“What about me?” Art deadpans.
“You?” Angela and I say at the same time.
“Yes, me.”
“You’ve watched the series?” Angela asks.
“Yes,” he mutters. “All three seasons, so you’d get off my back about it.”
“Why are you only telling me now?” she demands. “We could’ve been talking about this all week.”
“Because I’ve only just finished,” Art mutters.
“See, Princess, you need to catch up to us cool kids.”
“What do you think, Art? Should I give up on the books and go directly to the series?” I tilt my head to the side.
“Yes. I think you’ll enjoy seeing all the sets. It may even give you some inspiration for your flat.”
“Oh, how is that coming along? Do you have any progress photos?” Angela asks anxiously. “You know how I love interior design!”
“The construction team has moved on to demolition on the first and second floors. They’re in just as rough a shape as the ground floor. At this point, I’m losing hope that much of the original flat will be left by the end of all this.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Alice. Are they still on track to finish by September?”
“No, it’s looking more like December, if we’re lucky.” I unlock my mobile, opening the Pinterest app. “Here’s the latest renderings I’ve come up with. Art helped me find some brilliant furniture pieces to play with.” I hand her the device, noticing his gaze watching me through the rearview window. A thrill runs straight to my core.
The date with Alfie made clear to me that I’m eighty percent sure I like Art a lot more than I should. I’m likely on my way to one hundredpercent, and everything is starting to become more real. Because when I do get there, I don’t know if anything can come from it. Protection officers can’t date princesses.
Sixteen
Aweek passes. The following Monday, I meet with Mum for brunch. We do this at the beginning of every week to discuss and organize our schedules for the following one. It’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the last week of July.
“Morning, Mum.” I give her a kiss on the cheek as I enter her sitting room.
We’re taking our meal out on the terrace. There’s a warm breeze. On the grounds below, a series of white tents have been erected on the main lawn. Like an army of ants, servants and gardeners are running around making sure everything is perfect for this afternoon’s garden party.
Mum is still dressed in a long-sleeved athletic shirt and Lululemon leggings. She’s just come from her Pilates class and hasn’t bothered to change yet.
I sit down at the table and pour myself a cup of tea. “How was class this morning?”
“It was fine. It was just your aunt Lottie and me.” Mum sips her tea. “I wish you’d consider joining us sometime. You might find that Pilates helps relieve some of the pain in your back.”
“It’s gotten better with the physio exercises.” I take a plate and load afew pieces of fruit onto it. “Everything’s healed. The muscles just need time to adjust. I don’t think I need to do anything extra for it.”
“You should be back to full health, not have good days and bad days.” She pinches her lips together. “I don’t like seeing you in pain.”
“It’s barely noticeable unless I overdo it. The doctors and therapists said I’m doing well with my coccydynia. It’ll go away in time. I just have to be patient.” Mum has been on my case to join her and Aunt Charlotte for a class since I arrived home. “If it’ll make you happy, I’lltryit next Monday—but that doesn’t mean I’m committing to it regularly.”
“That’s all I ask.” We each serve ourselves some eggs, sausages, and yogurt. “Has your father spoken to you about the Japanese state visit?”
“No.” I shake my head. “What’s happened?”
“Unfortunately, it looks like it’s going to have to be canceled. The PM has ruffled quite a few feathers, and the Japanese government took offense to it.”
“Yikes.” I almost feel bad for him. “How is he planning to smooth it over?”
“Prime Minister Carrington was on the phone with your father earlier this morning. He wants us to step in and help mend the fences between London and Tokyo.”
