“You don’t know how lucky you are, pussycat. You’re impressive without dressing up and making an effort and you don’t have any family drama to deal with! Well, none that I know of.” I stoke his little head again and he lets out a deep purr.
I can’t spend my evening talking to a cat. Granny and Aradia are gone until tomorrow. I need to get out.
I take a slice of lasagne out of the fridge and pop it in the microwave. I pour myself a glass of red and eat. My granny should have been a chef because she is an amazing cook. Nettle invites himself to sit next to my table and I offer him some cheese from the top. He gladly accepts.
After dinner I head upstairs to find something that is not a lasagne-stained pyjama top. It has been a while since I have gone “out out”. And “out out” in London is heels and an expensive dress. I feel like that is not the vibe in a country pub.
I settle on half and half. A silver skirt with a bright red jumper and cowboy boots. I place my long hair up in a loose bun and add a red lip. It is nice playing with style and not worrying that I’ll be the gossip of tomorrow because I wore the wrong outfit. I pour another glass of wine as I look at the clock: 5:45 pm. Sam text last night that they will swing by in a taxi at 6 pm. Suddenly the nerves kick in. I had tried to stop it with the wine, but that’smade it worse.
I’m about to be social with people who know me as Harri and not Harriet Montgomery. And I am about to probably get slightly tipsy with a man I kind of, very much have a small, big crush on.
I take a deep breath and smooth down my outfit in the full-length mirror. Do I look silly in this? Too late to change, isn’t it? I let out a sigh and nod at myself in the mirror. I look fine and it will have to do!
The doorbell rings. They are early!
I run down the stairs, trying to drink the rest of my wine as I go. Risky move but I’m apparently all about risk now.
“I’m coming!” I shout to the door. I grab my coat, phone and keys and get to the door. I open to see Sam standing there, leaning against the porch. His eyes look me up and down as a smile creeps up his face. His eyes twinkle in the light from the hallway.
“You scrub up nice, London.”
“So do you, Sam Thorne.” I blush.
He lets out a laugh. He does look good though. He is wearing black jeans and a plain green shirt which strains over his biceps. He smells like aftershave. A dark musky aftershave that excites my senses. I can see the taxi waiting behind him in the darkness.
“Lois and Hannah are waiting in the car.” He points to the taxi on the driveway. “If you’re ready?”
He breaks me from my trance of staring at him. “Sure, sorry! Let me just lock up.” I smile, fumbling my keys in my hands.
I lock the door, and we make our way to the car.
“You OK in the back with the girls? I’m a bit long.” He’s right. He is six-foot-something at least.
“No, of course, that’s fine.”
He opens the door for me so I can get in. Lois and Hannah shuffle over to make room.
“Hey,” they chime in unison.
“Love the skirt. So cute!” Hannah chirps.
“Thank you. You guys look cute too!”
“It’s all Hannah. She dresses me.” Lois laughs. She’s wearing black jeans and a leather jacket with her hair slicked back. Hannah is in a cute tea dress with a thick woollen coat and mustard yellow tights.
“What about me?” Sam turns to look at us. “Am I cute too?” His eyes meet mine then continue to Hannah and Lois.
“The cutest little baby boy,” Lois teases.
“Thank you.” He smiles smugly. “So, Harri, you’ve not been to Ravenswick yet, have you? It is nice. Maybe we can do it in the day sometime. Show you around and all that.”
“Smooth,” Hannah whispers just loud enough for us all to hear. Sam looks embarrassed.
“I’d love that,” I reassure him, and I would. I should not want to spend alone time with him, but it’s all I want to do.
He nods his head, acting as cool as he can.
“I am so ready for a pint as soon as we get in The Fox.” He sighs from the front.
