Page 81 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
‘You were at the house?’ Julian asks. ‘Why?’
‘I wanted to see what it was like. I’ve always loved the look of it, so when it came up for sale I thought I’d take a peek.’
‘And what did you think?’ I can tell by the tone of his voice that this is anything but a casual question.
‘Very nice. It will makeyoua lovely home.’
‘A little sizable for only one perhaps?’ Julian suggests.
‘Maybe, but I’m sure you can make it work.’
‘I have every intention of doing just that,’ Julian says meaningfully. ‘Inallaspects of my life.’
‘Hi,’ I say to Jack, as Molly and I arrive at the pub and find Jack already sitting at a table. ‘How are you?’
‘Good thanks,’ Jack says. ‘Hi, Molly, thanks for coming. Ben is just getting some drinks in. What would you like?’
‘Er, Diet Coke please,’ Molly says warily, pulling out a chair.
‘Make that two,’ I say, sitting down next to her.
‘Would you mind adding two Diet Cokes to that order, Ben?’ Jack asks as his son comes over to the table with two pints of beer in his hands.
‘Sure,’ he says, beaming at us. ‘You must be Molly?’ he says, inclining his head towards her.
Molly nods feverishly.
‘Great,’ he says. ‘See you in a mo,’ and he heads back up to the bar.
I look at Molly. ‘You all right?’
Molly nods again. ‘Excuse me, I’ll be right back,’ she says. ‘Bathroom!’
I watch mystified as she rushes over to the Ladies loo.
‘Kids, eh?’ I say, shrugging. ‘Although Ben is hardly that now, is he? He’s very tall.’
‘Gets that from me,’ Jack says. ‘Not that you’d know it now though.’
‘He seems like a good lad,’ I say, smiling as Ben turns to look at us. ‘I don’t know what he thought of me the other night though, brandishing a crutch at him like some sort of lunatic!’
Jack laughs. ‘I think he was just pleased someone was looking out for me. For some reason my family worry about me.’
‘I’m not surprised. You’re far too independent for your own good. I’ve only known you a while and I’ve learnt that the hard way.’
‘Am I that bad?’
‘A nightmare! But you do have some redeeming qualities, I suppose.’
‘Like?’ Jack asks, grinning.
‘Like a handsome helpful son!’ I say, grinning back at him as Ben brings our drinks over.
‘Where’s Molly?’ he asks, looking around for her.
‘Popped to the loo,’ I say. ‘She’ll be back in a minute. I’m really sorry, Ben, for the other night,’ I begin.
‘Nah, don’t be daft. You were only looking out for Dad. I tell you what though, I wouldn’t fancy my chances as a burglar with you in the building!’
