‘OK. Well, thank you.’
As she unlocks the front door it hits her that it’s been a long time since anyone other than her family has stepped inside. She lets him go first up the stairs, following a few steps behind. His broad shoulders brush against both walls in the narrow space. Once they emerge in the living area, he places her bags down on the floor and looks around. She watches him taking it all in:the craft corner and sofas covered in crocheted blankets, the books and the fairy lights. His attention lingers on the pair of running shoes on the bookshelves.
‘Are you hungry?’ he asks, turning back to her.
‘Starving,’ she admits.
‘I picked up some things on the way. I figured you might want to eat. I can leave them for you and head off or …’ He coughs, his chocolate-and-amber eyes flicking up to hers. ‘I could throw something together while you unpack, if you like?’
In the past she would have refused, wanting to shut the door and have the flat to herself again. But her stomach gives an insistent rumble and she thinks back to stepping through the Arrivals gate and seeing Alfie there waiting for her. The feeling that had flooded her was sheer relief, and she has the same feeling now as she imagines a warm meal that she hasn’t had to cook herself.
‘That would actually be amazing, if you don’t mind. I am dying for a shower. Do you want me to show you where everything is?’
‘I’ll figure it out,’ he replies, starting to unload his backpack. ‘You go and relax.’
Half an hour later Tilly re-emerges, hair damp and body no longer smelling of wet dog, to find Alfie stirring a steaming pan on the hob, humming very quietly under his breath. For a second, she just watches him.
‘What can I do to help?’
He turns around and an unfiltered smile brightens his face. But as quickly as it arrived his face returns to its usual neutral expression, as though he has tucked a part of himself neatly away in a drawer. Tilly has a sudden and overwhelming urge to pull open the drawer, to see what else might be in there.
‘You could chop some veg?’
She nods and takes her spot beside him, their hips almost but not quite touching as they work side by side. The small space fills with the smell of onions and garlic, and with a warmth that has been missing for a long time.
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43
From: [email protected]
Subject: London meeting
Dear Tilly,
It was great to run into you in New York recently. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip. I am going to be in London next month and would love to meet with you, if you’re available. I know you are taking a career break right now, but I wonder if I might be able to interest you in an opportunity that’s coming up in our team.
How does lunch at The Ivy on 15th November sound?
Hope to see you soon,
Liz
*
From: [email protected]
