Page 55 of Clara's Secret Garden
‘The image of you. I know. It’s Harriet, Shaun’s ex-girlfriend.’
A shiver runs through me. It’s as if I’m looking at myselfin a mirror... like my head and shoulders have been Photoshoppedonto the body of the woman Shaun has his arm around.
‘Harry,’ I murmur, remembering the woman we bumped into onthe high street. ‘She thought IwasHarry.’ ‘I took that picture at abarbecue in Shaun’s garden last summer,’ says Gran. ‘They split up atChristmas. A mutual decision, I think.’
‘It’s amazing, the likeness. Isn’t it?’ I glance at herdoubtfully.
Gran nods. ‘It is. That’s why I’ve been a bit...uneasy about his motives. But you know what? Just because you look like his ex,doesn’t mean there’s anything sinister about it.’
‘That’s true.’
‘In fact, I think Shaun’s a great lad. I like him more andmore, actually. He’s been so lovely since I came out of hospital, checking onme and making sure I’m okay. I must admit, I found his constant jokes a bitwearing at first, but I think that’s just a defence mechanism. Once you get toknow him, he’s much more relaxed.’ She smiles. ‘You should definitely let himwhisk you off to the dancing.’
‘Maybe I will.’
‘Actually... another reason I’ve beenhesitant about you seeing Shaun was because of Rory.’
‘But why?’ I stare at her in astonishment.
She shrugs. ‘You’ve always liked him. I could tell that. Andwhen I got back and saw how he’d been helping you in the garden...well, I had high hopes, I suppose. Until Lois crushed them, of course.’
‘They’re very happy together and I’m pleased for them.’
‘Well, that’s all well and good. But if that flighty littlemadam wasn’t quite so self-centred, she’d have realised you’ve liked Rory for along time and she would have thought twice about setting her cap at him.’
I feel my blush deepen. ‘Ihaven’tliked Rory for...I mean, I like him, of course, but I hope it doesn’t seem as though I...’
Gran reaches over and squeezes my hand. ‘I only know becauseyou’re my darling granddaughter and I want the best for you. It’s not obviousto everyone else so don’t worry. Are they still going strong? Lois and Rory?’
I nod and she does a funny little growl.
‘So anyway, Shaun. It’s high time you had some fun, Clara.’
‘It is, isn’t it?’ I give a firm nod. ‘I think I might just...pop next door.’
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
It’s Friday night and I’m feeling quite excited as Ibring out my silver sandals with their low heels and suede soles, designed togive perfect support on the salsa dance floor.
I thought my little red salsa dress with the flirty fringingat mid-thigh level might be too small now. But thankfully, I’ve managed to getinto it. And it looks surprisingly good. The shock of Lois and Rory gettingtogether meant I lost my appetite. I went off cake completely for a while andI’m still not eating it the way I used to, so I’ve obviously shaved off a fewpounds.
I guess there’s a silver lining to everything in life if youlook hard enough.
I do a slinky side-to-side hip movement in the mirror.
Not bad. I’m bound to be a bit rusty. It sounds as if Shaundances regularly – he’s always got his music blasting next door – so he’s sureto be better than me. But that’s absolutely fine. He’ll be able to help mepolish my performance...
‘Hey, what are you up to, Clara?’ calls Lois. She pops herhead round the door and her mouth drops open when she sees what I’m wearing.
‘Bloody hell, Clara. What’s going on? Is this a brand-newcareer? Are you making your debut tonight as Curvy Clara Cam Girl?’
I laugh. ‘Not exactly.’
‘What do you mean, not exactly? You look...amazing.’
‘Thank you. It’s my salsa dance outfit.’
‘Salsa? Oh, at the village hall? What’s it like?’
