‘Auntie Kay gave me the deposit,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘So I think we’re evens. Can we eat now?’
I looked from him to my parents to Auntie Kay. Everyone seemed to be nodding encouragingly. ‘Does the invitation stretch to Kit and Kat?’
‘Of course,’ she said. ‘They’ve already made themselves at home.’
‘As long as everyone doesn’t mind, it’s a big fat yes, then,’ I squealed. ‘Thank you so much.’
‘You’re very welcome.’ Auntie Kay gave me another hug.
‘You’re not going for another ten days,’ I said. ‘My stuff’s everywhere. It’ll be in the way.’
‘Ah. Slight change of plan. Linda and I are leaving on Monday now.’
I gasped. ‘This Monday? As in four days’ time? The shop’s not ready yet. What if I have questions?’
‘Then email me them. I’m moving into Linda’s this evening so we can sort out the last-minute details. I’m around for three more full days and I promise to be more available in that time if you need me. I’ve done all my clothes shopping now.’
‘But…’
‘I hate to break up this riveting discussion,’ Ben said, ‘but I’m wasting away. Man need food. Now.’ He pushed past me and bounded down the stairs like a little kid, followed by Auntie Kay, then Mum and Dad.
I looked around the bedroom trying to take in what had just happened. A new business opening in two weeks’ time and a new home from this very minute. Shocked as I was by Auntie Kay’s announcement, I knew she was right; I’d done most of it on my own so far. How spooky that I’d been talking to Elise less than a week ago about moving out and now it had happened.If felt like everything was slotting into place. Of course, moving in meant I had absolutely no excuse for putting off registering with a dating site and going all out with my search for Steven.
Kit launched himself onto the bed and I nuzzled into his fur. ‘Do you think it’s time we found you a new daddy?’ I whispered. He purred loudly. ‘I’ll take that as a yes.’
My phone beeped. Nick again?
?? From Nick
Forgot to say in last text… do you have any plans for 2 weeks on Monday? I have a proposition for you. Will stop by the shop one day next week to explainx
?? To Nick
No plans so far. Sounds exciting. See you soon x
Eek! Kisses again. Was he asking me on a date? No. You don’t ask someone on a date for two-and-a-half weeks’ time and you don’t use words like ‘proposition’. But a little part of me quite liked the idea of a date.
‘Sarah! Food’s ready,’ Ben shouted up the stairs. ‘Get your arse down here.’
Nice.‘Coming.’ I stood up and was momentarily blinded by a flash from a chest of drawers. Moving a little closer, I saw a large and very sparkly photo frame that must have caught the light. Instinctively I picked it up to look at the photo: a large print of the lighthouse picture Auntie Kay had shown me on Monday. She must have had it enlarged while she was in town. Blown up to A4 size, my resemblance to my grandma was even clearer.
‘Sarah!’ Ben shouted again.
‘Coming,’ I shouted back, reluctantly putting the photo back on the drawers. Something else in the larger picture caught my eye: Grandma’s bracelet. When Grandma died, Auntie Kay as the elder sister inherited her wedding and engagement rings and Mum inherited the bracelet.
She also says your mum will be devastated in the future when she can’t find your grandma’s bracelet. It’s not lost. It’s under the sofa…
I’d already looked under Mum and Dad’s sofa but what if it was under Auntie Kay’s instead? I raced out the room, down the stairs and into the lounge.
‘Whatareyou doing?’ Ben said, making me jump as I lay on the floor.
‘Do me a favour and lift up that end of the sofa.’
‘Why?’
I glared at him. He sighed but did as he was asked. I bent down and looked underneath.Fluff… coins… hair-grip and… oh my God!I grabbed at the object.
Ben lowered the sofa back down with a grunt. ‘What is it?’
