I failed to test your number to see if it was legit or a pizza delivery place instead or otherwise proved faux x
Reasonably, there’s no answer for some time while I sort out some laundry in my room and tidy the living room. When my phone buzzes on the dining table, I rush over to see who it is and crow in delight when Stefanos’ name pops up on my notifications.
Obviously it’s fake. Like I give out my number to strange princes
You have no idea how strange to be honest. Maybe you should find out when you’re next in London
No plans for London soon, I’m afraid
Where are you now?
Made it to NY. When I’m next in the UK it’s back to Edinburgh, but it might be Barcelona
Where I would always look for Greek princes
You’d be surprised, we can show up anywhere, maybe even Athens soon
I consider my phone in my hand as I try to decide how to respond. Something unfamiliar lately is happening to my mouth, and then I realize I’m grinning.
Well lucky New York. And Edinburgh and Barcelona
Do the Danes usually stash their princes in London?
Yes when it’s me, for the greater public good, takes a few million people to dilute my nonsense and even then it’s not enough sometimes
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed some phone flirting. In hindsight, with Aidan, everything lately was very utilitarian. Messages such as I’ll see you at 7pm or running late or on my way were commonplace the last couple of months. No shenanigans, no fun. I should have clued in a lot sooner something was up.
You must have fans wherever you go
I actually laugh out loud and pace the length of my living room, running a hand through my hair. Little does Stefanos know, obviously.
Hilarious content, A++ and I thought you were following the press scandal
I was but I like to hear things from the source for accuracy
Top points for your journalism
I try
Well Mr. Journalist I hate to run but I’ve got company coming over soon, including James and I need to James-proof my flat
Wish I was there
My grin returns as I reread his message at least three times before getting it together to respond. He wishes he was here. I mean, obviously, James is his friend too, I tell myself. James is friends with everyone. But then Stefanos says something specifically about me, and something inside my chest flails in a good way.
I had fun meeting you
Same, heaps of fun meeting you, catch up soon xx
And I go do a final tidy around the flat to get ready for tonight’s visit, feeling a whole lot more cheered than I have lately, unable to keep from smiling.
Chapter Nine
Later that evening, with my friends assembled in my reception room, before the tall Georgian windows and sage green cushioned box seats. I have an array of candles lit in the hearth. We’re seated in a sprawl. It’s a generous size for London, the reason I chose this flat in the first place. I fell in love with this room, its high and airy ceiling, the quality of the light during the day. Which it isn’t, and the gorgeous wood shutters that I restored cover the window to keep the night and peeping eyes out. Gatherings are meant to happen in this room.
Frankie and James are on a sofa, Ethan leans in the armchair, with Sacha and me at opposite ends of the other sofa. We all drink the wine that James brought, fueling our planning, working away on the last of the curries I ordered in for us all. In a moment of weakness, I reveal my sister’s betrayal to my friends. Despite the risk of telling them, and my secret getting out, I seriously need their help.
I’m totally fucked.
