Page 63 of The London Girls
‘I don’t think you’re the only one in need of bed,’ Florence said. ‘Ava, could you show Liv where the spare sheets are? She’s sharing with you.’
Olivia came closer and Florence embraced her, holding her tight. ‘You’re amazing, Liv. I’m so proud of you for coming tonight, after everything you’ve been through.’
‘I knew you’d understand if I burst into tears over dinner, and besides, I’ve missed you so much,’ Olivia said, holding her tightly. ‘We’ve all been through a lot, haven’t we?’
‘You can say that again.’ Florence paused. ‘Liv, there’s actually something I need to tell you.’
Olivia reached for her hand. ‘Is it about you not driving this past month?’
‘You knew?’
‘Ava wrote and told me,’ she said gently. ‘It’s one of the reasons I knew I had to come tonight.’
‘I was too embarrassed to say anything, after everything you’d been through, the loss you suffered ...’
‘I think it’s fair to say we’ve both had our share of loss, Flo,’ Olivia said. ‘But if you’d let me, I’d like to spend some time with you tomorrow, to take you somewhere.’
Florence embraced her again and kissed her cheek. ‘Of course, that sounds lovely. It really has been so good seeing you again.’
Olivia hugged her back. ‘Things will get easier, Flo, I promise. Just remember what I said before about life being too short, because I think there is a very nice distraction waiting for you, if I’m not mistaken.’
Florence nodded, realising that Olivia was looking past her at Jack. ‘I’ll remember. Now, up to bed, young lady, you need your beauty sleep.’ She watched Olivia go, relieved she’d finally told her about her job, or lack of one.
‘I, ah, I think I’ll help to clear up,’ Jack said from behind her, running his fingers through his hair. Florence blushed when he glanced at her, and she quickly looked away. Perhaps Olivia was right, after all!
‘Oh, don’t be silly, you don’t need to do that,’ Florence said.
But then Jack hooked a thumb towards the armchair, and she saw that William was curled up, sound asleep.
‘Well, this old lady needs to rest her feet,’ Grandma said. ‘Jack, would you mind terribly if I took you up on that offer of helpingto clear up? I’d love to have some sleep before those blasted sirens go off.’
Florence stared at her grandmother, who didn’t make eye contact with her as she patted Jack on the shoulder and headed for the stairs. Something was amiss; her grandma never went to bed without having a cup of tea first, and she certainly wouldn’t ever let a guest clear the dishes. Everyone had deserted her and left her with Jack!
‘Grandma, are you feeling all right?’ Florence asked, hurrying after her and touching her elbow before she could start up the stairs.
Her grandmother had a twinkle in her eye when she turned. ‘I’m absolutely fine, love. I only thought perhaps you might like some time alone with the young man. You’ve done an exceptionally good job of avoiding him all night.’
Florence’s cheeks burned like they were on fire as she let her grandmother go and slowly turned to Jack, who had his hands in his pockets and appeared to be taking a great interest in the light hanging in their hallway.
‘Well, let’s get tidying, shall we?’ she announced briskly, deciding it was better to pretend he couldn’t possibly have heard their conversation.
He nodded and started to collect plates and glasses with her, the pair of them not saying a word until there was nothing left to clear and she was in the kitchen standing at the sink.
‘I hope you know how much I appreciate you asking me here today,’ Jack said, leaning against the door as he watched her. ‘I thought bringing William would be easier than trying to tell you, but I can see that hasn’t been the case.’
Florence didn’t know what to say, but as she opened her mouth she started to laugh. She couldn’t help it.
‘Now it’s funny?’ Jack asked, as dry as ever. ‘It’s funny that I have a son?’
‘Jack, you’re impossible!’ she cried. ‘You keep a secret like that and then you just show up and charm my grandmother like nothing at all? I didn’t even get a chance to be angry with you!’
He was smiling now, too. ‘I figured it was better to beg for forgiveness.’
‘He’s gorgeous,’ she said with a sigh, glancing over her shoulder. ‘I can’t even imagine what the two of you have been through. How long is he here?’
‘Just one more day,’ Jack said. ‘I brought him tonight because I wanted him to meet the other person in my life who means something to me.’ He cleared his throat. ‘I also needed a reason to see you. It turns out I rather miss being in an ambulance with you every night.’
She felt her cheeks heating up, and she quickly turned, reaching for the tap to fill the sink.
