‘No – like Butlins…er, a holiday camp I mean. Like cabaret.’
‘Oh. Yeah. Like that.’ Lila nodded. ‘But look. We don’t have to talk about this all through dinner. You’ve never told me how you got into makeup.’
‘Now this feels like you’re practising for your date.’ Ruth winked at Lila but, when she blushed, took pity on her and accepted the change of subject.
And actually, it was lovely to hear Ruth’s stories about first working in television and then flying out to LA on a whim after a long-term relationship ended. She was so brave.
Lila made herself a promise she wouldn’t check her cell until it was time to get ready for bed too. She was going to go crazy this week if she let herself stare at it all the time. She hadn’t even asked Rowan what his plans were the evening, but given the day he’d had, she really hoped he was getting some rest. She was tempted to send him a message saying that but didn’t want to disturb him if he was sleeping. When she settled into bed and finally let herself take a look to see if maybe he was awake and had messaged her, she found out she had an email.
From her brother.
Dear Lila
I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve contacted me! As I said, I would have understood if you didn’t want to, but it will be wonderful to get to know you, in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
My brother Nick, who I believe I mentioned in my first letter, is a pilot so he travels a lot and we’re well versed in communicating through messages because of the time differences. He also sends me lots of photos of all the interesting places he’s getting to visit while I’m stuck in an office, just to rub it in. I can’t complain though – I do love my job – but if you want to make me jealous too, I’d love to see photos of Sicily, as I’ve never been. Feel free to contact me through WhatsApp. I’ve put my phone number at the bottom.
What film are you working on? Or are you sworn to secrecy?
Since I wrote my first letter to you my life has changed even further. Noelle and I now live together in London. We’re engaged and expecting a baby. He or she is due in October, so if you can come to visit us then that will be the icing on the cake. If you’re not ready though, there’s no rush.
Thank you again for writing. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Stephen
Lila drew in two quick breaths as she finished reading.
Her brother truly wanted to get to know her.
She flopped back on her bed, tears rolling from the corners of her eyes to soak into her pillow, but she was smiling.
