9

                                    

                                          
25th July 2022 – London (UK)
Ezra Walsh: Good luck today!
Nicola Coughlan: Thanks pal!
Ezra Walsh: Today is the day with the meeting, right?
Nicola Coughlan: There is a meeting today, yes.
Ezra Walsh: The meeting *meeting* right? The one you're nervous about? I'm sending good vibes.
Nicola Coughlan: There is a meeting *meeting* 
Nicola Coughlan: Good vibes much appreciated.
Ezra Walsh: You're a right facetious bastard :') 
Nicola Coughlan: haha
Nicola Coughlan: What can I tell ya, I have a lot of meetings. Please do be specific so I can allot your vibes and luck to the right one.
Ezra Walsh: Good luck for the meeting where you get to tell them you're willing to show everything but the minge or whatever
Nicola Coughlan: HAHA
Nicola Coughlan: Ah the 'everything but the minge' meeting. Yes, that is today!
Ezra Walsh: This is the last time I wish good things on you.
Nicola Coughlan: lol
Nicola Coughlan: Thanks. Just a little on edge today so the message is appreciated.
Ezra Walsh: I always want to be helpful :)
Ezra Walsh: It would be really nice to see you again, Midge.
Nicola felt acutely aware of what she must look like; sat alone in the booth in the Five Guys diner, staring wide-eyed at her phone whilst grinning ear-to-ear like a lovesick puppy.
"What are you looking so happy about?"  As if echoing her thoughts, Luke appeared with two clear plastic cups that were filled to the brim with a mixture of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.  
He slid into the booth beside her, placing one of the milkshakes in front of her.
"Tax refund." She quickly lied and put her phone into her handbag, out of view.  She had no idea why she had become so secretive about her communications with Ezra but it had been a constant theme in the last few weeks. 
She hoped the presence of the Bridgerton intimacy coordinator, Lizzy, would prevent any follow-up questions from Luke.  
Lizzy, a petite redhead in a mustard-coloured jumper seated herself opposite them, placing a tray with burgers and fries on the table.  "Right, well I think the production will be happy that we are well under our expenses budget for this meal."
"Budget is my middle name right now." Luke popped a fry into his mouth.  
Nicola found herself doing a combination of a nod-smile in his direction in supposed agreement.  She felt the tinge of awkwardness that was rearing its head more often in social situations where people talked about money and specifically, their lack of it.  A few years ago, she would have found Luke's comment relatable.  Now, she was in the fortunate position of not only being able to comfortably pay her living expenses but to also have savings – and ample savings at that.  Being in such an enviable position made her feel uncomfortable.
"I'm sure that will change." Lizzy smiled knowingly at them both.  "Speaking of all things change... by now, you've read the script, you know what's coming up..."