“How long are you staying?”
“Two weeks.”
His eyes widen, and I’m pretty sure that’s surprise I can see in them. “Maybe I’ll see you around then.”
I can’t help but smile, because yeah, I’d like that. “Maybe.” I turn and leave before I do something stupid like ask him to come upstairs with me.
I manageto get a lot of work done in the next few hours. When my phone rings, I’m shocked to see I’ve been writing for almost five hours. My stomach growls, reminding me that I forgot to get lunch.
I stand and stretch as I answer Seb’s call. “Hey.”
“Hey. How you settling in?” He’s got me on hands-free—I can hear the rumble of his car in the background.
“Good. I’m the only one staying here at the minute, so I think I’m being spoilt.” I don’t remember getting tea and biscuits brought to my room last time I was here. Well, not until Dan left me stranded. As if I’ve summoned her, there’s a knock on the door. “Hang on a minute, Seb.” I set my phone down and go to answer it.
Hailey’s on the other side, clingfilm-wrapped plate in hand. “Feel free to say no, but I noticed you didn’t come down for lunch and thought you might be hungry.”
My stomach decides to answer for me and she laughs. No point denying it now. “I’m actually starving. Lost track of time.”
“Well, it’s just cheese and ham salad sandwiches with some crisps. And it’s on the house,” she adds quickly. “I was making some for Char anyway.”
I’m not sure what the etiquette is here. I’ve only booked bed and breakfast, and while I’d planned on eating in the pub mostnights, I’d not really thought about lunch. I don’t want her to think I expect this kind of thing. “I can pay, it’s no?—”
She waves the hand not holding the plate. “It’s no trouble.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate this.” I take the plate from her with a smile. “And I’ll definitely make it down later for food.”
“Lovely. Kitchen closes at nine.” She leaves me to it, and I retreat inside my room, suddenly remembering that I was in the middle of a phone call.Shit.
I set the plate down and snatch up my phone. “Seb?”
“Still here.”
“Sorry. I forgot I’d left you waiting.”
He snorts. “Charming.”
I settle in at my desk again and take the wrap off my late lunch. “Hailey brought me lunch.”
“The pub owner?”
“Yep. She’s really nice.”
“Did she remember you from New Year’s?”
I roll my eyes. “Unfortunately, yes. They probably don’t get many men left stranded by their boyfriends.”
“That wanker,” Seb mutters, making me smile. He pauses, then asks, “Anyone else remember you?”
Knew it.
“Bet it killed you not to lead with that, right?”
“You have no idea.” He curses as someone apparently cuts in front of him.
“Where are you anyway?”
“Driving home from your flat. Which is one of the reasons I was calling you. I took photos of everything so that we’ll know if Dan breaks anything.”
