‘Definitely.’
‘Give me a buzz later and let me know how your meeting went.’
‘I promise.’
‘OK. Better go. Good luck, Libs.’
We parted ways, him heading out to the street and me down to the depths of the Tube.
* * *
‘How’d your meeting go?’ my brother asked.
‘Really good, thanks,’ I said, glancing around for somewhere to sit as, down the phone, I listened to him wrangle with one of the boys whilst talking to me.
‘Great, you’ll have to come round for dinner and tell us all about it. I’m just ringing to give you a heads up about tonight.’
I stopped walking.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You’re meeting Dad tonight for dinner, right?’
‘Yes,’ I said, slowly.
‘I’ve got a feeling he and Gina are bringing someone for you to meet.’
‘What? No!’
‘’Fraid so, sis. I did try to put him off but he’s convinced you’re going to “think he’s marvellous”. I believe those were his words.’
‘Great.’ All enthusiasm for the evening seeped out of me. ‘Any chance you can ring him back and have another go at dissuading him? He listens to you.’
‘I’ve got to leave for Theatre shortly but I can try if you want.’ Matt hesitated. ‘You know it won’t work though, don’t you? Even from me.’
I let out a sigh. He was right and we both knew it. We’d tried, and failed, before with this tactic. Once he’d decided on something, it was hard for anyone to get my father to change his course. The only one who’d been able to do that was Mum.
‘No. I know. It doesn’t matter. I guess I’m just going to have to endure it, as usual.’ I gave a little laugh, but, even to me, it sounded hollow.
‘He means well.’
‘I know. I just wish he’d stop.’
Matt made a sympathetic noise down the phone. ‘So, the meeting?’
The smile bounced back onto my face. ‘Really good, actually. Better than I could have hoped. They had some great ideas and I think it could be really exciting!’
‘Sounds great. So, what happens now?’
‘I’m going to think about it some more over the weekend. I have the legal papers to look at and sign if I’m happy. Which I am. Honestly, I don’t think there’s too much to think about. Affiliation with a brand like this is a fantastic opportunity.’
‘Well done, Libs! I’m so pleased for you.’ I could hear the enthusiasm in his voice and it made me smile.
‘Thanks, Matt.’
‘OK, I’ve got to get off to the hospital. We’re both off duty this weekend. Fancy coming round for Sunday dinner?’
‘That sounds lovely! I can relate the whole sorry tale of this evening for your amusement.’
