Page 102 of Never Too Late
‘But you got the reservation… and so much more, so easily. Don’t you, you know, do that all the time for people?’
‘Non. Not really. Generally, I am happy to wait.’ He paused, gave a brief side to side wobble of his head, then continued. ‘Well. Wait impatiently, just as everyone else has to.’
‘But…’ Sash looked back to me then at him again.
‘I only use my powers for good.’ He winked.
She bit her lip, her smile still peeking through as our gazes met.
‘I did tell you he wasn’t such a terrible monster.’
She widened her eyes as if to shoosh me then made a choice on the phone still, as always, in her hand.
‘Bonsoir, beautiful.’
‘Hi!’ she replied with a brief wave at the screen, her cheeks taking on a faint blush, the smile automatic. Happy memories fluttered through my mind like so many butterflies being released.
‘I’m with Mum and Tomas.’
‘Ah,bon.’
Sash’s clear warning to Benoit not to say anything he wouldn’t want either of us to hear was both subtle yet obvious.
‘Are you OK?’ he asked.
‘Yeah, better now, thanks. Sorry about the meltdown earlier.’
‘Not a problem. I’m glad you called.’
Benoit’s words were casual but caring. Unhurried with no concern as to whether they were overheard by family members. I liked him even more for it.
‘I’m still cross, obviously. Well, more upset than cross, I suppose.’
‘Understandable.’
‘So! Are you free tomorrow night?’
‘For you? Of course,’ he replied, not taking a beat.
‘Fancy coming with me to Quatorze?’
‘The restaurant? Seriously?’
‘Yes!’ Sash bubbled with excitement and laughter. Benoit’s soft, deep tones echoed hers.
‘How?’
‘Your godfather. I met them when I got home and told them what had happened. Next thing I know, we’ve got a table at Quatorze and not only that, guess what?’ She carried on before he had a chance to. ‘Simone Deschamps only told him that I can interview her if I want!If I want?’ She was practically bouncing now.
‘That’s fantastic,ma chérie. She will love you.’
She blew him a kiss. ‘I just need to get all my fangirling out of the way and not make an idiot out of myself.’
‘You could never.’
‘Oh, believe me, I could, but I need to make sure I don’t.’
‘I’m afraid I have to go,’ Tomas whispered. I stood up, and his hand automatically went to mine. ‘I’m sorry. I have an early-morning call. Time zones.’ He gave the little head wobble he did when things were mildly annoying. I loved that, as much as he had changed, some things had stayed the same.
