Page 115 of The Little Board Game Café

Was he being suggestive? Emily wondered, remembering his skill in the bedroom. She felt her cheeks beginning to redden.

‘Is there a reason why hospitals are always so warm?’

He shrugged. ‘Patient comfort? Maybe cos lying in bed for long periods makes you feel colder. Give me that list.’

Emily handed it back.

‘Pen?’ He held out his hand.

Ludek scribbled out ‘Health and Safety’ and wrote ‘Board Games Consultant’ in its place, before handing the sheet back.

‘Perfect,’ she said. ‘You’re the official games consultant of The (Not So) Little Board Game Café. Now, I’ve brought Patchwork with me. Do you fancy a game?’

‘Love it. Most people bring grapes or flowers. You bring a game. And one designed by the great Uwe Rosenberg at that.’

‘Don’t think you’re allowed flowers in hospitals anymore. And I didn’t know if you liked grapes.’

‘Speaking of flowers, I never asked…did you get mine?’

‘What flowers?’

‘The roses.’

Of course, the roses. Emily had thought it was odd; roses weren’t Peter’s style. Why hadn’t it occurred to her that they might be from Ludek?

Did this mean…? But what about Rachel?

‘Yeah, they were lovely. I should have thanked you, but…’

‘You didn’t realise they were from me.’

Emily looked down at the sheets on Ludek’s bed. Straightened them. Brushed away an imaginary crumb. ‘No.’

‘You thought Peter had sent them?’

She nodded, still avoiding his gaze. ‘Possibly. I wasn’t sure…it didn’t occur to me. Anyway, thank you for the flowers.’

‘You’re welcome.’

God, this was awkward. Change the subject.

‘Ludek, could I ask your professional advice?’ She looked up at him. ‘It’s about my dad.’

‘Go on.’

‘Since Mum died, he won’t leave Thornholme. He goes to the shops, the library, the garden centre. But that’s it. He used to be so adventurous. I thought the launch party might persuade him, might be the catalyst that finally lured him out but I don’t think he’s going to come. Is it normal for grief to last this long? Do you think there’s any kind of quick fix, hypnosis or anti-depressants or something, that might work before next Saturday?’

‘Bit of a tall order, that one, Em.’

‘Yeah, I know.’

Ludek looked thoughtful. ‘Look, this isn’t medical advice and it mightn’t work in time for the launch, but is there something your dad has always wanted to do? Like a bucket list thing?’

‘I dunno. Well, there is one thing. He’s a bit of a penchant for Austin Healeys…’

‘Lovely cars.’

‘…and he’s always wanted to go in one.’