‘No, no. Notthatplan. Thumbs up for that one – you have it all covered. What I want to know is what your plan is to sweep my darling Ashleigh off her feet?’
‘Oh. Erm…I’m going to talk to her tomorrow when she comes home from the wedding.’
Romesh wrinkled his nose up. ‘That it?’
‘Oui?’
He shook his head. ‘Nope. Not good enough. You like Ashleigh, yes?’
‘You know that I do.’ Olivier shifted in his chair.
‘You really,reallylike her?’
He nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly.
‘Then it’s time to bring out the big guns. Put on your best suit, get your cute little butt in your car, and get over to that wedding.’
‘You want me to gate-crash someone’s wedding?’
‘No. Sorry. Not the weddingceremony– but the reception? Absolutely. Ash has gone there alone. It’s going to be at a beautiful hotel, decorated for Christmas. She’ll be surrounded by couples slow-dancing. Think Baby in the corner.’ He had been waving his hand through the air as though painting the scene but then paused, and shook his head. ‘No – no, not quite that, because she’s probably having a good time with her friends but still. This is your opportunity to make an entrance. Don’twait. All you’vedoneis wait – the pair of you. Cut through the briars, climb the tower and declare yourself.’ He pressed his hand to his chest, his voice having risen to a crescendo, and took a calming breath, fixing Olivier with a firm look. ‘Give her some goddamn romance, Olivier; she deserves it.’
Olivier’s mouth was hanging open but he found himself nodding. Romesh was right. Of course he was right. Ashleighdiddeserve him to declare himself. Shediddeserve romance.
And Ro wouldn’t have suggested it if he thought that Ashleigh would turn him away. Would he?
