‘I remember you said ages ago that you loved Agatha Christie, right?’
‘Oh crikey. That really was ages ago. I’m surprised you remembered.’
‘You still do though?’
‘Yes! Of course. Love her!’
‘OK. So, there’s a play of hers on at a theatre that’s about an hour’s drive from both of us and I just wondered if you might want to go?’
My smile answered for me. ‘I’d love to.’
Seb relaxed and smiled back and it was only then that I realised he’d tensed up. Which wasn’t like Seb at all.
‘Did you honestly think I’d say no?’
He shrugged. ‘Honestly, I wasn’t sure. Your whole plan this year is to say no to stuff and I was just concerned about asking because I didn’t want to ruin what we have and make things weird.’
‘Fair enough. But it’s not like I’m saying no to everything. Only the boring stuff. And why would it be weird?’
‘Why is anything?’
‘I’m not sure I understand the question!’ I laughed.
He shook his head. ‘Never mind. The important thing is you said yes. So, I took the liberty of looking up some times already and there’s a showing next Friday evening that has some seats left, if you fancy that one? Depending on what time you can get away, we could always grab a bite to eat first maybe.’
‘That sounds great.’
‘OK. I’ll send you through all the details and directions and I can order the tickets now while you’re on. Where do you like to sit?’
‘What have they got?’
‘Let’s see.’ I heard him tap some keys and waited as he brought up the theatre’s seating plan. ‘Looks like there’s some in the stalls. Fourth row back?’
‘Sounds perfect. I’ll be able to see what’s going on without having to use those ridiculous little opera glasses things.’
‘Do they still have those?’
‘I’ve literally no idea. It’s ages since I’ve been to the theatre.’
‘I don’t think I’ve been since I was a kid.’
‘No! Really?’
‘Yeah. Bad eh?’
‘No, not bad. People have different interests.’
‘That’s the thing. I love the theatre. But I guess I just never get around to it.’
‘Well, now you are.’
‘I am indeed. There, done,’ he said, picking the phone back up from where he’d balanced it while he booked the tickets on his laptop. ‘We can pick them up at the box office on the night.’
‘Ooh! I’m really excited now. Thanks, Seb. Can I give you the money when I see you?’
‘Nope. My treat.’
‘Oh no, you can’t do that. I wouldn’t have let you book them if I knew you’d do that.’
