‘I see. So none of his business, chivalry you don’t need, but you’re meeting for a coffee?’
‘Doesn’t mean I don’t like him. I do, or at least I think I do.’ She flashed a smile. ‘I just need him to not ...’
‘Not what?’
‘Interfere.’
‘Ah, I think you’ll find that’s what he does.’ Lilly pictured him bent low and calling through the letterbox.
‘How are you feeling about the move?’
She hated how the topic could put a rock even in the most excited stomach full of butterflies.
‘I think I’m in denial, love,’ Lilly admitted. ‘And until I figure out what to do next, it’s a place I’ll stay.’
‘I understand. It’s hard for me too, and compared to you, we’ve only been here five minutes.’ Clodagh squeezed her hand, and Lilly patted her arm in return; she didn’t want to feel this level of emotion, not tonight, when she had so much to look forward to.
‘Right, you can’t be late. Also, Lilly, I wanted to say before you left that I’ll keep my phone on, and if there’s anything that bothers you, or if he tries anything on, call me and I’ll see the missed call and we’ll come and rescue you, Apollo and I.’
‘Isn’t he in bed?’
‘Yes, but that’s not the point! He has an enviable stick collection that can be used for whacking the keenest of suitors!’
They both laughed.
‘I don’t think Alfie’s going to try anything; we’re a little over the hill for that.’ Lilly laughed, thinking that actually, with those smile-crinkled blue eyes, him trying something, when the time was right, might be quite agreeable. Not that she was about to share this with Clodagh, or anyone else, for that matter. ‘Besides’ – she lifted and splayed her fingers – ‘I’ve got these knuckledusters on, should he try any funny business!’
‘Knuckledusters!’ Clodagh laughed, another reminder for Lilly that some of the phrases she had inherited from her dad were quite alien to the young woman.
Having locked her front door, Lilly trod the stairs with the tiniest feeling of trepidation. Supposing he didn’t show? The concern melted away instantly as she stepped down on to the riverwalk and there he was, early and waiting. Lilly stopped for a minute and blinked softly, as if taking a photograph to store in her mind, one for the album. The sun was setting behind him, the sky had taken on a dusky mauve hue. He was wearing jeans, a navy linen blazer, a white shirt with the top button open, double cuffs, and that watch on display again. He looked just as neat and well put together as he had the first time they’d met. Her heart squeezed at the sight of him, a novel and welcome flutter of attraction that she hadn’t felt for the longest time.
It was curious, the lack of awkwardness, no weighted silence, which she had half expected. Instead, he lifted his crooked arm and she slipped hers through it, as if they were simply picking up where they had left off and had done this a thousand times before and would probably do it a thousand times more. Strolling in the direction of Battersea from Vauxhall, they ambled along the riverwalk like they had all the time in the world. She liked his lack of urgency, suggesting it mattered not if they arrived or didn’t, happy to roam, as if this was what mattered most, this time together, beginning.
‘It’s very nice to see you again, Lilly.’
‘It’s very nice to see you again too. Before we get too far into the evening, I have a couple of questions from my friend, Glenda. I’ve known her for donkey’s years.’
‘Oh, you should have brought her along!’
‘Really?’
‘No!’ He shook his head. It was nice to be reminded that he was funny. ‘What is it Glenda wants to know?’
‘First, why you’re okay eating fish but not meat? She figures the suffering is about the same for both species, so ...’
‘Glenda is a very wise woman, no doubt.’ He locked eyes with her briefly. ‘The answer is simple. I love meat, love a big fat juicy steak, roast chicken, pork chops, a decent banger, the lot! Stick me in front of a BBQ and I’m one happy man. But the old cholesterol was getting high.’ He patted his heart. ‘I wanted to eat healthier. My youngest daughter has been nagging me for years about changing to a vegetarian diet, and I agreed. I did that for about a month and was so tempted to go back to meat. I missed all the things I loved, so I decided to treat myself to fish and chips, also one of my great loves, just once a month, and that’s what I do. Just once a month!’ He held up a finger. ‘I say I’m a pescatarian so I don’t get it in the neck from those who want to shout that they thought I was a vegetarian when they see me eating my chish and fips! But better for my health, better for the planet, better all round, but please, Glenda, let me have my chippy tea just once every four weeks.’
‘I shall pass that on.’
‘Thank you. What was the second thing?’
‘She was worried that you might be an axe murderer.’
‘Ah, yes, well, you can tell Glenda that I’m not. Although I’m aware that if I was, I’d likely not admit to it, so not sure of the value in my denial. And isn’t it strange the way people always plump for axe murderer and not just a regular murderer? I mean, how many people are actually murdered by axe?’
‘That’s exactly what I said!’ The ease of their chatter was as promising as it was reassuring, reminding her powerfully of another time in her life when easy conversation, physical attraction and a willing spirit had led her down a dark and life-changing road. Atno more than this thought she felt a bolt of caution fire through her gut and her arm now sat a little awkwardly through his. ‘Can’t remember the last time I went out to dinner.’
‘I eat out more than I eat in. I tend to have most of my meetings in restaurants, convenient when in London, and certainly saves me having to cook. I never really look forward to it – all those meetings merge into one in my mind – but I’ve been looking forward to this all day, very much.’
