A French Affair by Katie Fforde

Author:Katie Fforde [Fforde, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2013-02-28T05:00:00+00:00

Alaric dropped Gina off at her cottage shortly after breakfast the next morning. Sally had said she was very welcome to stay but Gina felt the family needed some time together, particularly after the shock they’d had.

Making herself a strong cup of coffee, she rang her parents. They had already heard about Sephie’s accident and after reassuring them that all was OK, Gina gave them an expurgated but entertaining account of the previous day pre-accident, and promised she’d be over to visit as usual at this time of year.

After disconnecting Gina slumped down on the sofa, feeling rather flat. It was probably just tiredness but she couldn’t help wondering what Matthew was doing. Was he alone or had he decided to visit friends? And had something been about to happen between them before Sally had called? She slipped into a reverie, imagining her and Matthew entwined on the sofa, and later in bed . . . She shook herself. This was no good; perhaps she should do a bit of work? But then she felt that would be far too sad on Boxing Day. She was just wondering about going for a walk to blow away the cobwebs and any lingering, lustful thoughts when her phone rang.

She blushed. It was Matthew. After filling him in about Sephie there was a pause.

‘Are you still at Sally’s?’ Matthew asked.

‘No, I’m back home. Why?’

‘You remember me mentioning wanting to take you somewhere?’ He hesitated, as if unsure, which made Gina smile; he wasn’t usually given to insecurity. ‘To visit my old friend with me?’ he finished.

Gina’s heart fluttered. ‘No, I mean, yes, I do remember you mentioning your friend. Although you were very mysterious about it all.’ She felt some of her confidence return.

‘Didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Well, I’ve been in touch with him and I think he’s up for it.’

‘Oh. When?’

‘Don’t know that yet. Anyway.’ He was silent for agonising seconds – long enough for Gina to wonder if they’d been disconnected. Then he said, ‘Have you got something wonderful planned today or do you fancy a dog walk and a pub?’

‘Um—’

‘You’re probably doing something . . .’

‘I was planning on having a quiet day, at home,’ said Gina, hoping she didn’t sound too like the spinster aunt, sadly sitting at home on her own, or more to the point too off-putting.

‘I’m here at home alone too and there’s nothing much to eat. I thought you might be in the same situation.’

‘I was about to make toast . . .’

‘Come to the pub instead. I’ll pick you up.’

‘Oh, OK, that would be nice,’ flustered Gina.

‘Nice!’ He laughed and her heart did another flip. ‘I’ll swing by in about twenty minutes. I know a lovely pub—’

‘Where they like Oscar?’

‘That’s the one!’ They disconnected and Gina hugged herself with joy and excitement.

As she got out of her sloppy sitting-at-home wear and into jeans and a jumper – and put on make-up – she tried to tell herself she was only going because

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