Love By Design

Chapter 55

“Maybe we shouldn’t mention anything to anyone yet,” I say, a little nervously.

August and I are standing in a semi-empty carriage on the underground as I warily glance around.

“About us, I mean.” I lower my voice into a whisper, even though I doubt anyone would be listening to our conversation. “Being together.”

I haven’t fully considered the implications of what being with August would be like. In Switzerland, we were in our own little bubble— our own little world. Being back in London, however, is reality. A reality that I’m not entirely too sure how to navigate.

August booked his usual apartment-hotel in Mayfair but he hasn’t left my flat since we landed back in London a few days ago, choosing to spend every single day with me instead. It’s oddly disconcerting how easy it is for me to be in his presence.

He fits perfectly.

But it’s almost too good to be true.

The tube rumbles to a halt as it reaches another stop and August tugs me towards him, letting passers-by behind us walk past. There was still more than enough room in the tube but he pulls me close to him nonetheless.

“I can already sense you catastrophising, loveheart.” He gives me a pointed look. “I’m not changing my mind about anything.”

This relationship with August is still so fresh, it doesn’t feel like a tangible reality. It’s almost a hazy dream of sorts, like I would wake up in my childhood bedroom in Interlaken, only having dreamt about August travelling all the way to Switzerland to see me.

“I understand where you’re coming from though,” He continues. “There’s a time and place for everything. You’re there to speak to Rowan about work, not to talk about us.”

He presses a kiss on my forehead in reassurance and I feel my anxiety ease

“Sorry— it sounds so stupid.” I wince.

“There’s no need to apologise, Lili.” He reassures me.

I blink at the use of my childhood nickname.

August shrugs. “It’s growing on me.”

“You’re nickname-obsessed.” I laugh.

“And you aren’t?” He gives me a pointed look. “Nepo Baby Germaphobe.”

I roll my eyes, playfully. “Are you ever going to let that go?”

“Nope,” He shakes his head. “It was damaging to Vante and my image.”

I scrunch my nose before smiling appreciatively at August’s attempt to relieve my anxiety. The tube stops at High Street Kensington and August takes my non-injured hand as we begin walking out of the station and head to the restaurant.

“Aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes,” Hero greets us by the door. “I knew you were both dropping by today but I didn’t realise you’d be coming in together.”

August and I stand awkwardly next to each other. Since it’s New Year’s Eve, the restaurant is closed but both Rowan and Hero are in to do preparations for the restaurant in the New Year.

August clears his throat. “I saw Lia on the way.”

“Lia?” Hero blinks.

“Maha-lia,” August corrects himself. “We, uh, got on the tube together.”

“Right…” Hero eyes him suspiciously before turning to me. “Rowan’s in the back office doing admin, your little furry friend’s in there too.”

I smile at Hero in thanks before nodding towards August. I’m about to make my way to the back of the restaurant when Rowan exits from the kitchen, a pet carrier in his arms.

“It’s like your cat has a sixth sense,” Rowan says in greeting. “He started meowing loudly when you came in.”

Rowan places the cat carrier on the table before he slides himself over to sit on the chair.

“Thank you for catsitting Calix,” I say, sitting down opposite him. “I know it was super last minute of Gigi and I to spring it on you but we really appreciate it.”

“No problem,” He replies. “It was nice to have some sort of company over Christmas.”

“You didn’t visit your family this year?”

“I went for Noche Buena and SimbangGabi but I didn’t stick around for Christmas Day,” He divulges. “You know my aversion to family drama.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter to myself, nervously tugging on the sleeve of my blouse to cover the wrist support I’m wearing.

Rowan glances down at the cuff but doesn’t say anything.

“Gigi mentioned you visiting your grandparents over the holidays.” He nods. “How was your Christmas?”

“Fine,” I answer robotically.

A flash of concern crosses Rowan’s face but he doesn’t pry which I’m thankful for. Crying in the restaurant would not be ideal.

“I saw your message about doing part-time at Tito Boy’s again.” He turns to me quizzically. “I thought everything was going well at Holmes? Hero was bombarding me with all these articles written about you.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see August and Hero talking quietly by the booth in the corner.

“I’m thinking of starting my own brand,” I say quietly.

There’s a pause as Rowan regards me with a small smile.

“About time,” He nods. “I better get those front-row seats Hero keeps raving on about.”

“Thank you,” I reply with a faint smile. “I still have a lot of work to do before even reaching that stage. Building up a clientele and all of that.”

“Is that why he’s here?” Rowan tilts his head towards where August is currently sitting. “Hero mentioned he was coming in today. Is he one of your clients?”

I rack my brain for an excuse.

“Well, uh, yes— technically.” I reply. “But not yet. We’ve, um, discussed it briefly but we still need to— uh, work out the logistics. It’s still early stages yet.”

In more ways than one, I think to myself.

“Ah,” Rowan nods, eyes skimming over August and Hero before landing on me. “I’m assuming you’re busy tonight?”

I shrug, still unsure. August and I hadn’t discussed actual plans for New Year’s Eve.

“Well, I’m throwing my annual taster party at the townhouse,” He reveals, then calls the duo over.

“You throw a dozen taster parties in a year, Rowan.” I blink.

Inside the carrier, Calix meows as August and Hero walk over to our table.

“I swear this cat has a personal vendetta against me,” Hero comments. “It ignored me the whole time I was giving it attention earlier.”

“He,” August and I simultaneously correct him.

I clear my throat, glancing towards August.

“Well, you never did feed him,” I mutter to myself. “So that’s probably why.”

Rowan chuckles as he turns towards me.

“Pop round for my New Year’s Eve taster, Hals.”

“Taster?” August asks, glancing at me.

“Rowan Ramos’ celebratory feasts,” Hero answers.

“It’s lowkey,” Rowan explains, rolling his eyes. “Just a tame evening in to celebrate the new year with friends.”

With Rowan, there’s no such thing as ‘tame’ when it comes to his cuisine celebrations. It’s never just a handful of people and it’s always a little too extravagant than most, especially with his reputation.

“I’m attending, as usual.” Hero adds then turns to me. “You can bring Snaps as your plus one since I’m already bringing someone.”

August fixes his gaze on me. “You’re going?”

“That remains to be seen,” Hero answers for me. “Hallie’s been a no-show every year.”

I huff quietly. “I was always busy with uni deadlines, you know that.”

“What’s your excuse this time then?”

I glance over at August.

We haven’t discussed official plans for spending the New Year yet as part of me is still expecting him to up and leave for New York or Paris.

“You should come,” Rowan turns his attention towards August. “Maybe it’ll be an incentive to get this one to come too.”

Rowan motions towards me and I pull a face at him as he chuckles.

“It’s tonight,” I clear my throat. “If you’re interested.”

August nods with a small smile. “I’d love to.”