Chapter 6
Robin’s alarm woke him early morning. Quickly turning to switch if off, so as not to wake Jasmine, he saw that she had already risen. He’d stayed over after a take-away and couple of bottles of wine and it always amazed him how Jasmine managed to get up so promptly, even after a heavy night’s drinking. He dressed and went downstairs to join her.
Jasmine was by the cooker, busy filling a frying pan. ‘Hi,’ she smiled as he came into the kitchen. ‘Fancy a cooked breakfast?’
It amazed him how well she looked in the morning too, all fresh-faced and energetic.
‘Sounds good, thanks,’ he replied, rubbing his eyes.
Despite it being Saturday, he and Jack were supposed to be looking at another possible building project. It was an old warehouse which had planning permission to turn into apartments in Lancaster by the quayside. A lot of money was to be made, especially in that location. Although at the moment, Robin was more interested in spending the weekend with his girlfriend rather than having to work. He wouldn’t normally mind as he did enjoy his job – helped by the fact he worked with his best mate – but lately he craved just a little more time to relax with Jasmine. It had been a long while since he’d been in a relationship and he wanted to relish the new one he’d just found.
He watched her cooking their breakfasts with ease, looking a million dollars in his eyes. Her silky blonde hair sat on elegant shoulders, her toned arms effortlessly moving from chopping board to frying pan. Jasmine must have sensed him watching her because she turned round to face him.
‘What are you staring at?’ she laughed.
‘You,’ Robin replied and got up to hug her from behind. He kissed the top of her head and sighed. ‘I wish I didn’t have to go to Lancaster with Jack today.’
‘I know, but it’s a good opportunity, isn’t it?’ said Jasmine.
‘Yeah, but if we do take the warehouse conversion on, we’ll not be starting it straight away.’
‘Oh, why?’ she asked, surprised to hear this.
‘Because, my lovely,’ he gently turned her round to face him, ‘we are going away on a mini break.’ He’d decided there and then they were due some quality time together.
‘Are we?’ she sounded even more surprised now.
‘Oh yes,’ he nodded resolutely and kissed her full on the lips.
Jasmine smiled, liking the sound of this. ‘Where to?’
‘I was thinking a city break?’
Jasmine bobbed her head in agreement. She quite liked the idea of bustling streets and bright lights. It would be a change to the quiet, costal countryside of Samphire Bay.
‘London?’ she suggested.
‘Good idea,’ Robin replied. Already he was filled with anticipation. He imagined the pair of them taking in the sights, hitting the shops and enjoying romantic evening meals. Yes, that was just what they needed.
What Emma needed was a stiff drink to steady her nerves. Looking in the full-length mirror, she grimaced at her reflexion. The person staring back just wasn’t her. The navy suit her dad insisted she bought for the interview looked hideous and the curls she’d tried to tame just made her hair flat and straight as cardboard. Even the ‘sensible’ court shoes that she’d picked up in a charity shop appeared old womanish.
‘I look like a Tory MP,’ she complained as her dad popped his head round the door.
Moving further into her bedroom he too gazed at his daughter and found it difficult to disagree.
‘I do, don’t I?’
Perry tipped his head thoughtfully to one side, hesitating to give his answer.
‘Just admit it, Dad, I look ridiculous,’ Emma sighed.
‘Well, there’s nothing wrong in looking smart for an interview,’ he tried to appease. It didn’t work.
‘Oh, sod it. I’m going asme,’ Emma said in exasperation then proceeded to kick off the sensible shoes and open her wardrobe in defiance.
Her eyes scanned the rail packed with all sorts of colourful garments, from tie-dyed dresses, embroidered shirts, tassel hemmed skirts, patched denims, leather jackets, all manner of boots and trainers, the storage rammed full. In an attempt to compromise, she pulled out a black dress.
‘How about this?’ She held it up against her for Perry to see.
