Page 16 of The Best of Times

“I have no desire to be burnt twice. Honestly. We’re talking about him again.”

“Sorry. So New York getting past its sell by date?”

“I’m not saying that. I need a change in my life. I’ve plateaued a bit.”

Mercury chuckled. “Be careful what you wish for. I’ve got myself embroiled in far more than I bargained for recently.”

“And you bloody love it. I can see it written all over your face. I want that.”

“That lovelorn expression is put there by a certain man and you’re not getting one crumb of him. Yes, I’m now monogamous. Ugh.”

Aron shoved him playfully. “Disgusting. Right, we’ve time for a quick jacuzzi. You can tell me all about it. In detail.”

Aron checked himself out in the hall mirror. It had taken a few different options before he’d found the perfect outfit to report for his first day of wedding planning duties. He thought he scrubbed up pretty well in a tight striped jumper, black chinos and long wool coat. His dark hair flicked over to the side. Today he’d foregone his usual contact lenses and opted for glasses.

Who’s putting up a shield?

“You look very handsome.”

“Thanks. I’m hoping that you might have a hot vicar for me. I quite like the idea of being a vicar’s wife.”

Granny came down the stairs. Parkin followed like a missile and made straight for Aron, who instantly fussed him.

“I’m afraid we’re having a humanist ceremony.”

“Don’t they have vicars?”

“Celebrants and I’m not sure she’s your type. Never mind, no doubt Paul will appreciate such a striking outfit choice.”

Heat swept over him and he instantly regretted wearing the sweater.

“You’re not turning out so bad yourself,” he blurted out. “Off somewhere?”

She had on a dusky pink trouser suit. All her life she had made glamour seem so effortless.

“Yes. I’ve got the Queens Parade Committee Christmas lunch. Could you deliver this young man to the Professor? He’s promised to mind him.”

Queens Parade was a small shopping street around the corner from the crescent. His grandmother considered herself the leader of both enclaves and probably everywhere in between.

“At this hour? It’s not ten yet. Bit early for lunch, isn’t it?”

To his amazement a whisper of a blush appeared on Granny’s cheeks.

Now that is a first.

“If you must know, I have an appointment at the lingerie shop.”

Aron stopped dead.

Please let the ground swallow me whole. I surrender.

She evidently found his discomfort highly amusing. “You did ask.”

“I suppose I did. Can we not talk about it further?”

“I think that’s best.”

Once they were both satisfied with their appearances, they left the house. The weather had improved. The clouds were a much lighter grey.