53
Leah had just noticed with some pleasure that it was nearly five o’clock and it still wasn’t dark. It was the same realization that she had every single year at around this time and it was always a good moment. It meant she’d broken the back of winter, that the long hard slog of it was over. She opened her handbag, searching around for a packet of mints. Her hand passed over a note. She pulled it out and opened it up. It was Toby’s note about swimming:
Dearest Leah, today I did three press-ups. I feel I am now ready to tackle swimming. If I promise not to attempt my butterfly stroke, would you permit me to join you next time you visit the baths? Yours, with affection, Toby x
She smiled and refolded the note. It was about the fortieth time she’d read it and every time it made her smile. She loved his old-fashioned turn of phrase and the fact that he signed the note with a kiss, like a girl. The doorbell tinkled and she glanced up. It was Jack. She had the curious sensation of two good moments blending into one another and doubling in size. She smiled widely.
‘Good afternoon, Leah. You look very happy!’
‘Oh, don’t be fooled. It’s just a momentary lapse.’
Jack pulled a concerned face. ‘You aren’t happy?’
She smiled. ‘I’m fine. How are you?’
‘Excellent. I’ve been on a diet and I’ve lost nearly a half a stone.’
She eyed him up and down. He looked exactly the same. ‘Well done!’ she said. ‘You look great.’
‘Thank you. And I have to say, Leah, that you are looking more scrumptious than ever.’
‘Scrumptious?!’
‘Yes. Like a delicious pudding. Something rich and creamy, with whipped cream on top. Scrumptious!’
‘Right,’ she laughed uncertainly. ‘I’m not sure how to take that, but thank you, anyway.’
‘A compliment!’ he smiled. ‘Take it as a compliment. But I did not come here today to give you compliments. I came here to invite you to dinner.’
‘Oh!’
‘Yes. I have a professional kitchen, a spectacular dining hall and no one to cook for. I have been waiting and waiting for you to knock on my door, but you never came. And now my wife has taken my girls away for a whole week! Taken them skiing! So – here I am, all alone in my big house. Imploring you to join me for dinner. Bring your special friend, if you like?’
‘My special friend?’
‘Yes, I assume a woman as beautiful as you must have a boyfriend?’
‘Ah,’ Jack sighed.
‘But, if it’s OK, I’d love to bring my friend Toby. And maybe another friend of mine. A woman?’
‘A woman! Yes. Please. A woman, for Jack. You are so kind, lovely Leah. So kind.’
Leah smiled.
‘Is she pretty, this woman? In fact, no, no, don’t tell me. Let it be a surprise. I will imagine a very ugly woman with yellow teeth and stringy hair and tattoos all over her, and then I can only be pleased.’
‘She doesn’t have yellow teeth. She’s –’
‘Shhh,’ Jack put his finger to his lips. ‘No more. No more. I will see you and Toby and your ugly woman at eight o’clock, on Saturday. Come hungry. I will cook enough for a dozen.’