Page 55 of Never Too Late to Date

She had to hand it to him, he recovered well.

‘Yeah, I’m sure that’s possible. Chicken or pork?’

Suzie spoke first. ‘Oooh, pork for me every time. I love a bit of pork.’

Carol managed to keep a straight face. ‘Me too.’

Teresa put one finger on her chin and pursed her lips.

‘I’ll have chicken please; I’ve really gone off pork.’

The terrible urge to giggle at Frank’s expense threatened to overwhelm all three of them. For a moment he seemed unsure whether they were taking the mickey, and Suzie turned away from his confused face lest she lose it. But the man’s smiling mask was soon back.

‘I’ll go and sort it. Anything for you lot. You’re my favourite girls on the tour.’

They were the only girls on the tour, but it wasn’t worth pointing out, thought Suzie.

‘Thanks.’

As soon as he was out of the door, all three of them burst into laughter. It was proper side-splitting stuff, with tears streaming down their faces. After a few minutes of hilarity, Carol leapt to her feet.

‘Please stop it! I’ve got a stitch.’

Suzie flapped her hand, unable to speak as another wave of giggles tore through her.

‘Did you see his face?’

Teresa took a couple of deep breaths.

‘Unfortunately, yes. Treating him as a glorified delivery boy won’t go down well. We’ll probably pay for that somehow tomorrow.’

Carol sat back down in her chair.

‘He hasn’t got any more pleasant over the years, has he?’

Suzie shook her head.

‘No. He might be good at his job, but there’s something vaguely sinister about him.’

Carol reached for the Prosecco.

‘I agree.’

After filling up their glasses one last time, she banged the empty bottle down on the table.

‘OK, confession time. Did either of you ever succumb to his advances? We know he tried it on with every female within range. No judgement here, just asking. It goes no further than this room.’

Suzie put her hand up.

‘I’ll admit to one kiss. It was no great shakes. Never wanted to repeat it.’

Teresa was keeping very quiet in the corner, mused Suzie.

Carol turned to her bandmate.

‘Ter?’

The woman couldn’t look more awkward if she tried.