I shut the door, twisted the lock and put my keys in the ceramic bowl on the nearby console table. Glancing up at the mirror above it, I realised he wasn’t the only one wearing a big grin.
19
It was late afternoon before Amy responded to my text, and when she answered there was an emoticon with a sad green face and a single word. Ouch.
I picked up my phone and replied.
?? Is it bad?
The app told me Amy was typing a reply
?? It’s getting better. It started off at a 9 this morning but is about a 4 now. Marcus has been amazing looking after me.
A heart symbol followed this declaration. I smiled. A man that uncomplainingly saw you through a hangover with care and attention was a rare find.
?? Good to hear. I hope you feel better soon, honey xx
I followed this up with a ‘hug’ gif.
?? Thanks. Did you get home OK?
?? Yep. Taxi with Charlie and Alex
A shocked-face emoticon arrived. Followed by a devil one.
?? Ha ha! Hardly. Although…
?? Although what???????
?? I’m going out with Alex tonight for dinner…
My phone rang.
‘You are?’ Amy’s voice was raspy, hinting at her fragile state, but my news seemed to have trumped the hangover. ‘Where are you going? How did he ask?’
I laughed. ‘I’ve no idea where we’re going, and he just sort of asked. He walked me up to the flat and kissed me goodnight.’
‘You kissed?’ she squeaked, her voice cracking.
‘Calm down, not like that. Just on the cheek.’
‘Which cheek?’
‘Behave woman!’ I giggled back.
A squeal came down the phone. ‘I told you he liked you! Oh, I’m so excited for you! What are you going to wear?’
‘Thanks, I’m actually really looking forward to it. And I don’t know yet.’
‘You sound surprised about looking forward to it.’
‘No. Well, I guess. Oh, I don’t know. With everything else going on at the moment, and then this deal with Glam, work is going nuts. I suppose I just haven’t thought much about anything in that direction for a while.’
‘All work and no play makes Libby a dull girl.’
‘You’re calling me dull? Thanks for that.’
Amy laughed. ‘Of course not! Just, you know, it’s been a while. I’m happy for you. And Alex seems nice. Marcus said he’s a good bloke. I couldn’t get much more out of him than that.’
