Page 71 of The Time of My Afterlife

‘Okay. See you tomorrow.’

I’m about to head for her front door when she says, ‘How did you know about my Instagram page?’

Air gets trapped in my throat. My heart falters. I recall how Pearl dropped me in it earlier by telling Florence how I had shown her some of her photos. For the second time this evening, a cold sweat breaks out down my neck. I need to come up with something. ‘Erm… your mum showed me.’

‘My mum – really? I didn’t know she went on Instagram.’

I nod and then my brain loses control of my mouth. ‘She’s on there. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s got her own⁠—’

Florence interrupts me. ‘Does the snooker hall have an Instagram profile?’

‘Yes, I follow Steve – why?’

She rolls her eyes. ‘That’s why my mother is on Instagram.’

‘They’re friends.’ I often see Yvonne at the snooker hall. She and Steve are always laughing about something or chatting like they go way back.

Florence scowls. ‘I need to speak to her. See you tomorrow.’

I need to leave now before she asks me any tricky questions and I let slip that I am Chris.

‘Oh, Clark,’ says Florence as my heart grinds to a halt. This is the bit where she asks me whether I am Chris and all hell breaks loose. ‘Go and get Mary’s book. I’ll start it tonight.’

Relief floods through me. ‘Okay,’ I squeak.

‘I’ll also message my book reviewer friend who might help too.’

27

FLORENCE

‘There’s a parcel for you,’ says Laura as she comes into the café to start her shift. I note a glint in her eyes and a goofy smile across her face.

I take the small brown package from her and inspect the handwriting on the front. I don’t recognise it. ‘Strange – I’m not waiting for a parcel. How was Ronan?’

Laura giggles. ‘He was amazing.’

I arch my eyebrows. ‘Did your date end in his hotel room?’

She shakes her head. ‘He was lovely and didn’t want to rush things. Florence, when I say the man can kiss – his style was exquisite. Not like Vince’s washing machine impersonation.’

‘Sounds hopeful.’

‘His Irish accent is so sexy. He talked a lot in the Italian restaurant. I just wanted to take off my clothes and jump on him.’

We both laugh and head for the counter.

‘How was Molly?’

‘The perfect house guest,’ I say. ‘She went off to school this morning with a smile.’

Laura lets out a groan. ‘That’s more than I get.’

I recall what Clark advised Molly to do last night. ‘Why don’t you and Molly have a girlie shopping trip?’

Laura shrugs. ‘Maybe.’ She takes out her phone, already distracted by a notification. Her eyes widen and a pink flush blooms over her cheeks. ‘Ronan has sent me a saucy text.’

‘Wow – I thought you said you weren’t rushing things.’