‘It’s popular culture.’ I shrugged. ‘I’ve never seenStar Warsbut I know that Darth Vader is Luke’s father.’
His dark eyes opened wide. ‘You’re kidding. I was planning on watching those for the first time this Christmas.’
‘Oh my God, I’m sorry—’ I broke off because he was already smirking.
‘Sorry, I couldn’t resist.’ He winked at me. Yes, he was definitely a habitual flirt.
‘Touché. Do you have—’ I started, but he was already sliding his credit card across the counter towards me. ‘Thank you.’
Once I’d tapped in all his details, I printed off his booking form and slid it across the desk, pointing out where he needed to sign. As he read it through, I fetched the key card and wallet for his room and then we exchanged documents with another smile.
‘Room Four is on the first floor, to the right. I can bring your luggage up in the service lift if you’d like.’
‘That’s okay, I think I can manage.’ He slid his scarf off his neck and looped it over his arm, then tucked his key card in his pocket.
‘Well, if there’s anything else I can help you with, just dial “O” on the phone in your room or drop by the desk.’
He unbuttoned his coat and slipped that off too. He was wearing a pristine, tailored suit beneath: if he’d travelled down from London this morning in that suit – as the address on his account details suggested he would’ve – it didn’t seem possible for him to look so well ironed and clean. I wondered if there was a special product that designer shops gave the wealthiest clients to help repel dirt and general rumpledness.
He caught me examining him again and I did my best to pretend I didn’t care. As he took the handle of his luggage, he paused, like something was niggling him.
‘Have we met somewhere else? I’m sure I’ve seen your face before.’ His eyes danced over my features and he gave a slow smile, revealing bright white teeth. ‘It’s not one I’d be likely to forget.’
As far as lines went, it wasn’t the best I’d heard.
‘And yet you have,’ a dry voice commented from the stairs. I looked over to see who’d stolen my thunder and delivered the exact comeback I’d just thought up. Nick. As he loped down the stairs a flock of traitorous butterflies took off in my belly.
Excellent, that was just what I needed.
He was wearing a stripy jumper that was either hand-knitted or found in a jumble sale. It hung just off centre on his shoulders, like it was too big for him, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to straighten it up in a motherly fashion or rip it off him in a verynon-motherly fashion.
My eye caught Noelle’s. I’d managed to forget she was there for a minute. Probably because she’d stopped laughing, had completely abandoned the leaflet and was now leaning forwards, elbow planted on her knee and chin resting on her hand, watching us like her favourite soap opera.
‘Nicholas.’ Stephen’s smile grew tight as he turned towards his brother and offered his hand. They did that strange handshake, shoulder-slapping thing that men do when they’re too awkward to just hug like normal human beings. ‘You made it.’
‘I was here yesterday. Just like I said I’d be.’
Oh wow, more bickering siblings for guests. At least it would give everyone a genuine Christmas experience – what was the festive season without a few Brussels sprouts launched across the dinner table? I sat down and started typing up the menu selection because I really didn’t have time for the level of nosiness I desperately wanted to indulge in. Maybe when I was less busy I could ask Noelle for the notes she was obviously going to write up afterwards.
‘You can forgive me for doubting surely?’ Stephen said quietly but patronisingly enough that I was left in no doubt over who the younger brother was. ‘Anyway, it’s true. I’m sure I’ve met—’ He turned towards me again and frowned. ‘Where did she go? Oh, there you are.’ He leaned over the counter, looking down at me with another winning smile. If he ever fancied a change in career, I bet the toothpaste commercial industry would bite his hand off (pun totally intended). ‘I’m sure I’ve met Beth before.’
I always found it unsettling when guests read my name tag. I knew that’s what it was there for, but still, something about it made me feel less like a real person. My name is my name, and I’d prefer no one to know it unless I give it out. Also, the tag was over my left boob and it’s doubly odd to know a stranger hasdefinitelybeen lookingthere.
I hit the mouse button, sending the menus I’d quickly typed over to the printer and stood up, to remove the feeling that they were both peering down at me, as though I was in a fish bowl. ‘I really don’t think we have.’
‘I’ll figure it out. I’m sure I will.’ Stephen rapped his knuckles on the top of the desk. ‘When was the last time you were in London?’
‘Not long enough ago for my liking.’ I turned to the printer and watched the menus printing off as Stephen chuckled at my response.
‘The City isn’t for everyone,’ he conceded. ‘But I’d love to hear why.’
Admittedly, I was out of practice, but I had the feeling he was gearing up to ask me out and I had no idea how to react to that. I mean, it was starting to come back to me – these little flirtation games. And it was easier with someone like Stephen who was pleasant on the eye but unlikely to take it too seriously because he most likely acted this way with anyone who gave him the merest hint of interest. It might be a good way to get myself back out there.
But on the other hand, was I ready?
I pulled the menus off the printer and shuffled them into a stack to buy myself a moment but even without eye contact he carried on. ‘Maybe we could—’
‘Stephen,’ Nick interrupted, running his hand through that beautiful bird’s nest of blond hair and darting a quick look over at me before glaring at his brother. ‘You’ve only just arrived. Why don’t you stop harassing the staff and drop your stuff off so you can come and see Nan?’
