‘Oh, I shouldn’t.’
‘Go on. I’ll walk you home.’
‘You don’t have to do that. It’s only up the road.’ I felt slightly flustered as I looked up at the waitress. ‘I’ll have another wine, please.’
Anthony ordered his drink and then turned back to me. ‘You kind of proved my point with Patrick.’
‘What point?’
‘About women preferring bad boys. You said you’d never met anyone you cared about before Patrick. He didn’t exactly treat you well, did he?’
‘He did when he was with me. And the boys I’d seen before weren’t super nice or particularly horrible, they were just immature. Patrick was older, so maybe I just prefer older men.’
‘He didn’t treat you well, Rachel. You never knew where you were with him. And he didn’t meet any of your friends and family. I’m pretty sure I’ve met at least some of the friends and family of every girl I’ve ever been in a relationship with. And I’m always upfront about the fact I’m not looking for anything long-term or serious.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. I’m not out to mislead anyone or make false promises.’ He scratched his face and looked at me. ‘I wouldn’t like to think I’d broken anybody’s heart. That’s just sad.’
I smiled at him. ‘You’re very sweet. And that’s exactly why I find it so hard to believe that nobody has fallen in love with you.’
He rolled his eyes, looking embarrassed. ‘Anyway, this is getting a bit deep. Let’s change the subject now.’
‘Okay. What do you want to talk about?’
‘I don’t know.’ He laughed. ‘Tell me about yourself.’
‘Me? We’ve talked enough about me. Why don’t you tell me about you? You’re the new boy in town.’
‘I’m really not that interesting.’
‘I disagree. I think you’re quite fascinating, actually. You have a very bizarre attitude to relationships and I’d like to know why.’
‘Ah, but we’re not talking about that any more.’
I leaned my elbows on the table and smiled at him. ‘Let’s start with your family. Are you an only child?’
He hesitated for a moment, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at me through narrowed eyes. ‘No. I have a younger brother.’
‘How much younger?’
‘Three years.’
‘Is he married?’
‘Yes. And he has two children.’
‘Aww, so you’re Uncle Anthony. Are they cute?’
‘Very.’
‘You like kids?’
‘I love kids.’
‘But you don’t want any yourself?’
‘No. Look, what is this? The Spanish Inquisition?’
‘I’m just making conversation.’
He laughed and took a sip from his drink. ‘Yes, I love my niece and nephew but I don’t get to see them very much.’
‘You mentioned your mother before?’
‘Yes. I have a mother.’
‘Are your parents divorced?’
‘Look, I know what you’re doing, you know. You’re trying to find out about my relationship issues by asking about my family. You can save your pseudo-psychological analysis of me for another time, thank you. My family are great. Now, are you an only child?’
‘Yes.’
‘I thought so.’
‘Why?’
‘Because you’re bossy and like to get your own way.’
I laughed in disbelief. ‘Oh, really? How would you even know that about me when we’ve only just met? Besides, is that what only children are meant to be like?’
‘I have no idea, I’m just winding you up.’ He sat back and laughed. ‘What do you like to do in your spare time?’
Shrugging, I ran my finger around the top of my wine glass. ‘I don’t really have that much free time with running the shop, and when I get home I’m tired.’
‘But you’re only twenty-six. You can’t just work and sleep.’
‘I don’t. I watch TV in between.’
‘Don’t you go out dancing?’
‘No. All my friends are settling down with their boyfriends and can’t afford it. Besides, how did you know I was twenty-six? I didn’t tell you, did I?’
‘I think your dad mentioned it.’
‘Oh.’ I frowned. That was odd. Why would my dad be telling the new tenant how old I was? But then I suppose he might have been talking about me running the shop. ‘Anyway, what’s this about dancing? Who says dancing these days? Clubbing is the word.’
‘Dancing sounds nicer. I like dancing.’
‘Can you dance?’
‘Of course I can dance!’ He looked offended at the very notion that he might not be able to.
I raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a Fred Astaire? We should call you the dancing detective.’
‘Ha ha, I like that.’ He looked like he was going to say something else but changed his mind and took a sip of his beer instead.
I smiled at him. ‘What’s the time?’
‘Nearly eight.’
‘Already? I should go.’
‘Why? Is your Horlicks calling to you?’
‘No, but my bed is. I’ve got to be up at five to go to the flower market.’
‘Five? That’s crazy! I can’t believe you have to go that early. What time does your shop open? Nine?’
‘Half past eight.’
‘So, why do you have to be up at five?’
‘Have a shower, get dressed, put my make-up on, then I drive there, choose the flowers, have a chat, drive back, make up any orders.’
‘Can’t you get them delivered?’
‘Yes.’
‘So, get them delivered.’
‘I like to go and see what’s there. They always have new things in. It’s exciting.’
Anthony frowned at me. ‘But, do you really need to go tomorrow? Couldn’t you get them delivered? Just this once?’
‘For a policeman, you’re a really bad influence, you know!’
He grinned. ‘Is that a yes?’
I looked at his smiling face and decided I’d much rather have an evening out with a handsome man than get up at five and start work early. ‘Well, I suppose it’s not essential that I go tomorrow. But I’m not sure about going dancing. How about we just go to another bar?’
‘Okay.’ He turned and called the waitress over for the bill. I got my purse out of my bag but he waved me away. ‘I’ll get this as a thank you for coming out with me tonight.’
‘You don’t have to do that. It’s my pleasure, honestly.’
‘No,