Chapter 14

Fourteen

LUCY

The awning in front of the restaurant does little to protect me from the rain. Everyone warned me about the ever-persistent precipitation when I decided to move to London, but I don’t mind it at all. I’ve even found umbrellas that match my coats and accessories.

Standing on either side of two puddles that look dangerously close to meeting in the middle and drowning my shoes, I still can’t find myself upset at Mia for suggesting a weekly girls’ night—just for the three of us. “Mondays are such a drag. I think we need to change that, and what better way to do so than to look forward to a night out with the girls?” Like always, Mia is correct. I’ve spent most of this dreary day looking forward to their company.

As I pull out my phone to text Mia, Hannah approaches, clutching her umbrella tight and rushing over to me and the awning. She’s going to be discouraged when she discovers it offers barely any coverage. We stand close together and line up our umbrellas above us to double the barrier from the rain .

“How was work at the publishing house today? Any new books I should keep an eye out for?” Hannah’s job sounds like a dream come true. However I don’t think I would make a good publisher, I love almost every book I read and struggle to be critical with them.

“Very well, thank you.” It’s so refreshing to me when I come across people who truly enjoy their professions. It’s far less common than we are made to believe as children. “Yes, in fact, I think you would be very interested to hear about a new trend popping up in our contemporary romance genre.”

“Oh, do tell?—”

“Ladies!” Mia yells from her taxi window as the car pulls to a slow stop in front of the café to not splash us with the puddles. She jumps out of the car, and the three of us quickly make our way into the café.

Once we take our seats and order, Mia announces our next destination for the evening. “I have decided what we will do after, we’re going shopping!”

“Isn’t this weather a little difficult for shopping?” Hannah asks.

“Yes, I do believe this calls for a rain check on our shopping plans.”

“Before you cancel our plans, let’s see what it’s like when we leave,” Mia pleads.

Hannah and I both agree. Our dinners are delicious. It’s a small café with a long menu of sandwiches and coffees that ended up being too much for us to decide. We order four different sandwiches—a turkey club, sausage sandwich, chicken salad, and classic cheese, and then cut them up so we are able to try each of them .

“Hannah, you were just about to tell me about the new books you are reading at work,” I remind her.

“Yes, we are finding an increase in modern-day retellings of Jane Austen’s books,” Hannah explains. “I’ll be sure to recommend those authors, I believe a couple already have books that are published.”

“Speaking of romance…” She turns in my direction. “How are you doing with the response to the photo of you and Henry from the weekend?”

“What response?”

Has Henry spoken with her or perhaps Finn about his manager’s prediction?

“It was all over the Internet and each of my feeds, but maybe that is because I search the Brooks name regularly for anything on Finn and Oliver.”

That’s a relief, we didn’t go into details of what our staged relationship would involve, but I’m not sure I want to bring my friends into our charade, but I don’t want to lie to them either.

“I’m managing. Haven’t thought much about it since yesterday.” I’ve tried to preoccupy my thoughts with anything else.

“Oh, yes, sorry about Finn’s joke. I don’t think he meant any harm,” Mia explains quickly.

“Not at all, it was funny!” I try to reassure her.

“You didn’t answer, so we figured it was still a touchy subject,” Mia asks.

I look over at Hannah, but she doesn’t indicate anything off about yesterday either. They must not know Henry came to see me. This could be my answer to him keeping it a secret from everyone. “Yeah, it was a little surprising. I simply forgot to answer him. I’ll have to think of something witty to respond.”

After finishing our dinner, Hannah brings our attention to the front window of the café with a frown, the rain has picked up. “I think it might be best for us to call it a night, Mia.”

Mia slouches in her seat with her chin down as she lets out a sorrowful sigh.

“Next time we will be sure to visit twice as many shops,” I promise her with hope of a better time.

Mia and Hannah share a cab and I am lucky enough to find one for myself. Normally I’d take every chance I can to walk the streets of London, but I’d prefer not to catch a cold before traveling home for the holidays.

The storm grows stronger, and the temperature continues to drop through Tuesday. It’s decided in the group text to cancel for this week due to the weather. I’d much prefer snow to icy rain. Even though I haven’t left the house the entire day, I still have a chill I can’t shake. Without plans for this evening, I spend the day making soup to enjoy it while curling up on the couch with a new book, one Hannah recommended to me.

Just as I find myself tucked in and starting to warm up, my text alert sounds.

Henry

Should I still guess what you are reading?

Lucy

Sure, if you’d like, but I’m certain it is not a book you will be familiar with.

Henry

Well, let me tell you what I hope you are reading…

Lucy

So you’ve been giving this some thought?

Henry

Dear Lucy, you have consumed my thoughts since we parted on Sunday.

Lucy

Wow, you are pulling out all the tricks today.

Please tell me, what is it you hope I am reading?

Henry

Romance…

Lucy

Why would you hope for that?

Henry

To prepare for your role as the love of my life.

Lucy

Interesting. Here, I assumed you were the love of your life.

Henry

Unfortunately, I am not looking for a comedian, Miss Taylor.

Lucy

Does that mean I’m no longer being considered for the role?

Henry

Sadly no, you are the only qualified candidate. I must have you.

Lucy

You must have me? In what capacity?

If I were to accept the role, what would be expected of me?

Henry:

;-)

The gentlemanly thing would be to let you set your expectations first.

Lucy

I believe you already have something in mind. Let’s start there.

Henry

I was thinking of staged (by you) photos of us to post to my social media accounts.

Possibly, a few outings (or dates, I believe they are called).

Lucy

Yes, I have heard of the term, dates, as well, I believe it refers to couples going places together.

Henry

This is why I am hopeful you are reading romance. I believe we will both need to brush up on the subject.

To make this romantic caper appear authentic.

Lucy

Yes, this will take elaborate planning and great efforts on our part.

Henry

Just think how proud you will be if we can pull off a ruse as grand as this.

Lucy

Grand, you say?

As grand as the great staircase of Rosings Park?

Henry

Yes, I believe it will be just as grand as Rosings Park itself.

Lucy

It will not be easy to convince others that I enjoy your company…especially those who know you personally.

Henry

I understand the extensive torture this will be for you. My apologies. In return for your troubles, I promise to deliver the most exquisite film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice you’ve ever seen.

Lucy

Well, that’s a very presumptuous promise, Mr. Brooks!

Henry

I’m a confident man. I thought you knew this by now.

Lucy

I believe it’s spelled A-R-R-O-G-A-N-T.

Henry

Once again, with the comedy.

Lucy

I do believe relationships involve humor and laughter. This is a skill I can utilize IF I decide to agree to be in a fake relationship with you.

Henry

I’m not sure, but I’ll spend the rest of my evening researching typical relationship behaviors in the hope that you agree.

Goodnight, Lucy.

Lucy

Goodnight, Henry. Best of luck with your research