FORTY-SIX
Gracie felt more nervous about meeting Ed tonight than she had on their first date. He was cooking dinner for her at his place as they felt it would be easier for them to talk openly in private. She was knackered after the long flight and was slightly thrown by jet lag, so she was glad not to have to go anywhere more formal.
She recognised Ed’s flatmate from his photograph when he opened the door – he was a handsome cheery guy who was just on his way out. At the bottom of the flat steps he turned around.
‘He’s a good man, Gracie.’
Gracie just nodded.
‘I’m in here,’ Ed shouted from the kitchen.
She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. ‘Wow, that smells good.’
‘Chilli with sweet potatoes, my signature dish. Well, actually the only dish I don’t have to look at a recipe for.’ Gracie laughed. ‘Wine?’ Ed asked and carried on stirring his culinary delight.
‘Yes, lovely, thanks.’
‘White OK?’
‘Great.’
He went to open the fridge, stopped and turned to her.
‘Come here.’ He put his arms around her loosely. ‘You look amazing with a tan.’
Why couldn’t this be it for the evening, being nice to each other, eating, drinking, maybe even making love? Gracie thought. But no, soon the small talk would have to stop and she would have to face the facts.
‘You should see the white bits.’
Ed laughed. ‘I should be so lucky, eh.’ He sighed. ‘I’m so sorry, Gracie, that what has happened, has happened. Let me get this served up and we can chat. Why don’t you go through and make yourself comfortable.’
They ate and drunk in comfortable union, with Ed holding nothing back by explaining every single detail, just as he had done to Cynthia Princeton.
‘Is this why you were funny with me the other night when you didn’t sleep with me? I could tell you wanted to.’
‘Yes. I fancy you so much, Gracie, but my head is so stuck with all this, that I just couldn’t.’
‘Look.’ She put her hands on his across the table. ‘There must be something we can do.’
Ed shuffled his feet slightly. ‘Gracie, I really don’t want you to get involved.’
He got up and kissed her.
She broke away and smiled. ‘But I am already.’
She could see Ed was visibly moved by her comment. Her flirt switch had been activated by the wine. ‘I just hope this bad boy is as hot between the sheets as his signature dish.’
Ed smiled. ‘I am just so happy you’re here. I thought I might lose you.’
‘You’ve been honest with me and trust is a huge part of a relationship to me.’
Ed sighed. ‘Gracie Davies. I think you’re amazing.’
She stood up. ‘And Edward Duke, I think it’s time for dessert, don’t you?’
FORTY-SEVEN
It was a glorious summer’s morning, which allowed the whole front of the event hut to be opened up. Kate had set up tables, chairs and flowery parasols outside. The whole area looked really quaint and inviting.
