‘Hello, Erin. To what do I owe this pleasure?’
‘Hello, Jasper. We have a problem.’
‘Do we?’
‘We do. Well, Adele and Marcus do. But you’re his cousin and his best man, so it’s your problem too, and you might be able to help.’
‘I’ll do whatever I can.’ His voice had changed from amused to serious. ‘What’s the problem?’
‘They’re considering calling off this wedding. Or at least, postponing it.’
‘They’re what?’
‘They’re considering a postponement.’
‘Why? I mean, I know about the woman and Adele the other day, and that Adele’s having a bit of a crisis. But I thought that was the entire reason for this rush. Why is Marcus considering a delay? Is it serious?’
‘No idea. He doesn’t want the delay, unless Adele does. It’s difficult to explain over the phone. Is there any chance we could meet for coffee tomorrow, please? I’d like to discuss this in person.’
‘No. But I’m happy to meet for a cup of tea. I’m not really a coffee-lover. Sorry. This isn’t the time to be facetious, is it?’
‘No. Not really. But what sort of person doesn’t like coffee?’
‘The sort of person who prefers tea. I didn’t say I didn’t like it. I just don’t love it. And it was a joke.’
‘Yes. Don’t give up the day job, will you? You’d never make it on the stage.’
‘I’m considering becoming a crime fighter, as it happens. Sorry. Again, not the time.’
‘No. But I’d like to see you in tights, wearing underpants over the top, with a flowing cape, and maybe a mask, and pointy ears.’
‘Mixing up your heroes, officer.’
‘Probably. But it’s weird, because I’ve been wondering if I should become a crime writer.’
‘Really? Cosy crime, or gory?’
‘Oh definitely gory. Exceedingly gory. But I’ll need to do lots of research.’
‘Right. Erm. About that tea tomorrow. I’ve just remembered. I’m busy for … oh … the rest of my life.’
I laughed at that. ‘Coward. Is ten good for you?’
‘Ten is fine. Where?’
‘Here? Or we could meet in town.’
‘No. There is fine. I need to get my ladder anyway, so I can do that at the same time.’
‘I thought you weren’t supposed to lift anything or do anything physical for a day or two.’
‘I’m not. I’m assuming you’ll carry it to my van and strap it on top.’
‘Dream on. And on that note. Good night, Jasper.’
‘Good night, Erin. Pleasant dreams.’
‘You too.’
I let out an enormous sigh as soon as I rang off.
That man had the sexiest voice I’d ever heard.
And his face and body were pretty incredible too.
Well, his face wasn’t quite as handsome right now.
But in three weeks’ time, it would be as good as new.
