“George,” I whisper, wanting over my shoulder. Fortunately, Daniel is leaning towards the wall of the bridge, arms folded, staring into the space. “I don’t know what you’re speaking about.”

“Oh, cease being coy. I simply needed to say congratulations, that’s all. I wager Daniel’s thrilled.”

“George,” I hiss. “I don’t know what Vicky’s instructed you however there isn’t any information to be thrilled about.”

“However I assumed I used to be going to turn into an uncle – ultimately. Mum’s over the moon.” Oh, fucking hell. My life is over.

“What makes you assume that I’d need to have a toddler with a person I barely know, hmm?”

“Okaaaay, perhaps it’s not the perfect situation however Daniel’s a prime bloke, proper? All of us like him, and in addition to, I assumed you two had been all loved-up. Come on, sis, worse issues have occurred and also you’re not getting any youthful, are you?” Closing my eyes briefly, I press my palm towards my brow. I can’t imagine what’s occurring to me immediately.

“George,” I say by gritted enamel. “I can’t discuss now. I’ll name you tomorrow. And don’t you dare inform anybody else, do you hear me?” I really feel Daniel’s palms on my shoulders and I shudder barely.

“Sure, sure, I promise. Bye.”

“Was that George?”

“Sure, it was,” I reply honestly, questioning how lengthy he’s been standing behind me. How a lot he’s heard. “He simply needed to want you a cheerful birthday.”

“However I assumed you stated it was work.”

“Huh?”

“Simply now…on the telephone…you stated it was work.”

I snigger nervously. “You recognize I can’t actually see with out my glasses on.”

“So?”

“So, I misinterpret the…”

He tuts. “So? Will you marry me?”

39

“Daniel, hear.” I swallow arduous, faffing with the contents in my bag, “you’re an exquisite man and I care about you deeply.”

“Oh, right here we go.” He places his palms on his head and turns full circle, “you’re going to offer me the ‘it’s not you it’s me line’, aren’t you?”

“No, no, that’s not what I used to be going to say.” That’s the precise line I used to be going to feed him. “That is all simply such a shock, that’s all. I imply, you hardly know me actually… I…” He grabs my palms, I’m going through him.

“I do know all there’s to know.” Er… I don’t assume so as a result of for those who did you’d flip round proper now and run for the hills. “God, Audrey, you’re every little thing I need. Life’s too brief to waste time. We’re not getting any youthful, are we? I imply I do know we’re too previous for teenagers however…” I give him a fast, sharp look. “You don’t need children, do you?” I shake my head, swallowing again my guilt. “We will keep engaged for a yr or so for those who like, in order for you extra time, that’s. Simply don’t say no, not but.” Guilt sluices by me. I need him to cease. I can’t do that. I’ve acquired to come back clear. “At the least say you’ll give it some thought…Please.”

“Daniel.” I stare into his pleading eyes and I lose my nerve. “Okay, I’ll give it some thought.” Oh Christ, why am I such a wuss? He pulls me shut and rocks me gently in his arms as a light-weight wind sweeps over us, tugging at my conscience.

“Thanks,” he whispers, “that’s all I needed to listen to.”

Regardless of the crowds, Daniel and I handle to get to the forefront of the Mona Lisa. I maintain onto the wood barrier and stare at it in utter awe, utterly spellbound. I’ve waited a lifetime to see this. Vacationers are pushing and shoving, taking selfies with the portrait. A Japanese man nudges me as he leans towards the barrier grinning into the digicam, after which, dissatisfied with the image his spouse has simply taken, insists she takes it once more earlier than swapping locations along with her and going by your entire course of once more. And all by this mayhem Daniel and I stand hand-in-hand admiring the great thing about this unbelievable masterpiece in full silence.

* * *

Later, within the restaurant, having whizzed by the Opera Home and Gallery Lafayette, Daniel and I get pleasure from a light-weight meal in a small brassiere.

“You haven’t touched your champagne,” Daniel complains, tucking into his steak provencal, “not such as you. You okay?”

“I’m exhausted, Daniel.” And I’m, my toes are pulsating. I haven’t walked this a lot in years.

“Come on, you’ve acquired to have not less than one glass to have a good time my birthday. I can’t drink all this alone.” He factors on the ice bucket on our desk together with his fork. I smile and apologise for being so unsociable, particularly on his birthday. I take a small, hesitant sip. Daniel frowns at me over his champagne flute. “Is it okay?” I nod and gulp half the champagne again in a single go. The bubbles fizz in my mouth, making the again of my throat tingle, my eyes water.

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