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‘Really?’
‘I grew up in a small town so it took some getting used to. I just liked to walk around at night, especially in the summer, sit by the river with a pint and work it all out.’
I can picture him doing that. There’s always been a look in his face like he wants to observe and absorb the world in his own time.
‘It’s a good city to have a wander in sometimes. I always marvel at the things I’ve not seen, places I haven’t been even though I’ve lived here all my life,’ I tell him.
‘Well, where haven’t you been?’ he asks me.
‘The London Eye, for example. Never done it. I should though. I’m a sucker for a view.’
‘Noted. So whereabouts are you?’ he asks me.
‘I’m crossing through Covent Garden, and I’ll try and jump on the Central Line,’ I tell him.
‘So why was it the right time to leave? Were you a nuisance? Did you get thrown out?’ he asks.
‘No. There was a girl there who’s like an old family friend. I think there’s potential so I left our boy to make a move.’
‘Our Frank?’ he says, mildly surprised.
‘It’s unbearably cute. Her name is Norah.’
‘Norah and Frank. They sound about eighty.’
I laugh. And in a complete coincidence, an older couple walk past me, huddled together for warmth, looking smart. Him in a felt fedora, her in a statement pearl necklace, both in matching leather gloves, like they’ve just taken in a show or been out to eat. They smile at me and I beam back. ‘They like walks in the park, slipper shoes and doing crosswords in bed.’
‘Is that the dream then for you in your old age?’
‘Absolutely. I’ve been in heels all day, slipper shoes sound like heaven.’
I take a turn down a road, headed right into the heart of Covent Garden. I may as well experience it once this Christmas. I head down a little cobbled street, windows packed with Christmas gift ideas: watches, trainers and designer handbags, all in displays with snow, holly and robins.
‘What else are you wearing then?’
I pause for a moment outside a lingerie shop and blush. ‘Leo, did you seriously just ask me that question?’
‘Oh my god…not like that…I was only being…’
I try and laugh it off to diffuse the awkwardness and keep walking. ‘You’re a dedicated follower of wedding fashion, that’s all.’
‘Exactly that.’
‘Well, that’s an even funnier story. Turns out I showed up in exactly the same dress as all the other bridesmaids today.’
‘Noooo…Did they make you walk down the aisle?’ he asks.
‘Actually…’
‘Noooo… What colour?’
‘Red.’
I turn into Covent Garden. It’s like a big beating festive heart of light, scents and activity. It will never lose its magic but I’m glad to be walking by this evening. People carry large bags of shopping, and inside the piazza, giant bells hang off the ceiling, radiant in gold and red, and I hear echoes of abrass band playing carols for all. I scooch past a group of tourists, all with their phones in the air.
‘You look good in red. You’ve got that red cardigan you wear…’ his voice trails off as he realises he’s said too much. I bite my lip to hear him fumbling. It’s very unlike Leo, he’s usually straight to the point. I can’t quite work out if he’s flirting or simply stating facts. ‘Like Santa.’
I giggle. ‘Yes, Santa was my inspiration when I got ready today for sure. It was actually a dress I borrowed from a friend. Her name is Gemma.’
