‘No tears, please,’ Ivy said.
‘I’m sorry.’ Ugly crying. It was definitely ugly crying. And Bloody Blair Beckett looked perfect, even when he had consumed too much wine.
‘Don’t apologise,’ Blair said.
Quinn wiped his tears. ‘Look at you two. What’s going on then?’
The pair looked at each other, all smiles.
‘I saw you kiss.’ Quinn pointed to the mistletoe hung above one of the book aisles. ‘Don’t lie.’
Ivy giggled. ‘So, we kissed.’
‘So, what does that mean?’
‘I think that’s a conversation for us to have,’ Blair said, as Ivy laughed again. ‘See you in the pub?’
‘In the pub,’ Quinn confirmed.
He watched them go, and then turned back to the shop, expecting to ask Hermione to leave. Instead, he saw Gordon browsing the DIY section. Since the castle, Quinn hadn’t had time to speak to him.
‘I can’t believe you did that earlier.’
‘Ah, mate, had to,’ Gordon said. ‘The missus had my nuts in a vice.’
Quinn tried to push that image out of his mind.
‘Thing is, Harold ain’t an evil man,’ Gordon continued. ‘He’s just a little inconsiderate of his actions.’
‘A little?’
‘A lot.’ Gordon grinned.
Gordon seemed happier, brighter.
‘So, have you got a new job?’
‘Aye,’ Gordon said. ‘A property firm. Ten grand pay rise. Can’t go wrong.’
‘Happy for you, Gordon.’
Gordon clapped Quinn on the back in that classic masculine way that made Quinn feel out of place in his own bloody shop. ‘You’re a good man, Quinn.’
He couldn’t have a sentimental moment with Gordon. If he did, he would never stop crying.
‘They’re all going to the pub. You going?’
‘Nah, got to get home,’ Gordon said. ‘I value my nuts.’
When Gordon had gone, Quinn approached the three remaining people in the shop, Hermione, Jerry and Ronald.
‘The man of the hour,’ Ronald slurred.
‘Looks like you’ve all enjoyed yourself tonight.’
‘Of course. I’ve missed nights like these,’ Hermione wistfully said.
Jerry eyed Quinn, and then patted his thigh. ‘I think we should leave you alone.’
