Page 103 of London, Can You Wait?

“It varies. I’ve had more since last April, though.”

“What happened last April?”

“What didn’t?” Alex squeezed the water bottle. “I quit my job, moved in with Mark, and his new agent, Wink—”

“His name is Wink?!”

“His surname is Winkler…he prefers to go by Wink.”

Tarquin shook his head. “Wink! What a wanker.”

“Yeah, wanker sums him up perfectly. Wink convinced Mark to take a last-minute shoot in Thailand. That film cancelled our holiday—the first time. Mark was gone for a month.”

“And is fainting…the norm?”

“No. This was only the second time.”

“You scared the shit out of me! I almost didn’t catch you. You got a bigger audience reaction than the play’s murder scene.”

Alex winced. “Great! I’ll be forever known as the playwright who gets the vapors.”

“Maybe it just adds to your mystique.”

“Mystique doesn’t pay the bills.”

“There is that, but you’re not alone, you know. Most people have something. Maybe they’re just better at hiding it.” He beamed. “Hey, I grew up with a fear of heights! I pissed myself on a Ferris wheel at Alton Towers once when I was eight. Figures, right? I end up building skyscrapers for a living. Shhh! Don’t tell Budgie!”

Alex smiled briefly, despite her annoyance.

“Listen, you promise, yeah? We’ll tell Harry tonight was a success? If he hears that I made you pass out—”

“It’s fine—”

“I hate disappointing him.”

“You really care what he thinks, don’t you?”

“He’s my boy.”

“I know what you mean.” She exhaled heavily. “Yes, Tarquin, we had a fun time.”

He smiled. “You know, actors never make good partners. They’re all about trying new people, new faces on for size. Then, boom, straight out the door—onto the next one.”

“You sound like Lucy.”

“That’s the first compliment you’ve given me. She’s spunky—love that.”

“I’m a bit pissed she didn’t tell me that you were having dinner last night. Conspiring…”

“Spoilers, sweetie!” He grinned. “See what I did there?”

Alex snorted.

“What? Only you and Lucy can share Doctor Who humour?”

“You’re seriously a Whovian?”

“The best people are, gorgeous.” He leaned against the chaise. “Maybe Lucy didn’t say anything because she wants you to make up your own mind about me.”