‘Lunch?’ he asked tentatively, as they both stood up. ‘As friends.’
‘Oh. I can’t. Sorry. Plans with my gran. Quick coffee?’
‘A quick coffee sounds good. I rarely drink a slow one. I think I’ll leave the jokes to you.’
‘I think that’s wise.’
They grinned at one another as they walked along the road.
Kate considered texting Granny Viv and telling her where she was going and with whom, but thought better of it. She would never hear the end of it and Granny Viv would have a wedding planned before either of them had kissed.
Kissed. Hmm. She shot a surreptitious look at his mouth but he glanced at her and she quickly looked away.
‘My car’s in the car park behind this row of shops. I’d like to dump this box first, if that’s okay. I don’t want to risk it happening again.’
‘No need,’ said Kate dismissing all thoughts of kissing. ‘I thought we’d go to Bonnie’s Diner which is just here.’ She stopped. ‘There’s an exit at the back that leads directly into the car park.’
‘Good to know.’
‘Allow me,’ she said, opening the door and stepping inside then holding it open for him to come in.
‘Thanks. Ah. I see the exit. Oh.’ He glanced around. ‘It’s like stepping back in time.’
Bonnie’s Diner consisted of a long dining area with a row of bright blue, leatherette booths running along one side, a central walkway with a black and white tiled floor, and a row of yellow tables and bright blue chairs running along the other side. Next to those tables was an open shelved, bright blue serving area, and a gleaming stainless steel and white kitchen sat behind that.
‘The food is to die for,’ Kate said. ‘I’ll grab a table.’
Raff was gone for less than two minutes and the moment he sat opposite Kate in one of the booths, Maud, the manageress, with her jet-black hair worn in a high bun, eye liner to match, and bright red lips, came to take their order. Raff did a double take, but he gave her a friendly smile.
‘Hello, Kate,’ she said. ‘You’re looking good. I haven’t seen you since the end of last year. I hear Beth and Rose are off living the high-life. Good for them, that’s what I say. And who is this handsome hunk? Have you gone and got yourself engaged as well?’
Kate gave a gasp of surprise but hoped she covered it with a cough. The expression on Raff’s face was almost inscrutable but there was something in his eyes very close to fear.
‘Hardly,’ Kate said light heartedly. ‘You know me. I’m not interested in men.’
Now the expression on Raff’s face was definitely surprise. ‘Oh?’
Maud glanced at him and then nudged his shoulder with her hand. ‘Don’t worry. She doesn’t mean that.’
‘I do,’ said Kate emphatically. ‘Oh, but I’m not interested in women either. What I mean is, I’m not looking for a relationship. Actually, I’m going to get a dog. A rescue dog. And that’s where you come in.’
‘O-h-h.’ Now he sounded disappointed.
‘A dog?’ said Maud. ‘Is that wise?’
‘Don’t you start, Maud,’ Kate said, forcing a grin. ‘I’ve had enough trouble from Gran already.’
Maud drew an imaginary zip across her lips with her fingers and smiled. ‘Okay. What can I get you?’
‘Just coffee for me, please,’ said Kate.
‘And for me, please,’ Raff added.
‘Coming right up.’
‘Is that true?’ Raff queried as soon as Maud had moved away.
‘Which part?’ Kate asked, repositioning the pot containing serviettes.
