‘Thanks, that’s really kind of you,’ Jess replied. ‘I’ve had a lovely evening, Alice. I can’t remember when I last spoke to adults for this long. And your food was delicious, thank you.’
‘I’ll second that,’ agreed Declan. ‘I especially liked your meringue.’ He winked.
‘You are most welcome.’ Alice glanced at the sleeping child now slung over Declan’s shoulder.
‘Goodnight, then,’ said Jess. ‘Thanks again.’
‘Goodnight. And thank you for coming.’
She and Declan headed upstairs in companionable silence.
‘Come in,’ she said to him when she unlocked her door.
The flat was spotless, as Jess had been certain to make sure everything was tidy before she went out for the evening. She led Declan to Maisie’s room, where he gently laid her down, before Jess covered her over and switched on a string of pink night lights above her headboard.
‘Thanks for that.’ She walked him to the door and felt awkward for a second. Did he expect her to suggest staying for a nightcap? She was not keen on inviting someone she barelyknew inside at this time of night, despite her attraction towards him. She had Maisie to think about.
‘I can’t believe Alice once lived in this house,’ she said, diverting the subject away from themselves.
‘Me neither. I had a feeling she was from a wealthy background, though. I believe her father was a British diplomat,’ he told Jess.
‘I bet these walls hold so many memories,’ she said, idly wondering if her bedroom had been a library or some such thing. ‘Are you going back down there?’ she asked.
‘No, I’ve already said goodnight. Besides, I’m rubbish at cards.’ He grinned, thinking briefly about the times he had played with some blokes who were masters of the game. ‘Anyway, the football highlights are about to begin on the telly,’ he said, glancing at his watch. ‘I might just get changed and lounge around in a food coma.’
‘I know what you mean. Same here probably,’ said Jess.
‘You’re going to watch the football?’
‘No.’ She smiled. ‘I’ll probably get into bed and watch a movie.’
‘That sounds nice.’
For a second, he imagined Jess in her bedroom, that was probably every bit as neat and stylish as the rest of the apartment he had glimpsed, her long dark hair splayed across the pillow when she slept, before giving a little cough and pulling himself together.
‘Right, I’ll be off. Night, then.’
‘Goodnight, Declan. And thanks again for carrying Maisie up.’
‘No problem.’ He smiled.
When Declan left, Jess thought about the fact she had been here for almost two years and never exchanged more than a quick hello with her neighbours. She had been lucky to get theplace near the train station, as it was handy for taking her and Maisie into the city centre at the weekend.
Maisie loved a train journey. Sometimes, they would visit the museum or art gallery with friends, after browsing the shops. Occasionally they would go for a pizza at their favourite place on Bold Street.
The house across town that she had shared with her ex had become damp and when they separated she had looked around for somewhere nicer and with better transport links. When she discovered this place, she wondered how on earth she could afford the rental deposit and was grateful when her ex helped out with some new furniture when he was in one of his high-earning phases. He had his daughter to think about after all. When Mum had paid the first month’s rent on the flat, Jess vowed to pay her back.
Jess was a natural homemaker, and scoured discount stores to accessorise the apartment, until it was a warm and cosy home. It was a shame the garden flat had not been available at the time, but she was happy with the home she had created for her and Maisie.
Jess felt her eyes growing heavy when she climbed into her bed just after ten thirty. She had really enjoyed this evening and felt blessed that Alice had suddenly appeared in her life. She hadn’t realised just how much she missed having her mum on the doorstep these days, so it was nice to chat to Alice, who was like a grandmother, albeit one who had led a pretty cool life by the sound of things. She couldn’t help wondering what would happen next in her life, although for now, a lie-in might be nice.
FOURTEEN
MARK
The sun streamed through the bedroom window just after seven, and Mark held a hand to his throbbing head. He was too old to be knocking back the whiskies and wondered how the hell Alice had managed to keep up and stay awake until almost midnight.
In a break between card games, he had asked Alice more about her life here. But she just told him she had been a teenager when the family moved elsewhere. He had learnt no more, as she thrashed him in the next game. She’d won a total of thirty quid from him over the poker games.
