Page 108 of Cover Story

Does that mean you think you’re the bigger person?

Bel drafted replies to this in her head and decided, as Connor had once said, silence was the most eloquent response.

Speaking of which, she had to do this before she could think about it too much. Connor was leaving this weekend. She knew it wasn’t until Sunday, due to his dad’s availability. She’d been about to offer Friday drinks, instead she was angling to drag him to a wedding full of strangers seventy miles away.

Bel

Connor, I have to ask a huge favour, and feel free to say ‘gross, no.’ My ex Tim’s sister’s getting married in York on Saturday, I have to go, and Tim’s being an arsehole about it. When I was put on the spot, I said I had a plus one. Don’t suppose if you’ve got nothing on instead, you could come out of retirement for one last job, as my fake plus one? Warning: it’s going to mean negotiated same-bed share again. Also, I am well aware I am taking the bare piss. Two days’ notice, a wedding where you know no one– WHOOP.

Connor

Gross, no

Bel laughed and focused hard on the rippling ‘typing’ dots. Hope bloomed in her heart and she thought about how much she enjoyed him.

Connor

Sure. I’d be offended if you asked anyone else, tbh.

You can’t have a fake, fake boyfriend. I’m the real fake.

She wanted to let go an excited scream. Not for the first time, he had bailed her out.

Bel

CONNOR ADAMS THANK YOU SO SO MUCH X

Connor

How’s Tim being an arsehole?

Bel felt a small glimmer of flattery that this was an authentically boyfriendish question. But she was kidding herself: Connor understood the assignment, that was all.

Bel

Lied to Verity (his sister, the bride) I wanted to be on a distant table. Lied when I challenged him on why he’d done it. Took it upon himself to declare me single on my behalf. Has gone fully cocky hostile dickbag, sadly.

Connor

I TOLD you he was immature. I’ve had enough of scorned Tim Hornby. Scornby. OK. Let’s give them the biggest display of sparks since Burton walked on set toCleopatrawith Taylor.

Bel

You are 100 per cent the Liz here.

Connor

Yep. Raven hair, violet eyes, London born. You are the craggy, very ‘regional pride’ bellowing drinker.

Bel

Hahahahahaha - YES

(I will send you all the details)

(Thank you again x)

Dear Lord– this was almost flirty?

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