Page 185 - SpontaneousSuccessMatos

"Nicko, my boy. Splendid to see you. Sorry, I can’t
get up." It was Thomas. He looked old but sounded as
radiant as ever.
"Jeepers, I thought you were dying," I said.
"So did I. Fell out of a hot air balloon!"
He still had his larger-than-life, rich theatrical
delivery.
"Grandpa, it was on the ground."
“What!” I said laughing. “How do you even do that?”
“Grounded for life.” Thomas retorted.
The young man laughed along and introduced
himself. "Hello, I’m Paul."
Casilda and Frankie burst in with a flurry of curiosity.
"Good God in heaven," Thomas brayed. "Francesca,
whoops, Frankie, is that you? You look bloody
marvelous."
"Mum," Paul said, "Frankie's cut her hair short and
gelled it back. Looks awesome. And her clothes are trim
and tailored."
"How exciting. Frankie, come, come." She went over
to Lara arms outstretched and they hugged. Oh, my
goodness, it’s been so long," Lara said.
Lara ran her hand down Frankie's lapel.
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