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“Text me, and let me know how it goes?”
Whoops. Too much? Alex dialed back her enthusiasm a notch. She felt like a popcorn kernel about to burst. What was it about Mark that made her so…giddy? She last felt like this three years ago when she fell for Devin.
“I will, but actually, I’m a bit of a Luddite with smartphones and social media. It took me an hour to figure out how to text you those photos.”
“The wait was worth it, though,” said Alex. “That shot of you balancing the Shard on your head? Classic.”
“Ha, yeah, well, my favourite was the one of you pulling Big Ben up from its point.”
“You’re wasted as an actor. You should work for the London Tourism Board.”
“If I don’t win a BAFTA soon, I’m making that switch.” He laughed. “Nah, who am I kidding? I’m a social media nightmare. I lasted on Twitter for a day. And why do people post photos of their meals?”
Alex snickered, but made a mental note to quit posting snaps of cake slices from Patisserie Valerie on Facebook and Instagram.
“I’m an old soul when it comes to techy stuff. I’d rather talk face to face, you know?”
“Yeah, nothing beats chatting face to face.” Alex slipped under the spell of his smile. “It’s more intimate.”
“Exactly. See, you get me.”
Alex blushed. “I do. And that’s why I must thank you again for the play tickets…no texting emoji can match this face-splitting grin. And all the trouble you went to…”
“No trouble at all. I knew how badly you wanted to go,” said Mark.
“I’ll see you there, right?”
“You will. It’s a date.”
“Can’t wait.” A date! Alex lost the ability to blink…and speak. Damn that wine box…her body vibrated with the urge to touch him.
Mark raised his eyebrows at her laptop. “Wow, that’s an oldie but a goodie. It’s almost as old as mine. How’s your writing coming?”
“It’s getting there. I’ve been devoting every spare moment to it.”
“I bet you’ve written some great stuff. I’d love to read it when you’re ready to share…”
“Maybe you could act it out? Well…as long as you don’t mind playing a woman.”
“I’m nothing if not open-minded. I did a production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show once. My legs look smashing in fishnets and heels.” He winked. “So, how’s work?”
“Okay. Though, I’m looking for something better paid or theatre-related. There’s not a lot out there.”
He repositioned the box in his arms. “I heard someone talking the other day about upcoming postings for backstage tour guides. Sounds like a cool gig. It also involves working in admin and at the stage door.”
Butterflies fluttered in Alex’s belly. “Really? That would be perfect.”
“Most of the jobs here require an online application, but I can put a good word in for you. It can’t hurt, right? A few of the higher-ups drop by the bar on Fridays after six, and if the jobs haven’t been posted yet, maybe you can get a jump on the queue.”
Alex bounced in her seat, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh, God. That would be awesome. Thanks! I’d love to work here. I know it inside out.”
Mark laughed. “I heard. Freddie says you could teach the current guides a thing or two.”
“I doubt that…”
“It would be a great fit. No promises, but leave it with me.”
He nodded at a bartender who strode past. “That’s my supervisor. I should get back before the interval. Maybe the next time I see you, we’ll both be working here.”
