I laughed. ‘Don’t worry, Charlie. I know banter when I hear it. And besides, you said I was pretty, which I’m shallow enough to accept, be flattered by and make allowances for.’
He waited whilst I bent and retrieved my bag. ‘You are pretty. And you’re most certainly not shallow. Now come on, let’s go and get Greg to look at this paperwork. Watching him squirm in embarrassment when he meets you will be amusing for a start.’
I stopped. ‘Charlie Richmond. I wouldn’t have believed it of you!’
He laughed and reached back, grabbing my hand to tug me along. ‘Believe me, he’s watched me squirm plenty of times and thoroughly enjoyed it!’
‘Really. That sounds like an interesting conversation we need to have.’
Charlie smiled. ‘Another time.’
‘Spoilsport.’
‘I didn’t say never.’
‘That’s true.’
‘So, what’s with the change of heart about your dinner plans this evening?’
‘Ugh.’ I slumped my shoulders briefly as we walked. ‘My dad has invited someone else along.’
‘And that’s a problem?’ Charlie glanced at me, frowning briefly. ‘You love people.’
‘I do. But what I don’t love is my dad trying to matchmake when all I want to do is have a nice meal together.’
‘Matchmake?’
‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘It’s his thing. Well, it’s his thing when it comes to me.’
‘And you don’t approve of his choices?’
‘I don’t approve of him doing it at all! Especially when it’s launched on me as a surprise. I only found out there’s someone else coming when my brother rang earlier to give me a heads up.’
‘Look, maybe you’re reading too much into it. Maybe it’s just a friend of your dad’s.’
‘He told Matt that I’m going to think this guy is perfect. Or words to that effect.
‘Oh.’
‘Yes. Oh.’
‘Maybe he will be.’
I gave Charlie a look. He returned it.
‘You never know,’ he said, with a shrug.
I shook my head. ‘That’s not really the point.’
‘No, I know. Just try and enjoy the food.’ He made a gesture with his hand. ‘This is it.’
The building housing the solicitors’ offices was shiny and sleek with lots of glass, in line with much of the development of the area. Charlie held the door for me and we entered. He approached the building receptionist and announced who we were there to see, and that we were expected. Flashing him a dazzling smile, the receptionist asked him to wait a moment. She made a call on her desk phone and minutes later a man was exiting the lifts and striding towards us.
‘Charlie.’ He beamed and the two men shook hands. I was standing to the side, and half behind Charlie. I wasn’t purposely hiding. It was just that with his sizeable bulk it was easily done.
‘This is—’
‘Libby!’ Greg cut Charlie off and thrust out his hand as Charlie moved, realising he was blocking me.
