but Lola knew now that this man was no more than a charming stranger, albeit a slightly bemused one, thanks to her interrogation. ‘OK, you’re not a private detective. I believe you.’
He nodded gravely. ‘Thank you.’
Out of nowhere a queue for the tills had materialised. Lola said, ‘Enjoy your book.’
The man left, clutching his dark blue Kingsley’s carrier bag and wearing the kind of expression that people have when they think they’ve handed over a ten pound note and been given change for twenty.
Chapter 11
Weren’t Toastabags the greatest invention in the whole world ever?
The toaster popped up and Lola hooked out the bag, tipping the gorgeous crispy toasted cheese and tomato sandwich onto a plate. Possibly her favourite food, and to think that when she’d first clapped eyes on a Toastabag she hadn’t believed it could work, because how could a plasticky baggy-type thing go into an electric toaster and not melt?
OK, toasted sandwich: check.
DVD in DVD player: check. She’d treated herself to the latest release starring Tom Dutton, one of her favourite actors.
Box of tissues: check. When she’d dragged Gabe along to the cinema to see the film she’d honked like a big goose during the weepy bits and shown herself right up.
Remote control for DVD player: check.
Remote control for TV ... bum, where was it? Oh, under the sofa cushions. Check.
Now she was all ready to go .. .
The doorbell rang as she was about to take the first heavenly bite of toasted sandwich. Someone had a sense of humour.
Lola looked at her make-up-free reflection in the kitchen window, teamed with dripping wet hair and lime- green towelling dressing gown, and really hoped Tom Dutton hadn’t chosen this moment to pitch up on her doorstep.
She pressed the intercom. ‘Yes?’
‘Lola?’
A female voice. ‘Who’s that?’
‘It’s me! Sally Tennant!’
Good grief. Sally. Doug’s sister. As Lola pressed the buzzer, her stomach gave a little squiggle of excitement. ‘Come on up.’
Sally, wrapped in a glamorous cream coat and black patent high-heeled boots, was looking glossy and stylish. She would have looked even more stylish if there hadn’t been a pair of sparkly red plastic antlers flashing away on top of her head.
‘Oh sorry.’ She pulled a face when she saw Lola’s hair and dressing gown. ‘Bad time?’
‘Of course not. I can’t believe you’re here.’ Lola ushered her into the living room, switched off the TV. ‘Is this something to do with Doug?’
‘Doug.’ Sally looked blank. ‘No. Haven’t seen him. Why, have you?’
No’ Lola swallowed her disappointment.
‘I asked Philip for your address. I’m here about that flat you told me about.’
The flat. Lola hadn’t thought for a moment that Sally would take her up on the offer — she hadn’t appeared to be even listening when she’d mentioned it. And now she was actually here.
Talk about cutting it fine. But at the same time, how brilliant.
‘You’re really interested? That’s fantastic. Gabe’s off to Australia tomorrow ... he’s out saying goodbye to his friends tonight, God only knows what time he’ll be back. But I’ve got a key. I can show you the flat now’ Tightening the belt of her dressing gown, Lola said, ‘You’ll love it, I promise!’
’Gabe? Can you hear me?’ At the other end of the phone Lola could make out yet more noisy celebrations. ‘I’ve just found someone for your flat. Remember I told you about Sally, Doug’s sister? Well, she’s here and she’s had a look round, and it’s just what—’
‘What?’ hissed Sally when Lola abruptly stopped and listened. ‘Doesn’t he want me to move in?
Why, what’s wrong with me? Tell him he won’t find a better tenant anywhere. Look, I can pay the deposit now, money isn’t a problem ... Lola, tell him how much I want this flat!’
Lola said slowly, ‘Yes ... OK, right ... no, of course I understand.’ She finished listening to Gabe then hung up.
‘What?’ wailed Sally. ‘Why can’t I have it? I want it!’
Lola felt a twinge of guilt; she was the one who’d begged Gabe not to take on Terry-the-abbatoir-worker.
‘It’s not you. Gabe registered the flat this morning with a lettings agency. He’s signed a contract with them. And they rang him a couple of hours ago to tell him they were bringing a client round tonight. If this guy says he wants it, there’s nothing we can do. He’s got first refusal,’ she explained. ‘And he’s keen to find somewhere fast.’
‘Oh’ Sally looked crestfallen. ‘Well, maybe he won’t like it.’
‘Everyone likes Gabe’s flat. Damn it,’ Lola said frustratedly, ‘I want you to be my neighbour, I don’t want some smelly boy moving in next door ..
‘What?’ Sally eyed her with curiousity as Lola’s voice trailed off. ‘What are you thinking?’
‘Gabe says they’re due round at eight.’ Lola checked her watch. ‘I’m just wondering what time the corner shop
