‘Yup,’ I said, resisting the temptation to sayI told you so.
With every step Halle took, I could see her struggling under all of the weight her poor shoulders were carrying.
‘Give it to me,’ I sighed, then held out my hand.Watching her struggle was painful.
‘Give what to you?’
‘Your bank account details.’ I rolled my eyes.‘Your purse, of course!’
‘Why do you want my purse?’ Her brows knitted together.‘Don’t you have your own money?’
‘Huh?’ Now it was my turn to frown.
‘You asked for my purse.Surely you’re richer than me?’ I almost laughed out loud.If only she knew I was broke.‘Wait.Sorry.I’ve just realised you’re talking about myhandbag.’ She slapped her forehead.‘For a second I was in British English mode and I forgot that’s what you call it here.’
‘Yeah.But we’re both wrong.That shit on your shoulder isn’t a purse or a handbag.It’s more like a damn suitcase!’ I laughed and a reluctant smile tugged at her lips.I liked it when she smiled.‘Give it to me.’ I held out my hand again.I expected her to protest, but she didn’t.
‘Thanks,’ she muttered, dragging it down her shoulder ready to give it to me.
‘Sorry, what did you say?’ I cupped my ear.‘I couldn’t hear you.’
‘I said,thanks.’
She dropped it in my palm and my arm bucked under the weight.
‘Damn, girl!What the hell do you have in here?Rocks?’
‘Just a few essentials, you know, like sunscreen, insect repellent.’
‘Why would you need insect repellent?’
‘In case we went to the beach or near the water and there are mosquitoes.Maybe if I put it on it’ll work on you too!’ She grinned, clearly pleased with her dig.
‘So I offer to carry your bag of bricks and you insult me?’ I clutched my chest like I was wounded.
‘I was joking!And you love to joke, right?’ She flashed a mischievous smile and I instantly dismissed the idea of winding her up.
‘Okay, those things account for about 1 per cent of the weight.What else is in here?’
‘A change of shoes, a jumper, umbrella, raincoat…’
‘And what about the kitchen sink?’
‘Ha bloody ha!Have you ever been to England?Anyone will tell you that it’s good to be prepared.You never know what the weather’s going to do.’
‘I hear you.As you mentioned at dinner, I lived in the UK for a while, but I don’t know if you’ve realised, we’re in LA, not London right now.’
‘No!’ she mock gasped.‘Why didn’t anyone tell me?’ She deadpanned.‘Of course I know that, but still… like I said, it’s always best to be prepared.’
‘Yeah, if you’re going camping for a week!Not an excursion for a few hours.’
‘Whatever.’ She tried to suppress a laugh but it came out anyway.‘By the way, it suits you,’ she smiled and warmth flooded my chest.I wished she’d do it more often.
‘What can I say?’ I chuckled.‘Pink is definitely my colour.’
14
HALLE
