Page 90 of I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas

‘How did you even find this?’

‘Everyone always forgets about the “tagged” tab on Instagram.’

‘True.’

‘So? Who is he?’

That’s my Ethan.

‘He’s just someone I met a few days ago. I’ve been working on a speech with him.’

‘He’s a client?’

‘Kinda…?’

Will nudged my arm playfully with his fist. ‘See? You’re doing great!’

I could have taken his words as patronising bullshit, but I couldn’t help wondering whether he was right.

‘You really got to work when I unblocked you last night, huh?’ I said, sliding his phone back to him.

He flashed a tight, downward smile. ‘Where are your mum and sister, by the way?’

‘I’m meeting them here in about half an hour.’

‘I bet they freaked out when they found out I was here.’

‘I haven’t told them, actually. You know what they’re like.’

‘Yeah. But… you know they love you, right?’ He reached over the table and squeezed my forearm. I withdrew it into my lap.

‘Please, Will. Don’t.’

‘Don’t what?’

‘Fall back into that old habit of comforting me, or going into psychoanalysis mode. Like, I’m sure what you’re about to say is probably super-insightful and all that, but you’re the one who just said I’d become too dependent on you.’

‘Well, yeah, when we were a couple, but…’

‘But now we’re… what, exactly?’

‘I dunno, Flora! You asked me here, remember? I don’t have a clue what people are supposed to say to each other, or how they’re meant to behave, in this absolutely insane situation. Would you prefer me to yell at you; is that what you were expecting?’

‘Of course not. This is just… really hard.’

‘I know.’

Will glanced at his shiny new watch. ‘Look, I’m going to have to get going in a sec.’

‘You don’t want to stay for a drink or anything?’

‘No, I’m good – I’ve come straight from brunch. Wasn’t expecting the staff to jump up on the table and start singing, to be honest. It was all a bit much, but Briony seemed to enjoy it so…’

‘Briony.’

‘Yes, Briony. For what it’s worth, I didn’t go out of my way to fall in love with someone, you know.’

He’s in love with her.