This Was a Man (The Clifton Chronicles 7)

“You only just made it in time,” she said, giving him a reluctant kiss on the cheek.

Sebastian grinned. “So where do you want to have dinner, young lady?”

“Harry’s Bar.”

“In London or Venice?” he asked as they strolled into the drawing room.

“London this time.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to get a table at such short notice.”

“I’ve already booked.”

“Of course you have. Anything else I should know about?” he asked, as he poured himself a stiff whisky.

“It’s not what you should know,” scolded Jessica, “it’s what you’ve forgotten.”

“No, I haven’t.” Like a magician, Seb produced a gift from an inside pocket.

“Is that what I think it is?” Jessica asked, smiling for the first time.

“Well, it’s certainly what you’ve been hinting about for the past few weeks.”

Jessica threw her arms around her father. “Thanks, Pops,” she said, ripping off the wrapping paper and opening a small, slim box.

“Am I back in favor?” asked Seb, as Jessica strapped the Warhol Swatch onto

her wrist.

“Only if you’ve remembered Mom’s present.”

“But it’s not her birthday,” said Seb. “At least, not for a couple of months.”

“I know that, Pops, but it is your wedding anniversary tomorrow, just in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Help! Yes, I had.”

“But luckily I hadn’t,” said Jessica, pointing to a beautifully wrapped box on the table, with a card attached.

“What’s inside?”

“A pair of Rayne shoes Mom spotted in the King’s Road last week, but thought were a little too expensive. All you have to do is sign the card.”

They heard the front door open, and Seb quickly scribbled An unforgettable year. Love Seb xxx on the card. “How did you manage to pay for them?” he whispered, as he placed the pen back in his pocket.

“On your credit card, of course.”

“God help your husband,” said Seb, as Samantha joined them.

“Look what Pops has given me for my birthday!” said Jessica, thrusting out her arm.

“What a lovely present,” said Samantha, admiring the Campbell’s Soup watch.

“And I’ve got something for you too, my darling,” said Seb, as he picked up the box from the table, just hoping the ink had dried. “Happy anniversary,” he added, before taking her in his arms.

Samantha looked over her husband’s shoulder and winked at her daughter.

* * *