Sam gives me a blank look, which could mean, “Don’t go there,’ or “I’m not listening,’ or, again, “What do you mean, the dentist?”
I’m beginning to learn how he works. It’s like he has an
I click on my browser, search for another revolting picture of manky teeth, and forward it to him silently.
“This Savoy reception, by the way,” I say as we go to pick up our drinks. “You need to send your acceptance.”
“Oh, I’m not going to that,” he says, as though it’s obvious.
“Why not?” I stare at him.
“I have no particular reason to.” He shrugs. “And it’s a heavy week for social events.”
I don’t believe this. How can he not want to go to the Savoy? God, it’s all right for top businessmen, isn’t it? Free champagne, yawn, yawn. Goody bags, yet another party, yawn, how tedious and dull.
“Well, you should let them know, then.” I barely hide my disapproval. “In fact, I’ll do it right now.
“You don’t have to do that.” Sam is staring at me, bemused. “One of the PAs at the office is helping me out now. Girl called Jane Ellis. She can do that.”
Yes, but
“It’s OK.” I shrug. “It’s been really bugging me.” Our coffees have arrived on the counter and I hand him his. “So … thanks again.”
“No trouble.” He holds the door open for me. “Hope you find the ring. As soon as you’ve finished with the phone—”
“I know.” I cut him off. “I’ll bike it round. The same nanosecond.”
“Fine.” He allows me a half smile. “Well, I hope everything goes well for you.” He extends a hand and I shake it politely.
“Hope everything goes well for you too.”
I haven’t even asked him when his wedding is. Perhaps it’s a week from tomorrow, like ours. In the same church, even. I’ll arrive and see him on the steps with Willow the Witch on his arm, telling him he’s toxic.
He strides away and I hurry off toward the bus stop. There’s a 45 bus disgorging passengers, and I climb on board. It’ll take me to Streatham Hill, and I can walk from there.
As I take my seat, I look out and see Sam walking swiftly along the pavement, his face impassive, almost stony. I don’t know if it’s the wind or he’s been knocked by a passerby, but somehow his tie has gone skew-whiff, and he doesn’t even seem to have noticed. Now
Your tie’s crooked.
I wait about thirty seconds, then watch his face jolt in surprise. As he’s looking around, searching the pedestrians on the pavement, I text again:
On the bus.
The bus has moved off by now, but the traffic’s heavy and I’m pretty much keeping pace with Sam. He looks up, straightening his tie, and flashes me a smile.
I’ll have to admit, he does have quite a smile. Kind of heart-stopping, especially as it comes out of nowhere.
I mean … you know. If your heart was in the kind of place to be stopped.
Anyway. An email has just come in from Lindsay Cooper, and I briskly open it.
Dear Sam,
Thank you so much! Your words mean a lot to me—it’s so nice to know you are appreciated!! I’ve told the whole team who helped me with the strategy document, and it’s really boosted morale!
Best,
Lindsay
It’s cc’ed to his other address too, so he’ll have got it on his phone. A moment later my phone bleeps with a text from Sam.
What did you write to Lindsay??
I can’t help giggling as I type back:
Happy birthday. Just like you said.
What else??
I don’t see why I need to answer. Two can play at selective deafness.
Have you contacted the dentist yet? I counter.
I wait a while—but we’re back to radio silence. Another email has arrived in the phone, this time from one of Lindsay’s colleagues, and as I read it I can’t help feeling vindicated.
Dear Sam,
Lindsay passed on your kind words about the website strategy. We were so honored and delighted you took the time to comment. Thanks, and look forward to chatting about more initiatives, maybe at the next monthly meeting.
Adrian (Foster)
Ha. You see?
It’s all very well sending off two-word emails. It might be efficient. It might get the job done. But
On a sudden impulse, I scroll down to Rachel’s zillionth email about the Fun Run and press
Hi, Rachel.
Count me in for the Fun Run. It’s a great endeavor and I look forward to supporting it. Well done!
Sam