by Sharon Booth
Hector nodded. 'Yes, not to everyone's taste, certainly. If you'll excuse me, I'm about to go for dinner. Unless you'd both care to join me?'
I looked at Blaise. He hesitated, then, to my astonishment, he put his arm around me.
'Thank you for the offer, Hector,' he said, 'but we've already eaten. Celeste cooked for us at home.'
Hector nodded. 'Okay, no problem. Just thought I'd ask. I'll see you both around.' He looked at me and murmured, 'Take care, Celeste.'
'I will. Thank you.'
We watched as Hector left the cinema, then I gave Blaise a bright smile. 'Shall we go back to the car?'
His arm tightened around me, and he added, 'Lead the way.'
Feeling a bit dazed by his sudden show of affection, I made my way across the car park, Blaise stuck to my side. 'So, you didn't find the film romantic?' I asked, annoyed with myself as my voice came out rather wobbly.
He sighed. 'I don't want to get into an argument with you.'
'We won't argue about a film,' I assured him. 'I'd like to know how you feel about it, that's all.'
We reached the car and Blaise walked over to the driver's door and held it open for me. I thanked him and climbed in, and he closed it after me, then went round to the passenger side.
Buckling his seat belt, he sank back and said, 'If I'm honest, I felt a little uncomfortable with this so-called hero's display of emotion.'
'But why?' I fastened my seat belt and turned to face him. 'Seriously, I'd love to know why you feel like that.'
He studied my face intently. 'You don't agree it's a sign of weakness?'
'No! God, no!' I couldn't help myself. I grabbed his hand. 'Not these days. We encourage men to express their emotions. It's very important for their mental health that they do. And why shouldn't they?'
'But don't women feel like they are — lesser?'
'Lesser? Absolutely not! There's nothing more attractive than a man who's willing to admit how he feels. It's — gosh — it's so romantic.'
I realised I was holding his hand and blushed fiercely.
He looked down at our two hands clasped.
'Sorry,' I said. 'I know you don't like public displays of affection.'
'It seems I'm alone in that preference,' he said. 'You should have seen the couple next to me. They were — getting intimate. They must have thought no one could see, but I'm sure plenty of people did. They didn't seem to mind, and no one objected.'
'Things are very different these days,' I admitted. 'I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with.' I tried to let go of his hand, but his hold tightened.
'We're not in public now,' he pointed out. 'We're locked away in this little box, and it's dark outside.'
He raised my hand and kissed it. 'Thank you for a lovely evening, Celeste.'
'I'm — I'm glad you enjoyed it,' I whispered, barely able to breathe.
'I always enjoy myself when I'm with you,' he told me. 'You're a very special person.'
'Me? I'm not special at all,' I said.
'You are to me.'
He smiled at me and I smiled back, my heart thumping so hard in my chest I thought he must surely hear it. I glanced down to check if my coat was jumping and was surprised to see it wasn't.
He let go of my hand. 'We'd better get back,' he said. 'Your mother will be home by now and she'll worry where you are.'
'She won't, really she won't,' I assured him, feeling breathless and, if I'm honest, a bit desperate to stay where we were.
'You have work tomorrow,' he reminded me, and something in his tone had changed. Whatever moment we'd shared was over, the spell broken.
Feeling suddenly miserable, I switched on the engine and drove him home.
Chapter Sixteen
We'd arranged to meet Trinity and Sky at The Rosemary Tea Rooms. Jethro was busy working and said he couldn't spare the time to accompany us so, on the Saturday, it was Sky, Trinity, Sirius and me who met up for lunch. I was relieved about that. After the conversation I'd heard between Jethro and Trinity in my mind, I didn't think I could cope with seeing them together. Not yet, anyway. Not until I'd figured out what was going on between them.
I'd promised Blaise I would bring him back a double-sized portion of Mrs Greenwood's chocolate fudge cake as compensation. There had been some debate about whether he should come with us, but we'd decided it was too risky. If he slipped up in front of this intelligent and endlessly curious editor, who knew where that could lead. Anyway, he'd been studying gardening websites and was keen to get out in the garden, so he wasn't too bothered.
'I hope,' Sirius said as we reached The Broom Closet door, 'that this Trinity woman isn't too pushy. I still don't see why she wants to meet me, anyway.'
'She's keen to understand the background to Jethro's books and, as you're head of our family,' I said, nudging him and grinning, 'she seems to think your opinions will be important. Can't think why. I told her you were a complete idiot.'
'Thanks very much, sister dear,' he said. His forehead creased, and his steps slowed. 'Seriously, though. What's she like?'
'Honestly?' I stopped and faced him, not sure how to express my worries. 'I really want you to meet her because there's something — not right. Something that's nagging away at me and I can't think what it is. I'm hoping you'll make things clearer to me.'
'Sounds ominous. Obviously, she's not another witch.'
'Definitely not,' I said. 'I'd have sensed that the moment we touched, and she's not exactly tried to keep her distance. I'll warn you now, she's very tactile, so don't be surprised if you're hugged several times over lunch.'
He pulled a face. 'Really? Are you sure you need me?'
'Don't be such a wimp,' I said, laughing. 'Come on, let's go inside, and be brave.'
We pulled open the door of the shop and headed inside, almost tripping over Belle who'd rushed to meet us, alerting us that Sky and Trinity had already arrived. Paypacket gave us a bored look and started washing his paws.
Star was leaning on the counter, helping herself to something from a plate. She glanced up as we approached and waved to us. 'Oh, you're here at last! They've been here ten minutes already.' She dabbed the corner of her mouth with a paper napkin, then wrinkled her nose. 'That Trinity woman! She practically smothered me in hugs. It was most peculiar.'
I grinned at Sirius, who looked distinctly uncomfortable. 'She is very touchy-feely,' I confirmed.
'But pretty, I'll give her that,' Star added. 'She might be your type, Sirius. Who knows? You might enjoy being hugged by her far more than you expect.'
'Hardly likely.' Sirius folded his arms. 'Just as a matter of interest, did you sense anything odd about her?'
Star frowned. 'Odd? In what way?'
'I have no idea. Only Celeste here is hearing alarm bells, and I always listen to her, what with her being an extraordinarily powerful witch an' all.'
'Oh, shut up,' I said, embarrassed. 'They aren't alarm bells, exactly, but there's something. Oh, I don't know. Ignore me.'
'I usually do,' Star said, winking at me. 'Off you pop. Think of me slaving away while you're stuffing your faces with all that lovely grub.'
'Looks like you've been stuffing your face already,' Sirius said, grinning.
'What are you eating?' I asked.
'Chocolate fudge cake,' she said. 'Have you tasted it? It's gorgeous. No wonder Blaise can't get enough of it.'
'I thought it was too sweet and sickly for your taste?'
'I thought so, too. Just shows you. Go on, you'd better go on up. They'll wonder where you've got to.'
We headed upstairs and stood for a moment on the landing. Sirius, who was in front of me, turned to look at me, and I could see his reluctance to go in.
'Go on,' I said, nudging him. 'We don't have to stay long. How bad can it be?'
'You had to ask,' he muttered, then plastered on a wide smile and walked into the little dining room.
Sky and Trinity were sitting at a table in the corner, by a window. Sky was poi
nting out various features of the marketplace down below and Trinity was nodding eagerly, fascinated.
'We're here,' I announced, and they both turned to face us, big smiles on their faces.
Trinity's gaze slid over to Sirius, and her mouth dropped open. I saw the spark in her eyes, and I gave Sirius a sneaky look, meaning to smirk at him. To my utter astonishment, he looked as thunderstruck as she did. They stared at each other, both dazed.
Sky's smile vanished, and she looked across to me, her eyes wide with surprise.
I gave her a half shrug, because I had no idea what to say. I'd heard of love at first sight, obviously, but this was ridiculous. They might as well have been wearing huge, shiny badges proclaiming, "I heart Sirius" and "I heart Trinity". I could almost hear a symphony orchestra playing.
'Er, shall we take a seat, Sirius?' I said loudly.
He blinked and visibly shook himself. 'Sorry. Yes, yes, let's.'
Trinity reached for her glass of water and took a large gulp, and I thought how ironic it was that Sirius was the only person she hadn't physically launched herself at. I'd bet anything that he was the one man she'd love to hug.
Sky's eyes were dancing with mischief. I saw the grin on her face and shot her a warning look. This was no time for flippancy. We were at a delicate moment here. This was the first time our brother had shown the slightest interest in any woman since he'd lost Carissa. If Trinity would be the one to mend his poor broken heart at last, I for one wanted nothing to go wrong — even if she did seem to have a big secret with Jethro.
I hung my coat over the back of the chair and reached for a couple of menus, offering one to Sky and Trinity. 'Unless,' I said cheerfully, 'you two have already decided what you're having?'
I shoved the other menu at Sirius and said pointedly, 'Sirius, any thoughts?'
He blinked at me, then took the menu. 'Right, yes, let's have a look.'
Sky was in no doubt. 'I'm having the seafood pancake,' she informed us. 'Followed by cake, obviously.'
'Obviously,' I said. 'Grilled field mushrooms with goat's cheese for me. How about you, Sirius?'
He stared at the menu, his expression blank. Apparently, all ability to decide had left him. Trinity was scanning the menu, but her face was pink. It was sweet to watch, actually.
'Er, probably the baked halloumi and cherry tomato salad,' Sirius said at last.
'That sounds delicious,' Trinity gushed. 'I think I'll have that, too.'
Sky frowned. 'I thought you wanted to try the cottage pie?'
Trinity's blush deepened. 'I changed my mind.' She glanced up at Sirius. 'Are you a vegetarian, Sirius?'
My brother cleared his throat. 'Yes, I am.'
'How wonderful. I keep meaning to give up meat,' she assured him. 'It's so much kinder to animals and better for the environment. I found it so difficult back home, surrounded by so much fast food and great restaurants, and all my colleagues are meat-eaters. Maybe, while I'm here, it's a great opportunity for me to get into vegetarianism.'
'Well, yes,' he said. 'If that's what you want.'
'Oh, absolutely.' She smiled at him and he smiled back.
Sky looked ready to burst, and I shook my head gently at her. I was all too aware of how excited and unpredictable her little outbursts could be at times.
'Ready to order?' My head whipped round in shock as I recognised that voice.
'Hector! What on earth are you doing here?'
He gave me a rueful smile. 'I'm your waiter for today. Try not to laugh.'
'But — but why?'
Sky held out her hand. 'So, you're Hector. I've heard so much about you.'
'I'm so sorry. Sky, this is Hector. Hector, this is my sister, Sky. Oh, and this is my brother, Sirius, and — and Jethro's friend, Trinity.'
Hector shoved the little notepad and pencil he was carrying into his trouser pocket and shook everyone's hand.
'Benedict's friend, right?' Sirius queried.
Hector nodded. 'Yes. I've known him for years. It's nice to finally meet you all. He's told me a lot about the St Clair family and, of course, I was curious myself, having met Celeste for myself at Christmas.'
'And you're a waiter?' Sky asked, puzzled.
'No, he's a lawyer,' I said. 'You are still a lawyer, aren't you?'
Hector grinned. 'Yes, I haven't made a career change. One of Mrs Greenwood's waitresses rang in sick this morning, and the other had already booked the day off as it's her birthday. She was really stuck, so I offered to help out.'
'That's very kind of you,' Sirius said.
'Not really.' Hector shrugged. 'I work flexible hours, and Mrs Greenwood has always been so lovely to me, and so kind to my mum. Why wouldn't I offer? Anyone would do the same.'
I wasn't convinced he was right. He really was a lovely man, I reflected. So kind.
'So,' he said, fishing out his notebook and pencil again, 'what can I get you all?'
'Well,' Trinity said, 'I usually drink coffee, but I think I'd quite like to try this famous Yorkshire Tea for once.'
'Would you mind asking Mrs Greenwood to pack up a big slab of chocolate fudge cake for me to take home, please?' I asked.
Hector nodded. 'Of course.'
'It's not for me,' I said hastily, although I wasn't sure why it would matter to him, one way or the other. 'It's for a friend. Mrs Greenwood will know when you ask her.'
He nodded and took everyone's order without another word. After he'd headed back to the kitchen, we settled back in our seats and waited for our food to arrive.
In the event, neither Sirius nor Trinity seemed to notice when it did. Sky and I thanked Hector for bringing it to us and had to nudge our neighbours to do the same. There was much embarrassment and flustered thank yous as both my brother and our American guest picked up cutlery, unfolded napkins and ate. Mrs Greenwood had, Hector said, packed me a huge piece of the cake and put it into a plastic container, ready to collect before I left. At least Blaise would be happy and, after making him try both vegetarian stir-fry and popcorn, I felt it was the least I could do for him.
Sky and I felt like spare parts. We tried not to look at each other as we sat there, listening to the two lovebirds chattering about everything you could think of. Within half an hour we'd learned Trinity was an only child, her English mother was dead, and her father had left home when she was two and had never been in touch since. She had dual nationality and, as she'd told us, her mother's family hailed from York. Her great passion was reading, and she'd wanted to work in the publishing world ever since she could remember.
She shared a three bedroomed apartment in New York with two of her work colleagues and her dream was to one day afford to move away from the city and into the countryside. Her favourite book was Wuthering Heights, she enjoyed watching reruns of Friends on Netflix, loved dogs and horses, had coffee and croissants every morning for breakfast and hated horror films because she was a self-confessed wimp and found them far too scary. It was a miracle we hadn't learned her shoe size and what colour bra she was wearing.
Sirius meanwhile told her how he'd spent over three years in Ireland, teaching at a local primary school. He carefully avoided all mention of Carissa, though I realised that was more for his benefit than hers. It was still raw, and he wouldn't want to risk showing his grief to someone who was, despite all appearances to the contrary, a stranger.
He told her how much he'd loved his job, and regaled her with tales from the classroom, stopping short of anything that involved magic, thank goodness. He looked so enthusiastic I was worried he'd forget and blurt something out.
He admitted he loved Friends, too, which was news to me, and was rather partial to film noir. He'd never, he confessed, read Wuthering Heights but would definitely give it a go, since she recommended it so highly. He'd always wanted to learn to ride, he told her, and they both agreed that it would be good fun to find a local riding school and go there together one day. Oh, it was just one revelation after another, and I began to wonder if I rea
lly knew him at all.
Sky eventually decided enough was enough. 'So, about Jethro's book,' she said firmly.
Trinity and Sirius both looked at her as if they didn't understand what she was talking about.
'Oh, right.' Trinity gave an apologetic laugh. 'Sorry, I almost forgot.'
Sky raised an eyebrow. 'Only almost?'
'I gather you've had some ideas about it yourself, Trinity.' Sirius said politely.
She turned back to him, face flushed, eyes sparkling, lips pouted. Honestly, I was embarrassed for her. Talk about blatant!
'Oh, Jethro and I have been experimenting with it a little. You know, looking at the legend from other angles. Asking, what if? You know, your take on the whole St Clair legend would be amazing,' she said. 'It's such a fascinating story, isn't it? Jethro's told me so much, but I'd love to hear more about it from you. After all, this is your family history.'
Sirius nodded and stammered out some disjointed thoughts on our infamous ancestor and his brother. My thoughts inevitably drifted back to Blaise, and I wondered how he was getting on in the garden. Something would have to be done, I thought gloomily. He'd almost kissed me at the cinema, I was sure of it, but something had stopped him. Old-fashioned manners and chivalry, probably. Blaise was a gentleman and would do all he could to protect my honour. My honour could go hang. I wanted him to kiss me, simple as that, and I was getting pretty fed up with waiting for something to happen. I'd started dressing in a much more feminine way and was even wearing makeup every day. Surely he could see I was interested? Look how quickly Trinity and Sirius had clicked! It all seemed rather unfair somehow, as delighted as I was to see my brother so clearly smitten.
'Sorry to interrupt,' I heard Sky say, 'but shouldn't you be recording this conversation? You packed your dictaphone thingy in your bag.'
'Oh, my God!' Trinity burst out laughing. 'You're right. I totally forgot.'
Sirius leaned forward, elbows on table, and rested his head in his hands. 'Perhaps we could meet up later and you could interview me properly? Without the distractions of a café.'
Trinity mirrored his actions and said, rather breathlessly, 'That would be great. Where could we meet?'