Page 55 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

Simon flashed a conspiratorial grin in Leia’s direction, remaining silent until the jangle of cutlery from the kitchen filled the air. “So, I spoke to Tarq yesterday,” he whispered.

Oh? Leia stopped tormenting the cap on her cola. Simon doesn’t want Alex to hear. She definitely knows, then. “Oh, really? How is he?” She lowered her voice to match Simon’s, listening for creaking floorboards signaling Alex’s return.

“He’s good. Work is keeping him on his toes. He asked after you.”

He did? She fought back a smile. “I’ve been meaning to text him…”

“I told him how swamped you’ve been—too busy to sleep or eat. I have a sneaky feeling this hamper was intended as fuel for you!” Simon dove into the hamper again. “Oh, what’s this?” Leia leaned in as his hand reappeared clutching a long box in Fortnum’s signature blue. He lifted the fancy cardboard lid. “Ooh, nice! Pretty in pink, see?”

Macarons? Tarquin remembered?! Leia set down her cola and admired the delicate baked goods, the pink hue both familiar and thrilling. He’s been thinking about me! Her heart tripped as a grin flirted with her lips. “They’re raspberry.” My favorite. This is just too sweet and so kind. I have to thank him.

“Feel free to take them home, share with your sister.” Simon stashed the empty wicker hamper underneath the table.

The hall floorboards squeaked and Alex swerved around the doorjamb, her arms cradling a colorful stack of ceramic plates.

“Oh, let me help.” Leia left the box of macarons on the table and pitched in.

“Si—mon!” Spencer’s holler fought its way up the stairs. “The cash drawer is jammed! Can you fix it? It’s doing my bloody ’ead in!”

Simon sighed loudly and forked a slice of eggy frittata, plunking it on a plate. “I’ll take this to Spence.” He swiped a knife and fork. “You ladies dig in. I’ll be back in a sec.” He disappeared around the doorjamb, the stairs complaining with each pounding step.

Alex sat down and plucked a piece of crumbly cheese from a tray while Leia surveyed the multiple platters of fruit, smoked meats, and fresh veggies—a delicious spread guaranteed to satisfy their bellies today and tomorrow, too. This is amazing. She pulled up a chair and removed her phone from her pocket, selecting Tarquin from her contacts. Thumbs flying over the keyboard, she typed then paused, re-reading her message.

Leia: Lovin’ the picnic. THANKS! Especially the macarons. Shame you’re not on the menu—NAKED.

Leia hit send, wondering if a cheeky response might arrive while Alex nibbled cheese just an elbow away. She laid her phone face down on the table, just in case.

The playwright flashed a kind smile. “I can’t get over this spread. Tarquin’s a bit of a foodie, so I guess it’s not surprising.”

She wants to talk Tarquin? Leia sucked in a breath. Uh, okay. She scooped up a stuffed pepper. Actually, talking about him might be a good idea. Get any weirdness out of the way. She poked the cheese peeking out from the pepper with her fork. “I’m a terrible cook, but I love to eat. This definitely beats the boring microwave meal I forgot to pack.”

“Don’t let Tarquin hear you say that,” said Alex, toying with a cluster of grapes. “He hates microwaves. He’s all about fresh ingredients from Borough Market and making meals from scratch—he’s incredibly passionate and hands-on in the kitchen.”

I guess she’d know. Leia’s stomach clenched. Wait… am I jealous? Yeah, right!

“Oh god! I didn’t mean that to sound…you know…” Alex let out an uneasy giggle, her attention settling on the platter of pork pies. “I have to be honest…”

Oh, shit. Here it comes. Leia froze.

“I’d trade most of this for a microwave meal in a heartbeat.”

I didn’t expect that. Leia disguised her rushed breath with a laugh.

“I’m such a picky eater. Most of this is lost on me…” Alex examined a grape then popped it in her mouth.

They exchanged a smile then both fell silent and ate, Alex sticking to cheese and fruit while Leia benched the stuffed pepper for a small bite of Scotch egg, a British classic she’d never eaten before. Rain drummed on the windows, but it failed to drown out Spencer and her pitch-imperfect warble destroying “Angels” by Robbie Williams playing in Simon’s shop downstairs.

Alex took a sip of water, her eyes swimming over the box of macarons and the dress form draped with Leia’s fabric, their combined rosy pink offering a hint of spring on a dour winter’s day. “I bet you’re having lots of fun with him, huh?”

Ugh. How do I answer that? “Um, yeah?” Leia nodded with a smile, wishing Simon would show up and diffuse the awkwardness suffocating the room.

Alex pitched forward. “Leia, you know—”

“It’s only been the one time!”

“Huh?” Alex’s brow creased.

“Over a week ago,” Leia blurted. “I know this feels awkward, but it shouldn’t, should it? We’re all adults! You’re his ex and I’m…just having some fun with him. It’s nothing serious, and besides—”