Right Number, Wrong Girl

I hated that stupid lorry.

Truck.

Whatever it was.

I got into the front seat after Evelyn was settled in the back and tucked my bag between my feet. The ordering of the decorations had really taken so much longer than necessary thanks to Evelyn, even though she had actually co-operated in the end.

I was surprised.

She never co-operated.

Hugo’s little pep talk about making life easier for me must have hit a nerve with her.

The drive back to Cavendish House was mercifully quiet after how full on the last hour had been. Evelyn really was tired if she wasn’t talking—I’d never been with her and not heard her nattering about something or another.

Hugo pulled up next to a black Range Rover I’d never seen before. “Oh. Helena’s here.”

Helena?

“That’s your sister, right?” I asked.

He nodded.

“Ooh, I bet she brought me a baby!” Evelyn said excitedly. “Hugo, come and open this door for me. There’s a baby in there for me to cuddle.”

Hugo fought back a laugh. “Give me two seconds, Grandma.” He got out of the car and walked around to the opposite side where he opened her door then quickly turned and opened mine for me, too.

“Thank you,” I said softly, smiling when I got out.

He tossed me a quick wink then helped Evelyn out of the car. “Are you coming to meet Helena?” he asked me.

“No, I need to get back to make some phone calls. I’ll let you have some family time.” I smiled and picked up my bag. “Thank you for the cake and the co-operation, Evelyn.”

The old woman beamed at me. “Anytime, dear. As long as you don’t tell that woman how agreeable I was. I don’t want people finding out the truth about me. I have a reputation as an ornery old cow to keep up.”

Hugo rolled his eyes.

“Your secret is absolutely safe with me,” I assured her.

“Jesus. You two are quickly becoming best friends, aren’t you?” Hugo shook his head. “This is becoming a set-up for a cheesy TV show.”

Evelyn winked at me, over-exaggerating the action so it was almost cartoonish. “I think that would be a hoot.”

Again with the agreeing.

“I will see you later, dear,” she said patting my arm. “Be safe on your trip back to the cottage. Try not to run over any sheep.”

“Or errant council people to be?” I asked teasingly.

“Oh, no. Always run over those buggers. One less person to shove a leaflet in your face and lie about how they’ll make the county better.” She wiggled a finger at me. “They would do well to campaign about fixing potholes. That would get my vote.”

“You’re not allowed to drive,” Hugo reminded her.

“I ride in cars, don’t I?” she scoffed. “I’m going inside. Hugo, are you coming?”

“Give me a couple of minutes,” he said, shutting the car door. “I need to speak to Camilla about something.”

Seriously.