Page 101 of The Little Flower Shop By the Sea
‘BecauseIfeel like dancing, and you are by far the most attractive dance partner I can see in the room. Plus,’ he leans in towards me and whispers, ‘I don’t see Ash anywhere, so we’ll be OK.’
Jake’s words make my cheeks flush bright red. Is he coming on to me? Was I right about what almost happened in the greenhouse?
‘Oh Ja-ake!’ Belle comes wafting over; she’s wearing a long red halter-neck maxi dress, which is cut very low on her slim back, and gold sandals. ‘I haven’t had a chance to wish you a happy birthday yet!’ She kisses him on the cheek.
‘Thank you, Belle,’ Jake says politely. ‘I do hope you’re enjoying yourself tonight.’
‘Well, I would be,’ Belle replies, pouting, ‘if only I could find a dance partner…’
‘I was just saying I felt like a dance!’ Jake responds, grinning. ‘What are we waiting for!’
He grabs Belle’s hand and pulls her on to the dance floor, where he proceeds to wrap his arms around her waist, and swing her around, while Belle laughs hysterically.
‘Sorry,’ Charlie says, seeing me forlornly watching them. ‘Dad’s a bit drunk. I’m sure he would rather have danced with you.’
‘Oh no, it doesn’t matter,’ I tell him quickly, turning away from the dance floor. ‘I’m not one for dancing much anyway.’ I give a fake smile, which I’m sure Charlie knows isn’t genuine.
‘Hey,’ Ash says, arriving at our side. ‘What’s going down?’
‘Nothing,’ I reply brightly, kissing him. ‘How are you enjoying the party?’
‘Yeah, it’s good.’
I get the feeling Ash is only saying this for Charlie’s benefit.
‘You’ve done well,’ he tells Charlie. ‘Organising this. When I was your age I was only interested in surfing and girls.’
‘And what’s changed?’ I tease.
‘Ha, funny.’ Ash puts his arm around my waist and kisses the side of my neck. ‘You know you’re the only woman for me.’
For some reason I feel uncomfortable when he says this. ‘Charlie likes to surf, don’t you, Charlie?’ I say, changing the subject fast.
‘I would, given the chance,’ Charlie says wryly.
‘Then what’s stopping you?’ Ash asks.
‘You have to be in the right crowd, don’t you, to be in the surfing gang.’ He eyes Ash knowingly.
Ash thinks about this. ‘I guess we are a tight-knit group, but we’re always open to newcomers.’
Charlie looks like he doesn’t believe him.
‘What are you doing tomorrow?’ Ash asks.
‘Not much,’ Charlie replies. ‘Probably clearing up here.’
‘Well forget that!’ Ash declares. ‘Life’s too short to tidy!’
I nudge him hard.
‘OK…’ he says looking at me. ‘Don’t forget that. But when you’ve finished clearing up, why not come down to the beach? The surf should be well up, according to the forecast.’
Charlie shrugs. ‘I don’t know…’
‘Come on, man up! Do you wanna ride those waves or not? The rush is mad!’
‘OK then, I will!’ Charlie says, grinning.
