‘Pasta La Vista!’ Ben exclaimed before Evie could say it herself.

‘Oh my god yes. Brilliant.’

‘You’re brilliant!’ He grabbed her hand, and the two of them exchanged a look that seemed to say more than just ‘good job’.

Evie smiled at the boy who made her feel so perfectly happy with who she was right at that very moment. Then her phone rang and she pulled her hand out of Ben’s to pick it up, her body growing warm as soon as she saw who was calling.

‘Hugo?’

‘Evie! How’s your dad? I’m so sorry I haven’t been in touch sooner. Lots has been going on. You’ll never guess what’s happened,’ Hugo said, his words tripping over each other.

‘Go on,’ Evie said, feeling a little miffed that he’d skipped over his radio silence so quickly. This had better be good.

‘Remember when Liam decided to send the first few chapters of my manuscript out widely in the hopes of drumming up some excitement? Well, I thought they’d all forgotten about me, but out of nowhere, Auklet showed some interest and Liam started a full-blown bidding frenzy! It was meant to have a six-week deadline but then Anjali Patel at Auklet made a preemptive offer if Liam took it off the table. And I’ve decided to accept it,’ said Hugo, sounding utterly elated.

‘What?’ Evie said, standing up. Her annoyance evaporated like a book snapping shut.

‘Auklet just offered me a bloody book deal! I can’t believe it.’

‘Hugo, wow! Auklet is huge. I’m so happy for you,’ said Evie, trying to sound surprised.

‘And the advance, I can’t even begin to fathom it. I’m finally going to be able to stop relying on my parents,’ Hugo said. ‘What are you doing tonight? I’d love to take you out to dinner to celebrate.’

‘Sure! Wow, Hugo, I’m so thrilled for you.’

‘Thanks, Evie. How’s eight?’ asked Hugo.

Evie agreed, then hung up the phone and looked at Ben, who was eyeing her curiously.

‘Hugo just signed a book deal,’ she squealed.

‘Just like you said he would! What are you, some kind of fortune teller?’

Evie smiled, then shrugged. ‘Something like that.’

FIFTEEN

Fifteen