Page 43 of Your Carriage Awaits in Crumbleton
‘Mind?’ said Danny. ‘Give over, you’re brilliant. Thank you.’
‘Well… he’s been fed and watered,’ said Michelle, her voice louder again.
‘I’ll have you know I was practically wasting away,’ came Keith’s cheerful response. ‘Nice to share a meal with a gorgeous girl for a change.’
Danny shook his head, unable to keep the smile off his face. This was so surreal. Michelle Singer was in his dad’s cottage, taking the mickey out of him, and his dad was clearly loving every second of it.
‘I made enough for three,’ she said, suddenly looking uncertain. ‘I mean, if you’re hungry?’
‘So hungry,’ groaned Danny, realising he was still standing in the cottage doorway like an idiot. He turned to close the door behind him. ‘What did you make?’
‘Nothing fancy. Just spaghetti bolognese.’
‘Bloody good spag bol, mind,’ called Keith. ‘Best I’ve had in years. Now, are you two going to stop conspiring in the hallway and join the invalid?!’
Michelle grinned, and Danny rolled his eyes before the pair of them trooped into the kitchen, only to find Elvis had climbed right up into Keith’s lap. The sight of his dad back where he belonged brought a hot lump to Danny’s throat.
‘Someone’s pleased you’re home,’ he muttered in greeting before sniffing the air hungrily. The kitchen was full of the scent of rich tomato sauce, herbs, and… ‘Did you make garlic bread?’
Keith nodded enthusiastically. ‘She did. Welcome to heaven.’
‘Sit down,’ said Michelle, looking delightfully pink as she moved to fetch him a plate. ‘You look more likely to fall over than Keith.’
‘See what I’ve had to put up with?’ said his dad with a broad grin.
Danny smirked, then promptly obeyed, sliding into a chair at the kitchen table.
‘So,’ said his dad, ‘had a good afternoon since you abandoned me in that infernal hospital?’
Danny tutted and rolled his eyes. ‘Long afternoon. And for the record, I’m really sorry I couldn’t get back to pick you up.’
‘I’ll let you off,’ said Keith, ‘seeing as you organised such excellent backup!’
Michelle turned and beamed at Keith.
‘What have you two been gossiping about, anyway?’ said Danny, suddenly curious. ‘I saw you through the window. You looked as thick as thieves.’
‘Oh… just the usual,’ said Michelle, placing a heaped plate of food in front of him. ‘Family feuds?—’
‘And business deals!’ said his dad, his eyes alight with mischief.
‘You’re joking, right?’ said Danny. ‘That’s not very… restful.’
‘Sorry,’ said Michelle, looking contrite. ‘In my defence, Keith started it.’
‘Don’t go apologising,’ said Keith. ‘It’s the best chat I’ve had in donkey’s yonks. Anyway, it turns out none of us know the reason Brian got his knickers in a twist.’
‘Mmm,’ said Michelle. ‘Which means I’m going to have to ask him outright. That’s going to be… interesting.’
‘But why bother?’ said Danny, his eyes wide. ‘I mean… after all these years, why bring it up?’
‘Because I’d rather like my best friend back,’ said Keith, his face suddenly serious. ‘Plus, it’s the only way we’re going to be able to go into business with Michelle here.’
‘I’m sorry… what’s that now?!’ said Danny, promptly dropping the fork he’d just picked up and somehow managing to flick tomato sauce everywhere in the process.
‘Your dad has a wonderful flair for the dramatics, doesn’t he?!’ chuckled Michelle.
‘I’ll say it again… you’re a cheeky mare,’ said Keith proudly.
