Page 6 of The Pop-Up Cake Shop

I gave a mock grimace. ‘Let’s hope you’re right.’

I felt more relaxed now, knowing that – barring another tractor getting in the way or an alien spaceship landing on the car – we were actually going to make it back to Sunnybrook by four.

As Ellie sped along, we talked about the places on my list that I was keen to visit, and I felt a little bubble of excitement expanding within me. OfcourseI wanted to go to New York. In fact, I could hardly wait for tomorrow. I probably wouldn’t sleep tonight for excitement.

‘Have a great time!’ called Ellie as she drove off. ‘Give my love to Richard and the Big Apple.’

I smiled and waved, then I walked slowly up the path to my flat.

Something was still dragging me down a little, casting a shadow over my forthcoming trip, although I was trying very hard to ignore it.

Stepping inside, I shook my head as if to banish the feeling.

I was just being silly.

My time in New York with Richard was going to be wonderful!

CHAPTER TWO

The courier arrived at dead on four with my passport and I breathed a sigh of relief as I signed for it.

As I popped it in my handbag, ready for the next day, I checked I had my travel money card as well. Yes, all present and correct. Then I wondered if maybe I should have ordered some currency as well. It was always useful for tips in restaurants... that kind of thing. And what about the taxi at the other end? Richard would obviously have cash but it would be nice to be able to pay my way.

I shrugged my coat on again and walked round the corner to the travel agent on Sunnybrook High Street to hopefully buy some dollars to take with me.

I couldn’t resist a quick peek in the jeweller’s window next door. The gorgeous silver bracelet I’d spotted on an earlier occasion was still there and just for a second, I pictured splashing out and treating myself so I could wear it to New York.

Of course, I knew I’d do no such thing.

My Granny Olga had taught me the importance of being thrifty right from when I was tiny, and old habits tended to die hard. It was annoying in a way because I never felt comfortable buying myself anything I considered a bit too extravagant. There was always that nagging voice in my ear telling me the money would be far better in my savings account... saving for something more sensible like a house. (Richard and I had been saving for a while now to buy our first property together.)

With a rueful smile, I took one last lingering look at the bracelet and went into the travel agent’s.

The woman behind the counter smiled when she handed the envelope over and said that New York was her favourite destination of all for a short break.

‘I got engaged there, many moons ago,’ she confided, a starry look in her eyes as she played absently with her name badge. ‘Barry took me all the way up to the top of the Empire State building and proposed right there. He got down on one knee and I said yes – of course – and everybody clapped.’

‘Oh, that’s lovely.’ I felt quite teary hearing about this woman Geraldine’s gorgeous love story.

‘I know.’ She crossed her hands over her heart. ‘Barry knew thatSleepless in Seattlewas my favourite movie ever. That’s where they meet in the film, you know? At the top of the Empire State Building?’

I smiled. ‘It’s a great film. So how long have you been married?’

‘To Barry? Well, that one lasted five months.’ She grimaced. ‘The length of time it took me to realise he preferred men and I was just his cover story.’

‘Oh. Right.’

Geraldine beamed at me. ‘But I’m married to Roger now. Eight blissful years on Sunday, in fact.’

I smiled. ‘Well, happy anniversary for Sunday!’

‘Thank you.’

‘Second time lucky!’

She grinned. ‘Third, actually. In between Barry and Roger, there was a brief dalliance with a car salesman called Eric.’

‘Ah.’

---