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Out of nowhere, Diane strolled up to him with Twisty eager to play. While the two dogs sniffed and sized each other up, Diane apologized for keeping Simon waiting.
Simon tugged on Chobi's lead. "Don't worry, but I've only got an hour, let's get moving."
"Ok then, let's go. You were in the Evening Standard last night, I take it you know that." Diane replied as they made their way down the tree lined path.
Simon nodded. "Yes, I saw it. It's kind of embarrassing really. I did my best to keep it out of the newspaper but there you have it. By tomorrow it'll be old news and nobody will even remember so it's no big deal."
"It's big news for me. It's not everyday I go for a walk in the park with a celebrity," Diane joked.
Simon laughed, "Lucky you, you'll be the first to hear about my new movie, ha ha."
"So, Simon, are you now officially retired or do you have a plan for world domination?"
Simon slowed down to let the dogs sniff a tree. "I'll take some time off to recharge, to see friends and to train for the London marathon, I want to beat my time from last year. After that, I really just need some time to do what I want for a change. The last business was a lot of fun but the long hours had a price. I had no life outside the office, even when I was socializing it was for work. So, a complete change of pace will be good."
Diane listened carefully and noticed Simon's blue eyes for the first time. Every time she met him he seemed more handsome. "I see. Sounds good. That's a lovely dog by the way, he has a beautiful coat."
"Thank you, Chobi's been my best friend for the last 5 years. He is my social life," Simon laughed.
"No time for the ladies?" Diane smiled, eager to know the answer.
Simon shook his head. "Not usually, unfortunately. My last serious relationship was 2 years ago. We rarely saw each other so we agreed to call it a day right after New Year's Day. Nothing like the start of a new year to encourage radical change. I still regret that, she was great but she was as bad as me, always working on something."
"I see, that's a pity. Maybe your hair cut had something to do with it," Diane joked nervously, pleased that Simon was as successfully single as she was.
Simon glared at her and abruptly stopped walking. "What is it with you and my hair?" He snarled. "At the wedding it was my shoes and now it's something else. Are you always so abrasive?" Simon demanded.
Diane took a step back and tensed her face, "I was only joking. Relax, ok? No need to be so defensive."
Simon rolled his eyes and raised his voice. "I'm not on the defensive. It's just not funny. Don't you get it?"
Diane shouted back. "Ok, ok, I won't comment on your appearance again, ever, I promise. Geez, I never expected you to be so touchy. You're like a self-conscious woman."
"Fine! Look I need to get going. Take it easy, bye," Simon tugged on his lead and with Chobi bounded off into the distance. Diane stood there speechless watching them until they disappeared out of sight.
She turned to Twisty, "Uh-oh it looks like I've put my foot in it again," she stroked Twisty's head, "I'm sorry, and you and Chobi were getting on so well. I need to learn to watch the sarcasm, apparently. Ok, let's go home and see what's on TV."
* * *
Sylvia repeated her question, "Diane, what did you say to Simon?" Diane stared at the wall, stared at the ceiling and then back at the phone, "Ok, ok, I heard you the first time. It was nothing, I just said he could do with a better haircut."
"Enough! Listen, Diane, this is the last time I introduce you to someone. Simon is one of the nicest people I know. I already told you that. And, what do you do at the first opportunity? You insult his appearance. You're unbelievable. What is your problem sis'?" Sylvia fumed.
Diane shook her head. "It's not as bad as it sounds, really. I was joking with him. How was I supposed to know he's so sensitive? Give me a break! And anyway, I already told you I don't need any help finding Mr.Right, thank you very much."
"Oh yeah, Diane? That's what you think, young lady."
Diane felt her temper rising and shouted back. "Don't young lady me, Sylvia. I'm still you're older sister and don't forget it. Thanks for your call but I've got things to do, talk to you tomorrow, bye." Diane clicked the phone off and stopped herself from throwing it at the wall. The phone rang again.
"What is it this time, Sylvia. Drop it will you?" Diane shouted.
"Diane? Is that you? It's Simon."
"Oh hello, Simon. Sorry about that, I was just having a screaming row with my sister. Nothing to worry about."
"Oh, sorry to hear that, Diane. I still have shouting matches with my brother from time to time so no need to explain. Hey, the reason I called is because I wanted to apologize for storming off earlier. I guess I got out of the wrong side of bed today."
"Oh no, you have nothing to be sorry about, Simon. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry I was rude to you, again, I promise I'll watch my tongue when, if, we meet again."
