Page 86 of Last Christmas in London

‘Ethan’ll be round later. He’s on not long after me this afternoon.’

My stomach did a somersault of nerves as I prayed this would work. ‘Could you give this to Ethan and tell him to give it to Simon?’ I asked, feeling like this was the most ridiculous plan I’d ever come up with, as I handed over a receipt from one of Pim’s Starbucks runs. I’d scribbled my number on the back. Sure, I couldn’t expense it any more, but who knew when Simon would be performing again after Christmas? And who knew if I’d even catch him before I had to jet off to Canada. I only had a few days between Christmas and New Year, and I was intending on spending the majority with Megan, Denise, and Bob, and even with Pim post-show craziness.

But I wanted to see him. And this mad plan might be my only chance to let him know.

Why had we not exchanged numbers before! God, I felt like an idiot.

There had been something thrilling about the mystery between us, but now it just felt dumb.

‘Sure, I can ask Ethan later,’ the busker said. ‘If I see him. We might miss each other, but I’ll try.’

‘If you can, I’d be really grateful,’ I said, starting to back away and thinking that I needed to get ready soon, otherwise I was going to be late for the show. ‘Just tell Ethan that Evie was here and really needs to get a message to Simon.’

‘Aye,’ the busker repeated, a little shell-shocked by how serious I was, swinging his bag over his shoulder. ‘Evie was here and needs to get a message to Simon,’ he repeated.

‘Thank you!’ I shouted, turning on the spot and running as quickly as I could through the crowds. ‘And merry Christmas!’

Chapter 26

‘I’m late! I’m late!’ I cried, running through the entrance to the theatre. Flurries of ticket holders were pushing through, heading to the merch stand for a programme and a commemorative pin badge, and to the bar for their complimentary Pimm’s.

I ducked and weaved through the chaos, muttering apologies as I reached the side entrance and flashed my ID to the usher. He barely glanced at it before waving me through to backstage.

Josh was waiting backstage, looking effortlessly sharp in a dark emerald suit, an ID pass hanging from his neck. He was standing stiffly, radiating the energy of someone who very much did not belong.

‘I’m so sorry!’ I gasped, clutching my side as I came to a halt. ‘I’m late.’

‘Evie!’ he breathed, throwing his arms open. ‘Jeez, I thought you were going to miss it.’

I checked my phone, still fifteen minutes until curtain up.

‘Have you seen Pim?’ I asked, still panting.

Josh shook his head. ‘No. She’s guarded like the crown jewels. Though I think I met your replacement. Alison?’

‘Replacement sounds so harsh,’ I said, shoving my clutch and jacket into his hands so that I could finally reveal my outfit.

We had to be dressed befitting the red carpet so that, when we escorted Pim out of the venue and on to the after-party, we were properly attired. I had gone for a burgundy, waterfall capped sleeves, ballerina-length dress with a simple silver chain and my hair loose across one shoulder. It had taken me longer than I thought to get ready, and then I couldn’t get an Uber to save my life. I had to run across to Charing Cross to join the taxi rank, looking like a harried wedding guest.

Josh took my accessories without protest and gave me an approving once-over. ‘You look stunning.’

I poked my cheeks. ‘My face doesn’t match my dress, does it?’

‘Not at all.’ Josh smiled warmly. ‘I’m very proud to call you my date for the evening.’

I scoffed but then sighed with relief. Josh would tell me if I looked like a beast, he was never one to hold back about appearances. If a hair was out of place, he’d be moving it, framing me in his mind’s eye until perfect.

‘He’s right. You really do look stunning,’ said a small voice from behind me, and I noticed that Josh had started to turn the colour of my dress.

I turned around, pulse stuttering. It was Megan.

She was also sporting a backstage pass; one that I had had sent to her weeks ago when she and I were still talking. She was standing, slightly tear-stained but upright and confident in a light blue two-piece.

‘Hey,’ I said, suddenly breathless for an entirely different reason.

‘Hi,’ she said.

‘I didn’t think you’d come.’