Page 80 of My Kind of Happy

‘For meat cooked on the barbeque?’ Sam pulled out a parcel of aluminium foil. His face lit up, just as it had when he’d enthused about the honey. It was clear to see where his passion lay. ‘I’ve been playing about with the flavours and thought you’d like to try some. This has got smoked paprika and ground chipotle chilli flakes in it. Here you go, honest feedback welcome.’

‘Thank you, that’s so sweet of you.’ I took it from him. It was warm and bent where it had moulded itself to the shape of his body and a ripple of longing ran through me as I flattened it between my palms.

‘I hope you like it,’ he smiled again. ‘Bye for now.’

‘Goodbye!’ Lucas and Biddy chimed.

‘Bye, Sam,’ I waved a hand as he left the shop and crossed the green towards his car.

Our barbecue hadn’t been fired up since last summer. I’d invited the girls from the book club over and Freddie had joined us later and hoovered up everything we hadn’t eaten. That had been a good day.

Biddy sighed. ‘Goodness me. I wouldn’t kick him out of bed for eating crackers.’

‘Neither would I,’ said Lucas wickedly, momentarily distracted from his story.

‘Goodness me, Biddy,’ I said pretending to be shocked. ‘I thought you only had eyes for your animals.’

I was very fond of the pet shop owner; I’d assumed she was single because she’d never mentioned anyone else and didn’t wear a ring. But she certainly wasn’t blind to Sam’s charms.

‘I’ve had my moments.’ She patted her hair.

‘Ooh and talking of moments,’ gasped Lucas, ‘can I just tell you what happened?’

Biddy bit her lip. ‘Actually, I need some flowers and I’m in a bit of a rush; one of my piggies is due any moment. Guinea pig,’ she clarified, seeing our blank expressions. ‘Pregnant. Gorgeous thing, glossy dark hair and a lot to say for herself. Reminds me a bit of Rosie, perhaps I’ll give her one of the babies as a present, tie a pink or blue ribbon around its neck.’

Just what every new mother needs, I thought.

Lucas patted her arm. ‘Dear Biddy, you have a heart of gold, but another live creature in the house might not be the best gift for Rosie, although doubtless Noah and Hugo the dog will approve. No, I have a delightful line of Beatrix Potter soft animals, I’ll give you a generous discount. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with Peter Rabbit and Friends.’

Biddy looked surprised. ‘Are you sure?’

‘He’s right, Biddy,’ I said carefully. ‘So. Flowers?’

‘Yes please. I’m having supper with a friend. And I thought I’d take her some flowers. Nothing complicated … you know.’ She gazed around the shop. I recognised that look. It was a where do I start? look.

I helped her choose some peonies and anemones.

‘Let me wrap them,’ Lucas insisted, heading for the drawer where we kept the ribbon. ‘You’ll be amazed at my triple bows.’

While Biddy was counting out the right money, I quickly selected a bunch of sweet-scented stocks.

‘And these are for you, to say thank you for looking after Scamp the other day.’ I handed them to her.

‘Oh gosh. Any time!’ She beamed shyly. ‘These are divine. It’s years since anyone gave me flowers. Used to have a bouquet from here every week. Not a bunch you understand, a bouquet.’

‘So what changed?’ I asked.

‘Everything.’ Biddy frowned and sighed and looked like she was in the middle of an internal battle. ‘Oh, sod it. I might as well tell you, it was years ago now and it isn’t as if I’d upset anybody by being indiscreet.’

Lucas looked up from curling ribbon with a pair of scissors. ‘This story is in danger of outdoing mine. If I ever get the chance to tell it.’

‘Ignore him, Biddy and do tell, it won’t go any further, I promise.’

Biddy took a deep breath. ‘For a while I had a lover. There, I’ve said it. I had a lover and he bought me flowers and for eighteen months I was the happiest woman in the world.’

Lucas punched the air. ‘You go, girl!’

‘And then?’ I prompted.