‘I have to say it’s not exactly how I had imagined this going. I was going to be all suave and help you in.’
‘You did help me in.’
‘Yeah, but not quite James Bond, was it?’
‘I’m not interested in going out with James Bond. Too flashy. Now,’ I said, my knees still firmly clamped together as I swung myself to face forwards, ‘are we going to dinner, or what?’
‘We are. We most definitely are.’ He pushed the door shut, pulled it open again when it didn’t quite catch and slammed it a bit harder. I pulled the seat belt out and plugged it in as Alex slid into the driver’s seat. ‘Sorry. I really need to get a new car. It’s finding the time to look lately, what with work and studying for my transfer to plain clothes.’
‘It’s fine, Alex. Honestly.’
‘No, I’ve been meaning to for ages. It’s good for hauling about my mountain bike and windsurfing gear but it’s kind of getting a bit tatty now. It’d be nice to get something a bit newer and smarter.’
‘Well, it’s doing the job perfectly right now, so could you take me to find food, please? I’m starving!’
‘Your wish is my command. The restaurant’s not far at all, don’t worry.’
20
Five minutes later, Alex was reverse parking the Jeep into a space I’d never have a hope of getting into. I waited whilst he fed the meter and then waited again, as requested, until he came and opened the door for me. In a reverse of earlier he lifted me quickly out of the car and placed me down on the road. I stepped away from the car and he gave the door another heave before locking it.
‘I hope you like French food?’ he said, holding out his hand for me to take.
‘I do. Very much so.’
His smile widened at this information as he squeezed my hand quickly and gently.
‘Good.’
We were outside a Regency town house that had been converted to a hotel with a restaurant in what would have been one of the front rooms. It was quiet, intimate and beautifully decorated, paying homage to its heritage but infused with a Gallic flair that had been married perfectly. Alex kept hold of my hand as we mounted the stone steps outside the house and entered the building. An enthusiastic waiter greeted us and showed us to our table, pulling my chair out ready for me. Once I’d sat, the waiter advised that he would return momentarily with menus and a wine list. I glanced around as we waited.
‘This is lovely!’ I said, taking in all the period details and the paintings on the wall. I squinted at the plaque underneath one, seeing that it was by a local artist and for sale, as were all the other prints in the room.
‘I’m glad you like it.’
‘I love that painting,’ I said, pointing at one that didn’t appear to be of anything specifically but with colours that melted together like the most perfect sunset. It made me feel tranquil and happy.
‘Really?’ Alex frowned at it, apparently not quite so enamoured with the art.
‘Yes. Don’t you like it?’
‘Not really. But I guess that’s the thing with art, isn’t it? It’s very subjective.’
‘It is. But you do like Charlie’s photography, I’m guessing, from your enthusiasm at the barbecue?’
‘I do. He’s definitely got talent, and I’m happy you’ve made him realise that. He’d never say it but he’s over the moon about this commission. He doesn’t always show a lot, but I’ve known him far too long for him to be able to hide much from me.’
I smiled. ‘I’m happy for him too.’
‘When we were biking today, he mentioned that he’s decided to take a few extra days at the end of this business trip to go off exploring and taking pictures. He’s never really done that before.’ Alex fixed me with a look. ‘You’re clearly very influential.’
‘Oh, rubbish!’ I said. ‘I just wore him down. He likes a quiet life. The blog thing was just to shut me up, like he said.’
‘He wouldn’t have done it if he really was against it.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. You’re right. He’s all for a quiet life but you don’t get where he is by letting people walk all over you. Charlie has limits, like most of us. I think he just needed a push in the right direction from the right person.’
