Page 27 of The Best of Times
Aron nodded.
“Very fancy. I’m sure your grandmother will be excited. My dad says they’ve had a few good nights in there.”
Paul looked handsome as ever in a navy woollen coat and jeans. His hair appeared to still be damp from the shower. Aron thought back to the times they’d showered together. Paul Higgs naked had been a thing of beauty. He doubted very much had changed on that score.
“Morning.”
They were interrupted by local celebrity Carl Carrington walking briskly past.
“Morning,” Aron replied.
“I didn’t know he lived here,” Paul said after Carl had gone. “He’s the leader of the opposition. Word is he’ll be prime minister at the next election.”
“The more time I spend hanging around the old place, the more I realise how much it’s changed since we were last here.”
Paul looked him up and down. The intensity of the gaze made Aron hold himself that bit taller.
“I’ll say.”
“Well don’t.”
“Fine. What are you doing for the rest of the day?”
Aron had tried to block the Sunday afternoon plans that had been forced upon him.
“My father is coming for an undisclosed reason.”
Instantly concern spread over Paul’s face. “Your mum isn’t coming, is she?”
Aron shook his head. “I’ve been spared.”
“When did you last see them?”
“Not since New York. Funnily enough, they’ve not bothered to visit.”
Paul exhaled. “I’m sorry. Hey, if you need a drink after, get in touch.”
Aron was taken aback. “Really?”
“Sure. We’re strangers round here, it seems. We should stick together.”
Aron saw a Mercedes arrive outside his grandmother’s. A man got out with what looked like dry cleaning. Granny stood on the steps, ordering the young man inside immediately.
“I’d better go. I have a feeling Granny’s outfit has arrived.”
Paul glanced back.
“Remember that drink offer. I might see you later.”
With that, he set off down the road. Aron watched him go.
Had he been wrong about Paul Higgs?
He shook his head. Those kinds of thoughts were not helpful. He and Paul might be on speaking terms but this was purely for the sake of the wedding. Nothing more. Nothing less.
CHAPTER SEVEN
As Aron made it to the front door, a handsome young man barged past him at high velocity. He looked exceedingly flushed.
