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He reluctantly answered the call. ‘Hello? Yes, thanks for calling back . . . OK, yes, yes, that sounds fine . . . Yes, please, pop that over to me in writing . . . And how long? Really? Oh, that’s longer than I’d expected . . . No, no, of course, that makes sense. Yes, yes please. Brilliant. Thanks . . . Yes, include those details please. Thanks . . . Bye.’

‘Everything OK?’

‘Yeah, just a quote coming back for the soundproofing here. I was pretty happy with this firm, so will probably go with them.’ He sighed. ‘I just hadn’t expected that it would take so long.’

‘How long is long?’ Angela asked around a mouthful of cheese.

‘Weeks not days.’ He shrugged. ‘I knew it was a big job, but I hadn’t really appreciated how big or how messy. They’ll have to install it all, re-plaster, which apparently takes time to dry, and then redecorate.’

‘Well, I guess you can look at it as an opportunity to add some more colour to the place.’

‘What’s wrong with it?’

She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘Nothing, it’s fine. Lovely.’

‘Fine.’ He nodded. ‘Go on, tell me what you really think.’

‘No, I was being rude. I’m really sorry.’

‘Now I really want to know. Go on,’ he dared her. ‘Be rude and tell me what you really think.’

‘Well . . . for me — and you have to understand this is completely personal . . . it’s just a little beige.’

‘It’s not beige. It’s Moroccan sandstone.’

‘Clearly.’ Angela bit back a grin.

‘I guess it could be a bit brighter.’ Ryan looked around again. ‘You know, now you’ve said that, I’m not sure why I don’t have more colour in here. Something to think about, I guess. Getting the work done is going to be a problem though. I can’t exactly move into a hotel with the mini banshee here.’

‘No, and being around dust probably wouldn’t be good for her.’

‘No. It wouldn’t. I guess I’ll have to find a short-term let somewhere. Who wouldn’t mind a parrot.’ He shot her a cheeky grin. ‘I don’t suppose you know anyone looking for a short-term tenant? I can be really quite charming.’

‘Oh, I know . . .’ She hesitated. ‘You know, actually, I think I might know somewhere. Let me make some calls?’

‘That would be great. Thanks, Angel.’ He placed a kiss on her cheek, filling her with warmth.