Page 15 of Chocolate Cake for Breakfast
‘What?’ I stare at him.
‘Just for a laugh? It’s no Empire State Building, obviously,but it does happen to be the highest structure in the area. And you could buythat book for your dad while you’re there.’
‘Okay,’ I say slowly, trying to swallow with a throat that’ssuddenly as dry as sandpaper.
‘I mean, we wouldn’t have to wait until you have an idea,’he says, as if he’s reading my mind. ‘We could just meet there tomorrow anyway,and you can tell me all about your interview.’
‘Right.’ I nod thoughtfully. I’m trying to look cool, as ifI’m considering the pros and cons of this idea, when really, I just want toshout, ‘Yes, I’ll be there! What time?’
‘Is that a yes?’
‘Um...yes!When will your meetingbe over?’
He groans. ‘A week on Thursday probably. No, I’m pretty sureI’ll be able to get away by one. So... one-thirty at the topof the clock tower?’
I smile, my heart skipping along happily. ‘With its spectacularviews over the demolition yard?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘In that case, how could I possibly resist?’
‘Great. See you tomorrow, then.’ There’s a hint of relief inhis smile. ‘Good luck with the interview.’
‘Thanks.’ I grab my bag and get out of the car. ‘Don’t dieof boredom in your meeting.’
‘Och, I’ll do my best.’
‘I might even buy you your very own lemon drizzle cupcake. Sinceyou ate half of mine today,’ I add with a grin just before I close the door.
The passenger seat window rolls down. ‘I’ll hold you tothat, Martha Munro,’ he calls as he puts the car in gear. ‘One-thirty at thetop of the clock tower.’
‘I’ll be there!’
CHAPTER SEVEN
‘You know what? I bloodyhateJanuary,’ declaresmy friend Madison, as we hurry along to our destination – one of our favouritepubs, in the pretty town of Melford. It’s also a convenient midway meetingpoint between Madison’s place in Sunnybrook and our house in Compton Mills. ‘Afterall the exciting build-up to Christmas, January’s like this big nasty bullycoming to flatten you in the playground,’ she adds.
‘I know what you mean.’ I nod, although my big smile contradictsmy words as I remember meeting Kaz at the radio station that morning and theglorious trip to Barnham Books afterwards with Logan.
I can’t be gloomy on a day like this!
‘Oh, hell, watch out,’ hisses Madison. ‘It’s Batshit CrazyLilo.’
‘Who?’ I spin round, only to find Madison has completelyvanished. She’s slipped into a side street and is now gesturing frantically forme to walk on without her. Bemused, I do as I’m told, subtly eyeing the blonde,statuesque woman in the scarlet coat who’s marching towards me, talking loudlyinto her mobile phone. The person I’m guessing Madison is keen to avoid.
The woman walks on by, leaving in her wake a cloud offlowery perfume that gets on my throat and makes me cough. And a second later, Madisoncatches me up. ‘Christ. Haven’t seen old Lilo since she jumped out of a windowat a party.’
I wince. ‘How high?’
‘First floor.’ Madison shrugs. ‘She was so off her face onsomething or other, she thought the gleam of the polythene veg plot cover was aswimming pool.’
‘No! Is she really called Lilo?’
‘Lila. But she got the nickname Lilo on account of thenumber of guys who’ve crashed out on her in lieu of a bed.’ Madison snorts.‘She’s prone to bursts of mad behaviour when drunk.’
I laugh. ‘She sounds hilarious.’
‘She is. But not always in a good way.’
