Before Tomas takes me back into town for a quick look inside his new bar, I rummage through the box full of envelopes. I am desperate to find the letter that could perhaps tell me what Aunt Grace really thought about Craig, and I shove my hand around as if I am trying to find the best prize in a tombola.
I scoop up a pile of letters and stuff them safely inside my bag.
‘Okay. Are you ready to leave now?’ asks Tomas.
‘I am indeed.’
Tomas gives me one of his breathtaking smiles, and I melt. I am spending far too much time with him, and as much as I try to ignore any feelings, it is becoming harder and harder. Especially now that I have learnt Aunt Grace would have been a matchmaker between us if she could have.
When I look at Tomas with that smile of his, I wonder if that is how Aunt Grace felt when she looked at Marek. This family certainly has an irresistible genetic makeup.
We eventually say our goodbyes to Albert and head to the bar. When we get to the front door, Tomas is like a child opening a Christmas present. He seems to finally be getting over the fact that his last business failed, and I am pleased to see him so excited about the new venture. In fact, he fumbles with the keys and drops them as he is so eager to open the door for the first time. He only got them this morning from the landlord, and I can see that he can’t wait to get inside now that it is officially his.
As we stand looking around the bar, Tomas takes me by surprise by putting his arm around me. A shiver runs right through me at his touch.
Aside from how I feel about him, I’m glad of his reassuring touch as the bar looks like something from a haunted house. I wouldn’t want to be on my own in the dark in here. It’s full of dust and cobwebs. It’s as though it was forgotten in time with its old-fashioned ceiling corniches and dark wooden bar area. I’m glad I didn’t bother with the ghost walk. Who needs one of those when you can come in here?
‘So, this is my new bar. Do you like it?’ He is grinning like a Cheshire cat now.
‘It’s fabulous. I definitely see its… potential.’ His enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but feel excited for his new venture, despite it clearly being a work in progress. If enthusiasm makes a business work, then he will certainly make this a success. Even though the place is covered in dust now, a little imagination is all it will take. Although I can see that it is going to take some work to get this place sorted to have a party here in two nights’ time. I don’t know how he plans on getting it ready by then, but I can’t let him do it all by himself while there is no sign of Milena or anyone else helping him.
I point over at the dilapidated bar area.
‘Please, Tomas, will you let me help you get this place sorted? I know you said you wanted me to enjoy the sights of Prague, but I’m happy to help clean up the bar for you. A bit of elbow grease, and we’ll have this place ready before you know it.’
‘No, I would feel terrible letting you help me.’
‘Not at all. Anyway, it can be a thank you for showing me around Prague and for all those coffees and the fabulous food you made for me.’
‘Hmm.’ Tomas looks over at a corner of the bar that seems like it hasn’t seen a mop for years. ‘I have to admit, there is a bit more work than I thought there would be.’
‘That’s settled then. I’ve not got anything planned for tomorrow. We can work on it all day. I’ll stop by the supermarket near the hotel and pick up some cleaning products.’
Tomas peers at me from over his glasses. It is the first time I have seen him wear them, and he really suits them. Can this man please be less perfect? It is becoming infuriating.
‘If you’re sure it’s not a problem.’
‘Not at all. I’ve had a wonderful holiday, and you have taken me on so many lovely trips around the city. The least I can do is to help you out and get the place ready for your party.’
‘Well, I appreciate that. Thank you.’
I leave Tomas to look around for a while. It’s important I return to the hotel to open the letters. I can hardly wait, and the moment I get back to my room, I throw them onto the bed and start reading.
As I guessed, many of them are in a similar vein, telling Marek all about Wales and Grace’s daily life. In one of the letters, I am shocked to learn that she had always dreamt of joining a local rock band as a backing singer, but Uncle Harry wouldn’t dream of allowing her. I knew she had a beautiful voice and belonged to a local choir up until she was almost eighty. I wonder what other dreams Uncle Harry held her back from.
21 November 1993
Dearest Marek,
I hope all the family are well there?
How’s Tomas getting on? Will he be back with you for the Christmas holiday?
After we spoke, I took your advice and told my sister Julie how worried I was about Olivia. She didn’t seem to have the same concerns as me though. She always has been wrapped up in her own world. She said it was up to Olivia what she does with her life. But I’m so worried she will end up in a marriage like I did. I don’t know why, but she seems besotted with this Craig. Something about him reminds me of Harry at that age, and that’s what scares me. I suppose that Julie is her mam, and if she isn’t worried, then perhaps I am being a bit over-protective. I can’t help it, though, when Olivia has always been like the daughter I wished I had. I just want her to have the best life and not follow in my footsteps.
Oh, Aunt Grace. You were the best aunt anyone could ever have wished for. You always cared for me so much.I think back to the beloved hobby horse she surprised me with when I had my tonsils removed. My mother wasn’t as happy as I was, though, and told her off for being irresponsible as it would mean that I would want to jump on it and hop about after just having an operation. They compromised, and Aunt Grace kept it at her place until I was fully recovered and ready to use it. If I am honest, a lot of the time I got on better with my aunt than my mother. I suppose being an aunt is easier than being a parent though.
I fold the letter up and put it in my suitcase to take home with me. There is no need for Tomas and Albert to know about this.
