Chapter Twenty-One
Tuesday 10th December
Ashleigh – The Aquarium, Brighton Pier
Ashleigh knocked on Olivier’s door and stood back, burying her hands in the pockets of her coat. She clenched them into fists to still the tremors. She didn’t know why she was so nervous. It wasn’t like this was a date. She’d clearly made it about helping him out with the chocolate shop display. Just a friend helping another friend out.
As though he couldn’t walk down to the seafront by himself.
He opened the door and greeted her with that lovely cheek kissing, which made her want to grab him by the lapels and plant a proper one on him, right on his sexy, smiling lips. As he closed the door behind him, she led the way out of the gate, glancing back a couple of times.
Why, Ashleigh? He’s not going to be abducted by aliens if you stop staring at him for five seconds.
‘This way is quickest,’ she said, pointing uphill.
‘How did you get on last night?’ he asked, tucking his deep red scarf in at the collar of his dark coat. She’d told him all about Beth’s visit, the dress she’d chosen, and the patterns she now needed to alter and work up. All while they were hanging out either side of the fence, just like they used to do when they were kids.
‘Really well. I stayed up far too late working on it though.’ She smiled at him.
‘You don’t look tired. You look like you’re full of energy, in fact.’
Shedidfeel light and bouncy – rather than tired. When she’d been sitting out on the swing last night she hadn’t. She’d been going through the same old thoughts about why her mother never prioritised coming to see her but after talking to him they’d receded. She didn’t know if it had been because when he told her she deserved to enjoy putting up the lights for herself, she found herself believing him – or because he’d let her in and admitted that things weren’t all rosy for him and his parents either. Not that she was happy he was having trouble with his family, but it made her realise, if he was still capable of looking on the bright side, even when they made life difficult for him, then maybe she could be too.
‘I guess it doesn’t make you as tired when you’re doing something that brings you joy.’ She raised her eyebrow at him and threw him a coy smile.
‘Oh it can do. But it invigorates you too.’ The smile he returned was so sexy, she wondered if he was talking aboutotherthings that brought joy. ‘You should keep doing it.’
Her mouth went dry and before she could think of anything to say, her phone pinged. She took it out of her pocket and saw that it was a message from Romesh. ‘Sorry – I don’t usually text other people when I’m with someone, but Ro said he needed to talk to me the other night and I haven’t heard from him yet. I just want to check he’s okay. D’you mind?’
‘No – of course not. Go ahead.’
She unlocked her phone and read Romesh’s message as they carried on walking.
Romesh:What are you doing, beautiful? Sorry I didn’t call you yesterday. Big project on at work. We’re having to put in overtime to get it finished before the boss goes on leave for Christmas.
Ash:Glad to hear you’ve recovered enough from your painful injury to hobble into work…
Romesh:Oh, come on. It was genius and if you meet me for lunch, I shall tell you why. I could sneak out for half an hour?
Ashleigh:I’m taking Oli to the pier today.
Romesh:Yes! Get in there! I knew my match-making would work. You just needed a bit of a push. The pier though? I suppose it’s cute but not exactly where I would’ve expected a French chef to take you for a first date?
Ash:It’s not a date. Why would he have asked me on a date? Ro…what have you been up to?
Romesh:Nothing. I swear. But I did get confirmation from him on Saturday that he fancies you.
Ash felt heat flood up to her cheeks and glanced at Olivier to make sure he wasn’t able to read over her shoulder.
Ash:You talked to him about me having a crush on him?!!!
Romesh:No! I did not mention your feelings once. I just called him on his. Because it’s obvious, angel. He likes you too.
Ash blew out a breath and tried to think how to respond.
Ash:I don’t know how to respond to that.
Romesh:How about “thank you for helping us cut through all the bullshit dancing around each other we were likely to do for the next fortnight”? And then you buy me a really amazing Christmas present?
