‘Oh my God, Kar, you didn’t warn me how handsome he was.’
Kara was loading the dishwasher in her apartment overlooking the estuary, her mobile resting between chin and shoulder. ‘Get down, James Bond!’ she shouted. Star moved her ear away from the handset. ‘Sorry, Star. The bloody cat keeps jumping up on the worktops lately. Anyway, I thought you only fancied ugly men, but from that tone you’ve obviously changed your mind. And with all the goings-on last night, I haven’t even met this Conor myself yet.’
‘I don’t know what it is, there’s just something about him. An energy. And I like it.’ The animation in Star’s voice came over loud and clear.
‘Saying that, you’ve always had a bit of a thing for Big Frank,’ Kara pointed out, closing the dishwasher door.
‘I think that’s the glint of bad boy in him, not his face or physique.’
‘You’re funny.’ Kara giggled. ‘Hang on a sec, Star, Billy’s waving a menu at me. Yes, get a large Meat Feast and some of those warm cookies. We’ve got salad and coleslaw in the fridge,’ she called. Billy put his thumb up and went back into the lounge to order their takeaway. ‘Sorry about that. Come round for some pizza and a glass of wine if you like. I’ve persuaded him indoors to watch Strictly, so that’s our Saturday night sorted.’
‘It’s not even three months yet and you’re like an old married couple already.’
‘Good, isn’t it?’ Kara laughed. ‘Anyway, back to you and the sexy one. So, did you say sorry to him?’
‘Of course I bloody did,’ Star ranted. ‘I’m still cross that you didn’t tell me he was moving in and then none of this would be an issue. I wouldn’t have got spooked and called the police and I wouldn’t be going for a drink with a complete stranger tomorrow night.’
‘Don’t be arsy. I didn’t tell you as it all happened in such a blur. I had hardly any warning myself. You were sad at lunchtime, it was a busy market day and then you were at your auntie’s in the evening, so I didn’t get the chance. And it’s all OK now. Over and done with. Monique spoke to the policemen and explained how it had all been a terrible misunderstanding – that Big Frank had been moving stuff into my flat to help me out and it had been him that you had seen. He only started running down the hill because he had the fireworks to light. Conor just kept out of the way, then went back up to the flat at midnight when the coast was clear.’
‘That makes it all a bit weird though, don’t you think? Why not tell them the truth?’
‘Frank has assured me that everything is kosher. Just said it was best that his nephew wasn’t seen by the police down here for a while. That the reason he is down here in Cornwall is to be incognito. I do trust Frank.’
‘I do too. But now I’m intrigued to find out what Conor has done. He could be an axe murderer, for all we know.’
‘I very much doubt it. Anyway, you can ask him over that drink, can’t you? It’s exciting and I want to know every single thing about it.’
‘I love the way you are so blasé about it all. He basically said that me taking him out for a drink was the only way he would ever forgive me.’
‘You’ve got to admire his balls, I guess.’ Kara laughed rudely, adding, ‘And I’m really impressed you are going, mate.’
‘I’m still not sure if I should though.’
‘Give me one good reason why you wouldn’t meet him.’ Kara blew a kiss at Billy as he came into the kitchen, poured her a glass of red wine, then took the bottle back through to the lounge.
‘Well, what if he really likes me?’
‘I think you’re more worried about you liking him,’ Kara replied wisely.
‘Don’t be clever with me.’ Star hesitated. ‘Should I go, then?’
‘Yes! You must. Have a drink, have a chat. How lovely to be in male company. It’s been too long, and you really do deserve some fun, mate.’
‘What about Jack?’
‘What about him?’ Kara harrumphed. ‘Jack is in New York. Jack has a girlfriend! If Jack cared, he would have contacted you. Stop overthinking it and just enjoy the moment.’
Billy appeared, leaned over Kara’s shoulder, and spoke into the handset.
‘Just get him drunk, Star, take him home and shag him senseless. Now, are you coming down for a glass of Shiraz and a Cha-cha-cha with us, or what?’