Sal’s eyes narrowed in disdain. ‘Fucking Oliver,’ she spat.
‘Exactly.’ Eleanor walked briskly, trying to keep up with Sal’s long strides. ‘Anyway, you know the company policy.“Use it or lose it.” So I might as well get rid of a day where I can.’
‘Fair enough. I dread to think how much I’ve got left over.’
‘Well, maybePaulwill decide to whisk you away on a romantic weekend sometime soon,’ Eleanor teased.
Sal pushed her away gently, her cheeks already reddening. ‘I could say the same for you and Benny boy, couldn’t I?’
‘Ew, I told you before, don’t call him that.’ Eleanor cringed.
‘All right, stop being dramatic. Are you going to his tonight?’
‘Yeah.’ Eleanor stopped outside the tube station. ‘But I’m going to get the bus, so this is where I leave you.’ She pulled her friend into a tight hug.
‘OK, wellenjoytonight.’ Sal winked. ‘And try to have fun tomorrow with the oldies.’
‘Don’t call them that!’ Eleanor chastised. ‘I’ll be sure to give you a full debrief on Thursday.’
‘Can’t bloody wait.’ Sal rolled her eyes, disappearing into the throng of commuters descending into the station.
*
It took her a lot longer to get to Ben’s than she’d anticipated; the rush-hour traffic was particularly abysmal and she may or may not have got off at the wrong bus stop. It didn’t help that her bag was so heavy, containing not only her laptop and overnight clothes, but also all of the stuff she needed for the shoot tomorrow. She hoped Heidi liked the dress she’d found. To see a smile, even just a hint of one, on her face would be like a gold medal for Eleanor.
‘I wish you’d told me you have the day off tomorrow,’ Ben called over his shoulder. ‘I would have joined you and we could have done something fun.’
Eleanor stood and sipped her tea, watching as he moved expertly around the kitchen. ‘Sorry, it was a bit of a last-minute thing. I’m helping Fin with this photoshoot and we were meant to do it this Saturday, but then I had this wedding drama so couldn’t. He wants to get it done soon in case …’ The image of Fin’s frail mum drifted across her mind. ‘Well, before he goes back to America.’
Ben clattered and clanged various pots and pans, but Eleanor knew she had his full attention. That was the wonderful thing about Ben, she noticed; he could multi-task better than anyone she knew.
‘His mum not doing great?’ he asked, plating up a huge bowl of spaghetti carbonara. ‘Please, sit.’ He nodded towards the dining table. ‘I’m pretty much done here.’
Eleanor stayed standing; she liked watching him cook. ‘They don’t think she’s got long.’
‘I’m sorry.’ He turned to face her properly. ‘How are you feeling about it?’
‘I’m fine.’ She picked at the chipped edge of her mug. ‘If I’m honest, I’m more worried about how Fin will take it.’ An old familiar worry curled itself around her heart.
He’s not the same person any more.
Let it go.
‘It’s going to be hard, but at least he’ll have a good support network. I don’t know about his friends in America, but having you around will be a comfort, I’m sure.’ Ben smiled and Eleanor couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm radiate through her.
‘Maybe.’ She shrugged. ‘Anyway, do you want me to take anything through?’ she asked, quickly changing the conversation.
Ben shot her a knowing look and handed her a plate ofgarlic bread. ‘Expert change of subject, Ms Levy. Take this and I’ll be with you in a second.’
Eleanor sat herself down and looked around. It was a nice flat, spacious and warm. She’d felt at home from the very first moment she’d stepped inside. There was something secure and safe about the place that made her easily relax. In a strange way, kind of how she had felt when she first met Ben.
‘Voila!’ Ben placed the rest of the food between them and raised his glass of wine. ‘Cheers. I hope you’re hungry. Imayhave over-catered.’
‘When you’ve been brought up by my mother, you know how to eat for a hundred.’ She touched her cup of tea against his glass.
‘Oh, really?’ He raised his eyebrow curiously. ‘Is she a bit of a feeder?’
‘A bit!’ Eleanor exclaimed. ‘Honestly, on Sunday she made seven different main courses and six desserts. There were only four of us eating.’
