Page 39 of The Best of Times

“Are you sure?”

The Professor opened the door wider. Aron took his cue and went inside. The Professor’s style was far more chaotic than his granny’s. His home still had a feeling of cosiness to it.

Not for the first time, Aron fretted about how married life would pan out for these two. He certainly couldn’t see Granny living amongst all the memorabilia currently surrounding him.

They went up to the Professor’s drawing room.

“I won’t be a jiffy.”

Aron took a seat on the comfy overstuffed sofa. Every seat appeared to be designed as if curling up with a book was the main activity. In this very room Aron had first understood the glory of the written word. Something that had seized him and never let go.

There were some books on the shelves that the New York Public Library would probably want to get their hands on someday.

It had been quite a day. From the call with Jane to the glimmer of an olive branch from his mother.

The Professor soon came back.

“He’d fallen asleep,” he said. “I must say, I do enjoy having him home. Is everything okay, Aron? It’s not your grandmother, is it?”

“Nothing like that,” Aron replied. “She’s fast asleep.”

The Professor’s eyes shone. “Albert at The Dorchester’s never-ending supply of champers?”

Aron nodded. “Then your new favourite bar in Mayfair.”

“That’s my girl.”

This man really loved her. Aron couldn’t believe he’d never noticed it before. Now things were out in the open, it was so obvious.

“How did today go?”

Aron sighed. “Honestly? I’ve no bloody idea. Mum was…well, she was friendly.”

It broke his heart how suspicious he sounded. Yet, it was for good reason.

“And you don’t trust her?”

“I don’t know if I can. So much has passed between us.”

The Professor nodded. “I understand that. She has been very hard on you over the years. What does your grandmother think?”

Aron shook his head. “In the cab she was on a loop about how I need to protect myself. I think I’ll revisit it with her tomorrow. If you don’t mind me asking, what are your thoughts?”

“Mine?”

“Yes. I would value your opinion.”

The Professor seemed genuinely touched that Aron would ask him.

“Well, I hate to say that I may come at this from a different angle from your grandmother. I hope you’re not going to cause the first marital squabble.”

“Anything you say will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

The Professor grinned. “I do believe an alliance has been formed.”

Aron reached forward and squeezed the Professor’s arm. “I got you.”

This made the Professor howl.