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‘For a start, that makes no sense, but okay.Ma mère est française,’ she said very slowly before talking in double time: ‘Ils ont déménagé lorsqu’ils ont pris leur retraite.’
‘I’ve got no clue, but I like it.’
Jen chortled. ‘First bit: my mother is French. Second: they moved when they retired.’
‘Gotcha,’ Holly said with a nod. ‘Any other phrases to wow me with?’
Voulez-vous coucher avec moiinstantly sprang to mind, but it was too risky. Every man and his dog knew what that meant thanks to the song. ‘Plenty of time for a French lesson later; right now we need to get to Gabriel’s show.’ Jen held the door open, letting Holly go first. ‘Après vous, mon cher ami.’
Holly stopped in the entrance, extending a palm to Jen. ‘I still don’t know where I’m going. You lead the way.’
Jen scooped Holly’s hand in her own, their fingers intertwining in a heartbeat, and lead her through to The Reading Lounge’s bar. Holly was right, this whole being a couple thing was easier now they’d kissed.
It was busy, but nothing crazy. This part of the venue was mainly for dining and the occasional pub quiz during the summer months. She’d never quite twigged why it was called The Reading Lounge. Apart from the wallpaper masquerading as bookcases it had no obvious links to reading. Not even in the past. In fact, before it was a pub it was a pizzeria. It had a trendy vibe, nonetheless, and often hosted gigs in the small venue at the rear.
She weaved them through the diners and to the back room. Gabriel was seated at a table, a money box open in front of him.
‘You made it,’ he beamed. ‘And this is?’
Holly gave a little wave, her other hand still firmly holding Jen’s. ‘Holly – thanks for inviting us.’
‘My pleasure. We’ve had a few walk-ins but the more bums on seats the better,’ he laughed.
Gabriel was one of Jen’s favourite regulars. Until yesterday Jen had only known he was a librarian. Apparently, he was a budding improv artist too – it would seem everyone had their secrets.
Jen passed their tickets over and Gabriel tucked them into the money box. ‘Really looking forward to this. I’ve never been to an improv show before.’
‘You’re in for a treat,’ he replied, his face lighting up. ‘I just hope we’re not shite.’
* * *
‘Your beer,’Jen said, placing the pint in front of Holly. She moved her seat closer, wanting to be in touching distance of her pseudo date. If she could do kissing and hand-holding Jen wasn’t going to let the side down. Gabriel wasn’t the only one on stage tonight.
The room was set up like a classic comedy club – rows of staggered circular tables filled the space below the tiny stage, each one set with two seats and a candle. This was a Lovefest event, and they were obviously catering exclusively to couples.
Jen took a gulp of her beer, her other arm now resting on the back of Holly’s chair.
‘Jenette,’ Holly said, matter-of-factly.
‘Excuse me?’
‘That’s your name.’
Jen sniggered. ‘You still on this? You know, even if you got it right I wouldn’t say. You might have said it ages ago.’
Holly looked pleased with herself. ‘Oh my God, is it Jenette? Really? Did I get it right?’
‘If that makes you happy.’ Jen’s fingers found Holly’s shoulder and lightly danced over her bare skin as she spoke. Sparks flew up Jen’s arm, settling in her chest.
‘This feels too easy.’
‘What makes you set on Jenette?’
‘I just googled French girl’s names starting with Jen.’
‘Smart.’
‘The rest I’d already guessed.’
