Page 45 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘Very much so. I’ve been reliably informed by my mum that it’s full steam ahead for the barbecue.’

‘Great.’

‘I still haven’t told them about you and Connor, though, I want to keep it as a surprise for them.’

‘I hardly slept a wink for thinking about today,’ he said. ‘It has something of a monumental feel to it, almost like returning to your roots, if that doesn’t sound too melodramatic.’

‘It doesn’t at all, I can totally get where you’re coming from.’ She held back from adding that the last few weeks before he’d left so suddenly had been a heck of a build-up for a young child. She’d leave it to Max to bring that up when he was ready.

‘No Ernest?’ she asked.

‘He’s still in the car. I thought I’d better double-check he was still welcome to go to your parents’. Ernest and barbecues are a deadly combination.’

‘It’ll be the Labrador in him. And, honestly, he’ll definitely be welcome at my parents’. He’s got bags of personality, they’ll love him.’

‘Let’s hope he treats them to his full charm offensive then.’

It hadn’t crossed her mind to invite Sabrina. She felt a twinge of guilt at that. Though, in fairness, as far as she was concerned, Sabrina was Max’s PA and hadn’t been introduced as anythingmore, so no one would expect the invitation to be extended to her. It hadn’t been intended as a snub. And Jasmine had a feeling Sabrina wouldn’t enjoy such a get-together anyway, especially if it was filled with chats about shared memories of which she had no involvement or knowledge. She’d brace herself for an extra frosty reaction the next time their paths crossed.

The smoky tang of a barbecue filled the air as they all headed down the path of number eight Arkleby Terrace. The two boys headed in first, dashing through to the back garden, leaving Jasmine – whose hands were full with a large homemade strawberry cheesecake covered in foil – and Max with Ernest on a tight lead. Jasmine noted Max give his old home nothing more than a cursory glance. She understood why, it being a place of unhappy memories for him, unlike her parents’ house.

‘Are you sure your mum and dad won’t mind having two unexpected mouths to feed, not to mention me turning up with a rather lively hound?’ Max asked, looking uncertain as they stepped into the kitchen.

‘I’m positive. Stop fretting, they’ll be overjoyed to see you.’ Jasmine slid the cheesecake into the fridge so it wouldn’t melt before they were ready to tuck into it.

Just then, Chloe skipped into the hallway, her strawberry-blonde hair in a long plait down her back, her face shiny with sunblock. ‘Hi, Mummy.’ She wrapped her arms around Jasmine’s middle, peeking shyly at Max before switching her gaze to Ernest whose tail was wagging hard.

‘Hello, sweetheart, did you have fun last night?’ Jasmine kissed the top of her daughter’s head, which felt warm from her playing in the sun.

‘Yes, thank you. The film was really good, but Grandad fell asleep and started snoring. It was so loud it made people laugh.’ She covered her mouth with her hand and giggled.

‘Not again! What’s your grandad like, Chlo?’

‘I know.’ Chloe stole another look at Max.

‘Hi there, Chloe.’ Max smiled and raised his hand in a small wave. Ernest whimpered, eager to make friends.

‘Hello.’ She leant into her mum and whispered, ‘Who’s that?’

‘This is Connor’s dad. He’s a friend of mine from way back when I was your age and even younger.’

‘Oh, okay. And now Connor’s a friend of Zak’s.’

‘That’s right.’ Jasmine loved how accepting young children could be.

‘I like your dog,’ said Chloe. ‘What’s he called?’

‘He’s called Ernest, and I think he likes you, too, he’s keen to say hello.’ Max let Ernest’s lead out a little so he could reach Chloe. ‘He’s a big fan of tummy tickles and ear ruffles. Oh, and watch him with your ice creams. I’m afraid he’s been known to steal them given half a chance.’

Chloe giggled at that. ‘Hi, Ernest.’ She let him sniff her hand before giving his ears a quick scratch. Jasmine looked on, smiling.

‘Come on, let’s go through and see Grandma and Grandad.’ Jasmine guided Chloe through to the kitchen, Max and Ernest following. Turning to Max, she said, ‘I can’t wait to see their faces.’

The back garden was bathed in sunshine, with the flowerbeds a riot of colour, and the small lawn area neatly trimmed. A football net sat at the furthest end. The picnic table had already been set, and cheery music played from the speakers next to the barbecue where Jasmine’s dad was poised ready to take charge in his role as head chef. Her mum had a plate piled with rawburgers and sausages in her hand as she chatted to Zak and Connor.

‘Hi there, folks,’ Jasmine said, in a bid to get her parents’ attention.

‘Hello, lovey. Tell you what, I aren’t half glad that rain stopped. I thought I was going to have to—’ Her mum turned, her face a picture of confusion as she took in the tall man standing next to her daughter, the large dog on the end of a lead. ‘Oh, hello there,’ she said, addressing the stranger, her eyes flicking back to Jasmine who could only imagine as to the questions currently racing through her mum’s mind, and she found herself having to stifle a giggle.

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