Page 19 of Hello Darling

“How interesting. I’m an only child. Always been fascinated by siblings.”

“Yeah, well. I’m glad I have them. Most of the time.”

We come to the end of the block and I press the button at the crosswalk. There are no moving cars for a mile, it seems, but—safety first. He stands next to me as we wait for the light to change. I feel ridiculous. I can feel him looking at me, smiling, and I refuse to look at him, until I finally start laughing and say, “Oh fine,” and look both ways before crossing the street. I can’t take anymore of this physical proximity, it’s too much.

“So what’s the name of this movie you’re going to film here?”

“Ah. Well, until a few days ago the project was calledUntitled Alan Berner Thriller, but I’ve been informed that the working title is now:Cover-up.”

“Oh please tell me it’s about you trying to frantically hide an enormous zit for two hours.”

“Well thatwouldbe a feat of acting, because I’ve never had a spot on my face in my life.”

“Really?”

“No, actually, I was riddled with them when I was thirteen, it was awful.”

“This is our favorite tavern,” I say, gesturing towards the pub to my left, with my hand still in my coat pocket.

“McSmiley’s?”

“Yup.”

“Fancy a drink now?”

I laugh. “You really don’t want to go to bed, do you?”

He grins.

“I mean—go to sleep. No! I’m not having another drink for a long time. But don’t let me stop you from having one.”

“I was just being polite. I should head back, you’re right.”

We keep walking.

“Is it always this quiet at night?”

“No, it’s just a day after the holiday thing, I think.”

“Right, sure.”

I step out into the empty road, feeling reckless and ready to jaywalk this time, since his hotel is right across the street. He follows me, but says, “I’ll walk you back to your car.”

“You don’t have to, I’m just a block away.”

“I insist.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Thank you for the walk. I feel right at home now.”

“You’ll have a nice time here, I’m sure. People here are really nice, and content, and…well to be honest, a lot of them were really excited that you’re coming.”

“Nice of you to say so.”

“It’s true.”

“I like what I’ve seen so far,” he says, smiling at me.