Chapter 39
THIRTY-NINE
‘Of course I don’t mind that you’re going on holiday.’ Kate sipped on a skinny latte outside the Windmill Café. Boris, keen to get off his lead and out on the common, whimpered impatiently.
‘I don’t want you to think I’m not taking this venture seriously, because this will mean pushing the first event back.’
‘It’s fine,’ Kate soothed. ‘It’s probably much better to do it after half-term anyway as a lot of people will be away.’
‘Actually yes, you’re right.’ Gracie leant down to pat the impatient pooch. Soon, Boris, soon. ‘Where’s Flossy today anyway?’
‘I popped her in doggy daycare – wanted to be hands free today, so to speak.’
Gracie laughed. ‘She has a better life than all of us!’
Kate grinned. ‘So where are you going, then, Gracie?’
‘I’m not sure yet, my sister’s booking somewhere today. We’ll be leaving tomorrow hopefully.’ Noms, in her paranoia, had thought it best not to announce their destination to anyone.
‘Wherever you are going, I’m well jel,’ Kate laughed. ‘We need to sort somewhere for our summer holiday or everything will be booked up, and the thought of having Alice at home for eight weeks without any distraction is too much to bear. She’s such a live wire.’
‘It will do you good to get away, too. Don’t they say that twenty per cent of babies are made on holiday? Can’t you do something this half term, too?’
‘I always wonder who “says” these things. But Kevin is a bit reticent between the sheets lately – he’s far too stressed with work.’
‘All the more reason, then. You’ve got to get on it like a car bonnet if you want another baby!’
Kate laughed. ‘What?’
‘It’s one of Ed’s expressions, don’t even go there.’
‘Talk of the devil.’ Kate nudged Gracie’s arm.
Ed sauntered over to their table. A fixed grin on his face. ‘How’s the injured soldier today, then?’ Gracie was surprised to find her heart doing a little leap.
So much better, thanks. The bandages are off already – look.’ Gracie lifted her arm to show a light graze on her elbow.
‘My expert medical skills, see.’ He winked at Gracie. ‘Ladies, if you need a first aider for your events, Doctor Duke is your man, the kiss of life, my speciality.’
They all laughed.
Gracie got up. ‘Have you got a sec, Ed?’
‘For you, I have a clock full.’ They walked towards the café door, Boris in tow.
‘Sorry I’ve been a bit elusive the past few days,’ Gracie said, shyly.
‘It’s cool. You let me know you were OK, that was all I asked. I thought you might need some time after what had happened with your ex.’
This man is getting better and better , Gracie thought. ‘I also wanted to let you know I’m going on holiday.’
‘That’s great. Will do you good.’
‘With my sister, and my nephew, of course,’ Gracie offered.
‘Nice. But if you do need someone to carry your suitcase…’ Smiling, he gently squeezed her shoulder. ‘So where you off to?’
Gracie smiled. ‘Now, here’s a thing, I don’t know yet, Noms is booking today, so it’s all very exciting. Leaving tomorrow, if all goes to plan.’
‘Blimey, you don’t mess around, girl. And how long do I have to miss your beautiful face for?’
‘Nine days, I expect, to fit with Jack.’
‘So you’re saying you don’t want your injection administered for nine whole days, Miss Davies? How will I cope? Or, I should say, how will you?’
Gracie took a deep breath and spoke quickly. ‘I was hoping we may be able to go out tonight?’
Ed closed his eyes and sighed. ‘This is so annoying but I, I err… promised my flatmate I’d take him to the airport this evening.’ He tutted. ‘How annoying. Maybe I could come to you afterwards, say nine thirty-ish?’
Gracie thought for a minute. ‘That will work well, actually. I can get packed first.’
‘Cool, that’s a date, then. How about when you know what time your flight is and, if it fits then… err. If you want to, that is, you could stay over.’
‘I’d like that.’ Gracie felt she could get used to this endearing new Ed. ‘Right. I’d better walk young Muttley here. I owe him a few miles – he’s going to hate us for putting him in kennels while we are away.’
‘And I’d better do some work. Can’t wait to see you later.’ He patted her bum gently.
Kate smirked as Gracie walked back over to her with a yapping Boris.
‘I thought you said you two weren’t going anywhere? Doesn’t look that way to me.’
Gracie laughed. ‘I’m seeing him later.’
Kate raised her eyebrows. ‘You could do a lot worse. He seems like fun.’
Gracie nodded. ‘Time will tell. My holiday will clear the cache, so to speak. Do you need anything from me before I go?’
‘Not at all. Go and have an amazing time and I’ll see you when you’re back. If there is anything pressing I do need an answer on, I’ll email you.’
‘Sure. I can pick up emails easily from my phone, and Kate… thanks for everything. You don’t realise how much you’ve helped me.’
Gracie noticed Kate welling up. ‘We are a team, now.’
Gracie put her hand on hers. ‘Now, you get that family holiday booked yourself and get shagging, girl. I need a baby to cuddle.’
Leaving Kate with a kiss on the cheek, she realised that she was feeling an emotion she hadn’t felt in a long time – happiness.