Page 95 of One Golden Summer

“Can I walk you home?” Saffron tossed some party hats into a bin, wiping away glitter from her shirt.

Kirsty emptied her arms ofSingle AFbunting. “Is this another new thing for you?”

“Cleaning up?”

“Walking a girl home.”

“Yes. Usually my driver takes a woman home, after he pays her, of course.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

Saffron cupped her ear. “I haven’t heard a yes or no if you’re ready to go.”

“Let me say goodnight to the staff, first. Don’t wander off.”

Saffron made a show of planting her feet. “Not moving an inch.”

“Maybe being a living statue is in your future.”

“Hurry up, this is exhausting.” Saffron shooed Kirsty away, wanting to leave the party so they could be alone.

Ginger sidled up, bumping her shoulder into Saffron. “Check you out. About to get lucky.”

Saffron twisted her hair to get it off her back. “Stop. Don’t curse this.”

“I’m the curse? I’m the one whose been playing peacemaker.”

“You talked to Kirsty?” Saffron craned her neck to see into Ginger’s face, unsure if she should be irritated or grateful for her sister’s meddling.

“Yep. You can thank me later, but do me a favour?” Ginger gripped Saffron’s arm.

“Can’t wait to hear this one.” Saffron waved for Ginger to get it out, bracing for a very Ginger-like demand. Given they’d just wrapped up Ginger’s divorce party, Saffron wasn’t sure if she should do whatever was asked.

“Don’t mess up again. She’s worth a million Echo Blacks.”

Saffron sought out Kirsty, who was hugging her mum goodnight. “You can’t put a price on her.”

Ginger melted. “Why are you wasting that line on me? Go. She’s waiting.”

Saffron gave her sister a one-armed hug, and rushed to meet Kirsty halfway. “Ready?”

“Kirsty! Wait.” Out of breath, Helena slipped something into Kirsty’s pocket and said, “Read it in the morning.”

“Are you sure?” Kirsty’s eyes clouded over.

“Yep. You have better things to do. Now, skedaddle!” Helena gestured for the two of them to get going.

Saffron gave Kirsty a questioning look, but she simply shrugged, and asked, “Water or the short way?”

“Come again? Do you need water for the walk?” Saffron glanced about for a bottle.

“How do you want to get to mine?” Kirsty looked at Saffron like she was adorably clueless.

“Oh, right. The short way.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. I’m knackered.” She let out a breath.

“Shall I get a car?” Saffron got out her phone.