A Romance in London Learn English through story level 3
chapter one
just another wednesday morning
it was a fine spring morning
william thacker was looking out of his
window thinking about life
notting hill
not a bad place to be
he thought
on weekdays there was the market selling
fruit and vegetables from all over the
world
at the weekend even more people crowded
into portobello road and the streets
around it to buy expensive old furniture
paintings and cheap clothes
then there were the unusual shops
the cafes and restaurants
the streets were always busy always full
of people
but best of all
this was the place where most of his
friends now lived
notting hill was like a small village in
the middle of a big city
and in this london village william
thacker had his home
his wife lived in another part of town
well
she was his wife until two years earlier
then she left him for a man who looked
like harrison ford
so in the house with the blue front door
william
28 years old and single
now lived a strange half-life with his
welsh lodger spike
hey
can you help me with an important
decision
spike walked into the room
he was a tall
thin
pale man with dirty yellow hair and
untidy clothes
i’m going out with the great jeanine
tonight
and i want to wear the right t-shirt
what have you got
asked william trying to show interest
spike pulled on a t-shirt
on the front an alien was swimming in a
sea of blood above the words
i love
blood
well
there’s this one
hmm
i’m not sure it’s romantic enough
william said thoughtfully
yes
maybe you’re right
spike ran up the stairs still talking
i know you’ll like this one
he came back wearing a second t-shirt
take me read the words on the front in
big black letters
well
said william slowly will she think
you’re looking for true love
i’m not sure that she will
oh
i don’t want her to get the wrong idea
okay
just one more
he came down in the last t-shirt
below little red hearts it read
you’re the most beautiful woman in the
world
william showed his surprise
yes he said
that’s perfect
well done
thanks
great
i’m feeling lucky
spike smiled
he turned and walked proudly upstairs
on the back of the t-shirt william could
now read
let’s go to bed
oh spike
he said to himself
it was just another wednesday
another working day
william walked through the market and
opened the door to his shop the travel
book company
it was a small shop that sold
well
travel books
but he never seemed to sell many
inside there were a few small rooms full
of shelves and every shelf was heavy
with books
expensive books
cheap books
large hardbacks
and small paperbacks
william greeted martin his assistant
a small man with a beard and a nervous
smile
martin always tried to see the best in
life
he liked to please people but was not
very good at selling
in fact
people often thought he was a little
strange
williams started looking at some papers
on his desk
great
last week we made nothing
in fact we lost
347 pounds on those guidebooks to turkey
oh dear
never mind
shall i go and get us some coffee
make you feel better
martin asked smiling
as he left for the cafe a woman came
into the shop
william looked up at her
looked down
thought for a minute
then looked up again
she was a beautiful young woman with
long black hair
dressed simply in a black jacket and
trousers
he was sure he knew her
was it possible could it really be her
yes
it was anna scott
the biggest film star in the world
to william
to most men
she was the most beautiful woman on
earth
he tried to stay calm
can i
help you
she looked at him through her dark
glasses
no thanks
i’ll just look around
his eyes followed her as she went over
to a shelf
she picked out a large expensive
guidebook full of color photographs
that books really not good uh
if you’re thinking of buying it
he said a little nervously
really
yes
but
this one is
very good
he said
picking up one of the smaller books from
his desk
i think the writer really has been to
turkey
thanks
i’ll think about it
she smiled
suddenly
william noticed something on the small
screen on his desk
just a minute please
he said
he walked to the back of the shop
towards a customer who was hiding
between two lines of shelves
uh
excuse me sir
he said to the man
yes
bad news
what
we’ve got a camera in this part of the
shop
so
so
i saw you put that book down your
trousers
william told him
what book
the one down your trousers
i haven’t got a book down my trousers
replied the man
okay
listen
we seem to disagree about this
i’ll call the police and they can take a
look
if i’m wrong
i’m really sorry
william said patiently
right
uh
and if i do have a book down my trousers
the man asked
well
this is what i suggest
i’ll go back to my desk
you take the cadugan guide to barley
from your trousers and put it back on
the shelf
or buy it
william walked back to his desk
on the screen he watched as the book
came out of the man’s trousers
then it was back on the shelf
the thief started walking slowly towards
the door
william turned back to anna
sorry about that
she smiled
no
that’s fine
i was thinking of stealing one too
but now i’ve changed my mind
she looked at the copies of the cheaper
guidebook on his desk
signed by the writer
yes william said
we couldn’t stop him
if you can find an unsigned copy you can
probably sell it for a lot of money
the thief stopped next to anna looking
at her with interest
can you sign this for me
he asked pulling a dirty piece of paper
from his coat
anna sighed
what’s your name
she asked
rufus
she wrote on the piece of paper and gave
it back to him
he tried to read her handwriting
what does it say
he asked
she pointed
well
that’s my name
and there it says dear rufus i hope the
police catch you next time nice
he smiled
would you like my phone number
i don’t think so
she replied
as the man left the shop she turned to
william
i think i’ll try this one
she gave him the large expensive book
and the money for it
oh
right
maybe it isn’t as bad as i thought
william said
probably quite good
and i’ll give you this one free
he dropped the cheaper guidebook into
the same bag
very useful for lighting fires or for
making paper hats
a sudden warm smile lit up her face
she looked carefully at this amusing
young man with blue eyes and thick brown
hair
thanks
she said
and left
chapter two
first kiss
last kiss
william felt empty
that’s it then
she’s gone
and i’ll probably never see her again
he thought to himself
here’s your coffee
martin said brightly as he came back
into the shop
thanks
you won’t believe who was in here a
minute ago
who
somebody famous
martin asked excited
but william suddenly changed his mind
oh
[Music]
no
nobody
perhaps one day a famous person will
come in
said martin his eyes shining
i saw one of the beatles once
ringo starr
well
i think it was ringo starr
i’m not really sure
he was quite far away
he had long hair and a beard
hmm
so you think you saw ringo but perhaps
you didn’t
uh
yes
that’s right
maybe it was just a man with long hair
and a beard yes
maybe
not a very good story then is it
suggested william
he shook his head and finished his
coffee
right
another one
yes no
let’s go crazy
i’ll have an orange juice
five minutes later
william left the cafe and hurried back
to the bookshop with the orange juice
but as he turned the corner he walked
straight into a woman
the orange juice ran down her shirt
i’m so sorry
he looked up at the woman’s face
for the second time that day it was anna
scott
oh
really i’m sorry here
what are you doing
anna shouted angrily as william tried to
clean her shirt with a paper towel
william jumped back
nothing
nothing
listen
i live across the street
you can wash at my house
no thank you
i just need to call my driver
she turned away
i also have a phone
in five minutes you can be clean and
back on the street again
she turned and looked at him
okay
what does across the street mean how far
is your house exactly
william pointed
it’s just there
that’s my house
the one with the blue door
she looked down at her shirt
then she looked back up at him
well
okay
they walked towards william’s house
he opened the door
come in
i’ll just
the house was in a terrible mess
william ran inside in front of her and
kicked some shoes under the stairs
he threw away an old pizza and tried to
hide some dirty plates
i’m afraid it’s a bit untidy
anna looked around
her face showed nothing
taking the bag of books from her william
pointed towards the stairs
the bathrooms up there
and there’s a phone on the desk in the
room next to it she took her other bags
and walked upstairs
william ran around the ground floor
clearing the mess
anna scott is in my house
she’s in my bathroom
and look at this place
i’ll kill spike
he thought
he heard anna’s feet on the stairs and
looked up
she was wearing different clothes now
a black top and skirt
without the dark glasses her deep brown
eyes shone
she looked wonderful
william stopped and stared
he tried to think of something to say
tea would you like a cup of tea before
you go
no thanks
coffee
no
something cold orange juice no probably
not
water
really
no something to eat
some fruit
no
do you always say no to everything
anna looked amused no
i must go she said
thanks for your help
you’re welcome
he wanted to say more but he couldn’t
find the words
and
i’d like to say
he continued finally
you’re wonderful
it’s my one chance to say it
when you’ve read that terrible book
you’ll never visit my shop again
she looked pleased
thank you
william walked her to the front door
nice to meet you
strange but nice
anna left
and he closed the door behind her
oh no
he thought
strange but nice
what was i thinking
there was a knock on the door
it was anna again
oh
hi
did you forget something
i forgot my books said anna stepping
quickly inside the house oh
right
william ran into the kitchen to get the
bag
here they are
thanks
well
they stood near the door again
this time william felt more comfortable
then anna moved forward and kissed him
he could smell her hair
he could feel the smoothness of her skin
against his
he couldn’t believe it
anna scott
the woman of his dreams was here in his
house
kissing him
william thacker
at the worst possible time a key turned
in the lock oh no
it’s my lodger spike
i’m sorry there’s no excuse for him
spike walked in and straight past them
towards the kitchen
i’m going to get some food
he called over his shoulder then i’m
going to tell you a story that you won’t
believe
anna looked at william
you won’t tell anyone about this will
you
right
no one
i mean i’ll tell myself sometimes but
don’t worry
i won’t believe it
he opened the door for her a second time
bye
she touched his hand lightly
and then she was gone
william walked slowly back into the
kitchen
shall we watch videos tonight
i’ve got some really great films spike
said between mouthfuls of food
yes
thought william sadly
i’ve got nothing better to do with my
life
one of spike’s videos was a film
starring anna scott
later that evening as the two men sat in
front of the tv
william remembered the touch of her hand
the smell of her hair
spike shook his head at the screen
it’s hard to believe somewhere there’s a
man who can kiss anna scott anytime
anywhere
yes
she’s quite wonderful
chapter 3
call me
a customer came into the bookshop the
next morning
william knew mr smith well
have you got any books by dickens
mr smith asked
williams side
not again
no
he said slowly and patiently
this
is a travel book shop
we only sell
travel books
oh and that new john grisham book
no
john grisham doesn’t write travel books
either
oh
right
have you got a copy of romeo and juliet
william looked at mr smith then shouted
martin
your customer
martin came out from behind some shelves
with a warm smile on his face
can i help you
he asked mr smith
as william stared sadly out of the
window a bus went past the shop
on the side was a large picture of anna
in her new film helix
he couldn’t stop thinking about her
a few days later william walked into his
kitchen
hi spike
hi
spike was never britain’s best dressed
man but today his clothes were even
stranger than usual
he was wearing williams scuba diving
suit with a pair of goggles on his head
um
spike
why are you wearing my scuba diving suit
no clean clothes
they never will be if you don’t wash
them sometimes william suggested
and i was looking around your room and i
found this
great isn’t it
i think i look good in it eh
it was a lovely day and they went
outside into the sunshine
spike still in the scuba diving suit
tried unsuccessfully to read his
newspaper through the goggles
there’s something wrong with these
william he said pointing to the goggles
that’s because they were made specially
for my eyes
so i can see the fish
oh
right
so
any messages for me
william asked
yes
i wrote down two
two
were there only two messages
you want me to write down all of them
william closed his eyes and sighed
the ones you didn’t write down
who were they from
hmm
was there one
no it’s gone
i just can’t remember anything about
them oh no
wait
your mother’s leg is hurting her again
and don’t forget lunch on saturday
any others
asked william hopefully
nope that’s it no others
spike sat back in his chair and closed
his eyes
then he seemed to remember something
but if you want all your messages there
was one from an american girl a few days
ago anna i think she said
william’s heart stopped what did she say
well it was a bit strange
she said
hi
it’s anna
and then she said call me at the ritz
and then she gave a different name
what was the name
no idea
one name’s difficult enough to remember
but two
william ran inside
hello
is that the ritz hotel he said when a
man answered the phone
can i help you sir
uh i hope you can
i’m a friend of anna scott she left me a
message
she’s staying with you
she asked me to call her
i’m sorry sir we have nobody here of
that name
no that’s right
i know that
she’s using another name
she left a message with my lodger a bad
mistake
think of the stupidest person you know
well my lodge is even worse he’s so
stupid
try flintstone
william looked up from the phone and
turned towards spike
what
try flintstone
spike repeated
william spoke slowly into the phone
is it possible that
flintstone means anything to you
i’ll put you through sir
william could hear another phone ringing
he tried to stay calm
what shall i say
he thought to himself he practiced a few
words
hi
hi
anna
hi
and then he heard her voice
hi
oh
hi it’s
william thacker we uh
i
work in a bookshop
you called me well
yes
three days ago
i’m so sorry
you probably think
it was a mistake
my stupid lodger spike took the message
and he didn’t give it to me until now
oh
okay
she said slowly
perhaps i could come to the ritz for
tea
or something
yes but
i’m a little busy today
she was silent for a minute
but let’s try
four o’clock right
great
william put down the phone
wonderful
chapter four
tee at the ritz
william arrived at the ritz hotel
carrying some roses for anna
as he got into the lift another young
man followed him in
which floor william asked
three the lift stopped at the third
floor and william and the young man got
out
they both looked around for the room
numbers
then they both turned right
anna william knew was in room 38
as he walked the young man followed
closely behind him
william looked over his shoulder
questioningly
he slowed down at room 38
and the other man did too
william pointed at the number are you
sure you
the man smiled
yes
he replied
oh
right
william knocked
a bright-faced american girl open the
door
hello
i’m karen
sorry everything’s taking longer than we
thought here’s all the information you
need
she gave each of them a press package
with pictures from anna’s new film helix
william looked at the woman
then at the man behind him
what was happening
then karen showed them into a large room
william was surprised to see a number of
reporters and photographers all clearly
waiting to talk to anna
what did you think of the film karen
asked
wonderful
the man behind william replied
a bit of close encounters and a lot of
jean florette they both turned to
william for his opinion
i agree
he said quickly
i’m sorry which magazines are you from
karen asked
i’m tarquin from time out great
and you
she asked looking towards william
william didn’t know what to say
he looked around for ideas and on a
small table saw a copy of horse and
hound magazine
horse and hound
the name’s william thacker
miss scott knows i’m coming okay
take a seat i’ll check
the two men sat down as carom went into
the next room you’ve brought her flowers
said tarquin with interest
william thought quickly no
no
they’re
for my grandmother
she’s in a hospital near here
i’m going to see her after this
oh
i’m sorry
which hospital
william didn’t know any of the hospitals
in the area
uh
i don’t like to talk about it
i hope you don’t mind
oh
sure
of course
just then karen came back into the room
and called his name
mr thacker
anna will see you now you’ve got five
minutes
it was a large sitting room filled with
flowers
anna was standing with her back to a
window wearing an expensive suit
her hair was tied back
william thought again how beautiful she
looked
hi
hello
i brought you these he said holding out
the flowers
but
clearly
you’ve already got some
oh no
these are great
said anna taking them
there was a long silence
william tried to think of something to
say
sorry about not bringing back
the two names idea was difficult for my
stupid lodger to understand
no
i’m sorry
i try to stay private so i always choose
a name from a children’s film
last time i came to england i was mrs
bambi
karen’s boss came into the room
everything okay
he asked anna
yes thanks jeremy
and you’re from horse and hound magazine
he asked william
anna looked at william
really
horsen hound
she smiled
she sat down
the room fell silent
she and jeremy were looking towards
william
waiting
right
he said
taking a seat
i’ll just start then
he tried to imagine being a reporter for
horse and hound magazine
what did his readers want to know
right
the film’s excellent
but
did you ever think of having more
horses in it
he asked hesitantly
jeremy looked at william inside
well
started anna
trying to be serious
we wanted more horses
but it was difficult
i mean there aren’t many horses on mars
yes
mars
of course
very difficult
jeremy stared at william
then he looked at anna
but she seemed happy
he left the room
william put his head in his hands
i’m sorry
i arrived outside and they gave me this
press package
i didn’t know what to do
no i’m sorry they gave me a timetable
for this and it ended at four
listen
i just want to say that i’m sorry for
the other day
the kissing thing
i don’t know why i did it
i wanted to make sure
you were okay about it
is that all she wants to say
william thought
he felt hurt
but tried to hide it
yes
he said
no problem
of course that’s fine
jeremy came back into the room and the
two fell silent
don’t forget to ask miss scott about her
next film
jeremy said helpfully oh
yes
excellent uh
any horses in that one
or hounds
anna looked at him amused
it takes place underwater
right
jeremy left the room again
william watched him go then turn back to
anna i’m sorry
things like this only happen in dreams
not in real life
good dreams of course
it’s a dream to see you
and what happens next
in the dream
anna asked
well
william started
in the dream
i just become
a different person a better person
because you can do that in dreams
then i walk across the room and kiss the
girl
but in real life you know it’ll never
happen the door opened again
that’s it jeremy said no more time i’m
afraid
did you get what you wanted
nearly
william replied looking at anna
okay maybe one more question
he left the room
are you busy tonight
william asked anna
yes
jeremy came back in
william and dana stood and shook hands
it was nice to meet you mr thacker she
smiled strange
but nice
thank you
you are horse and hound’s favorite
actress
you and black beauty
tarquin was waiting outside
how was she he asked
wonderful
wait a minute
tarquin said in surprise
she took your grandmother’s flowers
william thought quickly
yes
that’s right
what a pig
he turned towards the lift but karen
called out to him
this way mr thacker you can talk to the
others now
the others
thought william
he found himself in another room with
the male star of helix
pleased to meet you
did you enjoy the film
the star asked oh yes
very much
uh
did you enjoy
making the film
i did
which bits did you most enjoy making
well you tell me which bits you liked
then i’ll tell you if i like making them
hmm
said william thoughtfully
i liked the bit on mars very much did
you enjoy that bit
the male star stared at william
he ended the discussion as quickly as he
could
five minutes later william found himself
with an actor who spoke no english
luckily next to him was a woman who did
william felt more comfortable with his
questions now
did you have a deep understanding of the
person you were playing
the woman asked the question in spanish
and waited for the actor’s answer
no
no
she said to william
and why not
asked william
the woman put the question in spanish
and waited for the answer
it was quite long
because he played a crazy man-eating
alien
another room a child actress this time
she was 11 years old
is this your first film
no it’s my twenty second
of course it is
william said in surprise
uh
any favorites out of the 22
working with leonardo
da vinci
she looked at him strangely
dicaprio
finally the bad dreams seemed to be
ending
william walked towards the lift again
pushing past the cameraman
mr thacker
it was karen
williams sighed deeply
have you got a minute
and then he was back in the room with
anna
that thing i was doing tonight
i’ve changed my plans
i have to spend the evening with horse
and hound star reporter
anna smiled
william’s heart jumped
oh well
great
excellent then he had a sudden thought
oh no
it’s my sister’s birthday
we’re having dinner
okay
fine but no
i won’t go
no
i mean if it’s fine with you
i’ll come too
she said
you’ll come with me to my sister’s
birthday party
if that’s all right
of course it’s all right
my friend max is cooking and he’s the
worst cook in the world
but you can hide the food in your bag
okay
okay
chapter five
the birthday party
max was busy preparing the meal
he’s bringing a girl
he asked his wife bella are you serious
yes
quite a surprise isn’t it
does a girl have a name
he didn’t say
black smoke was pouring from the oven oh
no
what’s happening here
said max running towards it
then the doorbell rang and he ran to the
door
he threw it open come in come in food
problems
and he ran back to the oven
william and anna walked into the large
kitchen
hi
sorry
he’s finding the meat a bit difficult
said bella welcoming her guests from her
wheelchair
hi
said anna
bella looked at her carefully
hey
you look like bella
this is anna williams said quickly
right
she replied looking carefully at anna’s
face
okay
i’ve solved the problem said max turning
back from the oven
hello anna
he stopped in surprise as he saw her
face
uh
have some white
thank you
the doorbell rang again and max went to
the front door
happy birthday you look wonderful he
said as honey hurried in
honey a small young woman with a big
smile and large eyes danced around
happily showing her new dress
max followed her to the kitchen
listen he whispered
your brother has brought this girl and
her
they reached the kitchen
hi everyone
honey smiled to the others then she
suddenly saw anna
oh wow
william spoke quickly
honey this is anna anna this is honey
she’s my baby sister hi
said anna with a smile oh wow
this
is one of those really important times
in a person’s life
i know i should be calm about it but
anna
i love you
i think you’re the most beautiful woman
on earth
and i have honestly believed for some
time that we could be best friends
what do you think
anna looks surprised and amused but
pleased
mary will honey continued he’s really
nice
and then we can be sisters
i’ll think about it anna laughed the
doorbell rang again
that’ll be bernie said max going to the
door
a large man with a round pleasant face
walked in
sorry i’m late max
i made a mess at work again i’m afraid
lost millions
bernie come in this is anna hello anna
glad to meet you
he shook her hand then turned to honey
happy birthday honey bunny here you are
he gave her his present it’s a hat you
don’t have to wear it
max poured bernie a drink
then he and william went to prepare the
table
max took his drink and joined anna so
tell me anna what do you do
i’m an actress
great
i’m a stockbroker but i’ve done a little
bit of theater in my time
not as a job of course i always thought
it was a difficult life acting i mean
the money’s terrible isn’t it
anna agreed it can be
bernie continued i know friends from
university clever people and they earn
very little seven eight thousand pounds
a year
what sort of acting do you do
films mainly oh excellent
well done
bernie seemed more interested
how’s the pay in films
the last film you made what were you
paid
15 million dollars
bernie’s face went bright red
right
right so that’s
quite good
very good really
can i get you another drink
i think we’re ready called max walking
towards the table
anna looked around then asked bella
could you tell me whether
it’s just down there on the right she
said pointing i’ll show you offered
honey
quickly quickly talk very quickly
what are you doing here with anna scott
bella said to william after anna and
honey left the room
the others crowded around them
anna scott said bernie turning pale the
film star
yes
oh no
honey returned to the kitchen and said
in a whisper
i don’t believe it
i walked into the toilet with her
i was still talking
when she started taking off her jeans
she had to ask me to leave
the meal was very enjoyable
the old friends laughed and joked
together and anna soon felt part of the
group
what do you think of the meat anna asked
bella
anna answered in a whisper so max
couldn’t hear
i don’t usually eat meat she smiled
bella put her hand to her mouth
oh no
she laughed
they moved into the sitting room for
coffee
anna
you have done so much and we have
clearly failed in life
max said that’s not a bad thing
in fact
we should be proud of it
i’m going to give the last piece of cake
to the person who has the saddest life
max looked around
there was a short silence
then william looked at bernie
bernie went first
well it’s me isn’t it
i do a job that i don’t understand
i haven’t had a girlfriend since i was
12
and if i get any fatter i probably never
will
i like you
honey told him well i did before you got
so fat
max turned to bernie
you see
and you also earn a lot of money honey
here earns almost nothing for working
long hours in london’s worst record shop
that’s true
and i’ve got strange hair and funny
goggly eyes
only seem to go out with men who are
unkind and no one will ever marry me
you see honey is terribly sad
said max
but her best friend is anna scott bella
added
that’s true
honey agreed she needs me
what can i say
and her legs work continued bella
while i’m in this wheelchair day and
night
and even worse i’ve given up smoking my
favorite thing
and the fact is
she said hesitantly
we can’t have a baby
the room was completely silent now
bella
said william
no
it’s not true
bernie said sadly
that’s life
we’re lucky in lots of ways
but surely i get the cake
bella asked
max lightened the conversation
well i don’t know
look at william
very unsuccessful at work a failed
marriage he was handsome but is now
losing his good looks and it’s clear
that he’ll never hear from anna again
not when she knows that he was called
floppy at school
they all laughed loudly
ah
so i get the cake suggested william max
answered i think you do yes
william reached for the cake
wait a minute
what about me
it was anna
you
asked max
the others stared at her
well
i’d like to try for the cake
you’ll have to prove it william smiled
it’s a lovely cake and i’m going to
fight you for it well
i’ve worried about my weight since i was
19 so i’ve been hungry for 10 years
i’ve had a lot of not nice boyfriends
and one of them hit me
and every time my heart’s broken the
press write about it oh and it costs me
millions to look like this
really
said honey looking closely at her face
really
and one day
not long from now
the table was silent again
it was clear that anna was speaking from
the heart
my looks will go
they’ll realize i can’t act
and i’ll become a sad middle-aged woman
who was famous for a few years
she continued sadly
they all looked at anna in silence
then
max broke the silence with a shout
nope nice try beautiful but you must
think we’re stupid they all laughed
useless
said william to anna you’re not getting
the cake
when it was time to leave william and
anna stood up
that was a great evening
anna said to max
thank you so much for coming
he replied warmly
and i have to say that i love your tie
max
it was blue with red telephone boxes on
it
now i know you’re lying
anna turned to bella
lovely to meet you
and you
it’s a pity you don’t eat meat but don’t
worry i won’t tell max
bella looked at her husband with a smile
what
oh no
good night honey said anna
i’m so sorry about the toilet thing i
meant to leave but i just
listen ring me if you need to go
shopping with someone i know lots of
nice cheap places
of course money isn’t really
nice to meet you
honey gave her a kiss
you too
i’ll come to you for help with all my
clothes
love your work said bernie smiling
nervously
as the front door closed behind them
william and anna heard the others scream
with excitement
sorry william said they always do that
when i leave the house
floppy
she laughed
he looked at her it’s my hair
it was always falling across my face
why is bella in a wheelchair
it was an accident
about 18 months ago
there was pain in william’s eyes at the
memory
and the baby thing
is that a result of the accident
i’m not sure
i don’t think they’ve tried for children
before
they walked in silence
a comfortable silence
it was a lovely night
would you like to come
my house is just
william asked hesitantly
she smiled and shook her head
it’s too difficult
okay
that’s fine
are you busy tomorrow she asked
i thought you were leaving
i was
they were walking along a street with
trees on one side
what’s in there
asked anna pointing to the trees
a garden
all these squares have gardens in the
middle for the people around them
they’re like little villages
let’s go in ah
no
they’re private
they’re only for the people who live
here
and you always follow the rules
she asked
she seemed very interested in his answer
me
oh no not me
i do what i want
in fact william was the kind of person
who always followed rules
but he started to climb the locked metal
gate
he fell back oh dear
he tried again
and again he fell
it’s more difficult than it looks anna
stand back
anna replied starting to climb
she was over the gate in a second
your turn
floppy
at last with great difficulty williams
succeeded in climbing over
he jumped down inside the garden
what’s in this garden is so good
then in the silence of the garden
under the trees
she reached out and kissed him
this time it was a real kiss
nice garden
he said in surprise
as they walked around on the grass they
came to a wooden seat
she read the words on it
june love this garden
joseph always sat here with her
the dates below it read
june weatherby
1917
to 1992
you see
some people do spend all their lives
together
anna said quietly
william looked deeply into her eyes
he spoke softly
yes
they do
chapter 6
room service
the following evening william was
getting ready to go out as usual he was
late
spike
have you seen my glasses
no i’m afraid not spike answered his
eyes on the tv
oh no
where are they
this happens every time i go to the
cinema
usually there are glasses everywhere but
when i really need them they disappear
it’s one of life’s little jokes
william ran upstairs
then came down again
right
i’ve got to go he called to spike
thanks very much for your help
you’re welcome
did you find them
no
as the door closed behind william spike
moved on the sofa
was he sitting on something
he reached down and pulled out
williams glasses
at the cinema william looked a little
strange as he sat next to anna
beautiful anna
in his scuba diving goggles
after the film they decided to go for a
meal in a japanese restaurant
so who left who
anna asked
she
left me
replied william
why
she finally saw what i was really like
oh
that’s not good
they could hear loud conversation from a
table just around the corner from theirs
no no no
i’ll take anna scott
said a man’s voice
william and anna listened carefully a
second man disagreed
i didn’t like her last film i fell
asleep 10 minutes after it started
the first man spoke again i don’t really
mind what the films are like
i just like watching her
no she’s not my type
i prefer the other one the one who gets
excited every time you take her out for
a cup of coffee
anna looked at william
meg ryan
she mouthed silently
you know
said the first voice again
some girls don’t let you near them
but anna isn’t like that
you know she wants it
she’s the same as all actresses
someone you can just
and a smile disappeared right that’s
enough william said standing up he
walked over to the men’s table there
were four of them
i’m sorry but
can i help you
one of the men said politely
well i was listening to your
conversation i couldn’t help it but you
know you’re talking about a real person
and you shouldn’t talk about her like
that
don’t go away
who are you a father
the men laughed loudly
anna came up behind william and pulled
him away
the men at the table didn’t see her face
and continued laughing
i’m sorry william said to her it’s okay
i love the fact you tried
they started walking towards the door of
the restaurant
then anna stopped
no
give me a minute
and she walked back to the men’s table
hi
she smiled sweetly i’m sorry about my
friend
oh
said the man who was doing most of the
talking he knew her face immediately
listen
i’m sorry please
please she said stop there i’m sure it
was all just friendly talk it didn’t
mean anything and i’m sure you can’t
help being stupid
enjoy your meal the fish is really good
she walked back to william still smiling
the men sat in silence their mouths
hanging open
outside the restaurant anna said
why did i do that
it was wonderful
no
i’m stupid and
what am i doing with you
i don’t know i’m afraid he replied
smiling
i don’t know either
she said softly
they arrived at the front door of the
ritz
do you want to come up
she asked quietly
there seem to be lots of reasons why i
shouldn’t
there are lots of reasons
but do you want to come up
his look said yes
give me five minutes she smiled and
walked towards the left
but william
times seemed to pass very slowly
the hands on his watch refused to move
exactly five minutes later he knocked at
the door of her room she opened it
hi
something seemed to be wrong
hi
said william kissing her
it’s wonderful to be able to do that
anna’s eyes were wide and there was a
very serious look on her face
you have to go
she whispered
why
my boyfriend
i thought he was in america
but in fact
he’s in the next
room your boyfriend
william couldn’t believe it
who is it
the man was standing in the doorway
behind anna now
jeff was a famous film star
handsome too
women all over the world dreamt about
him
william thought quickly
room service
how are you doing
i thought you people always wore suits
jeff said in a friendly way
well
yes
but
i’ve just changed because
i’m going home
this is my last call
oh
great
could i have some really cold water up
here i’ll see what i can do
and maybe you could clear these dirty
plates while you’re here
william calmly picked up the dirty
plates
really don’t do that anna said nervously
i’m sure that’s not his job she told
jeff
is there a problem
jeff asked william
no
no
it’s fine
what’s your name
he asked
it’s
uh bernie
well
thank you bernie he said pushing five
pounds into william’s hand
jeff turned to anna hey
good surprise or bad surprise
anna looked uncomfortable
nice surprise
jeff kissed her
she’s lying he said to william she hates
surprises he turned to anna so
what food are you ordering
i haven’t decided we don’t order too
much
i don’t want people saying there goes
that famous actor with the big fat
girlfriend
jeff laughed leaving the room
william looked at anna
i think i should leave
this is all very strange
i didn’t realize i’m so sorry
i don’t know what to say
i think
goodbye
is probably the right word
william walked downstairs
and out into the lonely night
his heart ached
chapter 7
alone again
william looked out of the window of his
house
lost in his thoughts
talk to me william
this is me
spikey
tell me what’s wrong
william never usually spoke about his
feelings but this time he needed to talk
to someone
even if it had to be spike
well
okay
there’s a girl
he began
hesitantly aha
a girl
i thought so
speak friend
she’s someone who
can never be mine
i’ve been close to her
but i can never be as close again
and i really miss her
spike looked thoughtful
yes
that’s a problem
i missed a girl at swansea station once
i got the time wrong i left five minutes
before the train arrived
he laughed
thanks
william’s side
very helpful
that night william met with his friends
at tony’s restaurant
they were the only people there as usual
they often hit there because tony was an
old friend
this was his first restaurant
he was trying hard to make it a success
on the front page of bernie’s newspaper
was a picture of anna and jeff at
heathrow airport
you didn’t know she had a boyfriend
max found this hard to believe
no
did you
william asked surprised
the looks on their faces showed that
everyone knew
you all knew
my life is destroyed because i don’t
read hello magazine
anna’s a big star
she’s world famous
and you’re just an ordinary person
it’s unimaginable
but don’t worry
i have the answer to your problems
everyone looked at max with interest
her name is tessa
and she works in our office
she’s a bit strange but she’s very
clever and her kisses are unbelievable
bella put her head on one side and
looked at him well that’s what people
tell me
he finished quickly
so a few days later the friends sat
together again at the dinner table in
max and bella’s kitchen
william was worried
the doorbell rang as max answered the
door the others could hear the visitors
loud excited voice
i got lost i didn’t know where i was
everything around here has the word
kensington in it kensington park road
kensington gardens kensington park
gardens
max introduced the visitor as they came
into the kitchen
tessa this is bella my wife oh you’re in
a wheelchair said tessa brightly
that’s right
and this is william
max continued hello william max has told
me everything about you she laughed
has he
replied william nervously
some wine tessa max offered oh yes
please
let’s get drunk willy
william looked even more worried
a few weeks after tessa’s visit
max and bella had another dinner party
this time they invited a woman called
kaziah to meet william
she was pale and thin
and she sat nervously at the table
meet kaziah
max asked reaching for her plate
no thank you
i only eat fruit
max and bella looked at her and then at
william
only fruit
william asked i believe that fruit and
vegetables have feelings
so cooking hurts them
i only eat things that have fallen from
the tree
then they’re already dead
because i explained
right
right very interesting so
these potatoes were murdered yes
murdered
poor potatoes
terrible
agreed william
oh when will this evening end he thought
to himself
so tessa and kaziah came and went
neither was a success but max didn’t
give up
a month later rosie sat at the table
with william bella and max
rosie seemed very nice she was pretty
and well dressed
and there was nothing unusual about her
she seemed intelligent and friendly
to his surprise
william even liked her
great coffee
she said
thank you
i’m sorry about the meat
max said
don’t be sorry
i thought it was really
interesting
interesting means terrible suggested
william
yes you’re right
really terrible she replied
they all laughed
maybe we’ll meet again sometime
she said to william as she was leaving
yes
that sounds
great
well
ask bella when they’re alone
she’s perfect
perfect
william replied
but
bella looked at him carefully
william spoke quietly
i think you’ve forgotten
it’s difficult to find someone you love
someone who will also love you
the chances are very small
look at me
except for the american i’ve only loved
two girls in my life
and both times it ended badly
that’s not fair
max said no really
one of them left our marriage more
quickly than you can say indiana jones
the other
he said looking at bella
married my best friend
but she still loves you
bella smiled at him yes
as a sister loves a brother
well i never wanted you in any other way
they all laughed
i mean i loved you you were terribly
funny but when you kissed my ears
william spoke quickly and 30 years from
now i’m still going to be alone
do you want to stay the night
bella asked
why not
at home there’s just a crazy welshman
waiting for me
as the evening came to an end max
carried bella upstairs to bed
william sat in a chair
eyes wide open
feeling very lonely
chapter 8 behind the blue door
the following morning william walked
home
he thought about max and bella and how
much in love they were and he thought
about his own life
what was he doing
where was he going
he arrived home and got ready for work
as he was looking in the mirror the
doorbell rang
who’s that at this time of day he
thought
probably the postman
he went downstairs to answer it
he opened the door and his heart jumped
it wasn’t the postman
it was a beautiful woman in dark glasses
unbelievable
can i come in
anna asked
come in
her hair was a mess and she looked tired
and unhappy
but to william she looked wonderful
he took her into the kitchen and anna
poured out her story
the photos were taken years ago
anna explained
i was poor
it happens a lot
that’s not an excuse i know but it’s
worse than that
while one man was taking photos another
man was filming me
i didn’t know anything about that
now it looks like a dirty sex film and
well
they’ve sold the pictures and they’re
everywhere
anna looked ready to cry
william shook his head
and now i don’t know where to go
anna continued
there are crowds of reporters outside
the hotel
i just need to get away from them
this is the place
william said calmly
thank you
she said quietly
i’m only in london for two days
but the british press are so
it’s the worst place to be
she was very unhappy
they’re terrible pictures
they make me look like
don’t think about it
now
would you like tea
a bath
oh yes
a bath
five minutes later spike came in through
the front door looking excitedly at the
pictures of anna in his newspaper
wow
look at that
wonderful
he said to himself as he walked upstairs
he opened the bathroom door still
reading he went over to the toilet
without taking his eyes off the
newspaper
are you spike
a voice said from behind him
spike looked up then turned his head
slowly
he couldn’t believe his eyes
there in the bath was anna scott
he quickly left the bathroom calmed
himself down then opened the door again
anna saw his face come slowly round the
door his mouth hanging open
hi
she said smiling
i just wanted to be sure
spike backed out and closed the door
again
oh thank you
thank you
he whispered closing his eyes
after her bath
anna looked calmer
i’m really sorry about last time
she said to william in the sitting room
jeff just flew in
i thought we were finished
no
that’s fine
i don’t often get the chance to clear
away the dirty plates of a hollywood
star
i enjoyed it very much
how is he
i don’t know
one day i couldn’t remember any of the
reasons that i loved him
and how are you and love
well there’s a question
without an interesting answer
i have thought about you
she said looking into his eyes
oh no no
no
william’s heart ached
it was too painful
he didn’t want her to continue
but she did
but there’s a problem when i try to be
with someone ordinary it never works
of course
i completely understand
thank you for telling me that
william felt uncomfortable and changed
the subject
is that the film you’re doing
he asked
pointing to some papers in her hand
yes
we start filming in los angeles on
tuesday
would you like me to help you learn your
lines will you
she looked pleased
it’s all talk talk talk
what’s the story about
i’m a difficult but clever young officer
who in about twenty minutes will save
the world
well done you
william found the language of the film
almost impossible to understand
but he read the other parts for anna and
she practiced her lines
they had great fun
as the day passed anna seemed to forget
about her problems
so
what do you think of the film
she asked when they stopped
exciting
it’s not jane austen or henry james
but it is exciting
you think i should do henry james
i’m sure you’d be great in henry james
but
i mean
this writer’s quite good too
yes she said
nobody in the wings of the dove says
tell the pentagon we need black star
cover
and i think that’s a pity
anna smiled her widest smile
he really was helping
later that evening they sat down to eat
i can’t believe you have that picture on
the wall she said
looking at a cheap copy of a chagall
painting you like chagall he asked i do
that’s how love should feel
a big dark blue sky
with a fish falling from it
yes
happiness isn’t happiness without a fish
falling from the sky
spike brought pizzas to the table
right
for the queen of notting hill
carnival calypso hot chicken and fruit
and a little more chicken
great
said anna looking at her plate
spike
did i tell you that anna doesn’t eat
meat
ah
well
i’ve got some vegetable soup from last
week
if i take off the skin it’ll be perfect
after the meal spike left to meet his
friends in the pub
william and anna were alone at last
you’ve got big feet
anna said
yes
i’ve always had them
you know what they say about nem with
big feet
no what’s that
big feet
she stopped and looked him in the eye
big shoes
they both laughed comfortably
a little later they discussed anna’s
film work
when i make films she told him
i don’t take my clothes off well
not all of them
that’s the agreement
and they have to discuss it with me if
they want to use another person’s body
in my place
another person’s body
what do you mean
well
if they want me to show my
bottom
i refuse
another actor has to do it
and do you choose a better bottom than
yours of course that’s really important
she laughed
what a job
said william
what do those people put on their
passports
profession mel gibson’s bottom
mel uses his own button anna said taking
another mouthful of ice cream
it’s great
the ice cream or mel gibson’s bottom
both
they had a wonderful evening
but of course it had to end
william walked with anna up to the
bedroom
today
has been a good day
thank you
said anna gratefully
they stopped outside the bedroom door
well
thank you
time for bed
and the sofa bed for me
right
she kissed him sweetly
then she went into the bedroom and
closed the door
william walked slowly downstairs for a
lonely night on the sofa bed
he couldn’t sleep
he lay there with his eyes wide open
will she come
he waited and hoped
but nothing happened
then suddenly he heard a sound on the
stairs
william waited nervously
hello
he said into the darkness
a bearded face looked into the room
hello
have you got a minute
spike
listen
anna’s not with her boyfriend now is she
spike asked
no i don’t think so
and
she’s in your house
yes
and
you like her
yes
and she
likes you
yes
well
isn’t this your big chance
you should be up there
with her
spike pointed upstairs
no spike
she’s in trouble
this is not the time
william said angrily
alright alright
i understand that
spike turned to go
then he spoke again
do you mind if i try
spike
no
you’re right
i’ll talk to you in the morning
william lay down again
okay
okay
but maybe it’ll be too late then
spike went back to bed
william lay in bed thinking
a few minutes later he heard footsteps
on the stairs again oh go away will you
he said angrily
okay
replied anna quietly
william jumped up no
no
wait
i thought you were spike
i’m so happy you’re not
they stood face to face in the half
light
he kissed her neck softly
then her shoulder
then he looked at her face
that face
he couldn’t believe he was touching anna
scott
wow
what
anna asked
oh
nothing
and he kissed her deeply
the next morning they lay in bed
together
it’s wonderful
and strange
that i william thacker
can look at your naked body
you and every other person in this
country she replied
oh yes
sorry
rita hayworth always said they go to bed
with gilda and they wake up with me
do you feel that
she asked
who was gilda
her most famous part
men went to bed with the dream and woke
up with the
reality do you feel that way with me
you’re lovelier this morning than you’ve
ever been
he replied
anna smiled
oh
then she jumped out of bed i’ll be back
don’t go away
ten minutes later anna returned with
breakfast
breakfast in bed
she smiled warmly
she sat on the bed and asked hesitantly
can i stay a bit longer
william looked at her
stay forever
he said softly
oh i forgot the sugar
just then the doorbell rang you get the
door i’ll get the sugar she said leaving
the room
william’s side
he pulled on his underpants and went
downstairs
okay i’m coming
he shouted
he opened the door and was suddenly
caught in the light of lots of cameras
the street was full of reporters
shouting
he quickly shut the door again
jesus christ
what is it
anna called
don’t ask
replied william his voice shaking
william what is it
anna thought he was joking
she went to the door opened it and
looked outside
oh no
she cried throwing the door shut
she turned to william
and they got a photo of you dressed like
that
undressed like this yes
spike walked into the kitchen naked
except for a pair of dirty grey
underpants
good morning my lovely ones
he greeted them giving william a big
smile
anna was on the phone they’re outside
hundreds of them
yes i know
just get me out of here
she put the phone down and walked
angrily upstairs
don’t go outside spike said william
really it’s not a good idea
why not
just don’t william followed anna
upstairs
spike thought for a minute
then he opened the front door
the air was filled with people shouting
cameras and lights
wow
thought spike standing there in his gray
underpants
he liked this
he turned to offer the photographers the
best view of his naked body when he
closed the door he looked at himself in
the mirror
not bad
not at all bad
well chosen underpants
girls love three
william was upstairs
standing in the bedroom doorway
how are you doing he asked how do you
think i’m doing anna shouted
i don’t know what happened
well i do
she said throwing her things into a bag
your stupid friend decided to make some
money so he talked to some reporters
spike
no
that’s not true
william answered
really
reporters from every british newspaper
are outside your house
they all woke up this morning and
thought
i know where that anna scott is
she’s in the house with the blue front
door in notting hill
and then you go out half naked
unbelievable
spike put his head round the door
and i went out in my underpants too
get out spike william said listen anna
i’m so sorry
i came here to you for protection from
these people
and now things are even worse than
before
what will everyone think
i mean
i’ve got a boyfriend
she shouted
have you
asked william quietly
well everyone thinks i have
and now there’ll be pictures of you in
every paper from here to timbuktu
i know i know but
just
let’s stay calm
you can stay calm everything’s fine for
you everyone will say well done you you
slept with a film star we’ve seen the
pictures
william looked hurt
that is so unfair he said seriously
you can use it for your business
buy a boring book from the man who slept
with anna scott
she pushed past him and out of the room
stop
please
calm down
have a cup of tea
but she refused to listen i don’t want a
stupid cup of tea
i want to go home
she shouted running downstairs
william followed her the doorbell rang
it’s a big car
spike called down from the upstairs
window
it looks like your driver anna
anna was a little calmer now but as cold
as ice
tell spike to buy you an expensive meal
or a holiday she said to william
i’m sure he has the money now
that’s not true
spike’s not like that
um wait a minute
this is all crazy
can’t we laugh about it
terrible things happen in the world
compared to them this is nothing
spike came downstairs
he’s going to tell you about people
without food in africa he said to anna
well it’s true
said william and we don’t have to go as
far as that my best friend had an
accident and he’s in a wheelchair for
the rest of her life
anna’s face softened
okay
you’re right of course
but i’ve had this problem for 10 years
and you’ve only had it for 10 minutes
you can’t imagine what it’s like
i mean
tomorrow all this will be yesterday’s
news
you don’t understand do you
she looked at him they keep these photos
every time someone writes about me these
photos will be in the papers
newspapers last forever
i’ll be sorry about this forever
the color left william’s face
he realized now that this was the end
right
fine
i won’t be sorry if it’s all right with
you
i’ll always be glad you came
but you’re right
you should go
she looked at him sadly
and then the doorbell rang again
keeping her head down anna ran outside
there were shouts from the crowd of
reporters and photographers
and then she was gone
william turned to spike
was it you
he
asked well
spike said slowly
it’s possible that i told one or two
people in the pub
williams side
right
chapter nine
new hope
summer ended and autumn leaves began to
fall
william continued with his life
but he couldn’t escape a feeling of
emptiness
every day was the same
he lived through that winter in a dream
nothing seemed important
and then it was spring
we’ve got something for you
said honey coming into the bookshop
spike stood behind her in the doorway
you’ll love me for the rest of your life
what is it
asked william interested
the phone number of anna scott’s office
in london and the one in new york
you can ring her
you think about her all the time
now you can ring her
william knew honey was trying to help
he tried to look pleased
well thank you
that’s great
it is great
she said smiling
see you tonight
honey and spike left
william looked at the piece of paper in
his hand for a minute then
with a sigh
he threw it away
that evening the friends met again at
tony’s restaurant
tony’s dream was at an end
his restaurant was closing
bella spoke for them all
exactly a year ago
this man here
started the finest restaurant in london
the friends all laughed and shouted
but sadly
no one ever came to eat here
just a very small problem
said tony smiling
bella continued
and so from next week
we have to find somewhere new to eat
it’s a sad time
tony smiled again
but the smile couldn’t hide his
unhappiness
but i just want to say one more thing
tony
don’t think there’s something wrong with
you
we can’t always understand the reasons
why things happen
some things succeed
and others fail
nobody knows why
some of us get lucky and some of us
lose our jobs
bernie finished
no
said bella in surprise
yes
it’s true
bernie replied with a sigh
they’re changing everything
and there’s no place for me
well you know i was no good
so we go down together
said tony
lifting his glass to bernie to bernie
the worst stockbroker in the world
they all laughed and drank
i’ve got something to say too
said honey standing up
uh
i’ve decided to get married
they all look surprised
i found myself a nice
strange looking man
i know he’ll make me happy for the rest
of my life
wait a minute
said william
i’m your brother
and
i don’t know anything about this
is it someone we know
asked max
bernie looked hopeful
yes i’ll tell you when the time is right
she replied
she sat down again and the conversation
turned to other subjects
while the others were talking honey
whispered softly to spike
spike
it’s you
me
he looked surprised
yes
what do you think
well yes
great
he smiled
are there any other important things
that anyone wants to say
max asked
yes
williams said seriously
i want to say that i’m sorry
i’m really sorry for the way i’ve been
for the last six months
i have
as you know
been a little
unhappy a little unhappy there are dead
people that are more fun to be with
laughed max
but i want to make it clear
that i have turned a corner
from today
i have decided to be happy
so
all that business with the american is
in the past now
max asked
i believe it is
william smiled
you don’t think about her all the time
no
i don’t think i do
so you’re not interested that she’s back
in london
or that she’s filming every day in
hampstead
max showed him a newspaper with a
picture of anna on the front page
williams side
oh no
so you are a little interested then
said max
the following day
william was in hampstead
he found the place where they were
filming
can i help you
ask the guard
uh
i’m looking for anna scott
does she know you’re coming
um
no
no she doesn’t
i’m afraid i can’t let you in
oh
right
i mean
she’s a friend
but
you
can’t let you in
repeated the guard turning away
behind the guard
william saw anna walking across the
grass
she looked beautiful in a long dress and
with her hair piled on top of her head
there were people all around her ready
to help her
suddenly anna looked up and saw william
her face showed surprise
williams smiled nervously
and then she walked towards him
followed by the crowd of people
this is very year er
she started hesitantly
i only found out you were here yesterday
i wanted to ring but i didn’t think you
anna continued
anna we have to go they’re ready
it was one of the film people
listen william
it’s not going well and it’s our last
day
yes
right you’re clearly very busy but wait
there are
things to say
okay
william said
you could drink tea
there’s lots of tea
she smiled at him as she was taken away
come and watch a woman said to him
do you like henry james
this is a henry james film he asked
remembering his conversation with anna a
year earlier
the woman left william with harry a
sound man
you can listen if you like harry said
pointing to some headphones
william put them on
then he sat in a chair to watch the
action
anna and another actor were making
conversation waiting for the filming
william could hear everything through
the headphones
so i ask you when you’re going to tell
everyone
and you say
anna said to the other actor
tomorrow
will be soon enough
and then i who was that man you were
talking to just now
the other man asked
oh
no one
a man from the past
i don’t know what he’s doing here
it’s difficult
william’s heart stopped
what was he doing there
he took off the headphones and gave them
back to the sound man
thank you harry
any time
harry smiled william walked away
chapter 10
just a girl and a boy
what’s happening
spike asked
i’m throwing out some old videos william
replied
some of them were of course anna’s films
you can’t do that
these are great films you must do it
i won’t let you
right
let’s talk about the money for your room
ah
right i’ll help you you’re right we
don’t need all of them
the next day at work william was at his
desk where martin called to him
excuse me william
there’s a package
martin said
well you work here don’t you he replied
but it’s not for the shop it’s for you
okay
william’s side getting up from his desk
but tell me
what exactly do i pay you for
william walked towards the front of the
shop and stopped suddenly
there
in front of him
was anna
she was dressed very simply but was as
beautiful as always
hi
she smiled
hello
you left
yes
i’m sorry
i had to leave
i was in the way
well
how have you been
she asked
fine
he said
everything is exactly as it was before
when they change the law spike and i
will marry immediately
very different from your film star life
oh no
all that means nothing
i have no idea how meaningless it all
was
but i know now
she looked nervous
yesterday was the last day of filming
i’m leaving soon and i wanted you to
have this
she pointed to a large flat package
covered in brown paper
oh
thank you shall i no
don’t open it now
okay
well thank you
i don’t know what it’s for but thank you
i had it in my flat in new york
and i just thought
but i didn’t know how to call you she
began hesitantly
i was so rude to you last time
so it was in the hotel
but then
you came
so i thought
i thought
what did you think
he asked softly
the shop door opened and mr smith walked
in
william looked up don’t even think about
it go away
immediately
right
sorry
mr smith said in surprise
closing the door behind him
william turned back to anna
you were saying
i have to go away tomorrow
and i wanted to ask you
do you think
i could see you a little
or a lot maybe
can you ever
like me again
william was surprised at her words
he didn’t know how to reply
but
yesterday the other actor asked you
about me
a man from the past you said
i heard it all through the headphones
but i never tell other actors about my
love life
martin was back excuse me
it’s your mother on the phone
tell her i’ll ring later
i tried that
but you said that 24 hours ago and she’s
still waiting her foot was purple then
and now it’s turning black
okay
william’s side walking to his desk look
after miss scott martin
martin smiled nervously at anna
i loved you in ghost
it was a wonderful film
is that right
she said surprised yes
what’s patrick swayze like in real life
i’m afraid i don’t know him very well
oh
wasn’t he friendly when you were making
the film
well
i’m sure he was friendly to demi moore
she was the other star of ghost
anna smiled
oh
right
sorry
i’ve never been very clever
william returned
ah
it was lovely to meet you
i love your work
and demis of course
and martin left them
sorry about that william said
that’s okay
william thought very carefully and then
spoke slowly and seriously
anna
i’m an ordinary sort of person
i’m not often in and out of love
the words were not coming easily
can i just say
no
to your kind offer
anna continued smiling
but the hurt showed in her eyes
yes
that’s fine
of course
i
of course
i’ll just go then
nice to see you
anna the fact is
he felt he must try to give words to his
feelings
with you
i’m in real danger
my heart will never get better if it’s
broken again
and i know that will happen
there are too many pictures of you
everywhere too many films
you’ll continue with your life and i’ll
be
finished
i see
anna said softly
that really is a real no
isn’t it
i live in notting hill you live in
beverly hills
everyone in the world knows who you are
my mother doesn’t always remember my
name
okay
fine
i understand
they seem nothing more to say
but anna tried one last time
it’s not real you know
being famous
i’m also just a girl
standing in front of a boy
asking him to love her
william looked deeply into her eyes
was he doing the right thing
then she kissed him lightly
bye
she said
as she left
there were no pictures on the walls of
tony’s restaurant
the kitchen equipment was gone
chairs were piled up waiting to go
the friends met there one last time
what do you think
did i do the right thing
william asked them
of course you did
said honey quickly i mean she’s nothing
special
that’s right agreed bella and everyone
knows that all actresses are crazy
what do you think tony
william asked
never met her and never wanted to
right max
william turned to his oldest friend
i agree with the others and who wants to
go out with someone who doesn’t eat meat
great
excellent thanks
william felt happier his decision was
the right one
then spike arrived
i was called and i came what’s the
problem he asked
william has just refused anna scott
honey told him
what
are you crazy
spike shouted at william
bella was looking carefully at the
painting next to william’s chair
that isn’t the real chagall painting is
it she asked him
um
yes i think it is
bella’s eyes widened
and she really wanted to go out with you
bernie asked
well yes
that’s nice
what
asked william
well
it’s nice when someone wants to go out
with you
reply bernie a little sadly
it was quite sweet really
said william remembering
i mean i know as an actress she can say
lines very well
but she said
and these were her words
i’m just a girl
standing in front of a boy
asking him to love her
the room went very quiet
oh no
william said his head in his hands
i’ve made the wrong decision haven’t i
he could see his friend’s agreement in
their eyes
max
how fast is your car
william bernie honey and spike jumped
into max’s car
where’s bella asked max
she’s not coming replied honey oh yes
she is she’s not missing this
and he found bella picked her up and put
her in the front
the wheelchair went in the back with
spike
the london traffic was heavy as usual
but they got to the ritz at last
william and bernie ran to the front desk
is miss scott staying here
no sir i’m afraid she isn’t
it was the man who was at the desk a
year earlier
or uh
miss flintstone
no sir i’m afraid not
uh bambi or i don’t know
beavis
or butthead
the man of the desk shook his head
william sighed deeply it was no good
it was too late
but as he turned away the man spoke
there was a miss pocahontas here in room
126
but she left an hour ago
i believe she’s giving a press
conference at the savoy hotel before her
flight to america
he smiled
william jumped up and kissed him
thank you
thank you he shouted
bernie in his excitement kissed the man
too
back in the car they drove as fast as
possible to the savoy hotel
but the traffic was moving slowly and at
one crossroads they came to a complete
stop
time passed and they all got more and
more nervous
spike jumped out of the car
i’ll get us through
he shouted shutting the door and then he
was in the middle of the road stopping
cars and buses and making a path for
max’s car
go go go
he shouted
i love you
laughed honey out of the window as the
car shot off towards the savoy
excuse me
where’s the press conference william
asked the man at the desk
can i see your press cart
william quickly showed him a card
that’s a video club card sir
yes
i write for the club’s magazine
i’m sorry sir
bella arrived at the front desk pushed
by honey he’s with me she said
and you are
writing about the best london hotels for
people in wheelchairs
she said smiling
the man looked at her for a minute and
then sighed
it’s in the lancaster room i’m afraid
you’re very late
run
honey shouted to william
the lancaster room was crowded with
reporters and photographers
at the front sat anna behind a long
table looking a little sad
jeremy from the film company was next to
her
yes
you dominic said jeremy pointing to a
reporter
how much longer are you staying in
britain miss scott
no time at all
i fly out tonight
on sadana
and that’s why we have to stop soon
said jeremy
any last questions
a number of hands went up and he pointed
to one
you’ve decided not to make another film
for a year is this because there’s talk
about jeff and another famous actress
no
she replied simply
do you believe the stories
it’s really not my business now but i
will say this
stories about jeff and women
are usually true
she smiled
the next question came from a reporter
standing next to william
last time you were here there were
photos of you and a young englishman
so
what was that about
he was just a friend
and i think we’re still friends
she said slowly
william’s heart was jumping
could he speak
could he say what he wanted to say
and then his hand was up and jeremy was
pointing at him
yes
miss scott
is there any chance of you and this
young man being
more than friends
anna looked up at the questioner
she saw that it was william
i thought so but no
i was told not
she said quietly
and
if this man william started jeremy spoke
no
it’s just one question each
no let him anna said
she turned back to william
what were you saying
william continued
if this person
his name was thakur
said one of the reporters helpfully
thank you william smiled
if this mr thakur gets down on his knees
and asks you to think again
what then
max
bella bernie and honey all waited
open-mouthed for her answer
i think
my answer will be
yes
her smile lit up the room
that’s excellent news
the readers of horse and hound will be
very happy
anna turned to jeremy and whispered
something
dominic
would you like to ask your question
again
said jeremy
pointing to the reporter
yes
miss scott
how long are you planning to stay in
britain
anna looked at william questioningly
he returned her look
smiled a mouth the word
yes
for a very long time
smiled anna
suddenly the reporters realized what was
happening
they crowded round william asking him
questions
photographers took pictures
max and bella kissed
bernie kissed a woman standing next to
him
everyone was smiling and laughing
spike arrived at last red-faced from
running
what happened
he asked honey she put her arms around
him and held him tightly
it was good spike
it was so good
how did it all end
this love story between the biggest film
star in the world and an ordinary
bookseller from notting hill
well
it is too early to say
but the signs are good
the wedding was a quiet one with family
and close friends
tony made a wonderful cake
max danced wildly around the dance floor
looking like james bond in his white
dinner jacket
honey’s legs didn’t reach the floor as
she danced in spike’s arms
and martin stood at the side smiling
nervously
everyone had a good time
soon after the wedding william went with
anna to the opening night of her henry
james film
as they stepped out of the car in front
of the cinema
people screamed with excitement
photographers pushed forward to get the
best picture for the next day’s
newspaper
to william all this was new and strange
but anna held his hand tightly
and guided him through the crowds
we leave the happy lovers on a sunny day
a year later in a garden in notting hill
all around them are signs of life and
love
children are playing watched by their
mothers
one is holding her new baby
an older woman walks past with her
husband they are smiling and talking
softly
on a simple wooden seat
william sits reading
anna is lying next to him looking out
over the gardens
she looks calm and happy
from time to time her hand moves slowly
over the baby growing inside her
you