‘Right, ready to knock him dead then?’ said Jasmine with a glint in her eye.
Bunty observed Jasmine’s appearance too. Was she mistaken, or did she appear to be especially cheery and upbeat today? Not at all like the subdued girl on the phone from the other day. Perhaps the talk Robin had spoken about had done them both the world of good. She hoped so. It was about time her plan unfolded.
‘Yes,’ Bunty said. ‘As ready as I’ll ever be.’
Jasmine started up the car and together they set off for Lancaster.
Perry knew The Castle Café, having already been there several times. He opted for a table in the courtyard outside. Not only was it pleasant to be sat in the fresh air, but he had a good view of all the visitors coming into the cafe from where he was sat.
And there she was. He’d recognise her anywhere, the poised walk, the smart suit, her hair looked different though, expecting to see her wild curls. He waited for her to enter the cafe and then kept his eye on the bi-folding doors which led onto the courtyard.
Bunty soon appeared and after a quick scan of the tables saw him wave. She broke into a huge smile. He was here! Perry was right there, waving up at her. She made her way over, all the nerves replaced with excitement. Close up, she could see how the years had been kind to him. What a handsome brute he was.
‘Bunty.’ He rose up. ‘How lovely to see you,’ he said, kissing both her cheeks.
He smelt of sandalwood and his skin was smooth and fresh.
‘Perry.’ She was speechless, unable to say anything else.
‘Here, sit down, what shall I get you?’ he asked, suspecting she was a little overwhelmed.
‘Oh, a cappuccino, thanks.’
She watched the back of him as he went to get the drinks. It was as if he’d never left… Her heart fluttered in delight. Feeling somewhat dazed, she told herself to get a grip.Pull yourself together, Deville, for goodness’ sake!she scolded.
Perry stood in the queue shaking slightly. My God, she was as striking now as she’d ever been. It was extraordinary how the years had so easily rolled back. He ordered two coffees, when what he really wanted was a double brandy. Thank goodness he’d splashed on his new aftershave, he chuckled to himself.
Once back at the table and seated opposite Bunty, he couldn’t resist asking a question which had puzzled him.
‘I’m curious as to how you found me, Bunty?’ His voice was more good-natured than accusing.
‘A remarkable coincidence.’ Bunty gave an ironic smile, then proceeded to tell him all about Jasmine and how she had lived on a narrowboat and bought a water pump from him.
‘So, after a little research she managed to track you down. It was the name of your boat that gave you away,’ she laughed.
‘Ah yes,The Merry Perry.’ He grinned. ‘This Jasmine sounds quite a girl,’ he added. ‘Just like my Emma.’ He went on to tell Bunty all about his late wife, Valerie, and how they’d met. His eyes clouded over when explaining how she had died of breast cancer, leaving him a single stepdad. ‘I treat Emma as my own. I couldn’t love a daughter more,’ he finished gruffly.
‘Oh Perry, I’m so sorry to hear of Valerie’s passing.’ Bunty was truly touched. She clearly hadn’t been alone in her suffering.
‘Right,’ said Perry assertively, in an attempt to change the mood, ‘so tell me what you’ve been up to all these years.’
‘Well…’ It was at this point that Bunty felt her most uncomfortable. Having to admit that nothing had changed much for her; she was still living in Samphire Bay, in the same house, but now alone. On saying as much to Perry, he suddenly looked sad, making her cringe even more.
‘Oh Bunty, you were never meant to be alone.’ He reached out and covered her hand with his. She looked up and met his gaze. Time stood still. ‘I should have stood up to Daddy. I know that now.’ She gulped.
‘Yes, sweetheart, you should have.’ He gently squeezed her hand. ‘But we’re here now, and you won’t get rid of me that easily.’ He shot her a wink and Bunty threw her head back and laughed.
‘Perry Scholar, you old charmer,’ she said, her eyes twinkling.
‘You ain’t seen nothing yet, doll,’ he replied with a wide smile.
‘So, how did it go?’ asked an over-excited Emma later that evening.
‘Fan-bloody-tastic,’ said Perry, grinning from ear to ear.
‘Will you be seeing her again?’ she chirped.
‘Oh yes,’ he nodded.
