Page 55 of The Perfect Gift

‘Yes, thank you, that was wonderful.’

Kat continued around the small table, gathering the dirty plates, which she took to the sink. She returned to collect their coffee cups, pausing to press a kiss to Harry’s cheek. ‘Why don’t you all head into the lounge and Ed can tell you more about his plans and I’ll finish tidying up?’

‘I’m not sure we’ve got as far as a plan,’ Ed protested with a laugh that set Frankie’s teeth a little on edge. It was clear he was excited about the idea, so why was he trying to talk it down already?

‘All the more reason for you to chat to Harry about it, then,’ she told him as she got up. ‘I’m sure he’ll have loads of useful insights about working with young people. I’ll help Kat clear up and then I’m going to head back to the cottage.’

Ed frowned. ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

‘No, I’ve got stuff to do. Those presents I bought aren’t going to wrap themselves and then I really must spend some time going over the script for my new film.’

‘And I want to clear this table so I can sit down with my laptop and do a bit of writing,’ Kat added.

‘I think they’re trying to get rid of us,’ Harry told his twin.

‘I think you’re right!’

The two of them left and suddenly the small kitchen seemed much larger with just her and Kat in it. ‘If you wash, I can dry?’ she offered.

‘Sounds like a plan. So are you able to talk about your new film or is it all hush-hush?’ Kat asked as they finished clearing the table and moved everything over to the sink.

‘I can talk a bit about it, but it hasn’t been formally announced yet,’ Frankie said as she picked up a tea towel and rested her hip against the counter.

‘Only whatever you’re comfortable with, but you know I won’t say anything about it, not even to the others if it’s all still under wraps.’

‘I’ll tell you a bit about it on the condition you tell me what you’re writing about.’ It was the first time Kat had mentioned anything about it and Frankie was fascinated to learn more.

Kat’s cheeks flushed. ‘Oh, I’m not sure I can. It’s still in the early stages and I haven’t really shown it to anyone.’

Frankie was even more intrigued, but she also didn’t want to put her friend on the spot. ‘No pressure if you’re not ready. Hey, if you want some peace and quiet, why don’t you bring your laptop over to mine? I’ll be working on my script so you won’t be disturbed.’

Kat glanced over her shoulder towards the kitchen door. ‘It would be nice not to worry about those two disturbing me every five minutes. I thought I’d have the flat to myself as they’d planned to go hiking, but that’s not looking likely in this weather.’ She turned back to Frankie. ‘Are you sure I wouldn’t be disturbing you, though?’

Frankie shook her head. ‘Not at all. I usually put my earbuds in with some focus music so I’ll be miles away. I bought the most amazing-looking lemon drizzle cake off one of the stalls yesterday. We can light the fire and treat ourselves to a little afternoon tea, if you like.’

‘I like!’ She glanced back towards the open kitchen door. ‘It’ll be good for Harry and Ed to spend some time just the two of them.’ She sighed. ‘I know that going away was the right thing for Ed, but Harry missed him like crazy.’

‘I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a bond like they must have,’ Frankie admitted.

‘I can’t get my head around it either, if I’m honest,’ Kat agreed. ‘I’m an only child and the household I grew up in is nothing like the Penroses’.’

‘You don’t get on with your parents?’

Kat shook her head. ‘Their relationship is pretty toxic and they’ve always been more interested in each other than me. When Harry and I moved in together we both agreed we’d keep it as friends only.’

‘What happened?’

Kat laughed. ‘Harry happened. Life happened. The more time I spent with him, the more time I wanted to spend with him.’

Frankie was starting to understand that feeling. She picked up a plate and began to dry it. ‘When did you change your mind?’

‘When I realised everything about my life was better with him in it.’ Kat set down the brush she’d been using to scrub the dishes and turned to face Frankie. ‘Look, you can tell me to mind my own business, but are you sure you know what you’re doing getting involved with Ed?’

Frankie frowned. ‘I wouldn’t call what we’re doing getting involved. We’ve just agreed to spend the next couple of weeks having fun together, that’s all. Why? Is there something I don’t know about Ed that I should be worried about?’

Kat shook her head with a laugh. ‘Oh no, nothing like that. Just watch yourself, though, because these Penrose men have a sneaky habit of getting under your skin without you realising it.’

‘Oh, I see what you mean! Well, you don’t have to worry about that. Ed and I both know exactly where we stand and come the new year we’ll be bidding each other a fond farewell.’