I nodded. “I’ve seen it. What did you do?”
“Breathed. Have a good trip. Rest. Recuperate. Don’t do any more damage.”
“Thank you.” That was definitely me dismissed.
It was still early in New York when I called Otter. I knew she’d been out the night before for an event, and she hadn’t gotten in until late as she’d sent me a photo of her head on her pillow, her eyes half closed. The message had been simple – just a heart.
“Morning,” I said as she answered. “How was last night?”
“Late. It was fun though.” Her voice was husky.
“What was the event again?”
She laughed. “It was a charity thing for cancer research. It was really well organised. I’m just glad I don’t have much to do today.”
“How’s your schedule for the next few days? Manic?” I hadn’t told her about my injury yet. Yesterday, after the initial scan, I’d known I’d be out for a couple of weeks. I’d started to toy with the idea then of going over to see her.
Her voice became clearer. “I have dinner with a producer on Friday, and two photoshoots and an interview. It’s next week when everything gets crazy. How’s things over there today? Shouldn’t you be finishing training?”
“About that. I’ve picked up an injury. Nothing too serious, but I’ve got a week of rest prescribed. So…”
Her yell was enough to wake all of Manhattan. “So you’re coming over here? Please tell me you’re coming over!”
“I can book a flight for this evening if –if– that’s okay with you.”
There was another yell, possibly a scream. “This is amazing! I’m sorry, but I’m jumping up and down right now. I know it’s because you’re injured… hang on, how injured? What did you do?”
I laughed at her U-turn in tone. “I’ve pulled my hamstring. I’ve got a week of rest, with a few exercises to do, and swimming if I can. Then a week or two of rehab. Guy okayed it for me to come to you for five days.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad. Are you in a lot of pain?”
“Not really. So, you’re good with me coming over? I’m not going to spoil your plans? I won’t be able to do much as walking far is a no go.” I didn’t want to tell her that my hamstring was uncomfortable, or make her anything less than excited about me being there.
“No. This is perfect because it’s just before all the silliness starts and I just can’t wait to see you. Go book your flight!” I heard a coffee machine in the background.
“I’ll text you when I have the details.”
“Awesome. I can’t believe I’ll see you in just a few hours!”
I managed to book a flight that gave me just enough time to pack a bag and grab a lift from Dee to the airport, checking in on the last minute. I knew there was a chance I’d be spotted and my trip would end up in the media, and I didn’t want Lotte to find out that I’d gone over to New York that way, so I called her, hoping I could take the coward’s way out and leave a voicemail.
Lotte answered after the first ring.
“Hi, stranger!”
“You okay?” It was becoming harder to make small talk with her. “I finished the coding on that job you wanted me to do.”
“I know. I have a few more bits I want you to look at. Is there any way you can get over here in the next few weeks? Even if it’s for just a few days?”
I stopped a groan. “I’m actually just at the airport now, but I’m going to New York for a few nights, so I don’t think I’ll be able to get away again.”
“Oh. Right. Is that what you were calling me for?”
“Yeah. I didn’t want you to hear about it through the media. Look, Lotte, I really think I should sell my shares…”
“Can we have this conversation in person when you can actually spare me the time to see me in person?”
“Or you could come over to Manchester. Then we can agree a price.”
