He lets out a shout. ‘Shit, Milla, don’t go all Frisbee on me. If she’s just given birth, whose child was it? It surely can’t have been …?’ And good on him for stopping at that.
I blow out a breath. ‘It’s Phoebe and Ben’s baby. That’s why I’m here. I watched the bump grow, but when it came to the due date I ran. I’m hiding out here until it blows over.’
He’s come down the steps now ‘Oh, Milla Vanilla, you surely can’t go back to that? Babies don’t go away, they just get bigger. Haven’t they offered to buy you out of the business?’
I’m back to grinding my teeth. ‘It’s the company I put seven years of my life into building, it’s all I have left.’ I take in his stare that says he’s not buying it. ‘I’m trying to extend the business into this area. That’s what the Wild is about. But it’s very early days.’
‘Then I’m extra pleased I’m doing this now.’ He’s staring at the letters on the roof, blinking in the sunlight. ‘I haven’t quite got the pink right, have I?’
Phoebe would have thrown him in the harbour for less. And it’s true, the vibrant paint is very different from the almost-white of the other letters.
He’s frowning. ‘Why did I choose that colour? When I thought of the van it was the only pink that came to mind.’
‘I have no idea but I like it – and it pops!’
He laughs. ‘It makes the wild even wilder somehow. Don’t worry, it’s only temporary, I had the letters knocked up in the chandlery workshop, you can swap them back any time. But, for what it’s worth, I really hope you don’t.’ He glances at his phone. ‘I’ll just pop your light bulbs through the holes, then I’ll make us some coffee.’
After everything he’s done I feel I should be offering. ‘Shall I put the kettle on?’
‘I thought you’d never ask.’ It’s a guy’s voice, but Nic didn’t move his lips and as I watch him his face darkens.
‘Casper.’ Nic’s voice is stony. ‘What can we do for you today? I take it you’re only here because you want something?’
As I whip round to see him standing behind me, Casper buries his hands even deeper in the pockets of his smart wool jacket and lets his smile go. ‘We could start with that coffee you just mentioned.’ He looks to me. ‘I’m just dropping by to get ribbons from the shop for Sunday.’
Nic stares at the clouds. ‘Well, at least that might save me running halfway across the county on the day.’
Casper ignores him and grins at me. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not going to get caught without a second time.’ He swoops in and, before I know it, he’s dropped a kiss on both my cheeks and whipped the cordless vac out of my hand. ‘When it comes to car valets, I’m your man. How about I whisk this around your camper, while you get the drinks?’ Casper’s laughing. ‘And then I’ll take you out for lunch, Mills.’
Nic’s straight in there. ‘Sorry, Casper, Milla’s tied up with me –all day!’
And that’s not true either. I’m about to tell them both to butt out but Casper gets in first.
He pulls a face at Nic. ‘You’re sounding very Fifty Shades and last decade, Nic. In any case, you’re far too old and dull for lovely Milla. I have it on good authority she’s looking for fun not a father figure.’ He pauses to let that sink in. ‘Maybe someone who doesn’t have bright pink paint all over the back of their Levi’s, too. It’s not a great look.’
‘Okay guys, that’senough!’ I’m pointing at Nic. ‘You, get back on the roof.’ I dangle the van keys in front of Casper. ‘If you’re sure you don’t mind?’ Then, as I back along the harbourside towards the jetty, I growl. ‘And if either of you dares throw the other in the harbour while I’m away … I will personally mash you.’
Nic’s lips are twisting as he looks down at me from the top of the steps. ‘There’s a box of pastries from the bakery on the counter. As long as we watch out for the seagulls you can bring those back too.’
I’m marching away across the cobbles towardsSnow Goosewhen I have a thought. ‘And Casper, if you make my van spick and span I might just have some good news for you too …’
Chapter 26
Later on Tuesday.
At the camper van on St Aidan harbour.
Empty promises and splashy landings.
Half an hour later and I’m back on the harbourside, bottom on the edge of my camper van floor, my back leaning against the open sliding door, soaking up the sun. I sip my coffee and sink my teeth into my almond croissant, but every time I remember there’s a Brides Go Wild sign above my head, a shiver of pure terror runs down my spine. But then as I gaze around the lino floor Casper has left spotless, I couldn’t be any more blissed out.
Casper and Nic both declined my offer of a folding chair, so they’re standing with their backs to the harbour, while I have a secret smile at the random mugs we’ve ended up with. Mine says ‘Whatever’, Casper’s says ‘Life Begins at 40’ and Nic’s just confirms he’s a ‘Grumpy Old Git’.
Casper takes a bite of his apricot Danish, then frowns at me. ‘Hey, watch where you’re dropping your pastry flakes, Milla, I just cleaned in there.’
‘Oops, sorry.’ I pick up the two tiny offending crumbs on my finger tip and smile at him. ‘So, how about you pencil in a wedding booking for your camper for July 2nd.’
Nic chokes on his coffee. ‘But that’s Pixie’s date.’
