The Big Ask by Simon James Green

Author:Simon James Green [James Green, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2024-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

“I think you look good as you are, but if it makes you happy, go for it.”

CHAPTER 11

I mean, Harvey’s reply is hilarious. He’s obviously just being nice, but it’s sweet of him anyway.

I know my cheeks have gone bright red.

Joe Chan scowls at Harvey and says, “Oh my god, why are you trying to rizz him up?”

Harvey replies, “I’m not trying to rizz him up!”

I really need to get out of here. I make my excuses and say I’m just going to “cool down for three minutes on the treadmill” and then head home. There’s no point in being miserable in the gym if Harvey isn’t even bothered by my abs, or lack thereof.

I give Harvey a little wave as I head out. He calls over, “You at home this afternoon?”

“Uh huh,” I reply.

“I’ll come over about two. I found some pocket watches in a charity shop!” Harvey lowers his voice a bit, I guess since this was meant to be a secret and here he is announcing it in the gym. “Nice ones too,” Harvey goes on. “We’re gonna look great, but I want to see how we attach them before the big day!”

I nod, but, honestly, I would have nodded whatever he’d said. He could have said, “We should go and dig up radioactive waste for a laugh, don’t you think?” and I legit think I would have agreed to the plan.

I smile and say, “See you later then!”

“See you, Alfie.”

And then I make the mistake of glancing at Joe. There’s a split second before he notices me looking and puts the “nice” mask on, and, honestly, he looks so furious, and so pissed off, you’d think Joe wanted to take Harvey as his date to prom himself. Normally, that would worry me, but somehow, Harvey has made me feel bulletproof.

When I get home, I shower, wash and condition and style my hair. Then I pluck my eyebrows and generally spruce myself up ready for Harvey’s visit. I may be “fine as I am”, but surely there are limits?

I get some snacks ready (Pringles – decanted from tube and arranged on plate) and light a scented candle (lavender). Then I make a Spotify playlist that hopefully speaks to my interesting and eclectic choice in music. (It includes Elvis, Queen, REM, Oasis, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Steps, the entire soundtrack of Wicked, and “Come On Eileen” by … well, whoever sang it. I just know the song from way too many family weddings over the years.)

Then, because I like to ruin nice moments when I’m almost feeling OK about myself, I make the mistake of quickly checking social media.

Summer has posted her big prom-posal to none other than Peter Popper and it’s gone viral. Peter is a chess geek with little interest in personal hygiene. He currently has his arm in a sling after falling down half a flight of stairs when he slipped on a pawn that fell out of the chess set he was carrying.

What I’m saying is: I’m a dork.

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