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‘I don’t know, Russell. We’ve got a few problems of our own right now. I’m not sure we want to work under that sort of cloud.’
‘It’s a lot to ask, I know, but we’ll make it worth your while, Grace, and Bianca will behave. Griff has always had a way with her.’
‘Griff has a way with all women.’ Grace hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
‘He’s definitely got the charm and the looks. But that’s not what I meant. Bianca respects Griff. He knows how to handle her. I promise you, Grace. It’ll be fine. And I’ll come home soon, too.’
Grace sighed. ‘You’d better give me Griff’s number then. I’m not making any promises, Russell because this isn’t just my decision. I’ll have to discuss it with my family.’
For the third time today, Grace was tempted to add.
‘Of course. I understand. How are they? Well, I hope. And talking of Hope, how is your sister?’
‘We’re all fine. Apart from Granny Joy. But that’s another story. Text me Griff’s number and I’ll see what I can do. I must go. Hope and I are working and this was meant to be a quick call. Erm. It is lovely to hear your voice though, Russell, and I look forward to seeing you soon.’
‘Same here. Give my best to your parents. And to Hope. And thank you, Grace. I know you won’t let us down. I’ll text you Griff’s number right now.’
True to his word, a text pinged through with Griff’s mobile number seconds after Grace had rung off. Despite what she had told Russell about being busy, she dialled Griff right away.
‘Griff? We need to talk.’
‘Hello, Grace. This is a pleasant surprise.’ He sounded genuinely pleased.
‘It’s not. I’ve just had an interesting conversation with Russell and I know the truth. I have to say, I’m not happy. Were you going to tell me? Or were you going to let me find out for myself?’
‘Ah. I’m sorry. I was intending to tell you. I promise.’
‘You would say that now, wouldn’t you?’
‘Let me explain.’
‘I think Russell has done that. But I do want to set out a few ground rules if we’re going to take on this job. Which I’m not saying we are. I need to tell my family about this latest bombshell.’
‘Hardly a bombshell, Grace, surely?’
‘That’s easy for you to say as you’re not in the firing line.’
‘I wouldn’t bet on that.’
‘Whatever. I don’t care. That’s your problem, not mine. I’m at a party right now but I can meet you later.’
‘Whenever and wherever you want is fine with me. I really am sorry, Grace. I made a mistake.’
‘A big one. Meet me in the pub at eight.’
‘The Royal Oak?’
‘Is there another pub in the village?’
Grace heard his intake of breath and when he spoke, he sounded weary and oddly defeated.
‘No. I’ll be there.’
Six
Gracewasstillfumingwhen she broke the latest news to her family, and they had almost turned into the baying mob of Granny Joy’s tales. It was all she could do to stop her mum and her dad from calling Griff and telling him exactly what they thought of such behaviour. Grace had told Hope about it at the party at which they were working, and it was Hope who had calmed the family down, that evening, oddly enough.
‘But look at this from their point of view,’ Hope said, once they were all seated around the kitchen table for their evening meal at six-thirty. ‘Everyone knows Bianca is a bit of a Diva and we’ve seen her throw a tantrum more than once in the past, so it’s not just down to drink. Unless she’s always had a problem. Who knows? Anyway, they need, and want, the Mistletoe Dance to go ahead and so do we, and so does everyone in the village. If Griff can keep her under control, and from what you’ve now told us about your meeting earlier, it sounds as if he can, then it shouldn’t be a problem. She isn’t the first difficult client we’ve had and she won’t be the last.’
