‘Has the written word always been a big part of your life?’ she wanted to know. ‘I remember you were working on a farm.’
‘I had my own company when I was in my late teens.’ His face clouded over. ‘Well, me and a guy from school. We used to clean chimneys, that kind of thing. Can you remember Harry?’
‘I bumped into him last night – literally.’
‘We were kids, back then. Things didn’t work out. It was a bit rough at the time, but it was a blessing really. I went to uni, got a degree in journalism and wrote for theHedworth Star.’
‘Hedworth? That’s where the train station is, in the city?’
He nodded.
‘Didn’t you ever want to work at the hotel?’
‘Not really. But when my books started to take off, I left and became part-time general manager there, to please my mother.I still juggle both roles, but I’ve never looked back since, career wise.’
Ava studied Jack while he gazed across the water. She leaned forward to see if she could tempt him to say more, but he turned back to her suddenly and grabbed the menu.
‘Let’s order. I’m starving.’
‘I fancy the soup, please, on your recommendation.’
‘Coming right up.’
She watched him walk to the counter to give their lunch order. Once again Ava realised Jack had shut down from her.
But this time she wasn’t going to let him get away with it.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The soup was delicious, served with freshly baked bread. Ava gave a sigh as she popped the spoon into the bowl for the final time.
‘You were right, that was lovely,’ she said with appreciation. ‘I’ll have to be careful while I’m here or else I’ll be piling on weight before I leave.’
Jack was smiling, but it changed when she said the last words. ‘You’ve only just arrived, and it’s been fun getting to know you again.’
‘I must admit, it seems weird being here. In a nice way,’ she added quickly. ‘I’d been dreading coming, if I’m honest.’
‘Why?’
‘Lack of confidence since me and my ex split.’
‘Oh?’
‘It was nasty.’ Ava felt comfortable enough to tell him more of her background. ‘He had an affair, moved in with her and wanted half of everything, which meant I had to sell the house.’
‘What?’ Jack shook his head, outraged in her honour.
‘Georgia and I moved into a flat. It’s okay, nothing special, but it’s home. She’s at uni reading law, and she’s usually outmost evenings. I like having her around, though, so it’s not quite as bad as having empty-nest syndrome.’
‘I bet you’re proud of her.’
‘I am.’ Ava smiled. ‘She wasn’t impressed with her father, though, and refuses to see him. I tried to persuade her otherwise, but in the end, I gave in and let her make her own mind up. She hasn’t seen him in a few months.’
‘His loss, I’m sure.’
‘Well, yes.’ She played with the salt cellar. ‘The woman Giles left me for was only five years older than Georgia.’
‘Really? What a dick.’
