I’m not so deluded I think owning a small business will be enough to turn Warren’s attitude to me around. Especially since I rinsed him at golf.
I’m treated to another one of Mrs Cooper’s Lilavati-esque snorts.
“That puffed-up, arrogant toad thinks far too highly of his own opinion to bother taking a second look. He’s decided you’re not suitable, and that’s that. But my granddaughter seems quite smitten with you, so what are your intentions?”
If I had false teeth, they would have fallen out during that statement. Take your pick over which part. Her opinion of Warren, her willingness to express it to me, of all people, or her audacity at asking about my intentions. I decide to leave the Warren situation well alone.
“With respect, Mrs Cooper, my relationship with Lilavati is between me and her. If there’s going to be talk about intentions, I feel that should be between us first.”
That gets a slow, silent nod—I’m hoping of approval—from her.
“What is it about Lili that attracts you?” In other circumstances, I’d be tempted to shock her and say her amazing tits. But this conversation is going better than I could have hoped, so I opt not to spoil it with my usual sass.
“She’s smart. And funny. And strong. Not to mention beautiful.”
“I’m sure you’ve noticed she also has a … shall we say acerbic … wit.” Mrs Cooper’s gaze holds mine as though she’s daring me to deny it.
I laugh. “Yes, she does. I’ve felt it more than once. Why do you think I call her Sparky? But the thing with Lilavati is, all that sass is a cover. Once you prove she can trust you and she feels safe, you see a side of her that’s, well, that’s irresistible.”
“So you’re earning her trust whilst lying to her?”
Bullseye. There’s no response to that. She’s right. I’m in the wrong.
We’re both silent for a long time. Sipping champagne and watching the rising moon sparkle on the wake behind the boat. And in that silence, I begin to realise how deep I’m in here.
Mrs Cooper clears her throat.
“You’re a smart young man. I’m sure you’ve worked out Lili’s parents don’t approve of you and they’re humouring her in the hope she’ll realise you’re not the man for her and she’ll break things off.”
“I’m aware.”
“You don’t seem too concerned.”
“The only person I’m concerned with is Lil. As long as she’s happy, I don’t much care what her parents think. Although it’s sad that they don’t prioritise her happiness over their own prejudices.”
“I’m afraid I’ve had more than a small part to play there. I don’t know how much you know about Lili’s background, but suffice to say, when she was younger, I pushed Marion in a direction I’ve come to regret. I’m beginning to realise marriage, especially one without real love, doesn’t necessarily make one happy. I admit, I want to see Lili settled with a nice boy. But more than that, I want her to be happy. You see, even a snob of my advanced years can change her age spots.” Grinning, she holds up a hand again, and I notice the dark spots on the back of her hand.
I’m stunned speechless. Lilavati has alluded to the fact that her grandmother pushed her mother into marrying Warren.That she’d admit as much to me is astounding. I’m not sure what to say, so I take another gulp of champagne and venture an opinion that may or may not get me shot down.
“You need to tell Lil that. She thinks she’s a disappointment.”
“Oh, no. Never that. It’s just taken me a long time to understand her, I suppose.”
“You’re right in one thing, though. She’d never admit it, but Lilavati isn’t entirely happy. She’s lonely. Or she has been up till now. She hasn’t prioritised her personal life. At all. I’m hoping to change that.”
Mrs Cooper nods. “Just as I need to tell her I’m proud of her, you need to tell her, sooner rather than later, that you’re not what you appear to be. If you’re looking to gain her trust, lying to her is not the way to go about it.”
She’s absolutely right.
“I know. I’ve just been trying to find the right time.” I go to take a sip of champagne, more to stall for time—like I have been with Lil—than because I’m thirsty, and find my glass empty.
“The right time won’t be found, young man; it will be made. And soon.” I hear the unspoken subtext. If I don’t do it, she will. And that would, without question, break Lilavati’s trust.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Marion and Warren have underestimated you, Ant. You might not be what we’d consider a nice boy, but you’re very much more than the beach bum they made you out to be.” I don’t miss the change in how she addresses me.
“Thank you. And may I say, I think Lil is a lot like you. She’s tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. And I think you are too.”
