‘Here you go, Ed, lovey.’ Jean returned, all smiles with a mug in her hand. ‘It’s still nice and hot.’
‘Thanks, Jean.’ Ed flashed her a grateful smile as he released Florrie from his embrace and took the mug. ‘So, how’re things going with you and Amery, if you don’t mind me asking?’ He blew on his tea, his eyes peering over at her questioningly.
Florrie watched as Jean’s cheeks flushed pink and her eyes lit up. ‘Well, I don’t mind telling you he’s the perfect gentleman and has lovely old-fashioned manners.’ Florrie hadn’t seen her friend look so animated before.
‘I’d expect nothing less of the man who’s stepping out with our lovely Jean,’ said Ed.
‘Same here,’ Florrie added.
Jean gave them a warm smile. ‘I think I mentioned we used to know one another many years ago, and I don’t mind admitting I used to have quite a crush on him when I was a young lass – most of the girls at school did – but he was a couple of years above me so he was completely oblivious to my existence!’ She giggled at that.
‘I kind of get the impression that’s changed quite a bit,’ Florrie said, her eyes soft with affection for her friend.
‘I was surprised he even remembered me, to be honest,’ Jean said bashfully.
‘So, when’s Amery next wining and dining you?’ Ed asked.
‘Well, he’s coming to Jack and Jenna’s reading on Thursday – he bought that ticket Josie Bedford had to return with her having to go in for her operation, poor lass – and he’s booked us a table at Oscar’s Bistro for afterwards.’ Jean glanced between them, unable to contain her smiles.
‘How lovely.’ Florrie’s grin was almost as wide as Jean’s. She was thrilled at the prospect of her friend enjoying a bit of romance. ‘What’s wrong?’ She was taken aback to see Jean’s smile had suddenly fallen.
‘The only thing is, I haven’t told him about Jack and… and how Ihad to give him up.’ She cast a troubled glance between them. ‘I’m worried he might think I’m a terrible person and hate me for it. Goodness knows, I hated myself for it long enough.’
‘Oh, Jean, I’m sure he won’t hate you.’ Florrie reached over and rested her hand on her friend’s arm. ‘I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t feel anything but compassion for what you went through, don’t you agree, Ed?’
‘Wholeheartedly.’ He nodded. ‘And put it this way, Jean, if he doesn’t understand, or doesn’t like it, then he’s not worth knowing, and he can sling his hook right out of Micklewick Bay and get himself back to Chester. In fact, I reckon Florrie would do a pretty good job of chasing him out if she got so much as a sniff of him thinking like that.’
‘You’d better believe it,’ Florrie said firmly. She and Ed had become protective of Jean since she’d shared her heartbreaking story with them.
That made Jean’s smiles reappear. ‘Yes, I daresay you’re right.’ She laughed. ‘I’m dreading telling him, but I know I’m going to have to do it soon.’
‘Get it over and done with, Jean, and the sooner the better. It’ll be a huge weight off your shoulders. Then you’ll be able to stop fretting about it and just get on with having a lovely time together.’ Florrie leant into her friend. ‘And I don’t mind telling you, I’ve got a really good feeling about this.’
‘Aye, me too,’ said Ed. ‘It’s easy to see he thinks a lot about you from the way he looks at you.’
‘Really?’ Jean pressed her hands to her chest, her eyes lighting up.
‘Really,’ Florrie and Ed said in unison.
‘Oh, that’s given me a real boost, it has. In fact, I think I’ll give him a call once I’m done here and before I head up to Maggie’s, ask if we can meet to have a chat, get it over and done with before Thursday. That way, if he decides he doesn’t want anything to do with me, it won’t spoil our Jack and Jenna’s evening. Unlessyou think that’s pushy of me?’ Concern furrowed her brow as she glanced between them.
‘It’s not at all pushy, Jean. It sounds like a good plan to me,’ said Florrie.
‘I agree,’ said Ed. ‘In fact, there’s no time like the present. Feel free to call him now. You can do it from the kitchen where it’s nice and private, we’ll keep out of your way.’
Jean’s hand went to her mouth. ‘Oh, my goodness, that does seem very sudden.’ Florrie looked on as a mix of emotions crossed Jean’s face. ‘You’re right, Ed, there’s no time like the present. I’ll do it this minute.’
‘Go, Jean,’ said Florrie, just as the bell above the door jingled and Amery stepped in.
‘Good morning, folks,’ he said, his distinctive cologne wafting over to them. He directed his bright blue gaze at Jean as he removed his trilby.
‘Good morning, Amery, I wasn’t expecting to see you today.’ Jean looked suddenly flustered.
Florrie and Ed returned Amery’s greeting, exchanging a look of surprise.
Gerty appeared, wandering her way from the kitchen. Spotting Amery, she trotted over to him and started sniffing at his trousers.
‘Hello there, Gerty, it’s good to see you again,’ he said, bending to ruffle her ears. The Labrador gave an enthusiastic wag of her tail before heading to her bed.
