Page 105 of Barging In
Clem caught Victoria’s eye as they passed by her at the wharf door. Perfect timing, as always, from her mother. She was sure Victoria would have heard.
“Youhaveto have one of Jasper’s tours, if you haven’t already, Barbara,” Helen said. “He’s such a natural orator, and so knowledgeable about corsets.”
“Oh, I will!” she said.
Clem didn’t miss the broad smile lighting her mum’s face as she took a pile of leaflets from the reception desk. She split them between the two women.
“Ten per cent off at the café on your next visit or twenty per cent off with every guided tour,” Helen read from the leaflet. “That’s generous.”
“We need to drive people in over the next few months,” Clem said, “so hand them to anyone who will take one. Take some for your group, too, Helen. I’ve already distributed a load to the local shops and supermarkets around town.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that. I saw a video on Facebook about today. It was very well done.”
Pleased to hear it after the amount of work the video had taken, Clem thanked her and then checked her watch. It was nearly ten.
“We’ll be opening in a minute. If you could each take a gate, and once things quieten down, have a wander around and make sure no one has been missed.”
As they stepped into the courtyard, she spotted Jasper heading to the public gate from the car park, ready to open it. Her mum joined him whilst Helen continued with her to the other gate.
Although the empty spot where Florence was usually moored momentarily hit Clem in the chest, the bridge and towpath were teeming with people; Clem had never seen it so busy. Judging by the smile on Victoria’s face as she joined them, she hadn’t either.
She looped her arm through Victoria’s and squeezed it, pulling her closer. “We did it.”
“You did it,” Victoria replied. “None of this would have happened without you.”
“This was a team effort, and you know it,” Cleminsisted. “An idea is nothing until it’s implemented, and you and I did this together.”
Victoria rolled her eyes playfully and gave a conceding shrug.
“Go on then,” Clem urged. “Don’t keep them waiting.”
Victoria stepped forward and opened the gate. Together, they stood back and watched as hordes of people streamed in, Helen handing them leaflets as they passed. Now it was time to hope and pray there’d be no drama or incidents.
By the time lunchtime passed, with a relieving lack of either, Clem found herself back in the kitchen, cooking up another batch of scones and chocolate brownies to the rhythm of an overworked dishwasher. Cakes would take too long to mix, bake, cool, and decorate, so she’d opted for something quick and easy for the event.
“There you are,” Victoria said, appearing in the doorway. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“I’m just topping up a few things,” Clem called over her shoulder. “We were running low. I don’t want anyone arriving later to find nothing left.”
“You are diligent,” Victoria said, casting her eye over the cheese scones cooling on a rack.
Clem beamed at the compliment. “Is everything going okay out there?”
“Yes. I came to give you something,” Victoria said, stepping closer and letting the door shut behind her. “I was going to wait until later, but I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Okay. What is it?” Clem asked curiously, noticing Victoria had nothing with her.
Victoria moved into Clem’s space, making her suck in a breath. She placed her hand gently on the side of Clem’s face. “This.” Her eyes were intense as she guided Clem’sface toward her own, and then she closed the distance until their lips met.
Clem melted into her, unable to do anything but surrender. Her mouth was eager, her tongue even more so, as they kissed deeply.
“Oh, wow,” Clem breathed out as Victoria took a breath and dove back in.
Victoria was taking what she wanted —finally— and Clem wasn’t going to deny this woman anything. The force behind Victoria’s kiss reminded Clem of that evening at her house. Clem had matched her energy, kissed her as fiercely as Victoria was kissing her now — almost knocking her backwards.
When they broke apart for air, Clem stepped back toward the island, pulling Victoria with her. She tucked her arms around Victoria’s waist, holding her tightly, never wanting to let go again. Their lips locked, making Clem wish the world would disappear right then and leave her with the warmth of Victoria’s mouth to enjoy forever.
“Clem!” Her mum’s voice called out from across the kitchen. “Oh.” She looked them up and down, eyebrows knitted in surprise as they pulled apart. “Aren’t you married, Victoria? To a man?”
