smile in Charlie’s eyes ‘—but, to be honest, I often felt a little out of place whenever I went to functions with him. They’d all be talking about stuff I have no understanding of, so I’d just sort of stand there most of the time, feeling a bit of an idiot.
‘Did you ever tell him that?’
‘What?’
‘That you felt uncomfortable?’
‘I tried.’
‘And?’
‘Nothing really. I mean, he couldn’t make me understand the technicalities of the software business, or stocks and bonds, which is usually what the conversation swung around to. What was he supposed to do?’
‘He was supposed to make sure you felt comfortable. To reassure you.’
‘That’s sweet, but it makes me sound a bit pathetic.’
‘No, it doesn’t.’
‘I can look after myself, Charlie. I never failed to find the bar and a friendly barman or lady to chat to.’ I gave him a cheeky wink.
‘I have no doubt that you are entirely able to take care of yourself, or that you wouldn’t have any difficulty in finding someone to talk to.’
‘Just not in his social circle.’
‘Then it was most definitely their loss. By not taking the time, they missed out on some very entertaining conversation.’
I tilted my head at him. ‘I can’t yet tell when you’re being sincere and when you’re taking the mickey.’
‘In this case, I’m sincere.’
‘Then, thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. And if you don’t mind me saying so, I think the only idiot in that relationship was him.’
‘Thank you. Again. I came to the same conclusion. Of course, it took me slightly longer and a lot more tears to get there.’
Charlie studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable, before taking the bill off the approaching waiter before he could put it down. Motioning for him to wait a moment, he then handed over a credit card.
‘How much is my half?’ I asked, rummaging in my bag.
‘I’m getting this.’
I looked up, purse now in hand. ‘Oh, no. You can’t do that. We agreed I’d pay.’
Charlie frowned. ‘We did no such thing,’ he said calmly, taking the payment machine off the waiter, before putting in a pin code and handing it back.
‘Didn’t we?’ I thought back. Actually, no, we hadn’t. ‘All right. Well, I meant to say that before we started. You’re already doing the accounts as a favour. I’d feel better if you’d let me pay for lunch at least.’
