Page 90 of The Bordeaux Book Club
‘And this time, we’ve only got a balcony to worry about. And a shared garden, but there’s a gardener for that.’
‘So no chickens.’
‘Definitely no chickens.’
After their viewing, Nathan had introduced Leah to Adeline; he was still having the odd session, but he seemed so much happier. And Leah had warmed to the woman she’d thought was stealing her life. It was clear she was nothing but professional.
‘Well, I think it sounds brilliant,’ George said now, topping up Leah’s glass yet again. ‘A brand-new start for the three of you.’
‘So, what’s this with you and George?’ Leah asked Grace later, when they were in the kitchen filling bowls up with olives.
Grace – usually resolutely even-shaded – developed pink spots of colour on her cheeks. ‘Well, I’m not sure yet,’ she said. ‘I’m not sure it’s ready to have a name. But, well. Let’s say it’s definitely something.’ She smiled. ‘You were right. It’s nice to have lowered a few of my boundaries.’
‘Well, I’m glad.’
‘Did I mention the bookshelves?’
‘Just once or twice.’
They returned to find Alfie, Monica, George and Camille talking animatedly.
‘Have you heard?’ George said, turning around. ‘These two are getting a place together. Selling, well, his old place and having a fresh start.’
Camille reached over and took Alfie’s hand. ‘It will be wonderful,’ she said.
Grace smiled at him fondly. ‘It sounds like a great idea,’ she said.
‘More wine?’ George said, topping up Monica’s glass again.
‘Why not?’ she said. ‘I’m not driving.’
‘I can give you a lift if you want,’ Leah said. ‘I can take a detour.’
‘It’s fine,’ Monica said. ‘Peter’s collecting me.’
‘Oh, so we’ll finally get to meet the mysterious Peter!’ Grace said.
‘Yes,’ Monica said. ‘And he’s… actually he’s going to be around much more than before.’ After their chat, Peter had spoken to his work, who’d changed his schedule. ‘I’m two weeks on, three weeks off now’ he’d told her. ‘It’s more regular, more manageable.’
It had been just the right compromise.
‘So,’ George said. ‘Now it’s time for the sixty-four-billion-dollar question.’
For a moment, Grace thought he might propose. Oh, please don’t, she thought. Not now. Not yet.
But he was smiling. ‘Help me decide between these two.’ He held up a couple of dog-eared paperbacks, one a famous old book they’d all heard of, the other that had been a hit the year before. ‘Time to choose the next one. Old classic or something brand new?’
‘Well,’ said Grace, ‘you can’t go wrong with an old classic. Tried and tested and dependable.’
They all nodded.
‘But you know what,’ she said. ‘Actually, maybe it’s time we all tried something completely new!’
