The orange top definitely did, somehow adding even more of a glow to Carmen’s blonde curls.
“Oh.” Carmen smiled shyly. “Thanks. I love your shirt. Very cool.”
Ash grinned and looked down at her shirt. “It’s great, isn’t it?” The white shirt had a classic shape with a stiff collar and cuffs, which Ash always loved, but a variety of cacti dotted the cotton, each plant in garish colours. “I love wearing wild shirts. I make a point of collecting at least one from every place I visit.”
She motioned to Carmen for them to start walking up the street towards the main road, where they’d have a better chance of flagging down a cab.
“And where does this one come from?” Carmen easily fell into step alongside Ash, although she was a little shorter, so had to look up to talk to her.
Ash realised that Carmen’s outgoing personality and confidence had made her seem much taller in all their meetings so far. “This is from San Francisco. Found it in a flea market on a stall that specialised in second-hand clothes, but like, really good quality stuff, you know?”
“It looks it. So what other shirts like that do you have?”
They chatted about Ash’s fashion tastes for the two or three minutes it took to find a cab. Once inside, they fell into a conversation about their respective working days while their driver weaved them expertly through the streets to Shoreditch.
“So was being a talent agent something you always wanted to do?” Ash asked as they exited the cab. She handed Carmen a tenner as contribution towards the fare but was waved off.
“I’ll get this. You can get the first round.” Carmen gave her a cheeky grin, then paid the cabby and thanked her before stepping back to face Ash.
“Hmm, okay, I guess that’s fair.”
“And no, in answer to your question,” Carmen said as they walked up to the door of the bar. “Not remotely. I’ll tell you all when I have a gin in my hand.”
Ash held the door open. “Then after you.” You’re acting like you’re on a date. Stop it. She can open a door for herself.
Sloe Down was built into a space that used to be a car repair garage. To suit its modern, funky vibe, the owners had left the original shuttered vehicle access doors in place at the front of the building. They entered the bar using the narrow pedestrian door to the left. Once inside, Ash glanced around appreciatively. The interior was industrial with more than a touch of comfort in the many sofas that were dotted all over the cavernous space. Clever use of large but soft lights hanging down from the high ceiling added to the relaxed atmosphere.
“Oh, this is fab!” Carmen gazed around the room.
“Isn’t it? Great choice to come here.”
“Good.” Carmen smiled at her. “Shall we try to get to the bar?”
Ash looked over to where Carmen pointed and winced. The queue was long, but she shouldn’t have been surprised since the bar was already trending on social media. She sucked in a breath. “Okay, I’m going in. What would you like?”
“I’d love a Negroni, please.”
“Oooh, a classic.” Ash nodded. “All right, if I’m not back in about fifteen minutes, send in the search party.”
Carmen laughed. “I’ll try to find us a spot to sit, okay?”
“Sure, I’ll find you.”
As it was, Ash had to admire the efficiency of the bar crew. They had a good system going of ordering at one end of the bar and obtaining drinks at the other. Within less than ten minutes, she weaved her way through the busy room, looking left and right for Carmen, until she spotted her waving from halfway up a spiral staircase towards the rear of the space.
“They have a terrace!” Carmen said when Ash joined her. “Do you mind?”
It was a warm, cloudless night, and Ash lit up at the thought of spending it outdoors. “God, no, not at all.”
Ash handed Carmen her drink, and they stepped carefully up the curved, wrought-iron steps, arriving on a steel landing at the top. Two paces forward took them to an open doorway. Beyond was a terrace that ran the length of the building. It was decorated with a few potted plants and some basic outdoor tables, one of which Carmen swiftly snagged for them.
“Nice.” Ash looked around as she sat. “I mean, it’s London, so we won’t see any stars when it gets dark later, but it’s still cool to be sitting outside.”
“Isn’t it? I forget how cooped up I get in my office, so I don’t know why I’m surprised I get so excited about outdoor eating and drinking.”
Laughing, Ash raised her glass, and Carmen tapped hers against it. “Cheers,” Ash said. “And thanks for the invite. I love discovering new places.”
“Cheers. And me too.”
They sipped slowly. Each let out appreciative moans as they replaced their glasses on the table’s polished aluminium surface.
“What are you drinking?” Carmen looked quizzically at Ash’s glass.
“Ah, I’m boring, I’m afraid. Plain old gin and tonic. Although I did go for Elephant Gin, as I’ve heard it’s a little different.”
“And?”
“And yes, it is. There’s an unusual flavour in there I can’t put my finger on. Want to try?”
Carmen tilted her head. “Sure you don’t mind? I mean, I might have germs.”
Ash grinned. “I’ve eaten street food in tiny villages all over the world. You know, the places you’re never supposed to attempt if you’re a westerner. I think I’m safe with you taking a little sip from my drink.”
Carmen laughed and reached for Ash’s glass. “Fair enough.” She sipped, and Ash had to force herself not to watch Carmen’s lips.
Humming, Carmen set the glass back down. “Yes, that is different, isn’t it?” She laughed once more. “Oh, I so needed this, Ash. Thank you so much for accepting the invite.”
“Hey, you’re welcome.” Ash
