Page 45 of Hello Darling

“Right back at you. Although, I have been told I look rather fine in a suit.”

“You do!” she blurts out, and then covers her mouth like she’s said something she’s not supposed to.

I squint at her. “Have you seen me in a suit, other than this one that I was born in?”

She is adorably embarrassed to admit: “I’ve seen theHamletmovie.”

“So you have seen my films.”

“Not all of them. Just the ones I can currently watch for free at home.”

This pleases me more than it should. “And did you enjoy watching them?”

“I did enjoy watching them. I mean, I didn’t love all of the movies or shows, but I do enjoy watching you on film.” She does an imitation of a cheesy vaudeville producer. “You really got something kid—you got what it takes to be a star!”

I laugh. “You really think so?” It’s humiliating how much I want her to like my work.

“Uh huh,” she says, before sucking a lucky noodle into her mouth. “Your eyes contain all the sadness and joys and mysteries of the world. Your chiseled jawline and abs convey a deep understanding of human nature.”

She does make me laugh, this one. “Piss off.”

“I probably should...” She looks around for the time.

“No, stay.”

“Okay…I’m sorry I’m such a jerk to you. I don’t know—I think I’m…intimidated by you.”

I drop my chopsticks into the container and stare at her.

Her head jerks back. “What?”

“I’m just wondering if that word means the same thing here as it does in the U.K. Are you sure you meant to say ‘intimidated?’”

“Yes! I’m not an idiot.”

“No, you’re not. You also don’t strike me as someone who’s the least bit intimidated by me.”

“Well, maybeI’mthe accomplished actor, then. Because I am. I mean I don’t care about the movie star stuff. Or I do, but not in the way that most people probably do. I’ve never been with a guy who’s older than me before.”

“I’m not that much older than you.”

“Worldlier, then.”

“Ah, well. That I can understand. I am exceedingly worldly. Pretty fucking classy too, wouldn’t you say?”

“You really are. I mean. You’re an accomplished actor. Obviously. I was impressed. I am impressed. By your work.” She can’t say it while looking at me and she’s blushing, it’s so cute.

“Well thank you, that means a lot to me, really. You’re the Sandra Bullock of gym managers, yourself.”

She laughs so hard she snorts.

“See what I mean?”

She slaps at my arm.

I definitely haven’t had this much fun in bed with a woman. I wish this night didn’t have to end.

Half an hour later, it does, somewhat abruptly, as she suddenly looks around with a sad expression on her face, gathers up the containers and dishes and chopsticks, and searches for her clothes.