Page 21 of The Little Shop of Curiosities, The Music Box Part 2

“What do you mean, her family’s past?”

We come to a stop at the entrance’s iron archway. “Like most families that old, the Crawshanks family comes with many responsibilities…and many secrets.”

“But—”

The sky rumbles with thunder that is not too far distant.

“Looks like a storm’s coming,” Mr Hadley says mildly as the first few drops of rain begin to fall.

He produces a small black umbrella wrapped in on itself. He presses the button on the handle, and it springs open just as the heavens open. Holding the umbrella over himself, he raises his wrist to check the time.

“I’m afraid I must depart. I have a meeting shortly,” he says politely, and holds out his hand once again. “Good day to you, Mr Ames. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

I shake his hand, then watch him walk away briskly. It’s only when he rounds a corner and disappears from view, leaving me standing there drenched by the rain, that it occurs to me.

I never told him my name.

It’s late by the time I return to my flat. I’m cold and wet and my feet are squelching unpleasantly in my soaked shoes. I head into the bathroom for my second shower of the day, hoping it will warm me up and stop my teeth from chattering.

It’s not until I’m in the shower and my body temperature has returned to normal that I remember I was supposed to message Sam when I got back.

Shit.

I hurry to finish and dry off. Slipping into some soft lounge pants and a T-shirt, I head into the living with my phone and curl up on the sofa.

Me: Sorry I didn’t text you earlier, got caught in the rain and needed a shower to warm up once I got home.

Less than two seconds later, I see the bouncing dots on the screen followed by a reply.

Sam: I think you should describe it to me in great detail.

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips.

Me: Fine, when the precipitation in the clouds… I start chuckling as I type a long reply about storm systems.

Once again, the response is instant.

Sam: You’re mean.

Sam: I meant the shower.

Sam: A naked, soapy Harrison is my favourite kind.

I huff out a quiet laugh.

Me: Pervert.

He sends me back a string of emojis, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

Me: What are you doing now?

Sam: We’re about to raise a glass to Viv. Apparently, someone swiped a bottle of the old girl’s gin from the bookshop.

Me: Was that someone you?

Sam: Actually, I think it might have been Chan or Tristan, I’m not sure.

Me: Have fun and try not to get into too much trouble.