Chapter 23
Monday was exactly one month until Christmas Day and the shop was already far busier than normal for the beginning of the week.
Festive earnings kept Ware they have to be PAT tested. But leave it with me. Some charity shops do. I’ll ask around.’
His face broke into a smile as he prepared to leave. ‘Thanks, Lili. He’ll be looking for ways to play his old Donkey Kong and Tetris games next.’
Donkey Kong featured in the Mario franchise. Was it not even possible to go one day without thinking about Dylan?
She turned around the Open sign and waved goodbye to the other staff. Tommo and Meg came down last. Meg gave a loud yawn. ‘Why did I agree to get up early this morning and go swimming with Gran?’
‘The same reason I agreed to walk next door’s dog twice a day at the weekend because they’re away. We’re excellent people,’ Tommo said smugly.
‘Modest too,’ said Lili.
‘How was your weekend, Lili?’ asked Meg. ‘How did Sunday afternoon go?’
‘Great. Fine. Apart from falling down the stairs and ending up in A&E.’
Tommo stopped putting on his biker jacket. ‘What the hell? How are you, gal?’
‘Fine. I slipped on a coat. Just hurt my hip. A whole lot of fuss over nothing if you ask me. But Dylan had popped by, on his way back from his aunt’s. He took me to hospital.’
‘Glad he was there,’ said Meg.
‘It’s been one thing after another lately. You know that expensive Vegas trip?’ Lili told them how she’d left cancelling the hotel until too late. ‘Harry can’t go, so Dylan said he would, paying his way.’
‘Sounds like the perfect solution,’ said Tommo. ‘You deserve a break and it’ll be great for you to have someone to share the experience with.’
Lili frowned and zipped up her jacket. ‘No – I mean, he’d go on his own. I… I couldn’t face it. That trip was for me and Em.’
‘Not even with decent company?’ said Meg, and she shrugged. ‘A break might do you good. You’ve not had a holiday all year, apart from those few days in London back in early October.’
‘Me go with Dylan?’
‘You’re right. Stupid idea,’ said Tommo, and he put on his helmet. ‘Who in their right mind would want to see Vegas at night with its magical lights.’ He whistled. ‘Imagine biking down the strip.’
‘Or the chance to meet celebrities and see amazing clothes,’ said Meg dreamily.
On the drive home, Lili couldn’t stop thinking about the excitement on Tommo and Meg’s faces.
She and Em had booked adjoining rooms, as the trip was a luxury treat, so that they each had a double bed.
And Em did snore! She’d ruled out the idea of going to Vegas alone but perhaps travelling with someone new might be… okay.
When she pulled on the drive, Lili took out her phone.
So much for cutting ties. But them just being friends was working, right?
Hi Dylan. Any chance you’ve got an old video player in your warehouse? It’s my day off on Wednesday. Could I come over to look? We can also chat about Vegas!