Never Ever Leave Me by Elly Grant Read Free Book Online Page B

said to the driver.  “We’ve got hot dates,” he added winking at John who winced.
    “Pleas e don’t say that, even in jest,” he begged.
    “Okay, okay, keep your hair on.  No jokes for the rest of the evening.”
    “Just remember that or you’ll be sitting at the table on your own,” John warned.
    The journey to Penny’s house took no more than a few minutes as she lived only one street away.  As soon as the taxi arrived John jumped out.  He stood beside the front passenger door as the girls climbed in, leaving Patrick to sit in the back with them.  Once they were all in the cab and on their way his friend quickly introduced everyone then proceeded to talk about Italian food and the sort of menu they could expect.  John was grateful.  It broke the ice and there was no requirement for him to add to the conversation.  Soon they pulled up outside a very classy looking establishment and he realised that his friend had made a special effort when dressing because of the setting and not just because of the company.  John was pleased that he’d also made an effort and chosen to wear his suit, good shirt and a tie.
    The food and wine were excellent and the conversation flowed easily.  John was very relieved.  Under different circumstances he might have been attracted to Jenny, she was just his type, naturally pretty with small even features and a slim figure.  Her style of dress was understated and her manner quite reserved without being dull.
    The evening went very well .  Although John and Jenny seemed to look on from the sidelines while Patrick and Penny drank a bit too much, laughed a bit too often and talked a bit too loudly.  John was very much aware of being alone.  Even in the busy restaurant with good company, he felt alone.  When his thoughts turned to Carol there was heaviness like a cold stone in his chest.  He made excuses to himself for hanging back, blaming his current situation.  Then he thought to himself, what situation?  He was single, had been for some time and although Carol was gone, his life was continuing.  Somehow after all the pain and loss he was still there, still functioning.  It was a sobering thought.
    T he evening drew to a natural end and before very long they were back in a taxi heading for home.
    “We’ll drop you off first, Jenny,” Patrick suggested.  “Because you live furthest away, then we’ll go to Penny’s.  Is that okay with everyone?”
    “That suits me fine,” she replied, “Sorry to be a party pooper, but unlike the rest of you I’m working tomorrow and I have an early start, so I’m afraid, that on this occasion, I can’t invite you in for a nightcap.  It’s been a really lovely evening and a pleasure to meet you John.  We’ll have to do this again.”
    Everyone nodded and agreed.  John managed to stop himself sighing with relief that Jenny was leaving the group first.  There would be no awkward small talk, he thought.  She was a lovely girl and very good company.  He wouldn’t mind becoming her friend, but that was as far as it went.
    Within minutes of leaving Jenny’s the taxi swung round the corner and pulled in at number four Tudor Grove.
    “Home , empty home,” Penny said smiling.  “The house is so peaceful now that Charles has left.  It took him ages to find somewhere he wanted to live so we had to keep sharing the house even though we were separated.  Would you boys like to come in for a coffee?  You won’t have far to walk home.  It’s handy being just a street apart.”
    “I hope you don’t mind Penny,” John said before Patrick could answer, “But I’m really quite tired.  I’ll take a rain check if I may.  Don’t let me stop you , Mate.  I’ll take the cab home and I can see you tomorrow.”
    “If you’re sure you don’t mind,” Patrick said rather too quickly.  “I’ll see you tomorrow then .  Don’t wait up, Dad,” he added with a wink.
    John felt pretty sure that his friend wouldn’t