‘Listen, I’m really pleased for you, Krystle,’ saysAdam. ‘But –’
I beam at him. We’re in Adam’s workshop at BrambleberryManor and the place smells deliciously of wood shavings. ‘I know. Isn’t Carrieamazing? I mean, obviously if it had beenmewho’d won the lottery, ofcourse I’d have split my winnings withher. Hey, what’s that sly grinall about?’
Adam shakes his head. ‘Only joking. I know you would.Underneath that chaotic nature of yours beats a heart of pure gold.’
‘Aw, you say the nicest things. But what were you going tosay there?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You said you were really pleased for mebut...which obviously means you have some sensible pearls of wisdom for me?’ I flickmy eyes to the ceiling.
He grins. ‘Just don’t go around telling everyone, okay? Thatyou’ve come into some money. Because people will take advantage.’
‘Take advantage?’
‘Just keep it to yourself for now. That’s all I’m saying.’
‘Okay.’ I shrug. ‘Well, I’ve only told you so far.’
‘Are you sure?’ He peers at me and I relent. Adam knows metoo well.
‘Well, I might have mentioned it to Amanda in thenewsagents. But I had to tellsomeoneor I was going to burst! You’d bethe same if you suddenly hit the jackpot.’
‘Maybe.’
‘The thing is, when something like this happens, it’s kindof hard not to shout it from the rooftops. I mean, things like this just don’thappen to me, and I’d justloveskanky Sharon from school to know I’vehit the big time. That witch and her mates used to gang up on me in theplayground and threaten to cut all my hair off.’
‘They were just jealous of your blonde locks.’
‘Well, it wasn’tmyfault I looked the way I did.’
He smiles. ‘True. But kids are cruel. Just...be careful, that’s all.’
‘So how do you fancy coming out with me tonight tocelebrate? Carrie’s transferring the money into my account later today, so wecan go and gaze at my balance at the cash machine. Then I can withdraw somemoney and treat us to a slap-up meal.’
‘Hey, slow down.’ He grins. ‘Look, I’m really not trying torain on your parade but why not let the money sit in your account – for a dayat least – before you start spending it all over the place?’
I stare at him crossly. ‘But I’m not going to bespendingit all over the place. I’m going to be taking my best friend out for a mealto celebrate my good fortune, that’s all.’
He nods. ‘And I really appreciate the thought. Honestly, Ido. But I’ve got this big order to deliver to the gift shop on Friday and I’mgoing to be working all the hours to finish in time.’ He points at the animaland bird carvings on the bench nearby.
I smile and pick one up. The hare has been carved out ofpale wood and polished until it gleams. Sitting on its haunches, it gazes up atthe sky, and I run my finger in wonder along one of its beautiful long ears.
‘I don’t know how you do it, Adam. They’re so gorgeous. Ilove the owl as well. And the cute baby elephant.’
He looks suddenly bashful, turning away, a blush rising tohis cheeks. ‘Glad you like them.’
‘Oh, I do. I really do. You have such a talent.’
We exchange a smile that’s full of affection. After Carrie,Adam is the closest friend I have. We’ve known each other for a while now,although apart from that one kiss (which I barely remember because I’d drunk somuch) our relationship has remained platonic.
I can see the way other girls react to Adam, though –laughing at his jokes and fiddling with their hair – and I can totally see why.His vibrant personality can light up a room, although his cheeky-chappie linein banter can get a bit wearing sometimes. But mostly, he’s just great fun tobe with. And really caring.
I’ve sometimes wondered about him and me.
But what if it didn’t work out? We’d have ruined a greatfriendship. And anyway, Adam could have his pick of partners. He always seemsto be out and about with some girl or other, although it never seems to beanything serious, and to be honest, I forget their names as soon as I’ve asked.I don’t think he’s interested in romantic entanglements. His main focus is hisbusiness which seems to be going from strength to strength these days.
I heave a melodramatic sigh. ‘Okay, so you won’t come outwith me. I guess I’ll just have to take myself out. Or phone up skanky Sharon.’
