‘I know. But I like doing it. And I have pathological levels of FOMO about anything going on at that theatre without me.’ He grinned and took a sip of coffee. ‘Besides, you’ll be there, won’t you?’
Sive smiled. Was he flirting with her now? Or just being friendly? Argh, she was so bad at this. ‘Yes, I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it.’
‘Are you going to the show tomorrow night before the party?’
‘I’d like to. I’ve only seen it on opening night. But I’m not sure if we can spare the seats and I don’t fancy standing all night.’
‘Cara’s given me two comps. You can come and watch it with me, if you like?’
‘I’d love to! It’s a date.’ Was it, though, she wondered as she popped a piece of roll in her mouth. It was delicious – pillow-soft dough wrapped around buttery scrambled egg, cheese and spinach, studded with poppy and sesame seeds. ‘Oh my god,’ she groaned. ‘These rolls are amazing.’
‘I know. I’m seriously considering proposing to Chloe,’ Sam said with a grin.
‘Not if I beat you to it.’
Sam laughed.
‘It’s going to be nice for Mimi and Mitch with the show finished, only having rehearsals to focus on.’
‘And being able to come to the pub with us.’
They chatted easily as they finished their breakfast.
‘I guess we should get going,’ Sam said, glancing at his watch as Sive pushed away her empty coffee cup.
‘Those rolls were fantastic,’ Sive said to Chloe when they went to the counter to pay.
‘So good.’ Sam nodded. ‘We’ve been fighting over who asks for your hand in marriage first.’
Chloe laughed lightly. ‘I’m open to all reasonable offers.’ She handed Sam some change and closed the till. ‘I’m trying out some new mince pie recipes for the show,’ she said to Sive. ‘There’s a batch just out of the oven. Hang on and I’ll give you some to try.’
Sam licked his lips. ‘Having mince pies in the play was the best idea ever,’ he said to Sive as Chloe turned to a tray of freshly baked pies behind her. ‘We should work pastries into every show.’
‘It could be our USP,’ Sive said. ‘Baked goods themed for every play.’
‘Cherry pies forThe Cherry Orchard,’ Sam said.
‘Ice cream cake forThe Iceman Cometh.’
‘We could be in business together,’ Chloe said with a smile as she slid a couple of mince pies into a paper bag.
‘I think Chloe likes you,’ Sive said to Sam as they walked the short distance to the rehearsal room.
‘Of course she does. I’m lovely. Didn’t you know?’ He opened the bag of mince pies, offering it to Sive.
‘I may have heard a rumour.’ Sive smiled, diving into the bag and pulling out a pie. ‘But I mean maybe shelikelikes you?’
Sam laughed. ‘Oh, right! Are we in kindergarten now?’ He bit the mince pie in half in one go, shaking his head. ‘Nah,’ he said then, through a mouthful of pastry. ‘We’re just mates, that’s all.’ He wolfed down the rest of the mince pie and was silent for a moment, chewing. When he’d swallowed, he said, ‘Why? Are you jealous?’ A smug grin crept across his face.
‘No, of course not! Well … maybe a little bit.’
‘So maybeyoulike me and you’re just projecting onto poor Chloe?’ Sam crushed the paper bag and tossed it into a nearby bin, then brushed his hands.
Sive huffed a laugh. ‘Maybe.’
They’d reached the rehearsal studio and Sam came to a halt by the door. ‘You know I like you, right?’
‘Yeah, I know.’
