‘It’s there.’
‘What? You’re kidding .?.?.’
He turned the phone around to show her the figure and thenput his finger to his lips. She gasped.
‘Oh, my God, Pete, I’ve never seen that many zeros on a bank account in my life.’
‘That’s not all he owes me either .?.?. but that’s for another day.’
‘Wow.’
‘And it’s not all mine to go mad with, trust me .?.?. Most of it is due on tax and unpaid debt. Still, at least there’s some people I can face again.’
‘How do you mean?’ said Ally with a trace of anxiety. Was he thinking about his old life?
‘People I owe .?.?. You know, I often thought about what this moment would be like – feeling triumphant and vindicated. But it’s weird, I don’t feel like that at all.’
‘Things never feel the way you expect.’
‘I’m going to help out Dave .?.?. This place is running into the ground. It’s barely ticking over. I’m going to make him an offer if he’ll sell it .?.?. turn it into a landmark destination. How do you feel about being front of house?’
‘Like what we talked about in the pub? Are you serious? I’d love it, I think.’
‘You know, Ally, it’s funny .?.?. I’ve stayed in the flashy hotels, but I never felt more like I’d finally arrived than last night with you.’
She stroked his face. ‘Me too.’ Suddenly, she felt the pressure of his change in circumstances. ‘But Pete, I’m not a model or an influencer or anything like that.’
‘No, but you’re beautiful and smart and real, and I know I can trust you. You were with me when I’d nothing .?.?. so now I want to give you everything. Mam sent me a text last night:Got it right at last, son.Don’t let her go.’
‘Hang on .?.?. how did she know about us?’ said Ally, incredulous. ‘I told her we weren’t together.’
‘Yeah, smart lady, my ma.’
‘You told her?’ She gave him a playful slap. ‘Pete, she knew more than I did.’
‘Sorry, I just didn’t want to make any more promises that I couldn’t keep.’
‘That’s a little weird but .?.?. sweet.’
And in that moment, Ally felt like she understood just a bit more the passionate, driven, complicated guy that was Pete, although she sensed she could spend a lifetime unravelling his secrets.
‘Oh God, it’s nearly eight .?.?. I’d better get moving. Evelyn will be wondering where I am.’
‘I’d say she’s guessed.’ He grinned.
‘What are you going to do?’
‘Coffee, then get on the phone. I’ve to get the accounts unfrozen, then there’s a lot of people who will be glad to hear from me before Christmas .?.?.’
And it was true, Ally reflected – nothing happens, and you think it’s forever, then suddenly, out of nowhere, everything happens.
He nuzzled her neck. ‘Meet you here after your shift?’
* * *
Ally crept downstairs, wearing the same clothes as yesterday. At least she’d been able to wash and put on her makeup, so she felt able to face the world.
Evelyn just smiled. ‘Kettle’s on.’
