Page 63 of For Love or Money
‘No.’ Stella shook her head, a little taken aback by this stark reminder of just how significant the age gap was between her and Peter.
‘But they don’t mean anything by it,’ Joy said. ‘They’re just so happy to get together, they sometimes forget their manners.’
Stella smiled, relaxing. Joy was so nice. It must have been hard for her to join this family, taking the place of a much loved wife, sister and mother, perhaps wondering if they all resented her for it. ‘It is a bit … intimidating,’ she admitted.
‘Well, don’t let it get to you.’ Joy smiled sympathetically, switching on the machine. She took cups and saucers from the cupboard. ‘You’ll be fine. It just takes a bit of time. Don’t worry, you’ll find your feet soon enough.’
‘Thanks, Joy.’
‘You’ve been really good for Peter. We can all see that, and we’re very grateful to you for it.’
Stella felt her eyes welling up. ‘Thank you,’ she said.
She helped Joy load up a tray with cups, coffee and milk, and they took it outside. Peter was mid-anecdote, and didn’t even break his flow as she took her place beside him, just flashing a wide smile at her. But she felt better after her chat with Joy in the kitchen, less of an outsider already. She had something to contribute and she’d earned her place in this family. They all loved Peter, and she saw that they valued and appreciated what she’d done for him. She may not be able to share in their reminiscences, but they would make new memories together that they’d share next year and all the years in the future. As she watched them chatting and laughing, she found herself looking forward to becoming a Bradshaw.
20
Lesley loved hanging around the airport, and she was delighted that Al had no objection to setting off far earlier than necessary on Saturday morning for their eleven o’clock flight. She liked to have plenty of time to relax over a leisurely breakfast and have a wander around the shops.
‘But I thought you didn’t like shopping,’ Al said.
‘The airport is different. It’s got the novelty factor, and I like the limited options. It focuses the mind.’
They went for breakfast after going through security, and Lesley kicked off the holiday with a full Irish. They split up for a trawl through duty-free, and met up again in the airport lounge, where they waited for Scott, who was on the same flight, to join them.
‘Here he comes,’ Al said, glancing behind her. He stood to wave his cousin over.
Lesley looked around and felt a strange shock of recognition as she saw Scott Bradshaw walking towards them. It was disorientating and slightly surreal. He was so familiar, she almost felt like she already knew him, and yet at the same time she experienced a little rush of fan-girl excitement that it was actually him. Lean and tanned, he was casually dressed in jeans and a figure-hugging T-shirt that showed off his toned upper body. He carried a large duffel bag slung over one shoulder as he weaved between the tables.
‘Aloysius!’ he said loudly, grinning as he pulled Al into an enthusiastic hug, with lots of mutual back-slapping. ‘Great to see you,’ he said, with a final clap of Al’s shoulder.
He turned to Lesley then with a broad smile, and she felt a little off balance as he turned the full force of his charisma on her. He had a warm, expressive face, and kind, soulful eyes that made him look wise beyond his years – or maybe she was just confusing him with the ancient, world-weary vampire he played on TV.
‘And who’s this?’ He slid onto the banquette beside Lesley, so close their legs were touching. ‘Are you the lady who’s going to be my new mummy?’ he asked her in a childish voice.
Al cleared his throat as he sat back down opposite. ‘No, your dad and Stella are already in Nice – they went out last week. This is Lesley.’
‘Oh?’ Scott didn’t even glance at Al, but kept looking at her with blatant curiosity, a cheeky smile twisting the corners of his mouth.
‘I’m with Al,’ Lesley explained.
‘Yes. Lesley, this is my cousin, Scott.’
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Scott said. Lesley gave him her hand to shake, and he held onto it far longer than was appropriate. ‘So you two are ...’
‘We’re together, yes,’ Al said in a tight voice.
‘Ah!’ Scott finally released Lesley’s hand. ‘I should have known.’ He tilted his head to the side, looking Lesley over like she was a horse he was considering buying. ‘You do have a slight look of Tits Maguire about you.’
Lesley had just taken a sip of her coffee, and almost spat it over the table.
‘For God’s sake, Scott!’ Al protested, rolling his eyes.
‘Sorry, should I not have mentioned Tits?’ Scott said with an innocent air, belied by the mischievous glint in his eye. ‘Have you not told Lesley about her?’
‘Why on earth would I tell her about—’
‘Well, it’s not like it’s something you have to hide. I mean, we all have a past, don’t we?’
