I point in the direction of the open wardrobe door, and my mum hustles to get it. When she hands it to him, her whole face is lit up, and she’s looking at him as though he’s the second coming.
I wouldn’t mind being present at the first coming if he’s involved. I shelve that extremely irreligious thought when he turns back to me.
“And make sure you put on your lip gloss and eye shadow if you want to.”
“What?” we all chorus.
He grins at us, and it’s wide and white and full of happiness. “I don’t want to travel anywhere with that boring person you conjured up today. I’m rather partial to Clem Pascoe.”
“You are?”
He nods. “He’s irreverent and inappropriate, but god, he’s good fun.”
My mum threads her arm through his. “Come downstairs. We’ll leave my dad with Clem. I can see another ceremonial repacking of the case happening anytime soon.”
“Case?” He sounds suddenly alarmed. “You know we’re only going for two days, don’t you, Clem?”
“Don’t worry about it,” I call. The door shuts behind them, and I spin to face my grandad who has a very funny look on his face. It’s happiness mixed with a lot of laughter. “Grandad?”
He shakes his head. “Lad, pack your case before his cousin is celebrating her silver wedding anniversary.”
I hasten to do it, jettisoning the boring clothes I bought yesterday without any qualms. My brother can have them. I stuff the case with my usual bright and tight clothing.
Before long, the case is closed and standing by the door. “Right, I’m off,” I say.
He stands up and hands me a bag. “Take this,” he whispers, looking towards the door as if we’re going to be interrupted at any moment. I’ve seen less clandestine drug deals.
“What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
I open the bag and find a book. “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire?” I read. “I’m not sure this is really me. Not unless there were a lot of murders during the fall.”
“Open it.”
I open the dust jacket and grin when I see the book title inside. “Torridly Yours. Edward Gibbon must be turning in his grave.”
“I swapped the dust jackets. Remind me to change them back or the library will be getting a few complaints from customers.” He taps the pages. “Read it. Study it well and keep me informed.”
“Am I going to war as a spy? Or a family wedding? Should I call you comrade?”
“Only when your grandmother can’t hear.” He clasps my face in his rough, big hands. “Be yourself, Clemo.”
“Really? I thought I was supposed to be Fiona just waiting for Jared to enfold me in his manly arms.”
He rolls his eyes. “I think the only person that Harry has always wanted to take to this party is currently standing in front of me in his usual sparkly clothes.”
“What do you mean always wanted?”
“You’ll find out.” He offers me a fond smile. “You’re like human sunshine, lad. Spread a few rays around. It’s what you do best. And look after Harry. I’ve a feeling he might need it.”
“Okay. You know I will.” I kiss his wrinkly cheek, and, clutching my instruction manual, I head down the stairs.
We spendmost of the drive chatting about the bookshop and books, and it’s as easy and lovely as it usually is. He’s incredibly easy to talk to, and he’s warm and funny. My perfect man.
He sits in the driving seat with his big hands steady on the steering wheel. They’re good hands, with long fingers, neat nails, and those lovely veins that I have a weakness for.
We’ve been driving down narrow country lanes for the last half hour and through little villages with grey stone cottages. Norfolk is pretty.Not as pretty as Cornwall, I think loyally. But nice all the same.
