‘I’m just saying. He’s grown into a handsome man, you must admit?’ She winked at Ava.
‘Mum, behave,’ Jack said, rolling his eyes indiscreetly.
Stella touched Ava’s arm. ‘I love teasing him. Please, do come and sit down. We have so much to discuss, and then it’s over to you two.’
‘Us two?’ Jack and Ava spoke in unison.
‘Yes.’ Stella beamed. ‘Jack, I’m putting you in charge. I’m sure you’ll enjoy working with Ava for the next few weeks.’
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ava moved towards the table, sitting across from Stella and Max. Jack took the chair next to her. Seriously, he was going to be her boss for the next four weeks?
A movement caught her eye, and she glanced to see Jack smirking. She ignored him and opened the file she’d brought along to the discussion.
‘Was your room okay, Ava?’ Stella asked. ‘I hope it’s to your satisfaction.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ Ava gushed. ‘I feel like a princess.’
‘Well, thank you for agreeing to stay during the weeks. I hope it isn’t too inconvenient for you.’
‘It’s fine.’ Ava smiled. ‘I have a daughter who is old enough to fend for herself, so she’s getting a bit of peace. Mind, I’m not. When do you get to the stage that you stop worrying about your children?’
‘Never,’ Stella replied.
‘Tell me about it,’ Jack muttered good-heartedly.
For the next hour, they chatted among themselves. Despite her nerves, Ava found herself proposing a few ideas. As an outsider, she was sure to see things from a different perspective, and it was good to put her skills to use. Then it was over.
Stella and Max got to their feet. Ava was about to do the same when Stella put a hand out.
‘Please, stay. I’ll send in lunch for the two of you. I’m sure you have lots to catch up on.’
‘Mum, I?—’
‘It’s been a pleasure to see you again, Ava,’ she interrupted. ‘Hasn’t it, Max?’
‘It certainly has.’
Ava waited for them to leave the room before turning on Jack. ‘You could have told me I’d be working with you,’ she hissed.
‘I had no idea!’ Jack protested. ‘It was a surprise to me, too. Besides, you hardly gave me the chance anyway. I was going to come over to you in the café, but you marched off in a strop again when Charlie arrived and?—’
‘I did not march off in a strop!’
‘Oh, you did.’
Ava pouted, but it morphed into a smile. All of a sudden, she relaxed. She might as well enjoy herself if she had to spend time with him.
‘So,’ Jack went on. ‘We get to hang around together for a month. It’s going to be like old times, isn’t it?’
‘Not unless you push me out of the apple tree and chase me across the shales threatening to throw me into the water.’
Jack guffawed. ‘Now, there’s a thought.’
‘You might as well tell me now what else I need to know before I stick my foot in it again.’
‘Ah, sorry about earlier.’ Jack’s face fell. ‘Even though Dan died a while ago, it’s still raw. But I shouldn’t have snapped at you.’
