It turned out that, while we began with a bit of pushing and shoving, an argument that started off being about crystal doorknobs and ended up referring to how even if Laurie’s apple pies were a bit dry, it didn’t mean Kalani could be mean about it, a few tears and a pot of paint dangerously close to being chucked over Deirdre’s new hair, Kalani’s prediction was incorrect.
We ended up, as presumably Hattie had hoped, dividing the tasks in line with our individual strengths. Laurie scrubbed and sandpapered, while Deirdre fixed the broken shelves and door with replacement pieces of wood Hattie had sourced from Gideon. Kalani painted each section in colours and patterns to suit our different personalities, and I added various adornments including the knobs and Moroccan tiles in a diamond shape to cover the hole.
The result was vibrant, chaotic. Beautiful.
‘Well, who’d have thought it?’ Laurie asked as we stood admiring our work.
‘Hattie, I suppose,’ Deirdre replied.
‘No.’ Hattie smiled. ‘This is even better than I’d envisioned. And I’m an artist. You’ve excelled yourselves, Gals. You’ll definitely be ready by the time we’ve completed the final two sessions.’
‘Only two more?’ Kalani exclaimed.
‘Do you really think we’ll be ready?’ Deirdre asked, before screwing up her face. ‘Ready for what, though?’ she added.
To our surprise, Hattie’s eyes flooded with tears. ‘Ready for whatever comes next,’ she said, softly.
I didn’t miss the glances that passed between the others. Kalani looked at me, eyebrows raised in question.
‘I don’t know about you, but what I’m ready for right now is a gorgeous gal.’ I linked one arm through Laurie’s, my attempt at innocence failing miserably.
‘Absolutely!’ Hattie said, sounding even more fake. ‘Lead the way, Sophie! I’ll see you in there once I’ve tidied a few bits away.’
We were on our second jug of cocktail before Hattie joined us. Jokes brittle, conversation stilted, the atmosphere didn’t improve for the twenty minutes or so before the others made their excuses and left.
I found keeping secrets from Gideon akin to hiding a venomous scorpion in my underwear drawer. Now, these wonderful women knew I was hiding things from them, too. Secrets about their friend, who they’d known for years before I’d showed up. A whole nest of scorpions.
Soon, very soon, someone was going to get stung. One of those people was sure to be me.
* * *
I’d invited Gideon to come on a date with me. I’d been too passive in this relationship for too long. He’d been unfailingly kind, gentle, romantic,there. I’d been hesitant, contrary, guarded. I decided I owed him a thank you, and that would take the form of a trip to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, where one hundred and five acres of landscaped gardens contained waterfalls, sculptures and other points of interest.
Nearly five hundred years and sixteen generations cultivating their family’s land. I felt sure Gideon would appreciate it.
It was the last Saturday in March, and we spent a lovely few hours wandering about, admiring the landscaping while the dogs ambled along the river and through the woodland. Together, we soaked up the present as well as the centuries of history. I’d never experienced this before – feeling so comfortable with someone who at the same time made my heart fizz over with that sense ofknowing, every time he caught my gaze or brushed up against me.
We stopped to have lunch in the dog-friendly section of the café, and then the direction of our conversation changed.
‘Are you okay?’ I asked. Gideon had been staring at a chunk of beef pie on the end of his fork for the past minute. I couldn’t imagine why he looked so pensive, so it was making me nervous.
‘I’m really okay, Sophie.’ He put down the fork and sat back with a sigh. ‘Way more than okay.’
‘You don’t especially sound it,’ I said, cautiously.
‘This has been… the best day. And the other days… the kayaking. Board games. Even coming to pick you up from Kalani’s, when you shared about your family. Every day with you is the best day.’ He frowned, forehead wrinkling. ‘But it kills me that you don’t feel the same.’
‘I…’ I swallowed, hard. ‘I do feel the same. This has been the best day for me, too.’
Until now, at least.
‘No.’ He gave an abrupt shake of his head. ‘If you felt like I do about days like this, you’d do anything for them not to end. I know we said no pressure, and you’ve already decided to stay at Riverbend for longer. But what does longer mean? Every time I see you, I’m wondering if it’s going to be the time you tell me you’re leaving.’
‘But we agreed…’
‘I know. I’m breaking our deal. But you asked, and I’m answering as honestly as I can. I can’t lie to you, Sophie. I would follow you anywhere, if it wasn’t for Mum. I’d at least commit to making it work long-distance until we could figure things out. I know we said what we said, but things change. How I feel about you—’
‘I’m thinking about it,’ I blurted, before I could stop myself.
