I blushed. ‘Might be.’
‘But you’re just friends?’
I nodded.
‘Why?’
‘Why not?’ I said. ‘He’s good fun. I like him. I want to see him again.’
‘I mean why are you only friends? You’re single, he’s single and you get on well. Why not more?’
‘You know why.’
Elise shrugged, then I saw realisation dawn. ‘Oh. Steven. So, online dating? Much as it pains me to admit it, Clare’s idea sounds great. Becky from school met her fiancé online and she’s completely smitten. Obviously or she wouldn’t be marrying the guy. But before she met him, she had a great time dating. Have you joined up yet?’
‘I’m thinking I should focus on getting the shop ready. I only have Auntie Kay for another two weeks and she’s so elusive at the moment with all her shopping trips that I’m struggling to tap into all her knowledge. I’ve got a load of gifts to source before I re-open and?—’
‘Stop making excuses,’ Elise said. ‘Do you want to find Steven or not?’
‘It’s all right for you. You’ve got Gary.’ I nodded towards the stunning wedding photo on Elise’s mantelpiece. ‘You never had to go through all these dating traumas.’
Elise looked wistfully at the photo for a few moments before shaking her head. ‘So tell me why you’rereallyhesitating.’
‘I’ve got absolutely nothing against online dating. I know loads of people have met their partners that way. But I’ve had this little fantasy lately that he’ll be a customer buying flowers for a sick relative in hospital and our eyes will meet across a bunch of stargazer lilies and something will just click. He’ll ask me what my favouriteflowers are. I’ll say white roses because they’re so pure and beautiful. He’ll ask for a dozen of them to be delivered to someone even more beautiful than they are. Thinking I’ve imagined the chemistry, I’ll complete an order form with a heavy heart. My heart will be thumping as he gives his name as Steven. He’ll tell me the message is, “Please say you’ll meet me tonight. I’ve already fallen for you” or perhaps something less cheesy, and, when I ask for the delivery address, he’ll say, “Sarah at Seaside Blooms on Castle Street,” and… stop laughing at me.’ I threw a cushion at Elise.
‘I’m not laughing at you. It’s just sweet that you’re so wildly romantic.’
‘Pathetic, you mean. And cheesy. Anyway, we’ve already decided that he’s unlikely to be a customer.’
‘So when are you going to register?’
‘Not you too.’
‘I told you I think it’s a good idea so I’m going to nag you.’
‘Clare’s been bombarding me with texts all week. There’s another reason why I’ve been putting it off.’
Elise shuffled forward in her chair. ‘Spill.’
‘I know I’m probably being really silly about it but I’m a bit embarrassed about the idea of dating when I’m living with Mum and Dad, especially when everyone I date will be called Steven. In time, if – when – I meettheSteven, I’ll tell them the whole story, but, for now, I don’t think I want anyone else to know.’
She raised her eyebrows questioningly. ‘You told your Auntie Kay. Won’t your mum be hurt that you opened up to her sister and not her?’
I bit my lip. I hadn’t thought about that. ‘I asked her not to say anything and I don’t think she will. And telling her is different to telling my parents. She’s about to leave the country so she won’t be watching my every move, but I’m living with Mum and Dad. If I don’t meet Steven straight away, I don’t want them to think I’ve turned into some sort of serial-dater. I think I’ll wait till I’m settled with the shop, then look for somewhere to rent in the New Year, then register.’
‘Then you’ll be packing to move out. Then unpacking. Then it will be Valentine’s Day then Mother’s Day so the shop will be busy,then wedding season and, before you know it, Christmas again. There’ll never be a right time.’
True. I looked at the clock and realised we’d been yakking for two hours. ‘It’s half seven,’ I said. ‘Aren’t you meant to be having dinner with the mother-in-law?’
Elise gasped. ‘Oh crap! Trust me to give her more ammunition against me.’
‘Is she really that bad?’
‘Worse. Give me five minutes to get changed then I’ll drop you off on my way. Gary’s meeting me there.’
‘I hope you’ve got your best twin-set and pearls ready,’ I shouted after her as she ran up the stairs. Elise’s husband, Gary, is lovely and very down-to-earth, but his mum is posh. Or rather she likes to think she’s posh. She polishes the silver, uses the Royal Doulton dinner service and constantly name drops, which would be great if she actually knew anyone famous. However, her elite circle consists of the vicar, the Mayor, the Chair of the Rotary Club and Vera Hainsworth who got a recipe published inWoman’s Weeklyin 1982. Not exactly A-list.
I’d been joking about the twin-set but when she re-appeared five minutes later, Elise’s attire wasn’t far from it. My eyes widened as I took in the beige ballet pumps, tan tights, beige knee-length pencil skirt, fussy white blouse and Elise’s beautiful auburn hair tied back in a plait, secured with a yellow ribbon. ‘Who are you and what have you done with my friend Elise?’
