Oliver turned back to Declan, unable to help himself. ‘Sorry, I don’t think that’s the point of the question.’
Declan’s expression was infuriatingly pleasant. ‘I dunno, mate. What would you do?’ Oliver’s mind drew a blank, and he said nothing. ‘Guess you never came up with a plan B, then?’ Declan said, with a hint of irony.
Before Oliver could reply in kind, Imogen took control of the conversation again. ‘Next question,’ she said. ‘What’s your favourite spot in London?’
‘Easy,’ Oliver said, glad for the reminder to not antagonise Declan, ‘the V&A.’
‘Bit of a tourist trap, no?’ Declan said.
‘I haven’t had as long in the city as you all,’ Eavie cut in, her eyes flicking between Declan and Oliver. ‘Seems like an unfair question.’
Oliver shot her a grateful look. ‘I’ll happily sign on as your tour guide,’ he said.
‘I would love that,’ Eavie said, so sincerely that Oliver felt awful. He had meant it, he would enjoy showing Eavie around London, but he knew that implied much more than he was willing to give.
‘Can I third-wheel on your date to the V&A?’ Imogen asked.
‘Why don’t we all go?’ Eavie turned to Declan.
‘I can show you all the best gyms in London,’ Declan said cheerfully. ‘I know you dancers can bench press like madmen.’ Oliver blinked at Declan, surprised, but Declan didn’t meet his eye, chugging his remaining champagne instead.
‘Madwomen,’ Imogen corrected.
‘It’s lucky I’ve found you three,’ Eavie said, seeming gratified that Oliver and Declan had temporarily ceased bickering. ‘Right now my main haunt is this terrible cafe in Islington serving rock-hard scones and glares from the hot barista.’
Imogen looked bewildered. ‘Why do you keep going?’
‘The coffee is the strongest I’ve found in the city so far. Can’t turn down a deal like that – I need a lot of it to get through early morning rehearsals.’
‘I’m the same,’ Oliver said, before recognition clicked in his mind. ‘Wait… terrible scones and good coffee in Islington? You’re not talking about Lee’s Coffee, are you?’
‘That’s the place,’ Eavie confirmed. ‘You’ve been? I thought I was their only customer.’
Oliver laughed, some of the tension in his body unwinding. ‘My mate Will said the same. We went all the time, probably four or five times a week, when we were in school.’ He ran a hand through his hair, the memories of hours spent in the cramped cafe listening to Will whinge about maths overwhelming him for a moment. He realised, with a start, that he was giving Eavie a genuine smile for the first time in days. ‘I’d forgotten about that place. I’ll have to go back for old times’ sake.’
‘I’m more of a tea man myself,’ Declan chimed in.
Oliver ignored him. ‘But wait – is it Samir glaring at you? Don’t stress, that’s just how he flirts.’
‘Not a chance,’ Eavie giggled. ‘His brand of withering look is deadly.’
‘Ah, you can’t blame him, that’s the way his face is.’ Eavie made a disbelieving expression and he held up his hands. ‘I swear! Give him a chance, he’s a sweet bloke. He used to give me free scones all the time, said I needed to put on weight.’
‘Oh, please,’ Eavie said, rolling her eyes. ‘That’s not a kindness, that’s biological warfare.’ She and Oliver grinned at each other for a beat before Declan cleared his throat.
‘Well, Oliver, you might not get a chance to go back to this place anyway, what with New York and all,’ he said, his tone perfectly even.
‘New York?’ Eavie echoed, confused.
‘Oliver didn’t tell you? He’s auditioned for Manhattan Ballet,’ Declan said. Oliver had no idea where he was going with this, but it couldn’t possibly end well for him. His eyes flicked towards Paige, hoping she would intervene.
‘That’s exciting!’ Imogen said, leaning forward. ‘I adore New York. It’s like London, but with better weather. Do you love it there?’
Oliver fidgeted in his seat. ‘Er – haven’t spent much time there, actually. But, you know, everyone says it’s nice.’
Declan laughed. ‘He’s clearly done his research.’
Oliver bit back his reply. A joking Declan, even one who was laughing at his expense, had to be a better sign than a brooding Declan. He’d grown accustomed to Declan’s performance, but today he had little patience for it. He focused on Eavie, giving her a feeble smile, trying to block him out.
