‘This Raphael’s place. Is it actually good, or were you just saying that to get a shot in?’
‘It’s actually good. Why?’
‘Can Dan, Stuart and I come? The Blue Dolphin is a bit of a shithole and I can’t help feeling they’re ripping us off.’
I’m torn. On the one hand, I kind of see Raphael’s bar as one of my refuges away from the group. But, much as I dislike Stuart, I am starting to like Robert, and Dan has always been nothing but lovely.
‘Would you mind if I imposed one condition?’ I ask eventually.
‘What is it?’
‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m really enjoying spending time there with Gabriel. Do you think you’d be able to come and kind of leave us alone?’
He smiles. ‘Are we falling for the handsome pianist?’
I can feel the blush spreading across my cheeks. ‘Oh my God, we are!’ Robert exclaims. ‘Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. We just need to come up with a story we can sell.’
I look at him. I want to trust that he’s telling me the truth. Please let him be telling the truth. If Amy finds out how I really feel about Gabriel, I’ll never hear the end of it.
21
‘An international concert pianist?’ Priya says the next day once I’ve figured out the time differences and set up a video call with her and Rosie. ‘Hang on. Let me ask Martin, my classical music expert.’
She disappears and we hear a muffled conversation in the background, before the screen fills with both their faces.
‘Sorry,’ Priya says. ‘He needed to hear it for himself.’
‘Are you seriously telling me that Gabriel Campbell has been playing the piano in the bar at your hotel?’ Martin asks incredulously. ‘Priya says you’ve been on a day trip with him too. Is that true?’
‘Yes, and yes,’ I say, smiling at his awed expression.
‘Bloody hell. And you had no idea who he was?’
‘Well, I do now.’
‘You’re basically talking about classical music’s equivalent to Taylor Swift. That’s how famous he is. Next thing you’ll be telling me that she’s there too, busking in the lobby with Ed Sheeran.’
My smile widens. ‘Is that who they are?’
‘Funny. What’s he like?’
‘Gabriel? He was a bit secretive to begin with, but since he’s opened up he’s been lovely.’ I giggle. ‘Before I knew who he was, I got him to play “Disturbia” by Rihanna.’
Martin looks horrified. ‘You didn’t! That’s like using Krug champagne to make Buck’s Fizz. I heard him play Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at the Royal Festival Hall once. It was incredible. The articulation, the emotion. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried. His recording of “La campanella” by Franz Liszt is widely regarded as seminal.’
‘OK, OK. We get it,’ Priya tells him soothingly. ‘You’re in danger of starting to dribble.’
‘Gabriel sodding Campbell, playing in a hotel bar,’ Martin breathes. ‘Talk about pearls before swine.’
‘I heard that,’ I say indignantly.
‘You were meant to. Next time he’s playing, ask him to play “La campanella” and record it on your phone.’
‘I’ll ask, but I’m not recording it.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because he’s here to relax. This is his downtime.’
