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“Babe, of course not. Better late than never, eh? So, what’s he like and where did you meet him?”
I tell him all about Nick: the hypnosis, our first date, the visit to James’s art exhibition. Ronan doesn’t say much, just sits there and listens attentively, smiling and nodding like a proud parent. When I finally pause for breath, he says, “Nick sounds fantastic, but what I want to know is are you happy?”
“Yes,” I reply softly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life. For the first time in years, I look forward to getting up in the mornings. The black cloud has gone, and it’s all because of him.”
Ronan reaches across the table and pats my hand. ”Babe, this is amazing. I’m so fucking pleased for you. I mean, seriously, this guy has worked wonders. When do I get to meet him?”
A shadow falls across the table.
My head snaps up. “Nick!”
“Hello, darling, so sorry I’m late. My last appointment ran a bit over, but I came here as fast as I could.” Stooping down, he lightly kisses the top of my head. Then he nods to Ronan, pulls out a chair from the adjacent table and sits with us. “Are you guys okay for drinks? What are you both having?”
“We’re fine,” I say. “But you should get something.” I slide a menu to him. “Try one of their fruit smoothies; the strawberry ones are fantastic.”
“It’s a bit cold for a smoothie,” Nick smiles, “but I might have an espresso.” He signals the waitress and places his order. Then he flicks a glance at Ronan, who’s been trying mighty hard not to look at him. “And you are …?”
“Ronan.”
“It’s good to meet you. I’m Nick.”
“Yes, Carly’s just been telling me how you swept her off her feet.”
Nick chuckles softly. “Quite the reverse, actually. It wasshewho swept me off my feet.”
They both laugh.
Discreetly, Ronan’s eyes rove over Nick’s body, checking out every inch of him and taking his time about it. Then he looks at me and gives a half-amused, half-embarrassed smirk.
My lips make a tight smile.
For a while, the three of us talk about inconsequential things: Nick’s job, Ronan’s job, how bad the weather is. Then, as the waitress returns with Nick’s espresso, he asks, “So, have you two been friends for a long time?”
“Yes,” I say. “Ronan and I have known each other for close on twelve years.”
Nick sips his espresso, his gaze fixed on Ronan. “Wow, that’s great. Where did the two of you meet?”
Ronan and I exchange glances.
“Um, we …” he begins. My eyes plead with him to keep this simple. “We, er, that is to say …”
“We used to work together,” I interject. “At a little clothes shop in High Street Kensington. We just hit it off and stayed friends ever since.”
Nick eyes me shrewdly. “Was that before or after you left university?”
“After,” Ronan says quickly. “Definitely after.”
There’s an uncomfortable silence.
Nick swallows the last of his coffee and glances at his watch. “Well, darling, it’s ten to nine. Do you think we should start thinking about heading home?”
“Okay,” I say, thankful the grilling’s over. I stand up and smooth down my jacket. “It’s been so nice seeing you, Ronan. We need to do this again soon.”
“Definitely,” he grins. “Same time next week?”
I nod vacantly. “Yes, definitely. I’ll text you.” I walk around to his side of the table and give him a big hug. “Take care.”
“How are you getting home, Ronan?” Nick asks. “My car’s parked just around the corner. If you need us to drop you somewhere …”
