‘That’s amazing! What was it like?’ Emma asked.
‘The street is absolutely gorgeous!’ Annabel replied. ‘It’s got those old colonial black and white houses and in such a beautiful spot, surrounded by trees and lush gardens. It’s so quiet up there, you feel a million miles away from the city. Sadly, the house no longer exists; number twelve is now a shiny, modern apartment block.’
‘Ah, shame! How did you find out where your granny lived, though?’ Tom asked.
‘Well, it was a bit of a surprise to be honest. Dotty’s letters never mentioned the address and it didn’t occur to me to ask Julia if she knew,’ Annabel explained, her words tumbling out in a heady mix of enthusiasm and alcohol. ‘But clever old James, here, texted Julia to ask and she knew exactly where the house was. I didn’t know where we were going, he kept it as a surprise for today,’ Annabel explained with a grin. ‘He’s so good at all this detective work, he’s not a bad Watson to my Holmes.’ She beamed at James and instinctively found herself reaching out to touch his arm.
He raised an eyebrow with mock sternness and put his own hand on top of hers. ‘I think you mean Holmes to your Watson,’ he corrected. The usual bickering ensued over who was which character and neither of them noticed the grin that passed between Emma and Tom.
Moments later, Emma yawned loudly and looked at her watch. ‘Well, I hate to be the party-pooper, but I’ve got an infant choir recital tomorrow morning that is going to need all my energy and enthusiasm, so I’d better make a move.’ She looked pointedly at her husband. ‘Come on then, Tom, shall we book a cab?’
But Tom was clearly enjoying himself and had no intention of leaving so early. He wrinkled his nose in confusion then checked his watch. ‘It’s not even ten, Ems, I was thinking I might have another . . . ’ Then he stopped as he felt his wife’s eyes boring into his, suddenly cottoning on to her meaning. ‘Oh, right, I see!’ he bumbled. He gave an ostentatious yawn. ‘Come to think of it, I am pretty tired. Big day tomorrow, too!’
Farewells were made and they beat a hasty retreat, leaving an amused James and Annabel laughing at their not so subtle attempt to leave them alone.
The alcohol had worked its magic and it was lovely for Annabel to see James so relaxed. He reached across and took her hand in his. He gazed into her eyes. ‘God, you look lovely tonight.’
Annabel smiled shyly as the butterflies returned. ‘You don’t scrub up too badly yourself!’ she quipped.
He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand, his eyes fixed on hers. ‘What do you say we get out of here and head home for a nightcap?’
CHAPTER 29
Singapore
Friday 5th April, 2019
Annabel was feeling a swirling mix of nerves and excitement by the time they reached James’s apartment. He had been the perfect gentleman in the taxi, calm and composed as always. But the way he had looked at her earlier and held her hand throughout the journey had left her in no doubt of his intentions. She couldn’t help her mind drifting back to her last visit, and the thought of his kisses sent her pulse racing again.
It had been a fun evening and, after drinking more than she usually did, she was enjoying the relaxed, carefree sensation that was flowing through her. It was her last night in Singapore; tomorrow she was going back to the real world. So for now, she intended to banish all thoughts of exes and complications and live for the moment.
They got back to James’s apartment and Annabel settled herself on the sofa while he switched on the lamps and put on some soft music. Then he went through to the kitchen and reappeared moments later with two glasses. He handed one to her then sat next to her on the sofa.
‘Cheers!’ she said, raising her glass to clink against his. She swirled the smooth, coffee-coloured liquid around the glass,then breathed in its sweet, creamy aroma. ‘Mmm, Baileys, my favourite.’ She took a sip.
James nodded. ‘Yes, I had a vague memory from years ago that you liked it.’
‘It’s been a lovely evening,’ she began. ‘And a lovely week. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done to help me, James, I really am. You’ve been so kind and generous with your time, not to mention incredibly helpful.’
He shook his head, deflecting the compliment. ‘It’s been my pleasure, Annie, you don’t need to thank me.’
‘Well it’s been a pleasure for me, too, James. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the real James. It’s made me realise how much I missed out on all those years ago at uni.’
She reached out and put her hand on his knee but he didn’t respond. Instantly, she withdrew it, sensing that something was wrong.
‘Is everything alright?’
‘I’m sorry.’ He sighed. ‘I’ve spent the last week longing for this, but now that we’re here it all feels a little . . . ’
Annabel tensed as she waited for him to finish.
‘Overwhelming, I suppose,’ he eventually said.
‘Oh,’ she said softly. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
James put his glass on the coffee table and leaned forward, elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.
‘I’ve been married for the last ten years. But it’s over. Emily told me today that she wants a divorce. And I don’t know how to feel about that. I always believed that marriage was forever, that we would stick at it and make it work. Till death do us part, in sickness and in health, for better or worse. ApparentlyEmily’s new man has moved to England to be with her and she wants to marry him.’
