Chapter 38
CLARK
It took me a while to stop screaming into a cushion after she left.
We have come so far since getting run over on the crossing and embarking on this weird journey.
Florence and I have gone from shouting and screaming to passionately kissing each other.
Now, I feel like we’ve entered a weird limbo-like state – all thanks to Margo.
I made myself a late lunch and then checked on Pearl, who seemed brighter. She was sitting at her kitchen table doing some crochet, which she claims always helps her to think straight when she’s in a pickle. Maybe I need to take up crochet, I wonder.
‘My supermarket delivery arrived a short while ago. I bought too much meat – can you take some off my hands?’ Pearl asked as I made us both a cup of tea. She pointed to the fridge. ‘Have a look.’
She’d bought enough sausages and burgers to feed the entire street.
‘I can’t eat all that,’ I exclaimed.
She shook her head. ‘You look pale. I think you need some iron. Now take all that meat with you, stick it in your fridge and have a nice tea tonight. Freeze the rest.’
‘Are you sure because this would have cost you a lot? Shall I give you some money?’
With a horrified look, she said, ‘No, Clark, you do a lot for me as it is.’
As I was leaving, clutching my bag of meat, she said, ‘You like her, don’t you?’
‘Is it obvious?’
She laughed. ‘Clark, it’s been obvious for years. All this huffing and puffing – you’ve both been busy avoiding the elephant in the room.’
‘Which is?’
‘You’re both madly in love with each other.’
I rolled my eyes and told her that if she needed anything later, I would be at Florence’s. This made her giggle. It was nice to see Pearl happy at least.
Now I’m back at my house, placing the sausages and burgers in my fridge, and Florence’s face won’t leave my mind.
All I can think about is how she’s been a steady presence in my life.
We’ve argued, bickered, and fought while growing up, during my father’s affair and departure, when Harry sadly died, and when Ben and Margo betrayed us.
She’s always been there. Our quarrelling has always given me another reason to annoy and argue with her.
I think back to when her mum texted me about having to rush Florence to the hospital.
I cancelled all my plans and drove over there.
For eight hours, I sat in my car, sending her my love telepathically.
My love?
The word lingers in my mind. I spend nearly every day in her café.
Not only that but I always try to get her attention by lying and saying there’s something wrong with her coffee.
Every time she has a boyfriend, I have secretly hated each one.
It then dawned on me that I have been in love with Florence Hill all my life.
I am knocking on Florence’s door.
She answers, and for a few seconds we stand and stare at each other.
‘You’re early,’ she says quietly.
‘I couldn’t keep away.’ I take her hand and rub it. ‘You’re a million times more important to me than Margo.’
‘Really?’ She looks at me intently.
‘It’s always been you,’ I whisper, stroking her cheek.
‘You’ve been the one constant in my life.
Our arguments have always given me another reason to talk to you.
I can’t keep away from your café and when I am in there, I always find a reason to distract you.
Florence, there is no one like you. I have come over here to say that I love you, I always have and I always will. ’
She’s in my arms and we’re kissing each other like crazy.
Her hands delve into my hair, and mine are around her waist. I am so turned on we nearly fall over on her doorstep.
With a giggle, she pulls me inside, and we close the door behind us.
I press her against the wall in her hallway. ‘Do you believe me now?’
With a smile, she nods, and we kiss again. If we fail the test and must spend eternity in that flat, at least we will be spending it wrapped in each other’s arms.
When we break for air, she leads me into the living room.
I sit down on her sofa and notice her phone has Jane’s podcast on the lock screen. ‘Have you been listening to The Lonely-Hearts podcast again?’
She nods. I think back to my conversation with Jane and realise I need to come clean. ‘I was at Jane’s house yesterday trying to apologise to Jack. I saw the email your mum sent to Jane.’
Something flickers across Florence’s face. I feel nervous.
‘You saw Mum’s email to Jane?’
I nod.
She’s staring at me. ‘You didn’t think to tell me?’
I don’t say anything.
Florence shakes her head. ‘Mum didn’t need to do that. She’s not lonely. I speak to her all the time. I need to convince her to stop seeing Steve.’
‘Why are you so against her and Steve?’
She sighs. ‘Because I am. I need to look out for her. Dad would have wanted that.’
I take her hand in mine. ‘Your dad would have wanted your mum to be happy.’
Tears roll her down her cheeks. ‘Yes, but Mum…’
I interrupt her. ‘Florence – your mum is lonely. The email she sent to Jane was heartbreaking.’
For a few moments she stops and stares at me.
‘She misses your dad, but she wants some company.’
It’s then I realise that it’s no use trying to convince her. She needs to speak to her mum.
I glance at the time. It’s mid-afternoon. Grabbing her hand, I get her door keys and guide her out of the house.
‘Where are we going?’ she asks.
‘You’ll find out. It’s time I took control.’