Page 32 of Forever Mr Black

Lucy’s eyes widen with excitement.

“I want to look my best for when I meet his mum.”

“You’ll look fine. Stop worrying; there’s really no need.”

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Will it be a formal do or not?”

I sigh. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I mean … if the weather’s nice, we’ll be outside …”

“Aha, the floral one it is then. Okay, love. Must dash. I’ve left Martin in menswear, picking out some new trousers.”

“Bye, Mum.”

“What was all that about?” Lucy asks.

I put my phone down and sigh. “Mum’s fretting about what to wear for the engagement party. She’s buying a new dress.”

Lucy giggles. “Poor old Martin.” She takes a sip of tea, her eyes sparkling. “So, is it a mansion then?”

“No! God, don’t you start. It’s just … a big house.”

Olly walks out into the courtyard, collecting glasses from off the tables and whistling to himself. “Afternoon, ladies.”

We smile in response to his cheery acknowledgment.

“He’s another one who’s very chirpy,” Lucy remarks as he disappears back into the Orangery.

“I met his girlfriend the other night.”

“No wonder he’s happy then. He’s getting some. What’s she like?”

“Blonde, pretty. She seemed nice. Her name’s Holly.”

She laughs. “Olly and Holly. Seriously?”

“I think it’s cute.”

Lucy wrinkles her nose in disagreement and heaves a despondent sigh.

Something’s up. The last few days, Lucy hasn’t been her usual happy-go-lucky self. Don’t tell me the honeymoon phase with her and Big Steve has worn off already.

“You sound as though you’re a bit jealous.”

She frowns. “About what?”

“About the fact that Olly’s ‘getting some’ as you put it, and you’re not,” I probe.

She doesn’t reply. This is harder work than I imagined.

“So?” I press.

She shrugs her shoulders and carries on looking out across the gardens. “So?”

“Come on, Luce. What’s going on with you and Big Steve?”

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