‘Hello darling,’ Rose said, seated on a comfy looking sun lounger on the deck of a ship surrounded by a blue sky and an equally, clear blue sea. ‘Are you and Rufus having a good time without us?’
‘Hello, Mum. Yes we are, thanks. And Beth has just rung off a second ago. She’s about to take a helicopter ride with Avery.’
‘Oh how wonderful. Frank and I are just going to have some lunch and then we’re off on a trip to go snorkelling with sea turtles this afternoon. This evening we’re embarking on a sunset cruise with cocktails, followed by a private dinner on the beach,beneath a star-lit sky, with soft candlelight, a four-course menu, champagne and fine wine, and a personal waiter, who, I hope is prepared to carry me back to the ship afterwards, because I’ll be in no fit state to walk.’ Rose laughed. ‘Actually, a buggy or some such thing is provided, so we should be fine. I hope you and Granny Viv have something planned.’
‘That’s sounds like heaven, Mum. Have a wonderful time. We went out for lunch, so I think a quiet evening in is on the cards. Which will be lovely.’
Rose raised her brows. ‘Yes. I’m sure it will be. How’s Rufus?’
‘He’s fine.’ Once again Kate moved her screen so that Rose could see both Granny Viv and Rufus, still sound asleep.
‘Okay, darling,’ said Rose. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way but you need to get a life. Go out tonight. At least for a drink. You’ve got friends down there. I know Valentine’s Day evening isn’t the best time to be single in a pub, but sitting at home with my mum, and Frank’s dog isn’t how you should be spending tonight. Mum won’t mind.’
‘Honestly, I’m fine. Go and enjoy yourselves. As I said to Beth, I want photos, please. And say hello to Frank. Where is he?’
Kate almost expected Frank to appear in a hot air balloon or something, as yet another gift for Valentine’s Day.
‘He’s in the loo,’ said Rose, which made Kate roar with laughter. ‘It’s not that funny! At our age, just getting there and back takes longer.’
‘Sorry. I wasn’t laughing at that. Enjoy the sunshine and the rest of your day. Love you, Mum.’
‘Love you too, darling. Sending lots of kisses. Don’t forget what I said. Life is for living. Let yourself go and have some fun once in a while.’
A moment after that call, Granny Viv woke herself up with a loud snore.
‘Oh good heavens. How long have I been asleep?’
‘A while. You missed calls from Beth and Mum. I didn’t want to wake you.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame. Are they having fun? Of course they are. And you should be too, darling. If you want to go out, please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Millie might pop in for a game of cards this evening. And Rufus will be happy to stay with us. Although you will have to take him for his walk because I’m too old for that.’
‘Yes. That’s what Mum and Beth just said.’ Kate made a decision. ‘Do you mean it? You wouldn’t mind if I went out tonight?’
‘Mind? I’d be delighted. I love you to bits, darling, but you rather cramp my style.’ She winked at Kate and her smile was genuine and full of love.
‘I’ll make a pot of tea,’ said Kate, jumping to her feet and heading to the kitchen taking her phone with her.
She took several deep breaths before pressing the call button.
Eleven
‘Hello!’ Raff sounded pleased to hear from her, but also slightly nervous.
‘Hello,’ Kate said. ‘Are you free tonight?’
‘Tonight?’ His surprise was evident. ‘Yes.’
‘Would you like to meet me for a drink? Or dinner? Or whatever?’
‘All three sound equally good. Which would you prefer?’
She was tempted to say all three. Instead she said, ‘It’s Valentine’s night so getting a table somewhere might be a problem.’
‘Not necessarily. I’m staying at Claybrooke Country House Hotel. Do you know it? It has a spacious dining room with an A la Carte menu. I’d just booked a table for tonight. But if you’d rather try elsewhere, I can easily cancel and ask the concierge to ring around.’
‘I think I’ve heard of it but I haven’t been there. Where is it?’
‘It’s about a ten-minute drive from where you are. Assuming you’re in Prince Regent Terrace.’
