I blow out a breath. ‘I didn’t think that through. I should have asked herafterthe pot painting.’
Sophie comes across. ‘You weren’t to know she’d be so uptight. But thanks for putting yourself out there.’ She pulls me into a hug. ‘Don’t worry about the pots, I’ll help with them.’
‘Will Milla mind?’
‘Not so long as I’m there as you.’ She widens her eyes. ‘Life is so much easier, even though I’m sweating buckets in this wig. I may have to stay this way for ever.’
As for me claiming the naked bathing was me and Kit, I’m banking on that being so insignificant that the excitement of the gardener/waiters later will wipe that from everyone’s memories.
41
At The Hideaway
Apple cake and shorthand notes
Monday
Two days later, it’s late morning, and as I shake clouds of icing sugar over two raspberry and cream Victoria sponges and cut up a tray of Bakewell tart blondies I’ve made to take to the hotel I’m secretly congratulating myself on the complete lack of fallout from Saturday. I’ve moved on so far I’m actually thinking about my Barbie outfit for the fancy dress on the promenade, kicking myself for leaving my roller skates in storage, and hoping my neon-pink cycling shorts will still fit over my bum, when my phone pings with a message from Nell.
Yay to you and Kit! X
I message straight back.
What’s that? x
One more ping is all it takes to blow my comfort bubble into a million pieces.
You’re such hot news the St Aidan grapevine is melting. I’m claiming you two as another singles club success. Xx
I let out a sigh and type.
If we ever get to the exclusivity convo, I’ll be sure to let you know. Xx
If we’re as out there as this, I may need to check in with Kit. Since Saturday any spare moment we’ve been so engrossed in our own blend of blissful sex and eating ice cream in bed there’s been no time to waste on everyday details.
I take his favourite pudding cup off the shelf, cube a piece of blondie, open the fridge and send him a message of his own.
Are you around for a quick sweet tasting? Xx
He pings straight back.
Appointment in thirty, I’ll eat fast. Xx
Two minutes later, Shadow’s skidding to a halt by the studio desk, and I’m putting Kit’s mug down and being swept into a dizzying snog that I only emerge from a good three minutes later.
‘I didn’t know you had clients today?’
He picks up his dessert, takes a spoonful of raspberry ripple ice cream and closes his eyes as it melts in his mouth. ‘It’s only someone dropping by for a preliminary chat.’
I let him slip a lump of blondie into my mouth, then swallow and brace myself to say what I’m here for. ‘Saturday was quite full-on – I hope me accidentally ticking the publicity box wasn’t too much for you?’
He grins. ‘Those first nights under the stars were very special, but we can’t hope to stay undercover indefinitely.’
I sigh. ‘Nell messaged earlier to say the news is all over St Aidan.’
He laughs. ‘I hope they include that we wereallegedlyentirely starkers!’
‘It’s way worse than that! They’re pretty much calling us a couple.’
