Chapter 43
As I made my way down to the reception desk, Theo was waiting for me, having gone ahead. ‘All sorted?’ I asked.
He nodded. ‘Yep. Everything’s fine.’
élodie sat behind reception. As friendly and accommodating as Mum had described, with her blonde ponytail and youthful complexion, she didn’t look old enough to be running a hotel. She smiled brightly as I handed her our room key. ‘Merci, madame,’ she said.
Theo gestured in the direction of the hotel’s relaxation area, and I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of Mum and Jackson.
Clearly disappointed their trip had come to an end, they sat, glum, with their packed bags at their feet.
It was probably my imagination, but even Roma in her pink diamanté collar appeared miserable.
‘Everything okay?’ I asked as Theo and I joined them.
‘Not really,’ Maeve said. ‘But I suppose like they say, all good things come to an end.’
Theo and I sat down on the sofa opposite.
‘I haven’t even said a proper goodbye to Gisèle.’ She sighed. ‘If it’s all right with you, I’d like to nip round before we leave.’
‘What if I was to say we should stay?’ I asked.
Maeve and Jackson looked to each other, surprised.
‘You mean all of us?’ Jackson asked. ‘You and Dad too?’
‘We’re only talking an extra few days,’ Theo said. ‘You need to be back in time for college, remember.’
Jackson’s face lit up. ‘Sounds good to me. We’ve been having a great time, haven’t we, Maeve?’
As much as he clearly enjoyed Mum’s company, I wondered if his delight was, in part, due to the great niece Mum had mentioned in one of her TikToks.
‘We most certainly have.’ Maeve looked to me, incredulous. ‘I can’t believe you’re serious. If anything, I’d have thought you’d be rushing back to work.’
‘Well, we thought you’d like to spend more time with Gisèle. And that maybe you could introduce us? I’d love to meet her. We both would.’
Maeve beamed. ‘I’d like nothing more.’ She turned serious again. ‘But you’re sure you don’t need to get back?’
‘I’m on leave, remember,’ I said. ‘Foredale and Frogmore can wait.’
‘This calls for a celebration,’ Maeve said. ‘Orange juice all round, is it?’ She rose to her feet. ‘Come on, Jackson. If you don’t mind, I’m going to need a bit of help.’ She paused to look at Theo and me. ‘I can’t wait to tell our viewers about this. TickyTok’s never going to believe it.’
As Mum and Jackson headed off, Theo took my hand. ‘When do we tell those two about us?’
I shrugged. ‘I’m not sure we should if we’re being featured on Mum’s social media.’
Theo smiled and unable to resist his full luscious lips, I leaned in for a lingering kiss.
‘Erin, Theo,’ Maeve said. ‘What’s going on?’
Opening our eyes, Theo and I froze.
‘Does this mean you’re my grandson, Jackson?’ Maeve asked.
‘I think it does,’ Jackson replied.
Our faces still only an inch apart, Theo and I chuckled.