MB07 - Three Little Words
Page 49
She patted his cheek. ‘Ye’re not bad yerself, son.’ Then she looked at Corker. ‘Put another record on, slow coach. Let’s get the show on the road.’
Corker made sure the next record was another waltz. And when Derek held his hand out, Claire followed him on to the floor. ‘D’yer know, Derek, I’ve never laughed so much in me life as I have since I made friends with Molly and Nellie. They are really so funny.’
‘You like them, don’t yer?’
‘Of course I do! It would be a rare one who didn’t like Molly and Nellie and the gang.’
Derek nodded. ‘Yes, I agree. I like them too.’ He was dithering inside, then told himself to stop acting daft: he wasn’t a kid any more. He was almost thirty-six years of age, and he was holding in his arms a woman he would like to spend the rest of his life with. ‘I also like you.’
Claire lowered her eyes. ‘Thank you.’
He put a finger under her chin and raised her face. ‘Well, can’t yer return the compliment?’
‘Yes, of course I can return the compliment.’
‘Then say it! It’s only three little words, Claire. Unless, of course, yer don’t like me.’
‘I like you.’
‘Those are the nicest three words I’ve ever heard in me life. Do yer like me as a brother, as a neighbour, or as a man yer’d like to come to the pictures with on Monday night?’
‘As long as it’s a Doris Day film, or Cary Grant. I don’t like horror films.’
He pulled her closer, his face one big smile. ‘Doris Day is on at the Astoria. The children would enjoy that.’
She drew away from him so she could look him in the face. ‘You are a good man, Derek. And you’re right. The children will be thrilled.’
Nellie and Molly were standing either side of Corker, linking his arms. And like Hannah Mattocks and young Ken, they were closely watching the couple on the dance floor.
‘I’d say ye’re getting yer wish, girl,’ Nellie said. ‘They seem to be hitting it off.’
‘I hope so, sunshine, I really do. They were made for each other.’
Secretly delighted, Corker said, ‘Why doesn’t he kiss the woman?’
The words were just out of his mouth when, to their amazement, Claire stood on tiptoe and kissed Derek on the cheek. And five people let out a sigh of pleasure.