Page 27 of Love ad Lib
Henry smiled back. This was the best news. Amongst all the stress of his family, his work, Elizabeth, here was something pure and beautiful and perfect.
He thought of the previous night, how Claire went from singing a song about squirrels one moment, to becoming a mum the next. The thought stopped him in his tracks. Would Libby carry on their business without her? Could she do it on her own? Presumably they had a plan, but it had just been brought forward a month. Did this mean they would have to cancel work? Was Libby out of a job?
Before he could second guess himself, he called her.
‘Henry! Did you get the photos?’
‘Yes, she’s beautiful. You must give my very best to Claire and Ritchie.’
Libby yawned. ‘I will. And thank you again for last night.’
‘It was nothing.’
‘Ooh! Did your date work out okay?’
‘Not really, but it’s probably for the best.’
‘Oh no! I’m so sorry.’
‘It’s okay. Honestly.’
‘Oh. If you’re sure?’
There was silence. How could he segue into the question that now seemed so ridiculous he couldn’t believe he’d even thought of it?
‘You still there?’ she asked.
‘Um, yes. Yes, I’m still here.’
More silence. He stared across the brown water of the Thames as gulls swooped and dipped.
‘Are you alright?’
He cleared his throat. ‘Forgive my intrusion, but what are you going to do for work now that Claire has given birth to Harper early?’
Now it was her turn to be silent.
‘Are you there? Libby?’
‘Yes, sorry. It’s just been such a crazy few hours that reality hasn’t sunk in. I’m not sure, to be honest. I think I need to sleep, then come up with a plan.’
Come on! Ask her!
‘Why?’ she asked.
He rubbed his hand over his face. ‘Um, there’s a job I need an actress for, but I don’t really know any apart from the two of you. And you’re really talented. So, er, I wondered if you were free around the eighteenth for four days.’
‘Of June?’
‘Yes.’
‘Youneed an actress?’
He pulled at the collar of his shirt. He was sweating despite the breeze coming off the river.
‘Go on then, Henry. What’s the job?’
‘I’d pay you. Um, five grand. And I’ll cover all your expenses.’Fuck!He was going to have to get another credit card.
