Axel was not yet a name Ashleigh would have included on her mental list of people she would trust to plan a holiday for her. Aisling was on the list, because Aisling was organised and had never yet forgotten she'd arranged to meet Ashleigh, or promised to be home to receive her. Probably, Ashleigh would take over organising a holiday with Axel herself, after they'd decided where they wanted to go. And, really, she wasn't sure she was ready to share a hotel room with him for a week. Especially not at the moment. As sound a sleeper as Axel was, he would almost certainly notice Ashleigh sitting up half the night. "If you're sure," was all she said, giving Aisling the opportunity to change her mind closer to the time.
"I doubt you'll be surprised if it can't keep my attention," Ashleigh responded. She would probably skim it, at best. She laughed when Aisling suggested Anna Karenina might be more appropriate. "I've already made a list of four books I want to read before we go to Russia," she said. "Including two specifically about the Bolshoi Theatre." Tolstoy would be far, far down her list of things to read in preparation. "Oh," she said, obviously pleased as Aisling handed over the parasol. "You are an excellent friend, thank you."