‘Yep. Just need to see how this terrifically dreadful film ends, and then I will. Promise.’
‘Thanks for ringing. It sort of feels weird when I don’t talk to you via some method every single day now!’ I laughed.
‘I shall endeavour not to let that happen, then.’
‘Good.’
‘Night, Libs.’
‘Night, Charlie.’
* * *
Tilly and I were knee deep in bridal-themed items when the doorbell rang. I pushed myself up, stepped over my assistant and a plethora of beauty detritus and opened the door. A very tired-looking Charlie filled the doorway.
‘Am I disturbing you?’
‘No! Of course not!’ I threw my arms around his neck and he hugged me with his one free arm. ‘How are you? You look shattered. Shouldn’t you be home in bed?’
‘I tried that,’ he said, coming in and putting the large box he’d been carrying down on the floor next to the console table. ‘Couldn’t sleep. Bloody jet lag. Thought I may as well come and drop this off.’ He pointed at the box.
‘Oh, are those the goodies from the company you were talking about?’
‘Yeah. They said these are just a few samples to start off with, but that if you like this lot then they’d like to send you the whole range.’
‘Great. Sounds like a plan.’
Charlie quirked an eyebrow as he surveyed the disaster scene currently standing in for my living room.
‘Hi, Tilly. I almost didn’t see you there.’
Tilly stuck her head up from under the swathes of fine netting we’d been fiddling with for some of the bridal shoots.
‘Hi, Charlie. Blimey, you look knackered!’
Charlie gave a nod, amusement making his eyes shine. ‘Thanks.’
‘Do you want a tea or coffee or something?’
He glanced around. ‘No, it’s fine, thanks anyway. You’re clearly incredibly busy. I don’t—’
‘Charlie, please. It’ll give me an excuse anyway. I’ve been at this since six this morning so I think I deserve a tea break.’
He held my gaze a moment. ‘Tea would be great, thanks.’
‘Not easy to get a decent cuppa out in the States, is it?’ Tilly’s voice drifted up from somewhere amongst the tulle.
‘No. Not really.’
‘I’d have to take a suitcase full of teabags out if I lived there, I think!’
‘That sounds like a very good idea,’ Charlie agreed.
‘Take a seat, if you can find one. I’ll be back in a minute.’
‘Do you want some help?’
‘No. Really. I’d feel better if you just sat and rested.’
