Page 114 of Last Christmas in London

‘You foiled my evil plan,’ Simon joked, still helping me with my bags as we headed towards the growing queue for check-in. ‘Call me when you land, I don’t care what the time difference is. I’ll be awake.’

‘Given how loudly you snore, I doubt you’ll hear the phone ring.’

‘Again, a few days and she’s giving me lip about my snoring,’ Simon said to no one in particular.

‘It’s what girlfriends or partners or…’ I shook my head, not sure what to call myself. ‘… lovers do,’ I finished lamely. ‘I suck at this.’

Simon shrugged nonchalantly as if I had just asked what takeaway we were going to order. ‘Girlfriend works for me, if boyfriend works for you.’

I grinned. ‘You’re so blasé about it.’

He smirked. ‘I have to take after my dad in some way, I suppose.’

‘I hope that was the only way.’

He smiled softly as we reached the cut-off points for goodbye. Queues to dismantle perfectly packed suitcases, removing all the liquids inside. I was so glad I had had the foresight to pack my washbag in my handbag for once. Mostly it was because Simon and I had left his flat so late I needed to do my make-up on the train.

Simon cleared his throat. ‘I texted Dad last night, actually,’ he said suddenly, a rather odd moment to admit it. ‘You’ve inspired me. We’ve put in that lunch.’

‘Without me?’ I won’t lie, I was suddenly envisioning a scene of plates flying and two men shouting in the middle of Côte Brasserie.

‘It’s just a coffee. For the three-course meal I might need you there as a buffer when things get awkward.’

‘Me?’ I said, shocked, pointing at my own chest. ‘What can I do?’

‘You can ask him twenty questions, like you said.’ I vaguely remembered making that joke. Well, it would be interesting to get to know his father in a way other than through TikTok videos.

‘Oh, quickly.’ I pulled out my phone. ‘Can you take a quick video of me at security?’

He sighed, not unkindly but with a slight really? tone. ‘Am I your cameraman now?’

‘Your girlfriend…’ I stressed the word playfully, ‘… is a content creator, so yes. Add it to your CV.’

His hands were shaking with light laughter as he took a quick video of me poncing around in front of the growing queues.

‘It’s a good thing I like you more than a lot, Evie Frost.’

I took my phone back from him, grinning. ‘I like you more than a lot too, Simon Holland. I’m glad I had my Christmas bucket list, so I could meet you.’

Simon nodded appreciatively, kissing my cheek with one final squeeze. I inhaled his cologne – which I may have stolen a bottle of and put in my washbag – and squeezed back. ‘Wonderful things have happened since.’ Lifting my chin up for one final final kiss. He lowered his face and hovered inches in front of mine.

‘I support you too, no matter what,’ I added. ‘Whatever you need, I’m here for you. We can even make a list!’

Simon didn’t release me but chuckled. ‘Another list? What’s this one going to include?’

‘Things that make Simon happy? Number one: reconnecting with your dad. Number two…’ I paused, waiting for his input.

‘Meeting his girlfriend at the arrivals lounge four hours early.’

I beamed. ‘Number three?’ I prompted and his hands tightened around my waist.

‘Spend a Christmas in London with his family?’

‘Number four?’ I leaned up just once more.

‘Surprise me,’ Simon said finally.

Oh, I would. I promised myself. He wouldn’t have to worry about that.