Page 94 of The Best of Times

Aron glanced across and saw a misty-eyed Paul just staring at Granny.

“Thank you,” he said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Names don’t matter,” Granny said. “Feelings are what we should be concerned about. We can honour the past while seizing the future.”

Paul’s gaze darted to Aron. If he thought he was going to be sorry for confiding in his own grandmother, he had another think coming.

“I suppose you’re right,” Paul said quietly.

“My dear, I usually am.”

The moment was disturbed by the waiting staff bringing the beef sirloin. Aron’s mouth was watering as they placed his in front of him. A stocky aroma filled the air. So much for a broken heart putting him off his food. He was famished.

Once everyone had been served, he dove in. The meat fell apart and had been cooked to perfection.

“Where are you honeymooning?” Luis asked.

Aron stopped cutting his meat.

Oh God. Here we go.

“Ah well,” the Professor said. “That was a secret but now we’re married, we shouldn’t really have any. I’ve booked us a stunning cottage on the Northumberland coast.”

Aron almost dropped his cutlery. His grandmother in the freezing conditions of the east coast of England in December? That formula was not computing.

It appeared everyone else at the table felt the same, judging by all eyes being firmly on Granny.

“As beautiful as that part of the world is,” she said steadily, “we should probably visit in the summer. Then we can see the puffins.”

The Professor was stunned. “Of course, you’re right. Whatever was I thinking? What will we do?”

Granny smiled and held his face between both hands. “We’ll go to Singapore on the flights I’ve booked.”

The Professor beamed. “You have?”

“I have. We fly this evening. This time tomorrow we’ll be drinking Singapore Slings in one of Raffles Hotel’s finest suites. Amongst other things.”

Alexander coughed violently. Zac slapped him on the back.

Once again, Aron and Paul locked eyes. It had been a supreme effort to not be affected by Paul since that morning when he’d choked on the street. Now their duties were almost over, there was nothing left.

“I’m not packed,” the Professor exclaimed.

“Yes you are,” Granny replied, winking at Paul.

“Ah. I detect collusion.”

“Of course, Dad,” Paul said. “We’ve formed an alliance.”

A pang of jealousy stabbed at Aron. He was perfectly aware how ridiculous that was. Once things settled and Paul hadmoved to London, he would be a regular visitor to Queens Crescent. More reason for Aron to stay across the pond. Life would go on. Without him.

Fuck you, Paul Higgs. You’re not taking everything from me again.

“Would you like a cottage in the north for a week, Aron?” the Professor asked.

Granny giggled. “If that’s your best stab at a counter alliance, I find that a very weak attempt.”

The Professor just beamed at her.