Page 88 of Lessons in Life

‘Yes, that’s the general idea.’

‘Oh, er, well, yes, thank you. That would be lovely. When were you thinking?’

‘It’s tomorrow evening.’

Lisa wished her phone weren’t in her bag in the staffroom. Wished that she could be seen to be perusing a diary before accepting. She didn’t want to appear too keen. Wasn’t that part of dating rules these days? Oh, you ridiculous woman, Lisa Allen, she scolded herself. Who said this was a date? He was probably just trying to find out what she knew about Fabian’s interest in the house.

‘So, is that a yes, then?’ Kamran was smiling at her, his arms folded as she continued to dither.

‘I don’tthinkI’ve anything on tomorrow,’ she lied, knowing all that would be on was the new drama on the box that Jess had recommended.

‘Well, shall I give you my number and then you can confirm when you’ve had a good look at your diary?’

‘Lovely.’ Lisa swallowed back her nerves. ‘Why don’t we do that?’

‘And, if that fits with you, I’ll pick you up about three. It’s quite a drive.’

‘Three? You mean 3p.m.? Goodness, it must be if we need to set off at three. Where is this restaurant?’

‘Montmartre.’

‘No, I mean where is it? Not what it’s called.’ She smiled across at him.

‘Montmartre.’ He laughed at her confusion, obviously enjoying the game.

‘The one in Paris?’

‘The very one.’

‘Right, OK. Er, so how do we get there?’

‘To be honest, Lisa, if the weather isn’t wonderful, we won’t get permission to take off. It is January, after all. But the forecast is for a cold and clear day. Hopefully we should be OK.’

‘You have your own plane?’

‘I share it with my brothers. We’re all qualified to fly.’

‘Well, I’d hope so,’ Lisa said faintly. ‘I can’t imagine going up in a tin can over the English Channel if you weren’t.’

‘Not had to bail out yet,’ Kamran said cheerfully. ‘It’s been great for the three of us getting about when we’ve business in Europe. I want to look round this place a bit more now, so if you’ll excuse me? I’ll leave my number with Jess… Oh, and don’t forget your passport.’

And with that he headed towards the front door and the gardens leaving Lisa feeling utterly winded.

* * *

‘You’re doingwhat?’ Jess was immediately round on her return from Hudson House, handing Lisa the piece of paper with Kamran Sattar’s number written on it.

‘Am flying off t’Montmartre for me tea,’ Lisa repeated in her best Yorkshire accent. Which was never very convincing.

‘In his plane? In January? Over the sea?’ Jess stared and Lola, knowing something was afoot, and following in her mother’s wake, shook her head.

‘You can’t do that, Granny.’

Lisa, who had been thinking exactly the same all afternoon, replied, ‘Absolutely I can.’

‘Won’t you need one of those Biggles’ helmets and goggles, Granny?’ Lola stared.

‘Mum, he’s the enemy.’ Jess tutted, ignoring Lola’s concern re Lisa’s sartorial headgear. ‘You can’t fraternise with the enemy. He’s about to turn out all the residents into the cold just so he can extend his fish-finger empire.’

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