Page 18 of The Best of Times

Paul sighed. “I told you.”

“Yes. It was forVogue.”

“What can I say? I treated you badly. For that, I apologise. I truly do.”

The room had become claustrophobic. Aron wanted to be out of there and focusing on anything other than past mistakes.

“I suppose I’ll have to accept your apology.”

“Good. Because we’re going to be family soon.”

Aron laughed. “Family? We both know that’s a hit-and-miss affair for me.”

“Still no better?”

A lump formed in Aron’s throat.

“A topic I have no intention of discussing with you. Grab your coat. We’re going shopping.”

Hot on Granny’s heels, they found themselves on Queens Parade. The last time Aron had been in the vicinity, it had been a dull row of shops. Now it was stunning. The pavements were immaculate and the types of shops screamed tourism. There was a chocolate shop, a homewares shop and even a health food shop.

“Wow,” he said. “This place has changed.”

“Hasn’t it just?” Paul replied. “Do you ever feel like you’ve been away longer than two years.”

“You haven’t been back then?”

Paul shrugged. “Flying visits. I’ve been really busy since the pandemic. It’s nice to be travelling again. I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted.”

Of course, Paul had resumed his flitting around. Aron had followed his adventures on social media. He’d tried to ignore him. Something always kept him coming back to Paul’s profiles. Usually late at night after yet another bottle of wine.

“I hadn’t really planned on coming here,” Aron said. “Do you think we’ll get much of the list done?”

“I have one off-list task to do,” Paul replied. “Then I’m all yours.”

“Lucky me.”

“Come on, sourpuss,” Paul said, taking his hand. “I’m sure you’ll know the shop I want to go to.”

They walked past a tattoo parlour.

“Wow,” Aron said. “I’m surprised Granny allowed this to open.”

“From all accounts, your grandmother is very open-minded these days.”

Aron chuckled. “Don’t even go there. Did you know she’s in the lingerie shop as we speak?”

Paul covered his ears. “I did not know that nor did I want to.”

“If I have to suffer, so do you.”

They both roared with laughter. It was nice to be sharing a joke with Paul.

I mustn’t let my guard down. This is not a social activity.

Paul stopped. One shop that had survived the gentrification of Queens Parade stood proudly in front of them. The old bookshop, A Novel Idea.

“Oh wow,” Aron said. “Is it still run by Jolyon?”