Page 76 of The Best of Times

Aron swallowed. He couldn’t hold everything in any longer.

“Granny, before we watch the film, can I talk to you about something?”

Concern crossed her face. “Of course you can.”

“I’ve been told that the job of CEO at the British Library is about to be recruited.”

She snapped to attention immediately. “Go on.”

“I met with the Chair of the Board the other day.”

Granny frowned. “You kept that quiet.”

Aron chuckled. The one thing his Granny hated the most was being kept in the dark.

“It’s been a bit manic around here. Anyway, she as good as said it was mine for the taking.”

Granny sat back and took a fortifying swig of champagne. “Are you going to go for it?”

Aron sighed. “I don’t know. What do you think?”

“Darling, I can’t be objective about this. Of course I want you in London. Nothing would make me happier. There had to be a reason that you fled to New York in the first place. Do you think that is fixed?”

Once again, he feared she knew more than she let on. Even so, he wasn’t about to confess the situation with Paul. Not when they had to spend the whole day together. What if she didn’t approve?

“I have a feeling it might be.”

“Then you must do what you think is right. Mind you, the Professor will think all his Christmases have come at once if you do get it. The bragging rights in all his societies will be off the scale.”

They both burst into laughter.

“I love you, Granny.”

“I love you too. Now refresh our glasses and let’s get that film on. I will not be happy if the caterers arrive before the Banks family are flying their kites.”

He set about pouring some more champagne. He noticed she was still watching him.

“What?”

“I know you’ll do the right thing,” Granny said. “But make sure it’s the right thing for you and no one else. Do you hear me? Not even me.”

“Roger that.”

As the days wore on, Aron had become more convinced what the right thing was. The question remained…did he have the courage to really go for it?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Aron had a full glass of wine, a plate with an obscene amount of food and a party hat he would normally never be seen dead in. Especially not in front of the man he was currently sleeping with.

Granny’s enthusiasm for the day was infectious and he allowed himself to be carried along by it. As did Paul and the Professor. Granny presided over the table like a benevolent queen.

“Dig in,” Granny said. “There’s plenty more. I think I overordered.”

The caterers had delivered everything piping hot. They had turkey, potatoes roasted and mashed, carrots, parsnips, stuffing and pigs in blankets. It was perfect.

“I’ll never eat all this,” Aron said. “Never mind consider seconds.”

“Course you will,” Paul chipped in. “It’ll help you to face January in New York. Now that is cold.”