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Harry mumbled a raspy congrats in the background.

“Not Broadway, Lucy. Off-Broadway.”

“But hang on…how long will you be gone?” Lucy sounded worried.

“Don’t know yet—depends. If they actually go ahead with it, a few weeks, maybe?”

“But…what about all the buzz from last night, the theatre interest—can everything here wait?”

“I’ve been asking myself the same question. I hope it can. New York is…well, it’s New York! I have to try.”

“That’s true.” Lucy’s voice still carried a hint of sadness.

“Maybe you and Harry could come over? We could finish the graphic novel, get our synopsis and pitch ready. You’re overdue for a holiday—”

“Fuck, yeah! We’re going to New York, Harry…” Lucy’s voice trailed off.

“Hi, Lex.” Harry laughed, stealing Lucy’s phone. “Don’t mind Ms. Hardy. She’s doing a happy dance around the bedroom. Let me call Dad, see if you can stay in his place in the West Village. As far as I know, he’s not heading Stateside this summer.”

“Oh, my God, Harry! That would be amazing! I would be in the middle of everything.”

“No sweat. So…I couldn’t help overhearing…you and Tarq, eh?”

“Yeah…is it weird?”

“No! Tarq hit the jackpot. You, on the other hand…”

“Harry!”

“I jest. I’m happy for you both.”

“I mean, we only decided this morning to start dating…it’s not like we’re professing our love to each other yet…”

“One step at a time, Lex.”

“So, New York…can you come?”

“We could definitely fly over for a week. I could take some meetings while I’m there, and Tarq can show us his favourite haunts. I think we might be in for several all-nighters if his war stories are to be believed.”

Alex laughed. “Prepare yourself, Harry. What happens in New York, stays in New York.”

Tarquin peeked around the doorjamb, a worried expression creasing his brow. “Harry knows?”

“Yep. The secret is out, and he’s fine with it.”

Tarquin’s face warmed up into a wide grin, waking up his dimples. He sauntered into the room and sprawled across the duvet, his lips diving for Alex’s neck.

“Harry, I’ve gotta go.” She bit her lip. “Breakfast is ready. Tell Lucy I’ll call later?”

His voice left the phone. “Lucy, Lex says she’ll speak later.” He chuckled. “Lucy gave me a thumbs-up and…”

Lucy’s voice mumbled something in the background.

“She said ‘good luck with your marshmallow experiment.’ Yeah, I don’t even want to know what that means…” Harry laughed.

Alex stifled a giggle as Tarquin kissed her ear. “Bye, Harry.” She dropped the phone in the covers.

Tarquin skimmed a finger across her cheek. “Fancy some homemade waffles, real maple syrup, strawberries—” He leaned in for a peck, but Alex tugged him closer, slipping her tongue between his lips. He smiled into their kiss. “Someone’s hungry, but not for waffles…”

“Did you get the whipped cream?”

“I did. Also, condoms.”

“Call your assistant—Mr. Balfour’s going to be late this morning.”