‘Do you think you’re going to be okay?’ asked Steve. ‘I don’t like the thought of you being out here on your own, especially not with him.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ said Anna, having already decided that she’d be looking for alternative accommodation first thing on Monday.
‘Bloody cheek expecting us to sort his stuff out. I hope he’s not going to take the piss. He seems like the laid-back type, a bit too cocky and sure of himself. I hope for your sake he’s going to be tidy.’
Anna managed to bite back her snort just in time. The word ‘tidy’ didn’t exist in Leo’s lexicon, let alone his world. He was the messiest, untidiest person she’d ever come across, guaranteed to leave a wake of detritus in his wake.
‘I’m going to have a word with him before I leave.’
‘About what?’ asked Anna, trying to tamp down her alarm. What if Leo said something? She wouldn’t put it past him.
‘You know – being respectful of you and not shagging loads of girls here, or at least being discreet about it. I reckon he’s that type.’
‘Steve! You can’t do that. What he does is his business.’ Behind her back, Anna clenched one fist.Thanks, Steve, for putting the worst-case scenario into her head.
She swallowed hard, stuck now with the image of Leo bringing someone back, but managed to say, ‘Besides, what makes you say that? He might have a girlfriend.’
Her stomach hollowed at the very thought – but then he was bound to have one. He was Leo, after all. Women loved him. He loved them. Everyone loved Leo. He was like a sodding half-grown Labrador puppy.
‘I know the type. Bet you anything he’s a player. He’s got nonstick all over him. The sort that doesn’t do commitment. At least I don’t have to worry about him coming on to you.’
Anna raised a brow, wondering whether to feel insulted or not. ‘And why’s that?’
‘Because you’re probably not his type.’ Steve pulled a face of disbelief as if puzzled that she’d even had to ask, which, to be frank, did sting … a lot.
‘Thanks,’ she said, folding her arms. Steve’s words made her feel like a wilted lettuce well past its sell-by date.
‘I don’t mean that you’re unattractive. You’re gorgeous.’ Steve wrapped an arm around her and kissed her on the mouth, laying a hand on her cheek, smiling down at her. ‘But you’ve got more sense. He’s not your type, far too flaky.’ Steve kissed her again, giving her waist a squeeze. ‘I mean, I guess a lot of girls would find him attractive but he’s … well, he’s too laid-back, a bit free and easy. Off to Ikea in a cab, arriving and starting straight in on the beer. I don’t know, he strikes me as the sort that’s out for a good time.’
‘And you could tell all this from ten minutes’ acquaintance,’ said Anna with a quick smile.
‘You can tell the type. He’s probably chatting someone up as we speak. I’m not that comfortable with you having to put up with someone like him.’
Out on the roof terrace, Michaela and Jan were leaning on the metal rail that ran along two sides, pointing to local landmarks. Beyond them, Anna could see the nearby creamy yellow buildings with terracotta-tiled roofs.
‘This is wonderful,’ said Michaela, taking one of the seats at the bistro table. ‘You have a great view. I would love to have some outdoor space in the city.’
Anna nodded as if she understood but she had no idea. She’d not lived in a city since her parents died. Although Prague was probably one of the most beautiful cities she’d ever visited. Michaela smiled at her and took a sip of beer.
It was one of those awkward and-now-you-ask-a-question moments.
‘Have you lived in the building long?’ asked Anna, thinking it was so obviously an attempt to find something to say. Steve wasn’t helping, he was staring at his beer bottle – but then he’d never been great at small talk.
‘We’ve been here for just over two years.’
‘And the lady downstairs?’
‘Ludmila!’ Michaela’s eyes brightened. ‘She’s a honey. She’s lived here a long time. But she used to live in London, that’s why her English is so good. She was a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet and then a choreographer here in Prague with the Czech National Ballet.’
‘She’s in charge,’ said Jan with a quick smile. ‘When she tells us to do something, we do it.’
‘But she’s very nice,’ said Michaela with a fond smile. ‘We’re a long way from our homes and family. She is thebabicka, the grandmother, of the building. She is a baker and brings us treats:vánockaat Christmas andvelikonocní bochánekat Easter – they’re both types of sweet bread with fruit in them. And she makes the bestkolach, doesn’t she, Jan? That’s a typical Czech cake.’
‘Hello! Are we having a party?’ Leo bounced into view. ‘Hi, I’m Leo.’ With the ease of someone who always knew they were welcome everywhere, he strode over to Jan and held out his hand.
‘I’m Jan.’
Michaela bobbed up to introduce herself. ‘We live on the floor below.’
