OK, 1 wink . . .
I pick my phone up after the fourth incessant buzz before it wakes the sleeping woman next to me, and shudder at the light that emanates from it, even at the lowest brightness setting. I quickly reply to Noah.
You can have 3???
And ofc we’re good for tomorrow!
Will be back later today – gotta pack x
He replies within seconds.
That’s what you said yesterday . . . and the day before that . . . and the day before that . . .
I roll my eyes.
This time it’s different, we have to check out!
I gasp hastily as the phone erupts to life in my hand, Noah’s self-imposed display picture filling the screen. Thank God I never take my phone off silent; he could have woken Lina. The vibrate alone is already loud enough. I click the volume button, letting it ring out in silence as I creep out of bed and search the room for any sign of my clothes. Nothing. At least, not in this darkness. It’s no use, I make a beeline for the bathroom naked instead.
‘Hello?’ I say in a whisper, locking the bathroom door behind me.
I catch sight of my naked body in the mirror and feel guilt prick over me for answering the phone. Even though it’s a phone call, not a FaceTime, it still feels somewhat wrong to be talking to Noah stark naked like this.
‘She lives!’ he says jovially over the line. ‘And it only took five messages and three phone calls for you to finally grace me with your virtual presence.’
‘You sound just like my sisters,’ I say.
I lean my free hand against the sink and take a closer look at my face. I jump back in shock. The view is atrocious. I whack the tap on full and attempt to refresh my curls with one hand.
‘Am I interrupting something?’ Noah asks, I assume as a result of the running water.
‘Just freshening up.’
He cheers gleefully.‘Yeah, you are.’
‘I am not doing the lad thing with you,’ I say.
‘Aw, you’re no fun,’ he tuts, but I can still hear the smile in his voice.
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t missed his smile a little over the last few days. There have been times I’ve thought to text him – catch him up on my days or share a funny joke that I have encountered. But then I get lost in Lina; in her eyes and her smile, and I forget my phone even exists.
‘How’s it been over there? Still enjoying yourself?’ he asks.
‘It’s a hoot,’ I say, splashing some water on my face. ‘We went on aSound of Musictour yesterday and on Monday we had theseamazingfalafel wraps – you have to try them. I think I took a photo of the place. You probably still have time to get there today before we go. Take Joanna!’
‘Joanna’s no more.’ He sighs desolately.
‘Why? What happened?’
‘It just wasn’t meant to be,’ he says guardedly. ‘You know, we can push Vienna back if you’re having too much fun. I’ll have to check out of the Palais tonight, but I’m sure I can find a cheaper place to crash while you’re otherwise occupied.’
‘No, don’t be silly, we travel together,’ I tut, pulling at my cheeks and attempting to slap some elasticity back into them. ‘Plus, this is my fifth day with her and technically the rule is two dates unless...’
‘I deem it narratively interesting. And I do. Fill your boots,’ he says. ‘I feel like she’s the first person you’ve properly clicked with. Other than me, of course, but that’s a whole other thing.’
‘And what kind of thing would that be?’ I can’t help myself from asking.
He goes silent. I hold my breath.
