Almost Perfect by James Goss Page B

TV and the sofa.’
    ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked, worried. ‘Was I snoring? Did I take up too much of the duvet?’
    She smiled, and pulled him close to her, kissing the back of his neck where his hair was neatly shaved. ‘No, it’s nothing,’ she said softly. ‘I just… it takes time for me to get used to sharing the bed with someone.’
    He wrapped his arms around her. ‘Well, I’ve got used to you already,’ he breathed as he nuzzled her, and she felt the slight stubble brush across her shoulder and giggled.
    ‘Oh, Joe,’ she said. ‘It’s only been a few hours.’
    ‘Yeah, I know.’ Joe grinned wickedly. ‘But I’ve never felt this way about a girl before. And I’ve certainly never… well, not in a car. You’re wicked! And you’re special.’
    ‘Am I?’
    ‘Yeah, you’re perfect.’ He kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her. ‘You’re perfect and you’re mine.’
    She sighed happily.
    ‘I want you to meet my friends,’ said Joe. ‘They’ll love you.’
    ‘I’m sure they will,’ sighed Emma again. She reached across for the ash tray and lit a cigarette. She offered a drag to Joe, but he shook his head. ‘You know I’ve given up for you, babes.’
    She looked at him as she dragged on her cigarette.
    He sometimes wished he knew what was going on in her perfect head. He wished he could read her thoughts so that he could make her life even better. She had everything – and she wanted him. He knew he had to try very hard to live up to her. To be worthy of her.
    She ran a hand through her hair. ‘What’s your favourite film?’ she asked.
    He tutted. ‘You know better than to ask a bloke that. There are so many – and several of them just jostling for a place in the Top Ten. Indiana Jones , Ghostbusters , Proper Star Wars , the Die Hards … You know what it’s like. What’s yours?’
    She considered. ‘ Breakfast At Tiffany’s .’
    Joe nodded. ‘Oh yeah. That’s in the list. In fact it’s my favourite, pretty much.’
    She laughed, delighted, and kissed him. ‘You’re so funny!’
    He looked at her, puzzled. ‘No, it really is. Have I said something wrong?’
    Emma’s laugh died, but she continued to look at him.
    He felt suddenly tired and wanted to go back to bed. ‘I feel suddenly tired and want to go back to bed,’ he said, and did.
    Thank you.

GWEN AND IANTO GET A
SHOPPING MONTAGE
    Jack had insisted they go shopping.
    ‘Just wear something natural,’ Gwen had urged. Ianto had looked at her, slightly worried, and then gone off, very solemnly. Ianto emerged wearing… oh god. A tight pair of jeans, the same T-shirt as Gwen and a pretty close match for her leather jacket.
    ‘What do you think?’ he asked.
    ‘Yeees,’ said Gwen. ‘You look very good. Really good. But it’s not you. It’s me.’ Plus, if you wear that, I will have to kill you.
    ‘But it looks so good on you,’ said Ianto. Bless.
    ‘Wear what you want. Surely you’re more suits and skirts? Look around you. Really express yourself. Go crazy. And nothing orange.’
    Ianto nodded, a bit panicked, and wandered off.
    After three quarters of an hour they both gave up and bought him a little black dress, a sensible grey business suit and some blouses. ‘I got it a size up,’ explained Ianto to Gwen as they headed for the tills, ‘After all, hopefully I won’t be a woman for long. And then I thought you could have my clothes.’
    Right, thought Gwen.
    ‘Now,’ said Ianto, smiling bravely, ‘perhaps you can explain about bras.’
    It was at this point that Jack called.

CAPTAIN JACK IS AVAILABLE
FOR CHILDREN’S PARTIES
    Jack was waiting for them in the park, holding balloons. Gwen laughed at the sight.
    ‘Morning, girls!’ he said, winking and handing them each a balloon.
    Gwen took the pink one, happily. ‘Jack, is there a reason for this?’
    ‘There’s always a reason, Gwen,’ said Jack. ‘No day is all bad if it’s got balloons in it.’
    Ianto looked at his,