Page 69 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

“I did! And I might’ve imitated Ferris and posed with the sculptures. People stared. I didn’t care.”

Leia let out a mirthful chuckle. “I kinda did that in New York—in Central Park. I took a single black glove to the rink, channeling the Sara character in Serendipity.”

Tarquin’s face lit up. “Oh, I love that film!”

“Serendipity? You sure?” She casually swung her vintage drawstring pouch bag, its elegant beading glinting under the riverside lights. “This one’s a rom-com.”

“Yeah, with Kate Beckinsale. I love rom-coms.”

Leia matched his smile, her eyes in cahoots with her mouth. “Hm. You love rom-coms, soaking in the bath, cooking…you own a cat…”

When she puts it like that… He glanced at the HMS Belfast, a former warship from the Second World War, now anchored in the Thames as a floating museum. “Whatcha saying there, Ginger?”

“I’m saying, Han Solo, you are full of surprises. It’s… refreshing.”

“I hope that’s a compliment?”

“Well, it’s not a dig!”

“Good, I’ll take it.” Tarquin settled into a smile. “God, I miss New York. Next time I’m there, I’ll do the whole Serendipity thing. I’ll book a room at the Waldorf Astoria, take you for frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III. Might even buy you a Casanova candle!” He broke into a dirty laugh.

“Hey, I hate to break it to you but most of that movie was shot in Toronto.”

“Nooo! Really?”

“Yeah! You know the hotel elevator scenes, where they lose each other? They weren’t filmed in the Waldorf. It’s the Royal York—in Toronto. And that new age place with the candles? The Green Iguana on Markham Street. Unfortunately, it isn’t there anymore.”

“Oh.” His lips pressed tight. “Shame, that.”

“But the place they used for the leasing office still exists. It’s on Adelaide. And the engagement dinner and Lars’ concert were filmed in Toronto, too. Toronto stands in for American cities more than you realize.”

“Lies! It’s all Hollywood lies!”

“Just like happily ever afters.” Leia tugged her scarf tighter. “Movie endings are the biggest lie.”

Or… maybe you just haven’t fallen in love with the right bloke. Our happily ever after would make you believe again. It would make me believe again… Tarquin’s eyes swept down Leia’s purple coat to its hem and her bare legs beneath. She must be freezing.

Leia’s predicament was the handiwork of a playful Pomeranian she’d met at Waterloo Tube station earlier that evening. Clambering for her attention, the frisky pup’s unbridled exuberance resulted in plenty of kisses, a pair of torn tights, and an unexpected pit stop in the National Theatre’s toilets where Leia’s ripped hosiery took their final curtain call.

A biting breeze darted over the Thames, and Tarquin glanced up from Leia’s elegant pointed-toe flats. I bet she didn’t count on it being so chilly tonight. I’d like to wrap her up, keep her safe and warm. “Are you cold? Your poor legs—we could hail a cab.”

“Oh, no, don’t bother. This is nothing! We used to walk to school in the winter with bare legs all the time. Teenagers, eh?”

“Canadians are hardier than us Brits, then.” He admired the inky night sky, free of snow and rain. “Ah, it’s beautiful tonight.”

Leia’s eyes followed the strings of lights gently curved like twinkly smiles between the riverside’s lamp posts. “It really is. It’s brisk, but great for walking, especially after such an incredible meal. Oh my god, that lobster…”

“I know. Melts in your mouth, right?”

“And the view?” Leia sighed. “I can see why you love it so much.” Tower Bridge loomed in the distance, its towers, high-level walkways, and suspension chains lit up and ready for the perfect photo op. “London’s gorgeous. I’m gonna miss it.”

I’m gonna miss you. “I bet Sarah would love it if you stayed longer.”

“Yeah, she’d love a few more weeks of me sleeping on her sofa and ruining her pizza.”

“Ruining it?”

“Yeah, with grapes.”