Page 72 of A Winter Wish

Nodding, I swallow, psyching myself up for her angry reaction. ‘So I went into the photo booth while Rory was there, that’s all.’

She’s frowning, thinking it over, as I wait in suspense.

Oddly, though, the storm I’ve been dreading doesn’t actually materialise.

‘Wow, that was so nice of Rory, offering to go with you,’ she says at last. ‘But I guess it just shows what a lovely guy he is.’ She heaves a sentimental sigh, looking suddenly glum.

‘I know. I was really touched he should offer.’

‘And he went with you to get your photo for your passport as well?’

‘He did. I pulled him into the booth to have his photo taken, just for a laugh.’

‘But why didn’t you tell us sooner, that Rory’s going with you?’ She narrows her eyes at me, and panic clutches at my heart.

‘Oh, well, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to make it,’ I murmur, feeling terrible for lying once again. ‘But it was all sorted yesterday. And he’s going with me!’

I brace myself for more tricky questions. But Lois gives a little sigh and smiles wistfully. ‘He’s so great, Rory. Isn’t he?’

I nod, feeling I’ve totally dodged a bullet. ‘He is.’

‘Whoever turns out to bethe onefor Rory will be a very lucky girl.’

I smile briefly. ‘So when did Irene get back?’ I ask, quickly changing the subject.

‘Er, she didn’t.’

‘What?’

‘She said she’d be back about five.’

‘But who’s looking after Bertie?’

‘Oh. He’s fine. I’m going straight back to the house.’

‘Lois, for goodness’ sake!’ Panic rises up in my chest. ‘You left Bertie on hisown? What were youthinking?’

She looks sulky. ‘Well, as soon as I saw that photo of you and Rory, I had to know what it was all about. I suspected the worst, if you want to know. That the pair of you had been carrying on behind my back all the time.’

‘Lois,’ I hiss. ‘Why the hell would you think that?’

She shrugs. ‘Well, I didn’t know, did I? So I raced straight over.’

I glance at my watch, then at Ellie, who’s behind the counter. She can see there’s something going on and she calls over, ‘If you need to go, Clara, it’s fine. It’s nearly closing time anyway.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course. Off you go.’

‘Thanks, Ellie. I’ll... explain later.’

With a grateful smile, I grab my coat and bag and rush out into the snow, with Lois hot on my heels.

‘You didn’t have to leave like that,’ she’s shouting indignantly, as I jump in the car. ‘I was going to drive straight home. And Bertie was perfectly fine when I left him. You’re such a worrier, Clara.’

I can’t even be bothered to reply. I just drive off and leave her standing there, just wanting to get home to Bertie.

But when I turn into our street, I get the shock of my life. Everything is clearly not all right. Our front door is open and looking at the little huddle of people gathered in front of it, I immediately think the worst. Jen and Luke are there, and Jen is talking to Pru.

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