Slowly pulling apart, Robin grinned.
‘They can smell the food,’ he laughed, moving to the barbeque to add the meat, now the coals had heated up.
‘It is making me hungry,’ replied Jasmine as she watched him place the sausages and burgers on the grill. She helped by getting the plastic plates and putting out the salad and bread buns.
Once the cooking had finished, they sat eating contentedly.
‘This is fantastic,’ gushed Jasmine, tucking into her burger.
‘Food always tastes better when it’s cooked outside.’
After thoroughly enjoying their meal, it was followed with a few more cans of lager. They talked about their families. Robin was keen to introduce Jasmine to his parents, which to his relief didn’t faze her.
‘You’re already a hit with my mum,’ she remarked dryly.
‘Really?’ He chuckled but was pleased to hear it.
‘Oh yes, she fairly sings your praises, and Sam too for that matter.’
‘Well, that’s good to know.’ He bent down and kissed her cheek.
As if on cue, when they lay huddled together on the blanket in peaceful bliss, the radiant burnt-orange sun gradually started to dip beneath the shoreline, casting amber, pink and red flares across the cloudless sky. All was still and quiet, apart from the sound of the sea lapping against the sand. Robin leant over Jasmine, the last of the sun’s rays reflected in those gorgeous brown eyes of hers. She smiled up at him and brushed his cheek with the side of her hand. They would remember this moment forever.
Chapter 28
‘Well, how do I look?’ asked Perry, standing in front of his daughter, arms outstretched for inspection. Emma examined the figure in front of her.
‘Not bad, Dad. Not bad at all,’ was the verdict. He really did cut quite an attractive chap, with his dark jeans, brown corduroy jacket, white shirt and red neckerchief. He also had a matching red pocket square. Very stylish, thought Emma. ‘I’m sure Bunty will be impressed,’ she assured him with a thumbs up.
‘She better,’ he snorted, ‘I’ve used my best aftershave.’ He winked making her laugh.
‘Don’t worry, Dad, Bunty will be delighted with your efforts.’ Then she tilted her head to one side. ‘Do you think she’ll recognise you?’
‘WillIrecognise her?’ came Perry’s reply.
‘Surely there won’t be any other lovesick oldies ready to reunite?’ teased Emma, which earned her a threatening look.
‘Hey, less of the “oldies” thank you,’ warned Perry playfully. Despite his joviality, he was just a touch nervous. He wondered how Bunty was feeling. ‘Right, I’m off.’ He’d spruced himself up as much as he could, now it was time to go.
‘Do you want a lift?’ asked Emma.
‘No, it won’t take me too long to walk there and I’ll enjoy the exercise,’ Perry said. Besides, he didn’t want Emma hanging around, trying to catch a peek of Bunty.
‘OK, good luck!’ she called as he set off.
He gave her a salute and grinned.
Bunty was at fever-pitch. It was times like this that she wished she had someone nearby to confide in. Hoping she’d chosen the right outfit, she quickly downed a stiff gin and tonic to calm her nerves. Then she saw Jasmine’s Mini pull up outside on the gravel driveway through the bow window. Opening the front door and seeing Jasmine’s face light up, told her she did indeed look the part.
‘Bunty, you look marvellous!’ cheered Jasmine.
‘Are you sure, darling?’ asked Bunty, tugging nervously at her amethyst stone necklace.
It was strange to see her acting so self-consciously, not at all like the usual, confident woman she undoubtedly was, thought Jasmine.
‘Of course, come here, give me a hug.’ Jasmine grabbed hold of Bunty and held her tightly. She found it rather endearing that, despite her age, Bunty was still on edge. She pulled back and appraised her once more. The navy trouser suit hit just the right note, smart yet casual, with a lilac short sleeved top underneath. The amethyst necklace finished the outfit off perfectly. And her hair! Jasmine had never seen Bunty’s hair so tamed and glossy, freshly blow dried straight and smooth.
Bunty was pleased with the reaction she’d got, knowing it was genuine and well meant. It gave her that extra boost she’d so needed, along with Jasmine’s hug.
