LITMIR.BIZ

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‘Seriously, though, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, babe. You look as if you’ve won the Lottery.’

      Tash burst out laughing and Emma wondered why. ‘Something like that.’ She smiled, radiating joy. ‘I can’t believe I’ve only known Kit for a month or so. It feels like a lifetime.’

      ‘Hopefully in the right way.’

      ‘Oh yes. In absolutely the right way.’

      ‘Any news on the legal stuff?’ Tash’s ex-boyfriend had been accused of raping several women in Manchester and Emma knew the pending court case was hovering like a thundercloud over Tash’s new life with Kit. Because Adrian had abused Tash too, she might be called to give evidence.

      Tash shook her head. ‘Early days yet.’ She forced a bright smile. ‘Let’s not spoil a good evening at the book club with mention of any of that, shall we?’

      Emma put a finger to her lips. ‘Point taken, boss.’ In an attempt to lighten the atmosphere, she added, ‘At least my hair won’t be quite as obvious this evening.’ She giggled as they sat down and she glanced around. ‘Everyone’s gone orange in this light.’

      Tash looked amused. ‘Why on earth did you want to dye it, Em? Your natural light brown is lovely.’

      ‘Mouse, you mean.’ Emma took a mouthful of wine. ‘Boring.’ She shrugged. ‘Just wanted a change. Be more Demelza.’

      ‘Who?’

      ‘Tash!’ Emma said, aghast. ‘Demelza. You know. Married Ross Poldark. “Be More Demelza” is my new mantra for life.’

      ‘Oh right. Poldark. Watched bits of the first series but never really got into it.’

      Emma watched as Tash’s eyes were drawn to where Kit was sitting talking to Biddy, another book group member.

      ‘And I don’t have time for TV now,’ Tash said. ‘We’re expecting another donkey this weekend. Had to get another stable ready.’

      ‘You and Kit really going ahead with this animal sanctuary idea, then?’

      ‘Think so. It seems a good way to use the land he’s bought and you wouldn’t believe how many need a safe home, especially horses. Kit’s so passionate about rescuing animals. He’s had yet another batch of battery chickens this week. He’s marvellous with them.’ Kit sensed he was being discussed and looked over. Tash blushed.

      Emma’s lips curled in amusement. ‘So loved-up,’ she teased.

      ‘You could say that.’

      ‘And you’re sure Arsehole Adrian hasn’t made contact? No more creepy stalkery stuff?’

      ‘Nope. Thank God.’

      Emma reached for the wine bottle and refilled their glasses, then grabbed a handful of kettle chips. She was munching a mouthful when a woman joined them.

      ‘Hello, Natasha – oh, and Emma too.’ It was Marti Cavendish, another book group member and an ex-neighbour of Tash’s. She slid herself down onto the sofa next to them and sipped her wine, one little finger cocked. ‘I hadn’t realized you were selling up?’

      ‘What do you mean, Marti?’

      Emma felt her friend go rigid and cursed Marti. Tash had had a rough time last month and, with the court case pending, she was finding it difficult to get closure over her life with Adrian. She didn’t need any reminders about her abusive ex-boyfriend and his executive four bed on the new estate on the edge of town.

      Marti made an innocent face. ‘Oh dear. Have I made a teeny faux pas? There’s a for sale sign outside where you lived with Adrian. Of course, I may have the wrong house but you are number forty-seven, aren’t you?’

      ‘Used to be. I moved out.’

      ‘I had wondered.’ Marti batted her eyelashes. ‘I hadn’t seen you or Adrian around recently. And there’s no Porsche on the drive.’

      ‘Well, thank you for letting me know. As the house was in Adrian’s name, it’s entirely up to him what he does with it,’ Tash said, through gritted teeth. ‘And, quite honestly, I couldn’t care less. As long as he stays away from me, that’s all I’m bothered about.’

      Marti sucked in a sly breath. She couldn’t resist digging further. ‘It’s such a shame he didn’t want to use Hughes and Widrow, though. Seeing as you work for them.’

      Emma had had enough. She knew Tash hated talking about her and Adrian splitting up. Swallowing the last crisp, she leaned forward and said sharply, ‘As he and Tash parted on less than friendly terms, it’s no loss to Hughes and Widrow that he didn’t want to sell with us. Besides, we’ve got more than enough work on at the moment. I doubt very much that we could have taken on another client.’

      Marti subsided in shock. Emma was known as the peacekeeper. She hardly ever raised her voice. Luckily, any further conversation was drowned out by Amy bringing the book group meeting to order and asking for suggestions for September’s choice.

      Emma couldn’t believe they agreed on Demelza, the second in Winston Graham’s series of Poldark books. Writer Patrick always seemed to suggest some obscure travelogue, while Biddy hankered after the classics, and Amy was keen on the latest Booker prizewinner. Millie summed up everyone’s enthusiasm when she said it would be great to read something more accessible than Wuthering Heights, the group’s last choice. ‘And it would be wonderful to read one of the books seeing as the new TV series is starting this month.’

      Emma nodded vigorously. ‘Of course, they’re way ahead on the telly but it would be ace to go back to the books themselves. And we all seem to have read the first book, so choosing the second is a no-brainer.’

      ‘Fine writer, Winston Graham,’ Biddy put in. Elvis, her deaf assistance poodle, snickered in agreement.

      ‘And Ross Poldark is such a hero,’ Emma replied.

      ‘Not so sure about that, child,’ Biddy barked. Pensioner Biddy was always forthcoming with her opinions. ‘He’s guilty of more than one sin. Reckon Demelza is the real hero of those books.’

      Emma was about to launch into a spirited defence when Amy cut her short. ‘Just as well we’re reading her book then, isn’t it? And a discussion about what makes a literary hero could be for the next meeting, I think.’ She turned to Millie hopefully. ‘Time for sandwiches and coffee?’

      ‘Just before we break,’ Patrick said. ‘Could I tell you all about something that my friend Joel is doing?’

      ‘Oh yes,’ Millie exclaimed. ‘I meant to mention that before we began the meeting. Brain like a sieve at the moment. Please,’ she gestured to Patrick. ‘Go ahead. You know all the details anyway.’

      ‘Could we talk about it over food?’ Emma groaned. ‘I’m starving.’

      Everyone laughed. Emma was well-known for her bottomless stomach.

      ‘Excellent idea,’ Biddy boomed. ‘Need to stretch the old pins.’

      As everyone began to move downstairs, to the bookshop’s café, Millie added on a laugh, ‘Can’t promise you crisp sandwiches, Em, even though know they’re your favourite.’

      ‘Don’t know what you’re missing, Millie. Have you ever had ready-salted and tomato ketchup on a thickly buttered white slice?’ She watched in alarm as Millie turned green.

      ‘Excuse me for a moment,’ she said. ‘Amy, can you do the honours with the coffee and food? I’m really not feeling all that well.’

       Chapter 4

      Emma backed Patrick into a corner after he’d explained to the group what

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