He was being so generous Laura couldn’t help feeling a twinge of conscience. ‘But supposing it isn’t until after the shop is closed?’

‘I’ll still have my contacts, and I think a lit. fest. would be splendid fun!’

Was everyone determined to get her involved whether she agreed to or not? They certainly seemed to be conspiring to erase any possible objections she might have. She supposed she ought to feel grateful they believed in her so much. Now all she had to get through was her monthly visit to her parents.

‘So how did it go?’ asked Grant as he came through Laura’s door barely an hour after she’d got back from what had proved to be the usual frustrating visit home. At least she had the thought of her night out with Grant to keep her going. He’d made a duty visit that day too, to his aunt’s.

‘Oh, OK, you know. Quiet.’

‘You didn’t tell them about the bookshop closing then?’

‘No. I thought I’d wait until I’d got something else lined up. You know what they’re like. My father might insist that I retrain as an accountant or a book-keeper. Did you tell your aunt?’

‘Yup, but as she’s not my mother I felt she could take it. She offered me some money if I wanted it.’

Laura smiled. Grant always went through agonies of guilty conscience when his aunt offered him money although he did sometimes accept it. ‘So did you say yes this time?’

‘Certainly not! I don’t need it at the moment. If I’m out of work for ages I might say yes then.’ He tutted. ‘Don’t look at me like that! I’m her only relation and she’s loaded. She likes giving me money!’

Chuckling, Laura drew him into her flat and shut the door behind him. ‘I know she does and I’m not the one feeling you shouldn’t take her handouts. She’s got more money than she knows what to do with and you’re her only nephew. I don’t think you should feel guilty at all. Hey! Why don’t you ask her for a really big lump and you could open your own bookshop. Then we’d both be back in gainful employment!’

‘What makes you think I’d give you a job?’

‘Because I’m the best and you would.’

Grant sighed. ‘OK, I would, but I wouldn’t like to ask her for real money. She might need it for her care home or something. I’ll be all right anyway. I don’t mind working for a big chain.’ His attention wandered from his possible next job to Laura’s outfit. ‘Sorry, sweetie, you can’t wear that.’

‘Why not? I thought I’d put on a skirt for once, look a bit smarter than usual. For our big night out.’