Page 45 of The Best of Times

“Promise you won’t hate me?” he asked.

“I’ll try not to.”

“Life is pretty bloody perfect.”

“Okay, I hate you.”

Alexander cackled. “I can’t help it. Zac is amazing, we own our own home and it’s on Queens Crescent. Plus my internet show is nearly at a million subscribers.”

“I wish I’d never asked.”

“I thought you had it all sewn up too?” Alexander asked. “Dream job in one of the best cities in the world. You’ll find a decent guy there.”

Aron shook his head. “Not my focus.”

Alexander had been a tower of strength to Aron when Paul had disappeared. Once again guilt stabbed at him that he’d had no contact other than Christmas cards. It wasn’t a fair way to treat a friend.

“And since you’ve been home? What has your focus been on?”

“My grandmother.”

“Sure.”

Alexander’s face suggested he didn’t believe a word of it.

“Watch out,” Alexander said. “Seems like you might be needed.”

Granny had come off the dancefloor and gesticulated wildly at him.

“I think we might regret cocktails. I should have listened to Simon and stuck to wine.”

“Mrs Wimpole with a hangover. I can’t picture it.”

“Fast forward twelve or so hours and you can come round and witness it if you like.”

Alexander held up his glass. “I intend to have one myself.”

Aron shook his head and wandered over to Granny. “What’s up?”

“This party needs men,” she said.

Aron frowned. “You have a whole team of men at your disposal.”

Granny shook her head. “I wantmyman.”

Oh god, she’s not going to get all inappropriate again, is she?

“He’s on his stag do.”

“Poppycock,” she said, waving her glass in his direction. “They’re only in the pub. Imagine if my favourite grandson were to tell him they were allowed here. I bet they would follow in a heartbeat.”

Aron sighed. “Is that what you want?”

Granny nodded. Who was he to refuse the bride-to-be anything she wished on her hen night?

“Fine. Give me ten minutes.”

He dashed out of the club. The air was freezing as he hit the street. He instantly regretted not getting his coat out of the cloakroom. Luckily, The Swan was at the top of the road so he didn’t have far to go.