‘So what do you think?’ Jack queried.
‘First of all, thank you.’ Ava pulled him close and kissed him. ‘Then I think, although we can’t go now, we should call in to The Coffee Stop again for some of their delicious carrot cake to celebrate. What do you say?’
‘I’d say you’re sweet enough, but it’s far too cheesy.’
‘Cake. Cheese. You’re always talking about food, Jack Broadhurst.’
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
After three weeks of getting to know Jack again, it seemed natural to be sitting next to him on the train to London. Ava had a full weekend planned, but equally if Jack didn’t want to do much, she was fine with that, too. She was glad of the opportunity to spend more time with him. Even though she’d seen him for two weeks straight, she wasn’t a bit anxious for time on her own.
Georgia was in when they arrived at the flat. She came out into the hallway, a huge smile on her face.
‘Hi, you must be the elusive Jack who stole my mum’s heart when she was sixteen.’
‘George!’ Ava laughed and turned to Jack. ‘She’s not backwards in coming forwards, my daughter.’
‘But she’s as beautiful as her mother.’ Jack held out a hand to Georgia. ‘I’m very pleased to meet you. Ava speaks highly of you. I can tell how proud of you she is.’
Ava thought it was a wonderful sight seeing Georgia blushing and seeming all coy.
‘I’m pleased to meet you, too, Jack,’ Georgia replied. ‘Do you have plans for this evening?’
Ava shook her head, throwing Jack a worried look. Had Georgia roped them into something that he might not like? He wasn’t used to the busyness of London.
‘Good. Because I’ve made you dinner, the table is set, there’s wine in the fridge, and chocolates, too. I’m heading out in half an hour, and I won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.’ She smiled at Jack. ‘I know we’ve only just met but I thought you might like some time together and then maybe we could meet for dinner tomorrow night?’
Jack nodded. ‘That sounds perfect to me. Thanks for going to so much trouble.’
‘Great! I’ll make coffee while you unpack, and then we can have a natter before I leave.’ She turned on her heels and was gone.
Ava shook her head in wonder. ‘Did I say how lovely she is?’
‘Not nearly enough.’ Jack chuckled.
True to her word, Georgia left them after coffee, popping a chilli con carne into the oven to warm up. Ava poured wine, and she and Jack sat down together at last. It was nearly eight-thirty, and she was famished.
‘Nice place you have here,’ Jack said. ‘It has a lovely, homely feel to it, although I thought it might be noisier.’
‘Wait until you can’t get to sleep for the traffic outside the window,’ she teased.
‘I don’t care as long as I’m with you.’
‘Smooth talker.’
He glanced around, seeming to take everything in. ‘I feel like throwing myself on the sofa afterwards and chilling in front of the box. What do you think?’
‘You’re the guest, but that does sound like a plan.’
‘Speaking of which, what do you fancy doing this weekend?’
‘Absolutely nothing, but I’m sure you’d like to see London at its best?’
‘Maybe we can do a bit of both.’
‘I’ll drink to that.’ Ava held up her glass in a toast.
After a long and luxurious lie-in the next morning, Ava took Jack to see a few of London’s best sites. They headed for Westminster on the Tube, and she laughed at Jack when he covered his ears against the squeak of the brakes and the rattle of the tracks.
