‘Awkward,’ I say, wondering what exactly he’d told his sister.
‘It was,’ he responds, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘According to Lena, kissing you and then pushing you away was a dick move.’
‘Wow, OK.’
‘And Chris thought I should have been upfront about his mom from the get-go.’
‘And your sister?’
‘She called me an idiot for not giving it a chance, told me that I’m not getting any younger and also that I owe her fifteen quid from ten years ago which she hasn’t forgotten about.’
I laugh at the last one but I’m not quite sure how to respond. It also feels strange that there’s now an entire family who are aware of my existence and kids who know that I kissed their dad.
‘So, yeah. I just wanted to clear the air. How have things been with you?’
‘Great,’ I reply. ‘Work’s good, busy as always. What about you? Did you come to a decision about your job?’
‘I did,’ he replies. ‘I have decided to stay where I am. I’m good at what I do. I like what I do. New contract starting in February.’
‘Good for you,’ I say, just as Rupert and Shelley sidle up to the booth. He has a glistening sheen of sweat covering the top of his head.
‘Rupert Nighy,’ he says, offering his hand to Ellis. Shelley just hovers there silently, looking like a haunted Barbie Doll.
‘Ellis Simon,’ he replies. ‘Pleased to meet you.’
‘This is my fiancée,’ he says, while Shelley remains silent. She’s either being exceptionally rude, or the copious amount of free prosecco has rendered her mute.
‘I’m Sophie’s boss,’ he offers, without being asked. ‘Owner of the agency.’
Ellis looks at me. I can tell he’s wondering how to respond.
‘We met on holiday,’ I answer on his behalf. ‘Ellis sails ships.’
I see the corners of his mouth shoot upwards.
‘Like a pirate?’ Shelley finally pipes up when it suits her. ‘How interesting. Sophie never mentioned you. . .’
Rupert side-eyes Shelley. He’s totally going to take away her company credit card.
‘I should get back to it,’ I tell Ellis, before Shelley sits on his lap. ‘I have a few things to deal with before we finish up. But I’d still like to chat. You’re welcome to hang around for a while.’
‘Sure. I can do that,’ he replies.
‘Shelley, have you met Sam Buckland? He owns a medical aesthetic clinic in Kensington.’
Her interest in Ellis quickly dissipates. I lead her away from the booth, towards Sam who might be about to regret turning up tonight.
The night draws to a close. Eddie seems cheerful, if somewhat inebriated. The left side of the collar on his polo shirt, stained by something brown, is standing to attention. I can’t take my eyes off it.
‘You’re the best, babe,’ he tells me, his drunken gaze focusing on my nose instead of my eyeline. ‘Focused. Smart. Intriguing. I’ll never go anywhere else.’
My blood runs cold. I don’t want him to think of me as intriguing. I’d prefer if he didn’t think of me at all.
‘That’s very kind of you to say,’ I respond. ‘But tonight was absolutely down to Eesha’s hard work.’
‘You know, if we weren’t involved in a professional capacity, I feel that we would become involved in a morepersonalcapacity.’
‘Oh, I doubt that,’ I reply flippantly. ‘But I’m very glad you’re happy with the launch.’
