Page 97 of The Forever Gift

‘Alone time.’ Kayla laughs. ‘Me and Aiden, God no.’

Aiden.That’s his name, how could I forget?

‘Jeez, thanks,’ Aiden says, folding his arm and tilting his head to one side.

‘Ah, you know I didn’t mean it like that,’ Kayla says, blushing.

‘Have you asked her yet?’ Aiden says.

‘I was trying to but then you barged in.’

‘Oh, right. Sorry.’ Aiden blushes. ‘Do you want me to go again?’

‘Nah, you’re grand.’ Kayla smiles. ‘Charlie doesn’t mind if you’re here, do you Charlie?’

I shrug.If Kayla is going to ask me something huge, or personal, I would rather we were alone. But of course I don’t say that.

‘Well go on then,’ Aiden encourages and I’m not sure how I feel about this boy. I must ask Gavin about him. I hope he’s not a bad influence on Kayla.

Kayla takes a deep breath and says, ‘I want to buy a bakery.’

A strange throaty gargle seems to escape my lips, but no actual words follow.

‘She’s serious,’ Aiden says, as if he suspects I need that clarification. And, to be honest, I do.

I try not to look so blatantly flabbergasted. Of all the things I thought she might say this was definitely not one of them. ‘You what?’

Kayla nods. Certain. ‘For my mam.’

‘Oh,’ I say, understanding, but no less shocked. ‘Kayla that’s very sweet, but businesses like that cost thousands to set up. And even more to run. Especially in the early days.’

Kayla nods. ‘I know.’

‘We learnt all about setting up small enterprises in school,’ Aiden says. ‘We did a whole project on it.’

‘Oh, did you now?’ I laugh, wondering how long these two have been concocting this master plan.

‘I know that the premises is only the start of it. I know it will take a lot of money to buy equipment and ingredients and stuff,’ Kayla says.

‘And insurance and marketing and accounts,’ I say, hating that I’m bursting their bubble.

‘I know. I know,’ Kayla says. ‘That’s why I need your help.’

‘Oh, Kayla.’ I shake my head. ‘Your dad and I don’t have that kind of money.’

Kayla giggles. ‘I know that, silly.’

Aiden laughs too. I’m glad they see the funny side.

‘But it was a very nice idea. I’m sure your mam will appreciate the sentiment,’ I say.

‘What? No. You can’t tell her.’ Kayla straightens suddenly and I know for sure she’s in agony.

I hurry over to the bed, gently nudging Aiden out of the way. I ease Kayla back against the mound of pillows waiting behind her and hope that the tears gathering in my eyes won’t start to trickle down my face. Not in front of her.

‘There now,’ I say, when she’s resting. ‘Is that better?’

Kayla takes some deep breaths, exhausted, and her eyes seek out Aiden’s. She’s obviously requesting he be her spokesperson for the restof this conversation. I glance over my shoulder. Aiden looks nervous but determined and I decide that maybe I do like this boy after all.

---