Page 25 of A Family Affair
Chuck was still holding onto the wheelchair but looked to Tristan, who tried his best to look casual. ‘Oh really. What’s been going on?’
‘Well, Clarissa has kindly asked me to come and stay here, until it’s time to head home and I’ve accepted her mighty fine offer. So I’ll need to get back to the hotel and pack. I said I’d stay there tonight and make my way here tomorrow.’
For a second, Tristan was speechless, and only one word sprang to mind.Bingo!
CHAPTER19
HONEY
Honey eyed the cardboard box on her coffee table and was hit by a wave of guilt because she still hadn’t had chance to open it. As she fastened the zip of her boots, she spoke to the photo on the sideboard, knowing that her great aunty Beryl would forgive her anything.
Still, she felt bad, and it never hurt to say sorry, did it?
‘I promise I will have a good look through your bits and bobs later, after I’ve been to see Grandad. It’s been so busy the past few days and I really want to appreciate whatever you’ve got stashed in there.’
The photo of Aunty Beryl smiled back, her silver perm bobbing as she shook her head, arms crossed over her ample bosom as she sat on Morecambe beach, resting against the promenade wall. Honey easily imagined Beryl’s voice saying, ‘Don’t be worrying yourself, love. There’s no rush, and it’s only a few bits and bobs I thought you might like. Sunday is your day off so enjoy it.’
There, conscience clear.
Grabbing her rucksack, Honey gave the box lid a couple of taps and headed to the front door of her cottage. Since she’d said goodbye to Levi on Wednesday evening it was as though she’d been holding her breath, waiting, wishing the week to go fast and for Monday to arrive. Just thinking back to being in the pub with him sent a fizz of excitement running through her veins.
* * *
He hadn’t stayed long after Ziggy joined them for a drink, but he’d amiably chatted away until she saw him check his watch. She knew from his expression he had other arrangements and her heart had sunk, immediately wondering who, where, why. But he’d sworn off dates, he’d told her so, which was why she believed him when he explained.
‘I’m really sorry but I’m going to have to head home. I’m going away for a few days with my family, so I need to get organised. And before you say, yes, I have left it late. But I hatepacking. Can never decide what to take and the weather forecast is always wrong, and I end up either freezing, getting soaked or baking to death.’
Honey, always the nosey mare, asked, ‘Ooh, where are you going?’
‘Anglesey. My mum and grans love it there so I’m taking them… she has a minibus… for all of them and the wheelchairs… long story.’ Levi had faded off, as though he’d caught himself out oversharing or rambling, then he was back. ‘I’ll be back on Sunday night.’
Honey held her breath and crossed her fingers because if he didn’t ask, she would.
Levi homed in on her and she could tell before he spoke he was nervous, which she thought was sweet. ‘You said your day off was Monday? Unless you help with the warm hub.’
Honey nodded enthusiastically.
‘Well, I was wondering, if you’re not busy… I’m back in work but I could… we could… meet for lunch if you like…’
‘That would be great. Let’s swap numbers.’ Before he could change his mind, Honey had whipped out her phone and passed it to Levi who dutifully tapped in his number.
Within seconds, the deed was done, and Honey had relaxed. The worm was on the hook and no way was he wriggling off.
‘I’ll text you over the weekend, then, if that’s okay.’ Levi was hovering, looking hopeful.
Honey watched as he backed away from the table, once again awkward, as if he found goodbyes as troublesome as hellos. ‘Yep, no problem. And I’m intrigued. You said you had an idea about the café, but you can tell all on Monday.’
He left after saying bye to Ziggy and with a wave to both of them, and no sooner was he out of sight than Honey felt a sharp dig in the side.
‘Bloody Nora, mate. Talk about gagging for it! The poor guy has no chance does he?’ Ziggy didn’t do subtle.
‘I have no idea what you mean, young Zigster. Now go get a round in, and order me a chip butty. Lust has made me hungry.’ She had given her pink-haired friend a cheeky wink because Ziggy was in fact correct. Honey was smitten.
* * *
Since then the week had flown by, and even though she’d been rushed off her feet, her thoughts had often strayed to Levi. Sundays always came around so quickly and after dropping off Grandad Ernie, who was in great need of a nap by the fire, Honey headed home. She could hardly move after the roast from the local carvery, and was looking forward to a glass of wine and an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing.
It was getting chilly, but not cold enough for the central heating, so after bringing in some logs from the garden and lighting the wood burner, Honey settled in the lounge. In her hand was the promised glass of wine and as she reached for the TV remote, something caught her eye.
