“No. I mean, he’s nice looking. And it’s not a date!”
“Ah.Nice looking.” Bex made a retching sound. “That’s the sexual kiss of death from you.”
“I’m trying to make friends more than anything,” I said. “Ralf is a junior producer and that’s the sort of role I’d kill for. I could learn a lot from him.”
“Oh, so you’re using him,” Bex said.
“For friendship only.” I was at least clear on that.
“Does he know that?”
“Yes?” I wasn’t sure. Ralf hadn’t stated his intentions clearly, after all. There had been winks, meaningful stares and, of course, the asking out on a date. But I hadn’t led him on. Had I? “He’s kind. I think.”
“Youthink?”
“Maybe? Elliot seems to think Ralf is the one using me.”
“Using you?” Bex said. “But you’re—”
“A nobody, I know.” Elliot’s words sent a fresh wave of irritation coursing through me.
“Um, actually, I was about to say junior,” Bex corrected me hotly. “But you don’t do relationships anyway, so ignore everything I’m saying. Where are you going?”
“Some place in the Meatpacking District.”
“I could make so many jokes about packing meat, but—” she yawned “—I’m out of inspiration right now.”
I decided not to tell her about my thoughts in the museum yesterday. “Are you okay? You sound a bit off.” The miles stretched further as I listened to her shuffle around.
“Yeah, I’m just a bit under the weather.”
“You have a cold?”
“I think so,” she said. “Dan’s away with work, so I went tothe shops to get some supplies – I was so knackered I honestly could have laid down in the supermarket aisle and gone to sleep.”
“Sounds bad,” I sympathized.
“It’s no fun,” she said. “No appetite, awful headaches.”
“I hope it isn’t flu.” I wished I was there for her. When I’d caught flu a couple of years ago, Bex had been the most excellent nursemaid. Whatever I needed, she’d supplied, ensuring I had all the medicine and fluids necessary, even cueing up the right shows on Netflix to entertain me.
“Maybe.” She sniffed. “But even if it is, I’ll be fine. You just focus on not fucking this Ralf guy.”
“No focus needed,” I said. “Because it definitely won’t happen.”
“What won’t?” Ralf’s voice startled me so much I nearly dropped my phone.
“Oh, nothing. Hi!” I greeted him loudly. I’d been walking so quickly that I’d managed to power all the way down Tenth to where it intersected with Hudson, revealing an open square surrounded by high-end boutiques and cafés.
“Is that him, is he there?” Bex cooed down the phone.
“Yes,” I said, mortified. The way Ralf was grinning back at me, he clearly thought I’d been gushing about him to my friend. “I’d best go. Love you.”
“Be safe!” She squealed cheekily as I hung up.
“You made it.” Ralf pulled me into a hug before I could even say anything in return. I clocked his outfit and immediately felt distinctly underdressed. I’d opted for a simple outfit of wide-leg jeans and a camisole, but he was in neatly pressed trousers and a silken shirt with no tie, open at the neck. His aftershave made me think of expensive cars.
“Well, your instructions were pretty clear,” I said. “Where is it we’re going?”
