‘What else can you do with it?’
‘Youwant to drive it?’
‘Why is it so difficult to do anything around here? Why are there always so many questions?’
‘I think I have asked you something similar,’ Jacques answered.
‘Well, can I borrow it or not?’
‘No.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because you have not driven in this area before.’
‘Well, I’ve been in the back of a car with Gerard who must have spent his whole life driving here and he didn’t seem that accomplished, so how hard can it be?’
‘Hard enough that I have to say no for your own safety.’
She was angry. He could see it written on her face and through her body. It was like she didn’t know what to do with her arms. They looked almost like a scarecrow, awkward.
‘You seem very safety conscious for some reason. The foxes. Your car. This fortress of a smart home you seem to love and hate in equal measure.’
OK, she had pretty much nailed how he felt about this house. He kept his expression blank. ‘Who doesn’t want to be safe?’
‘Me, right now,’ Orla answered. ‘Because “safe” doesn’t sell magazines and I need photos and videos andsomethingI can make an article out of until either this reindeer turns up or I get sick of waiting and get on the next flight out of here.’
Her breathing had quickened. There was a whole mix of anxiety, frustration and irritation pooling in her eyes.
‘OK then,’ Jacques said. ‘Let me get my coat.’
‘What? I can take the truck?’
‘No,’ Jacques answered, heading to the hallway. ‘But I can drive you wherever you need to go.’
‘That wasn’t what I meant,’ Orla began. ‘Because I don’t know where I want to go and having someone with me will…make me lose focus. And I’m sure you have lots of things to do other than take me out.’
‘Did someone say we’re going out?’
It was Tommy speaking and he and Erin were suddenly in the space too.
‘Orla needs to get some photos,’ Jacques began. ‘And I want to see Delphine’s window project for myself.’
‘Does Delphine still make those hot Christmas milkshakes?’ Tommy asked.
‘If they are not already on the menu for the tourists I am sure she will make one for you,’ Jacques said.
‘She never offeredmea hot milkshake,’ Erin answered glumly.
‘Want me to teach you how to charm Delphine?’ Tommy asked her.
‘I’m not sure I could stand to watch bad rizz used on someone old enough to be your grandma,’ Erin replied.
‘No deliciously, melt-in-your-mouthy, chocolately, caramelly, brown-sugarly, honeyly, creamy, hot milkshake for you then. Did I say melt-in-your-mouthy?’
‘Oh God!’ Erin exclaimed. ‘I swear if it’s not as good as you just made that sound then I am going to shave your eyebrows off later.’
‘Well, I haven’t had her make one since last year so she’s another twelve months older.’
