This London Love (33 page)

“Do I want you to come in? I’d like nothing more. But seeing as you’re so soaked, I might as well get wet, too.”

Before Meg could protest, Kate kicked on her trainers and stepped into the morning rain, splashing in a puddle for extra effect.

Meg’s laughter pierced the air, her smile flooding her eyes.

And as Kate laughed too, the rain got more insistent and a brittle crack of thunder rumbled not too far away.

Both Kate and Meg peered upwards, before turning back towards each other.

“I think you might have mystical powers.” Meg turned her full-beam smile on Kate.

Kate was suitably dazzled. “You should know that by now.” Kate searched Meg’s almond-shaped eyes and found what she was looking for. “I missed you so much.”

Then Kate stepped forward and took Meg’s face in both hands. She kissed her on one cheek, then the other, and finally on Meg’s soft mouth. As their lips fused together again, Kate’s heart swelled. She steadied herself and they pulled away, staring at each other as the rain showed no sign of abating.

Meg trailed her hand down the side of Kate’s face. “Thanks for the flowers.” She put her lips to Kate’s again.

Kate smiled shyly, her lips never leaving Meg’s. “You said you never got any.”

Meg shook her head. “You’re the first.”

“I’m glad.”

Their lips touched again.

Kate took hold of both of Meg’s hands and they stood face to face, lip to lip, water running down both their cheeks. “But what about your dad and my mum? How’s that going to work?” Kate breathed in the smell of petrol and wet tarmac as the rain slackened a little.

Meg shook her head slowly, dropping one of Kate’s hands to run her fingers through her wet hair. “I don’t know — but our parents aren’t what’s important right now. What is important is us — you and me.” She gave a single, defiant nod. “We’ll deal with the rest together. Good enough for now?”

A smile creased Kate’s face. “More than good enough.”

They kissed again, a long, deep, passionate kiss. When they pulled back, Meg’s eyes had clouded over with emotion. “There was one other thing,” she said. A tear tracked its way down her cheek, mixing seamlessly with the rain.

“Don’t cry,” Kate said.

Meg sniffed and wiped the tear away. “It’s a happy tear.” She sniffed and wiped the back of her hand across her nose. “I must look a right state.”

“You look beautiful,” Kate said. “What was the other thing?”

Meg smiled hesitantly. “Just to say… I love you too — and I’m sorry I never told you before. And I’m sorry I ran off when you told me — it wasn’t the best response.” Meg winced, never taking her eyes off of Kate.

“I’ve had better.”

Meg let out a bark of laughter. “Am I sharing too much on your doorstep?”

Kate smiled, then shook her head. “Not at all. I think it’s perfect. You’re perfect. This is definitely my most favourite doorstep moment ever.”

“You’ve had a few?” Meg raised one eyebrow.

“Never with so much rain and such a gorgeous woman.”

Meg laughed and held up her palm. “And the rain seems to be stopping — at last.”

Kate turned her face to the sky and just at that moment, a massive drop of rain landed on her face. She spluttered and Meg laughed.

Kate wiped her face, before turning her full attention back to Meg. “And just so there’s no confusion, I love you, too. More than you know.”

They kissed again and Kate’s head swam. She sunk into the kiss, reveling in its warmth and how right it felt. But after a few seconds, it was interrupted by a shout from nearby.

“Oi, you two — take it inside!”

Kate and Meg stumbled apart, their bubble pierced. They turned to see Jess and Lucy slamming their car doors.

“What’s going on here, apart from you two looking like you’ve just been for an impromptu swim?” Jess grinned as she walked up to them.

Kate smiled right back. “We’re having a doorstep moment.”

“Oh, really?” Jess said.

“Well, don’t let us stop you — we’ll see you upstairs.” Lucy dragged a gawping Jess away and into the flat.

Kate laughed, then turned back to Meg. “Now where were we?”

Meg moved forward and planted her lips onto Kate’s. “Right about here,” she replied.

39

Two months later and Christmas was upon them. The week had been a busy one at Fabulous Flowers, with festive orders booming and Olivia officially retiring. Anya had agreed to come on-board at least three days a week, more when required, and their new delivery driver was working out a treat, so Meg wasn’t daunted. Rather, taking on the shop as the official boss was something she was looking forward to — but, as she’d told Olivia, she’d still need her on the end of the phone for making some decisions, which had pleased her mum. Olivia might be retiring, but she wasn’t redundant.

And now, as Meg packed up the last of the flower remnants at 4pm on Christmas Eve, her mind turned to the coming festivities and what they might bring — this year was so far removed from the last. Back then, it had been Meg and Olivia having dinner alone, with Jamie and Greg away skiing. This year, however, the boys were cooking Christmas dinner for Olivia, Meg and Kate, and tonight Meg and Kate were going out with Kate’s mum and Meg’s dad — their first date as a foursome.

Meg’s thoughts were interrupted with a rat-a-tat-tat on the door. She looked up and saw Lawrence — he gave her a wave. She walked over and unlocked the door.

“I thought we were seeing you at the pub?” Meg stepped aside so he could come in.

Lawrence rubbed his hands together, shivering as he came in from the cold. “Freezing out there!” he said. “And you were — but I thought I’d stop by to pick up some flowers for Maureen. I was going to buy them from Waitrose, but then I thought, why don’t I buy them from my daughter? Seemed a better option.” He smiled broadly at Meg and shivered again.

“Anything in particular?”

Lawrence shook his head. “Whatever the lovely florist advises.” He paused. “And the more expensive, the better.”

Meg laughed. “Big spending will get you everywhere.”

She spent the next few minutes putting together a colourful, seasonal bouquet she knew Maureen would love, squatting to select the flowers while Lawrence watched her every move.

“You’re good at this, you know,” he said.

Meg raised an eyebrow as she wrapped the bouquet. “I should hope so by now.”

She presented Lawrence with the bouquet and he gave a low whistle, before reaching inside his jacket.

“Just perfect,” he said. “How much?”

Meg waved a hand. “On the house — consider it a Christmas gift.”

But Lawrence already had his wallet out. “No, I insist — I would have paid for them from anywhere else.” He took two £20 notes and put them on the counter.

However, Meg pushed them back towards him and shook her head. “It’s on the house — honestly. My gift to you.”

Lawrence shifted on his feet, his mouth twitching uncomfortably.

Meg wrapped her hand around his. “It’s what families do.”

His head dropped slightly and she saw tears glistening in his eyes, before he nodded at her. “Thanks.”

The bell tingling broke the moment, and Meg looked up to see Kate striding into the florist. “Thought you were closing up early?” She walked over and kissed Meg on the lips, then nodded at Lawrence. “I hope those are for my mum,” she told him, smiling.

Lawrence sniffed, then nodded. “Of course — and I’d better get them to her.” He straightened up, pulling down his grey winter coat. “Thanks again for these — see you at the pub at seven?”

Meg smiled at him. “See you there.”

He kissed her on the cheek, then Kate, before leaving the shop.

When he was safely out the door, Meg stepped into Kate’s embrace, wrapping her arms around her neck, breathing in her perfect scent. Meg could happily live right here, in this very spot, forever.

Kate kissed her cheek. “You okay?”

Meg nodded, then lifted her head and stared into Kate’s exquisite face, before kissing her perfect lips. “I’m more than okay.” She kissed Kate again. “I have you, I have Mum and Jamie, and now I have Dad.” She swallowed down a wave of emotion. “I never thought I’d ever say that. My dad. Isn’t life weird?”

Kate nodded, a smile warming her face. “Life is weird and wonderful. Luckily for me, you’re more wonderful than weird.”

Meg threw back her head, laughing. “Glad to hear it.” She kissed Kate again, heaving a contented sigh. “And you know what you are? You’re some kind of wonderful.”

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MY TOP FIVE LONDON ROM-COMS

As you can probably tell, I’m a sucker for a rom-com. My top five rom-coms starring London also suffer from a permanent case of Hugh Grant…

5: About A Boy

Hugh Grant is the feckless singleton who tries to woo single mums with his make-believe son Marcus, a young Nicholas Hoult. About A Boy is heart-warming and life-affirming, with North London taking a starring turn.

4: Run Fatboy, Run

Simon Pegg is the runner as he tries to woo back his ex from her smarmy new American boyfriend. Cue tight shorts and hilarious running around the capital’s streets, but the even tighter script and acting make this an assured London hit.

3: Four Weddings And A Funeral

The breakout British rom-com that set the standard for all those who followed. Four Weddings has a stellar cast, rich screenplay and is packed with just the right balance of romance and cheese to make it deliciously irresistible.

2: Bridget Jones’s Diary

Ahhh, Bridget! Renee Zellwegger gives the performance of her career as the bumbling heroine in this gorgeous London rom-com. Turkey curry buffet, a delicious fight scene, fancy dress and lashings of white wine. What’s not to like?

1: Notting Hill

A dazzlingly pretty Notting Hill is the perfect backdrop for this tale of bumbling boy meets famous girl — and who does bumbling better than Hugh Grant? This is writer Richard Curtis’s finest hour, with perfect lines planted throughout the script. Beautifully re-watchable.

READ LONDON CALLING!

Read about where it all started for Jess & Lucy, with Kate an able cheerleader!

Jess Sharp is at a crossroads — back in London, living in her parents’ spare room, jobless and single. Not quite the irresistible package she was aiming for at age 32. One night, things take an upward turn when she meets Lucy, who could be a game-changer.  However, everything in her riotously chaotic life seems to get in the way, including her best friend’s wedding, far too much tequila and the ghosts of girlfriends past.  The course of true love has never been so injury-prone. Will Jess overcome her romantic ineptitude and find her happy ever after? Or will she continue to trip over her own feet in the race for romance?

Click on one of the links below to buy the book!

Buy London Calling on Amazon UK

Buy London Calling on Amazon US