I’m beaming at him. ‘So it is. Which also means we’ve got a bride, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests to transport! I’m asking Casper to bring along one very versatile and photogenic vehicle. What’s not to like?’
It’s been weeks since we finalised the booking at the castle, but rather than making decisions Nic still hasn’t got any further than musing over name cards and frowning about cocktails. I’ve been flat out, sorting the layouts and advertisers for the BGW glossy magazine we sell at fairs, which is why I’ve let things slide. So by forcing his hand here I’m hoping we’ll break the deadlock.
Nic glares at Casper. ‘Scrap that, mate.’ As he shoos away a couple of seagulls hopping around on the cobbles, we all know he’s metaphorically flapping Casper away too. ‘Watch your croissant, Milla, they’re very persistent.’
I turn to Casper. ‘Ignore Nic for now. He’ll see sense in a bit.’
Nic’s voice goes high. ‘You can’t say that, Milla, I’m the client.’
I know better than to back down. ‘I just did say it. You’re also paying me for my expertise.’ I grin at him. ‘So tough shit, I’m overruling you.’
‘I—I—I …’ Nic’s opening and closing his mouth and Casper’s waving his Danish at me, cheering me on.
‘Happy to argue all day on this one.’ I’m smiling through my clenched teeth, getting ready to dig my heels in, when there’s a whoosh of air, a loud squawk, and a huge flap.
Then Casper lets out a howl. ‘What the eff! That bloody bird swiped my pastry right out of my hand.’
Nic lets out a low laugh. ‘I did warn you. You could say that’s natural justice.’
Another swoop, a flash of beak and bird’s feet and Nic’s croissant goes too.
Nic growls. ‘Damned seagull!’
Except this time, Casper takes a stride backwards to avoid the seagull as it wheels away from Nic. But instead of landing on the pavement, Casper’s foot hits the handle of the cordless vacuum lying on the floor behind him. As his second foot goes backwards, his ankles get completely tangled with the pole.
‘Hey, Casper, cordless vacuums are made without cables so you don’t fall over them.’ It’s so funny seeing him staggering around, his cool shattered as his eyes pop wide with surprise. I’m starting to laugh, and at first he’s joining in. But instead of stopping, he carries on lurching, back across the quayside. Then he flings his arms outwards, his mouth opens wide and he lets out a yell as he topples backwards over the quay edge.
As he disappears from view, I let out a low ‘oh crap’ then a howl. ‘Nooooooo …’
A second later there’s an almighty splash. And then nothing.
As my eyes lock with Nic’s his face cracks into a huge grin, then he yells too. ‘Man overboard! Casper’s in the pond!’ Then he kicks off his deck shoes, throws down his phone and padded jacket, springs to the edge of the harbour, sticks his arms up over his head, and with a graceful dive he follows Casper in.
And I’m left on the quay, staring at the ripples on the water, waiting. Then as the two heads bob up and break the surface a couple of yards apart they both shake the water from their hair, scrape the brine out of their eyes and start to swim for the harbour steps. Nic gets there first, hauls himself out, then offers his hand to Casper and drags him up beside him.
As they crawl back up to the harbourside, Casper’s sputtering. ‘Why the hell did you jump in too?’
The water’s sluicing off Nic’s shirt and there are slices of dimples in his cheeks. ‘I didn’t know for sure you could swim.’
As Casper shakes his head, a thousand drops glisten like diamonds in the sun. ‘That’s a laugh. I was in the bloody Olympic development squad.’
Nic’s frowning. ‘I thought you were a skiing champion?’
‘That too.’ Casper rolls his eyes. ‘Trying to save me? Bollocks! Your hero act was to impress Milla.’
As they come towards me, I laugh. ‘Just saying – I am right here.’ I step back to avoid the drips. If the fabulous view of Nic’s inky blue soaking-wet T-shirt clinging to his six pack takes my breath away, it’s my own fault for looking. ‘You’re like two wet dogs.’
Nic laughs. ‘I’ll grab some towels then we’ll head straight for the harbour master’s showers.’ He turns to Casper. ‘Can I lend you some dry clothes?’
Casper gives a grimace. ‘If it’s a choice between being wet or wearing old man jeans – thanks all the same, but I’ll take the water every time.’ He slicks his hair back and dips in towards me for an air kiss on each cheek. ‘So I’ll be off, but I’ll be back soon for that lunch, and thanks again for the booking, Mills.’
I’m wiping a stray drip from my chin. ‘You’re very welcome, Casper. Thanks again for the van-clean. See ya ’round.’ I’m hoping that sounds youthful enough.
Nic is apoplectic. ‘He falls in the harbour, and you’re still giving him the business?’
I’m glossing over this one. ‘Accidents can happen to any of us.’ I should know – I’ve had enough of the damn things myself lately. I’m thanking my lucky stars it wasn’t me in the water earlier. I smile at Nic and pull the vac close against my chest. ‘And on the upside, Jess’s Dyson’s still on dry land.’ Lesson learned. At three hundred quid a shot, I won’t risk it getting stamped on in future.
Nic gives a shudder. ‘Damn stupid place for Casper to leave it. Do you know how late he’s made us?’
