You have an idea...

She’s about to turn away when you have a wicked idea. ‘Oh, Em,’ you say innocently. This time it’s your turn to wink at André. ‘I think André’s a bit of a fan of yours. You think we could give him a photo?’

If the guy looked embarrassed before, it’s nothing compared to now. ‘Oh, that’s – that’s really kind of you guys, seriously,’ he manages, ‘but it’s, ah, it’s against company policy to ask for photos. Not that I wouldn’t want one, obviously – I really would, I love your work – but I, I’m sorry, I can’t while I’m working.’

Emma looks charmed. ‘Well, that’s very professional of you,’ she laughs. ‘But what about if I ask for a photo with you? Is that banned under company policy?’

André’s jaw works for a moment. ‘Ah – well, no, I don’t think so –’

‘Great!’ Emma slips her phone out of her handbag and flashes André another stunning smile. ‘Okay, I don’t have your number, but I’ll tweet this for you, okay? Are you on Twitter?’

Emma offers him her phone, and André types in his handle with shaking hands. ‘Lovely,’ she says briskly, once he passes it back. ‘Okay, smile!’

You all grin cheesily, and André’s left stumbling through a thank-you while Emma links arms with you. ‘Proof for your mates,’ you chuckle, and André gives you the most fervent look of gratitude you’ve ever seen. ‘Nice to meet you, man.’

‘L-likewise…’ André shakes his head dazedly. ‘Thank you guys, seriously.’

‘That was really sweet of you,’ Emma whispers as you walk away from the buffet. She’s smiling up at you with that same tender look she wore on your first date. ‘How’d you get talking to him in the first place?’

You shrug. ‘Just did, I guess. I used to work bar for a while – I know what it’s like. Any chance I get to make someone’s shift a little less shitty…’

Emma leans up and kisses you on the cheek. ‘This is one of the reasons I like you, you know. You’re just normal.’

‘Thanks,’ you laugh, because it seems like she really does mean it as a compliment. ‘Can’t exactly say the same about you, but…’

Emma’s mouth twists into a **** smile. ‘Oh, stop it.’