“Thanks, Harper, that’s really good of you,” Ryan said graciously.
Mimi’s shoulders were shaking with silent laughter.
Strike Number Three happens on a dreary Tuesday morning after an evening spent at a Leicester Square premiere, at which I managed to make many excellent notes in my notebook about the film and the stars attending it, but then lost said notebook by Wednesday morning.
While I’m busy excavating the contents of my bag, Ryan appears with a carrot cake he whipped up last night.
I don’t know why this impresses everyone.
Carrot cake isn’t even the best sponge.
“Harper, is Liam looking forward to taking part in my annual birthday sports day?” Mimi says, taking a small bite of Ryan’s cake and swooning. “I hope he’s been practicing his beer-pong skills because I will be entirely judging his character on those.”
I pause, looking at her guiltily. “Liam can’t come.”
“Oh no! I thought you said he could?”
That’s because he hadtoldme he could. But we’d spoken about it over the weekend and things had changed. We were at a restaurant near my place and I had been ranting about Ryan while Liam nodded loyally, saying “hmm” in all the right places. Then I’d mentioned a charity ball that was coming up in my diary.
“I don’t understand why Ryan, of all people, got an invite too,” I huffed, tearing off a chunk of sourdough bread as we waited to order. “He’s not interested in stuff like that. It will be full of celebrities, and it’s not like he even bothers to talk to people at these events. He stands in the corner, acting all high and mighty.”
“Do you remember we talked about me accompanying you to a work event?” Liam asked, leaning forward across the table.
“Yeah, course.”
“How about this ball you’re talking about?”
I hesitated. “You want to come?”
“Harper,” he said, looking at me in disbelief, “of course I want to come! It would be so fun to be your plus-one. It would be nice to spend time together at a posh event. And I could meet your friends in the business.”
I paused to consider. “I guess. Although I’m not sure how many people going are myfriendsper se. Some of them are, but others are really just work—”
“I want to be a part of your life, Harper, and this stuff isimportant to you, I know it is. So I’d really like to go with you to this event.” His eyes were expectant.
I smiled at him. “That’s really sweet. Okay, I’ll ask for a plus-one.”
“Amazing!” He sat back and slapped his knee. “Man, this is going to be so cool. Is it black tie?”
“Yes, but don’t get too excited. I have to get you an invitation first.”
“You’ll get one,” he said confidently, beaming at me. “If anyone can, you can. This will be such a great opportunity to meet clients. And I get to be your arm candy. Win-win!”
I laughed. “Speaking of being my arm candy, are you excited to meet everyone at Mimi’s birthday? It’s next weekend.”
“Oh, right,” he nodded, looking pensive. “Mimi’s birthday party.”
“Don’t worry, I know I’ve made a big deal out of these games, but they’re really just silly ones. It doesn’t matter if you’re not very good at them.”
Liam grimaced. “I don’t think I’ll be able to make it anymore.”
“What? Really?”
“I havesomuch work to do. I really need to focus on expanding the business at the moment. It’s all very exciting, but it means that my weekends are taken up with work unfortunately.”
“But… if you wanted to get to know my friends, then Mimi’s party is better than the charity ball.”
“I know it’s a shame, but I can meet them another time. There will be other weekends.”
