Page 24 of In the Frame

In case he’s forgotten, I’m obligated to point it out again.

More silence, followed by a slight cough.

Emboldened, I continue. “It’s really none of my business, your personal life. I overstepped. We were supposed to have one fake date, and I ruined it.”

“Admittedly, I enjoyed the evening until the end of the night,” Florian confesses, his voice slightly softer. Or maybe I just imagine his voice has gone softer.

I shiver, and not just from the cold. “You actually did? Here I thought you only tolerated me.”

“You’re an intriguing person, Matty. And knowledgeable. And I want to apologize to you for what I said about your age, implying inexperience. As you’ve said, we don’t know each other at all. You’ve proven yourself more than adept in your contemporary and modern art knowledge.”

“You’re forgiven,” I blurt immediately, not even trying to hold back. “And I can see why you said it.”

“Still.” Florian’s voice is quiet. “I shouldn’t underestimate you.”

“Did… did the fake date go alright? In accomplishing what you wanted it to accomplish with your—your business needs?”

“I think so. You were well presented. And… convincing.”

The goose bumps return. “Um, thanks. I love being convincing.”

An awkward silence draws out over the line, while overhead, the speakers announce the trains resuming service to London. I scan the electronic board for my platform and start walking in the right direction.

“Where are you?” Florian asks.

“Brighton. I came to see a friend. Who told me to get my head out of my arse and call you,” I confess. “And again, I’m terribly sorry.”

“I accept your apology. I realize I’m not the easiest person to be around sometimes.”

“Truce?” I ask.

“Yes.” I hear a smile in his voice, and I smile back, even though he can’t see me smiling as I swipe through the gates to my platform and the waiting train.

“I want to ask you something. I mean, about my suit. You said you got yours… but you still have mine. And I’ll need it back this week for a wedding on Saturday. Actually, I need it by Friday because it’s back in Brighton again next weekend.”

“My apologies. I’ve been out of town on business myself. I will see to it that your suit is cleaned and returned.”

More distant again. My stomach flops. “Thanks.”

“Of course. I should have done this immediately, but it has been a very busy time. I will speak to Richard.”

“Right. Richard.”

What did you expect, Matty? That he would hand deliver the suit to you? Like you actually want to see him again?

Strangely, some part of me actually does? But I don’t say any of these things. Instead, I pause outside the doors to the train carriage I want.

“Yes. He will contact you with arrangements.”

“Okay.”

“Is there anything else?”

“No, that’s it, really. It would be better to apologize in person, but hopefully, this is a step up from a text apology.”

“I understand. No matter: I’m in Berlin tonight. It would be difficult to meet today to talk.” The smile is back in his voice.

And my stomach flops again.