Page 20 of A Lot to Unpack
‘I get that,’ she reassures me. ‘I was just upset, because it was my day, but I’ve calmed down, and so I want to reinvite you to the wedding.’
I purse my lips – I didn’t realise I’d been uninvited. Information my mum probably kept from me because she knew Hannah would calm down eventually.
‘Thanks,’ I reply.
‘Let’s just keep it a normal day – my day – yeah? I don’t mind if you bring a plus one, but bring a good one,’ she suggests.
‘Sure,’ I say. ‘Thanks again.’
I did make a scene at her party and I am sorry. I have to do better at her wedding – I refuse to be messy, no matter what’s going on in my life. Perhaps Matcher can help me find a decent plus one?
‘Wait – can I have that cup?’ she asks quickly, just in time before I put a sugar in the Garfield cup.
‘Of course,’ I tell her.
She takes her cup along with one for her mum.
Alone again, I notice my phone vibrating on the worktop and it’s Woody, the only eligible man on the island, asking me if Iwant to meet up – wow – in twenty minutes. I mean, yeah, it’s a small island, but that doesn’t exactly give me long to get dolled up. Then again, beggars can’t be choosers, on an island that is probably less than two square miles in size.
Am I nervous? No, of course I’m not, because this isn’t a real date, is it? It’s work.
Thankfully, being a local, he’s suggested a place where we can grab a drink. A bar called DeepBlue, which sounds like a promising place to get a cocktail at least.
‘How are those drinks coming along?’ my gran asks, joining me in the kitchen.
‘I think I’ve got one for everyone,’ I reply semi-confidently. ‘And that I’ve got everyone’s order right.’
Gran casts an eye over them.
‘Wait, who isn’t having one?’ she asks.
‘Oh, me,’ I reply. ‘I’m going out – I have a date.’
‘How did you know?’ she asks, surprised.
‘What do you mean, Gran?’
‘How did you know about your date? Did your grandad tell you? I’ll be honest, I thought you’d be dead against it…’ she says, confusing me even more.
Erm…
‘Grandad knows?’ I check.
‘He was there, when Marlena and I set it up. I was just coming in here to tell you – I’m so relieved you’re okay with it,’ she replies, rubbing my arm. ‘I hate to think of you alone. I want you to be happy, and Marlena wants the same for Tom.’
Okay, one of us is confused, and while my gran may be pushing ninety, I’m pretty sure it’s me.
‘Tom?’
‘Marlena’s grandson,’ she replies. ‘She said you should meet him at seven, at the Anchor Inn pub, and that he’ll be wearinga blue striped shirt. You’re supposed to wear a red scarf, if you have one, so he knows it’s you.’
Oh, God, no, I’ve just realised what’s happening here. My gran has set me up on an actual blind date.
‘You know what, Gran, I’m not sure I can make it,’ I reply, not wanting to throw her kindness in her face. ‘Do you think you could cancel for me?’
‘Sorry, my love, I can’t,’ she replies. ‘Marlena is on a cruise.’
‘So, no way of contacting Tom?’ I check.
