Page 18 of Duchess Material

“We made a decision about something,” Lucy said. “And sort of wanted to share. Plus, yeah, I wanted a drink.”

Winston nodded.

“We. There is a we now?” Natalie looked at Ed.

Ages ago, Ed predicted Winston had it bad for Lucy. Everyone else decided that was an impossibility. He felt vindicated.

“We’re partners,” Winston said, happily. “We’re together. Properly. And we wanted you to officially know.”

“Thank God!” Natalie said. “Christ, it’s been killing me. Ed was right. He predicted it.”

“I never say I told you so,” Ed admitted. “But I’m happy to hear it. You make a nice couple.”

“We figured we should just do it,” Lucy said. “I’m nervous. I am afraid to say anything to his mum because she’s going to tell your mum—”

“Why are you worried about my mum? She adores you. She’d trade one of us for you—specifically George,” Natalie joked.

“Well, because of George,” Winston clarified.

“What? Does George own her? No. I think it is clear you love her,” Natalie said.

They looked at one another, surprised.

“Oh, come on, you do. Don’t you?” Natalie asked.

“I love her, yes. Enough to risk George hating me forever and a day.”

“Well, George is no longer in London. He’s gone to Chicago with Patrick. And Lucy is still here. If you love her, don’t let her go,” Natalie said.

Ed smiled. “I think it’s great. The two of you are good together. She’s a saint. And you’re a good guy, Winston. You’re lucky to have her.”

Lucy made something clear. “I’d like this to come out only after we return from Belfast.”

“Why are you worried?” Ed asked.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Because of George. It’s stupid. You don’t get it. Mum and Dad are both embarrassed with how George handled things.”

“Well, because they were never too keen with him dating staff.”

“Meh, they got over it, Luce. They tend to get over things… even me dating a pants model.”

“I’m not a pants model, Nat!”

The rest snickered.

Ed rolled his eyes. “One deodorant campaign and I’m a pants model.”

“You were shirtless. It was amazing. Own it.” Natalie took his face in her hands and kissed him. It was surprising. It was dangerous. He wasn’t going to say no.

Lucy played handler with a gruff, “Mind yourself, Nat.”

“Oh, shit, sorry,” Natalie said. “God, I was overcome with lusty thoughts.”

“God, please, stop,” Winston whined.

Ed snickered. “You embarrass yourself, baby.”

“And you. But you love me all the while,” Natalie smiled.

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