Page 49 of Barging In
“I’m here! Don’t panic!” Jasper hollered as he strode in, arms raised like a Roman emperor greeting his subjects, a packet of balloons in one hand. His eyes landed on Clem, then flicked between them both. “Clem! Very nice to see you. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“No, not at all,” Victoria replied, her voice a little too high to sound convincing. She hoped Jasper hadn’t noticed and flashed him a smile. The faint twitch at the corner of his mouth suggested otherwise. “Clem’s been assisting me with the food, and she’s made us some rather lovely cakes. Everything’s in the fridge, ready for later.”
Jasper headed over for a look. “What a feast!” he said, eyes wide as he took it all in. “You’re a marvel, Clem. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. There’s no coffee and walnut, I’m afraid.”
“Well, aren’t you the party pooper,” Jasper deadpanned, giving her a wink as he closed the fridge door. He stepped towards Victoria, pulling her into a hug. “Happy birthday to you.”
“Thank you,” she replied, returning Jasper’s squeeze. The warmth of it brought Clem’s embrace to mind. As Jasper pulled away, she found herself wishing it had been Clem’s arms around her again. Something about the woman made Victoria feel lighter, as though her problems weren’t quite so big.Safe, she realised. She felt safe.
“Now if you’ll excuse me,” Jasper said, cutting through her thoughts. “I have fifty-odd balloons to blow up.”
He took a balloon from the packet and started stretching it. As he reached the door, it opened; Max strode in, bumping straight into Jasper.
“Oh!” Max blustered as he turned a deep shade of pink. “Sorry.”
“Entirely my fault, old chap,” Jasper reassured him. “What can we do for you?”
“Erm, the woman at the counter said to come through.” His eyes were wide, like a deer caught in headlights, until he spotted Clem. “I’ve locked up Florencefor you, Clem.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
Jasper stood back, rested his hands on his hips, and gave Max an appraising glance. “You look like the kind of man who can blow well.”
Max stuttered and then said with a cheeky smile, “I’ve had no complaints so far.”
“Oh, really?” Jasper’s eyes widened. “Can I borrow you? I can’t promise to give you back.”
“Fine by me.” Max shrugged.
He threw the keys at Clem, who barely caught them, and looked about as startled as Victoria felt at the men’s banter.
Jasper linked his arm through Max’s. “Marvellous. Now, you ladies shoo. Go make yourselves look even more beautiful for the party. Leave the rest to us.”
“Um, I’m not…” Clem began but then busied herself giving the worktop another wipe.
Jasper raised an eyebrow at Victoria, shooting her a pointed glare. She knew exactly what he was suggesting. How the idea hadn’t come to her independently was frustrating to consider.
“Toodle-pip!” Jasper called, leading Max from the kitchen.
Once they were alone again, Victoria idly realised she hadn’t thanked Max for freeing Clem up. There would be another time, though; right now, she needed to focus onsettling the flutter of nerves in her stomach. She turned to Clem.
“Would you come to the party?”
The smile tugging at Clem’s lips told Victoria she’d asked the right question.
“I’d love to, but there’s just one problem.”
Victoria’s smile faltered. Of course there would be a problem.
“I’m not sure there’s enough food,” Clem teased.
“How much do you intend on eating?” Victoria goggled.
“Well, I heard that the cakes and scones were the creation of the ‘best’ baker in town, so I’m going to struggle to hold myself back.”
“Ha. You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”
