Page 7 (1/2)

‘Business,’ he replies, watchingcomplete clarification, but for what purpose I don’t know I’, because I haven’t a cluenor am I concerned, and that should really concern me

‘I a hihted Noant to kno old he is He seehest quality every tiiant‘I enjoyedit, before slowly rising froaze follows hi blues, looking down at ?’ I blurt, shocked What was all this about? What was his point?

He shifts uncomfortably and puts his hand out to me ‘It was a pleasure to meet you’

‘We already met,’ I point out ‘You nearly kissed me but walked away’

His hand drops a little at ain ‘And then you walked away froame? He’s unhappy because I was the one alked away, so now he’s returning the favour, having the final say? His hand comes closer and I recoil, too scared to touch him

‘Do you think there will be sparks?’ he asks quietly

My eyes widen I know there will be sparks because I’ve felt the injects some bravery into ain Sparks Not electricity firing off all over the bistro, causing us both to gasp or ju there, and instead of firing outward, it’s shooting inward, ricocheting all overo, but he flexes his pal me to release him

Then he turns and strides out, without another word or look to suggest that he felt so too Did he? What was that? Who is he? My pal to scrub soued by hirandhts are wandering to, not after that brief but enlightening conversation I’erous territory Afterallone who looks like he should definitely be left alone

There’s a pull, though – a very powerful pull

I’ve been aith the fairies all week Every tis open, I look for him But he’s never there A dozen men over the last four days have askedeyes I have And each one I’ve wished could be Miller

I’ve been busy churning out perfect coffee after perfect coffee, and I even waitressed at another posh function for Del on Tuesday, hoping he’d be there He wasn’t

I’ve always tried to keepa complication – a tall, dark-haired, ory has huh the Royal Parks He knows there is so on my mind He kicks a pile of leaves as we traipse down the ham Palace He wants to ask, and I knoon’t hold out for er He’s made all of the conversation, while I’ve returned one-word answers I’er I’m clearly absent in n my norory to press me so I can share Miller with him

‘I’vethe comfortable silence between us He looks shocked, which is okay because I’at some of the blades ‘He turned up at the bistro a few tiala ball where I waitressed’

Gregory joins rin ‘Olivia Taylor has been affected by a man?’

‘Yes, Olivia Taylor has most definitely been affected by a man’ It feels like such a relief to shareabout hiory throws his arms in the air ‘Is he hot?’

‘Stupidly’ I s eyes As blue as the sky’

‘I want to know everything,’ Gregory declares

‘There’s nothing more to tell’

‘Well, what did he say?’

‘He asked if I was involved with anyone’ I try to sound casual, but I knohat’s co

His eyes widen as he leans forward ‘And you said?’

‘No’

‘It’s happened!’ he sings ‘Thank the fking Lord, it’s finally happened!’

‘Gregory!’ I scold hiht; it has happened, and it’s happened hard

‘Oh, Livy’ He sits up straight, looking all serious ‘You don’t kno long I’ve been waiting for this I need to see hi my hair over my shoulder ‘Well, that’s unlikely He appears quickly and disappears faster’

‘How old?’ The excite I’ve ever seen before I’ve made his day – probably hisht bars if it ht years, just eight, although it could be forever The ‘it’ boy at school, all of the girls swooned over him and he dated them all, but he had a little secret – a secret that saw hiy Or eighty per cent gy, as Gregory has always clai him behind the bike sheds, beaten to a pulp by so of our friendship

‘I’ late-twenties, but he seems older You know, verysuits’

‘Perfect’ He rubs his hands together ‘Naory’s face screws up into a disapproving frown ‘Who is he? Jahter flies frole tofor confirmation that ned with an M’

‘Signed?’ His confusion deepens, as does his scowl I’e this part

‘He didn’t likeit on a napkin He signed it M, but I’ve since found out that his name is Miller’