She closed her eyes and let the bedtime story wash over her, inhaling the scent and feeling the smoothness of her own skin. Maybe she should have seen Priyesh tonight – she just didn’t want it to be reactionary, like she was using him because Francesco was busy. That didn’t seem fair. Especially when Priyesh continued to surprise her. The sex was potentially the best she’d ever had. He didn’t mind bodily fluids or noises or bumping heads. He was a man totally at ease with himself, no need to ‘prove’ his masculinity like other men Penny had been with. In fact, he didn’t always come when they had sex – he seemed to get pleasure simply from them being together, exploring each other’s bodies. He was patient, and they’d even managed to find common ground over the past two months – she didn’t think he was boring anymore. He was educated and knowledgeable, and endlessly inquisitive, too.

Penny opened her eyes and reached out of the bath, first for a towel to wipe her hands, and then for her phone. She pulled up Priyesh’s number.

No, she advised herself. I can’t call him just because Francesco has a date.

Her finger lingered on the call button.

She put the phone back down.

18

‘What? Are you kidding me? Yes, yes, yes!’ Penny squealed. ‘I’d kill to see Lizzo live! Thomas!’

At the other end of the phone line Thomas let out a pleased laugh. ‘I was hoping you’d say yes,’ he told her. ‘I’ll have Chris email you everything you need, and I’ll see you here Thursday night then? Just give them your name at the door and they’ll show you through.’

Penny sensed Francesco observing her from the other side of the pass and looked up, grinning. She pulled a face to signify her excitement, but Francesco raised his eyebrows in question.

‘What’s happening?’ he mouthed.

‘Can I bring somebody?’ she asked. ‘My friend Stu? He’s been looking after the café, and I’d love to say thank you to him. He’s as big a fan as I am.’

‘Totally. Bring him. Listen, I’ve got to go. But I’m excited that you’re excited. You’ll stay with me? At The Langham? Does Stuart need digs?’

The Langham! Penny couldn’t believe the luxury she was being offered. She’d once gone to the bar there for a drink with Clementine and a round for two had cost a hundred quid. ‘No, he’s in my old apartment. It’s just me. I’ll drop my bag Thursday afternoon and see you there.’

‘I can’t wait,’ Thomas said.

Penny put her phone into her apron pocket and walked to the pastry section.

‘What was that?’ Francesco said. ‘Aside from obviously very good news?’