‘You know what I mean.’
‘I don’t, actually, Noms. Not everyone is going to be buried in a Y-shaped coffin like you.’
Noms laughed. ‘Uncalled for, but very true. Saying that, when’s the last time I had sex? Bloody ages ago. I’m off men. Properly off men. I actually felt quite attracted to one of the women at the WI meeting the other day.’
Gracie’s eyes widened. ‘No!’
‘I did. I sat there while she was fingering one of my bags, and looked at her lips, full and pouty, and imagined what it would be like to kiss them.’
‘You never fail to amaze me, dear sister.’ Gracie shook her head.
Noms laughed. ‘And don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, I say.’
A now grinning Gracie drained her mug, then yawned loudly. ‘I’m so tired.’
‘I bet you are. You’ve probably got a bit of shock after that fall. You obviously went down with quite a force.’
‘I’m a tough cookie, me.’ Gracie looked down to her leg to check the wound. Blood had stopped oozing through the bandage.
‘That’s what you want the world to believe, Gracie Mae, but you can’t kid a kidder.’
Gracie’s voice lilted. ‘So, where shall we go on holiday, then? I’m quite excited at the thought of it now.’
Noms grinned. ‘So am I! I actually got an email from Jack’s dad last week. He said I could take Jack to his house in St Lucia whenever I wanted to. He’s filming in Barcelona at the moment so only his staff would be there.’
Gracie’s eyes widened. ‘That would be amazing. He’s not usually so forthcoming, is he?’
‘I know, I haven’t even heard from him for ages. I’m not sure, though. What if there are photos in the house and Jack realises who it belongs to and tells his school friends or something?’
‘Who’s the one creating obstacles now?’
Noms stuck her tongue out at her sister. ‘Smart arse.’
‘Just tell him to get everything taken down that might shout “film star”. I think you worry too much. If anything were to get out, you can always say that you’re a friend of his. And Jack won’t realise anything, he’s too young.’
‘Yes, I’m being too paranoid, I guess.’
Gracie became animated. ‘And imagine how amazing his place will be, Noms. And wow, St Lucia. I’ve always wanted to go there.’
‘OK, OK. I’ll sleep on it. Now, get to bed, you. Hope you’re not too sore in the morning.’
‘Thanks and sweet dreams about your new fancy woman.’ Gracie giggled childishly as she ran up the stairs.
With a shake of her head, Noms washed up the tea mugs.
THIRTY-NINE
‘Of course I don’t mind that you’re going on holiday.’ Kate sipped on a skinny latte outside the Windmill Café. Boris, keen to get off his lead and out on the common, whimpered impatiently.
‘I don’t want you to think I’m not taking this venture seriously, because this will mean pushing the first event back.’
‘It’s fine,’ Kate soothed. ‘It’s probably much better to do it after half-term anyway as a lot of people will be away.’
‘Actually yes, you’re right.’ Gracie leant down to pat the impatient pooch.Soon, Boris, soon.‘Where’s Flossy today anyway?’
‘I popped her in doggy daycare – wanted to be hands free today, so to speak.’
Gracie laughed. ‘She has a better life than all of us!’
