‘I think I’m the one who owes you a pie and a pint.’
‘I don’t drink beer. So that’ll have to be a pint of wine.’
‘I’ll get my grandson to pay for that then. A pint of wine won’t come cheap, and I expect you’re used to the good stuff.’
‘Oh, absolutely. Only the best for Lara Grey.’
‘Lara Grey?’ His brows knit together. ‘I didn’t know that was your surname.’
‘Welcome to the club. I didn’t know your surname either.’
‘Lara Grey? Why does that name ring a bell?’
Lara took a deep breath. ‘Do you like art? If so, it’s probably why you know the name. Not because of me. I’m not famous. It’s my parents who are. Or were, I should say. My mum was Laura Grey. My dad was Laurence Grey. They were well known artists.’
‘Well blow me down. It’s a small world for sure. I’ve got one of your mum’s paintings. I bought it for my Bonnie as an anniversary present because she fell in love with it as soon as she saw it. It’s of both of our cottages. Yours and mine. It’s been painted as if the artist was in a boat, out at sea.’
‘What! We took a boat out for a day when we were here on holiday and we all did sketches. I wonder if…? No. It couldn’t be, could it? But it must be if it’s signed by Mum. It’s definitely signed, Laura Grey?’
‘Definitely.’
‘Oh wow! I can’t believe it. Could I … could I come and see it some time, please?’
‘Of course. Any time. The minute I get out of here. Well, well. Who’d have believed it?’
‘I know, right? It’s astonishing, isn’t it?’
It was more than astonishing, Lara thought. It was almost as if all this was meant to be.
