This Could Change Everything(60)

‘Well that’s good news. You deserve to be happy,’ Zillah said warmly. ‘Now, I’m just putting together another wish. How are you fixed for this Sunday afternoon – would you be free then, or is that no good for you?’

‘Sunday afternoon . . .’ Conor hesitated, his heart sinking at the timing. Sunday was Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, Belinda’s cousin had called earlier to invite them to lunch on that day. But if this was the date Zillah was suggesting, it meant she’d already organised the hire of the private ambulance.

‘You’re busy, I can tell. Darling, don’t worry about it, not a problem. Scarlett’s here with Essie and she says she’d be more than happy to step in and take the photos.’

‘Oh would she?’ Honestly, what was that girl like? ‘I had no idea she was a professional photographer.’

Too late he recognised the faint tinny echo at the other end of the line and realised Zillah had him on speakerphone. There was a rustling sound, followed by Scarlett retorting indignantly in his ear, ‘You aren’t a professional either. But my uncle was, and he taught me loads. I’m good at it!’

‘I thought you had a stall at the vintage market on Sundays,’ said Conor.

‘I’ll get my mum to run it for me. She enjoys helping out.’

‘What kind of camera do you have?’

‘Well, Zillah said you probably wouldn’t mind lending me one of yours.’

Conor exhaled; the last time he’d seen Scarlett, she’d been unsuccessfully juggling in the street, surrounded by dropped plastic cups. No way was he going to entrust her with his precious Nikon.

‘I’ll do it,’ he said.

Scarlett said hopefully, ‘You’ll lend me a camera?’

‘No.’ Conor was firm. ‘I’ll be there on Sunday to take the photographs.’

He could practically hear her eyes rolling in disgust. ‘Why? Because you don’t trust me?’

Exactly that. But seeing as he was still on speakerphone he said, ‘I do trust you, but these are important moments and if anything goes wrong it’s not as if the photos can be taken again. Everything has to be perfect.’

‘And you’re saying I can’t manage that?’ She was feigning indignation now.

‘I just don’t want any mistakes.’

‘I could go off you, you know,’ said Scarlett.

God, thought Conor, I wish you would.





Chapter 28


Conor put away his phone and prepared to head back to the main bar. As he was about to open the door of the skittle alley, he became aware of voices in the corridor outside.

When he heard his name mentioned, he paused to listen.

‘Where’s Conor gone?’ That was Evie asking the question.

‘He went to take a call, must be outside. Well I’m not getting my hair wrecked. You go back to Belinda and I’ll wait here for him. He won’t be out there for long, not in that rain.’

‘OK,’ said Evie. ‘But be subtle about it.’

Caz cackled with laughter. ‘Me? I always am. Subtle’s my middle name!’

Conor heard Evie’s footsteps recede. He listened to Caz quietly singing ‘It’s Raining Men’ to herself. Finally he opened the door and feigned surprise at seeing her there. ‘Oh, hello. I was just on the phone.’

Caz said, ‘That room’s usually locked when they’re not using it.’ Her eyes were narrowed with suspicion.

‘Is it? Well it wasn’t tonight.’

She pushed past him and peered inside, looking left and right.

‘What are you doing?’ said Conor.

‘Just checking you weren’t getting up to no good in there with someone else.’

‘Excuse me? Are you serious?’

Caz shrugged. ‘If you were up to no good, you wouldn’t be the first. And you’re my responsibility, don’t forget. I found you, I matched you up with Belinda. I’m the reason you’re here now.’

‘And I’ve already told her, I’m not the getting-up-to-no-good type. I’ve never cheated on a girlfriend in my life.’

‘That’s what they all say, isn’t it.’ She paused. ‘Anyway, don’t get narky with me. All I’m doing is looking out for my friend.’

‘Right.’

‘She likes you. I mean, a lot.’

‘I like her too.’

‘Haven’t slept with her yet, though, have you?’

‘Oh my God.’ Conor stared at Caz. ‘Is that any of your business?’

‘Just wondered if there was a problem, that’s all.’

‘There is no problem.’

‘Sure?’ Caz gave him a saucy wink. ‘No little quirks or foibles you’re worried might scare her off?’

‘I’m sure. No little quirks or foibles.’ Conor couldn’t quite believe he was standing here having this conversation. Actually, it was more like an inquisition.

‘So why hasn’t anything happened yet?’

Conor had run out of patience. ‘Can we please stop this?’

‘Is it because of Evie?’

Unable to reply, Conor closed his eyes; of course it was because of Evie. The prospect of spending the night in Belinda’s bed while Evie slept in the next room, separated from them by only a thin wall, was too off-putting to contemplate. Yet the alternative – Belinda staying overnight at his flat in Percival Square – was apparently out of the question too. At sixteen, Evie was old enough to be left at home on her own, but Belinda couldn’t bring herself to do that to her in case she felt abandoned and insecure as a result. It was, she’d already explained to him, a tricky time emotionally. Evie was a teenager just a few months away from sitting her GCSEs, and she needed to know she had Belinda’s full attention. She couldn’t risk upsetting her now.