Page 55 of On Circus Lane

He nods in the direction of the road. “I thought we’d go on that.”

I gape at him. “On a Hop-onbus?”

“Is that such a surprise?”

“Aren’t they for tourists?”

He chuckles. “You sound so disgusted. Aren’tyoua tourist?”

“Well, I suppose so. I just like to look like I’m not.”

He grabs my arm and steers me towards the queue for the bus. “It’s the best way to see a new city.”

“On a red bus with flowers on it?”

“You’re focusing on the wrong thing. You can get on and off all day.”

“I can do that at home in my bed.”

He snorts. “I’m afraid you can’t do that on a bus.” He pauses. “At least, I don’t think so,” he adds thoughtfully. He shakes himself as I try to hide my smile. “Anyway, you can really explore the city, and you get a feel for how it's laid out and where everything is.”

When it’s our turn, he reaches for his wallet, hands the man on the bus a note, and takes the tickets. He steps up and winks at me. “Coming?”

I step onto the bus and suck in a startled breath when I see how many people are on it already.

“You okay?” Tom asks, frowning as he looks at my face. He pulls me to the side so the people behind me can get on. “What’s the matter?”

I breathe in. “I’m a bit claustrophobic, and it’s very crowded in here.”

I brace for the raft of questions I usually get, but he nods as casually as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. “Well, how about going upstairs? Half of the bus is open, so you’d get fresh air. Would that be okay, or do you want to walk to Holyrood instead?”

“Wouldn’t you be cold up there?”

He grins, as easygoing as ever. “Nah. Gives me a chance to road test my parka.”

“I might be okay if it’s open,” I say tentatively. “I just can’t abide being shut in with lots of people.”

He immediately turns to the driver. “Is it still okay to sit up top?”

The driver nods. “It’s fine at the moment. Everything is dry. If it snows again, though, we might have to close that bit.”

Tom looks at me. “We could try it and see. If it’s no good for you, we’ll get straight off and walk down to the palace.”

“It’s that easy?”

“Yes.”

He turns towards the stairs, and I hasten to follow him. The top level is empty, apart from a couple snogging passionately on the back seat. I eye them, startled. “It’s a bit early for that,” I whisper as I slide into a seat.

He grins. “It’s never too early forlurve.”

“Well, I never mix pleasure with culture,” I say briskly.

He winks. “I find it’s actually the best way. Is this okay for you?” he asks, looking around.

“It’s great. Thank you,” I add fervently.

“No need to thank me. I just want you to be happy.”

---