‘I’m walking you home.’
‘You don’t have to do that.’
He moved alongside me, the village path so narrow, he had to walk on the street. ‘Well, my job description was to see all the choir members home at the end of the competition, so actually, I do.’
‘Ah, just doing your job.’ I smiled, and glanced over at him, grateful for the distance he’d placed between us, lessening the intimacy of the darkness.
‘Yes. But when I ask how you’re doing, that’s as a friend. Not part of my job.’
We walked in silence while I thought about it. After our conversation on New Year’s Day, I wanted to take the opportunity to answer honestly. I’d be an idiot if I pretended today hadn’t triggered some nasty memories.
‘I’m okay. Seeing Polly was pretty horrendous. But what if we hadn’t got there – hadn’t found where she lived, or managed to get there in time? There are so many what ifs, my head spins when I think about it. But we did get there, and she’s made the right decision. I feel grateful for that. And grateful I made the right decision, too, when it was my turn.’
I pressed my hand against my scar. ‘I’ll have nightmares tonight. But I’m okay. At least the nightmare stops when I wake up these days.’
We were quiet for a minute or so, before Dylan started telling me more about the day. How Hester had dedicated the performance to Polly and her daughter. How the women had thrummed with pride when they got a standing ovation. How he shamelessly cried when Rowan sang her solo.
We reached my little front path and I let out a long sigh.
‘Sorry.’ Dylan grimaced. ‘I’m rubbing it in.’
‘No. I want to hear. I’m so darn proud of us all. And I’ll be there for the second round. Someone else can take care of any emergencies next time.’
He grinned. ‘They’d struggle to do as good a job as you.’
‘You didn’t hear me squeal when her waters broke.’ I pulled out my key and unlocked the door. ‘Thanks for walking me home, Dylan.’
‘You’re welcome.’ Turning sideways, hands tucked tightly in his pockets, he nudged my arm with one elbow. ‘Don’t have nightmares. Please.’
He strode off into the night, and I quickly closed the door behind him. Leaning back against the frame, my heart thumping, I held my breath, reluctant to exhale the scent of battered leather.
What was I doing? Was this really what a crush felt like?
I had to stay away from Dylan.
My phone beeped with a text:
Just got back from the conference. How’d it go? Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. I love you xxx
I did have nightmares that night, but not about what I expected.
I dreamed about a wedding, and the Ghost Web and running through the blazing corridors of HCC, choking on billowing smoke as I searched for the fire escape.
Good gracious. I had to stay away from that man.
Despite her newfound fitness levels, I felt increasingly concerned for Marilyn. I spoke to Hester at choir practice.
‘I have an idea for another choir activity.’
‘Go on,’ she said.
‘Polly comes out of hospital in a few days. Marilyn still hasn’t cleared out her spare room. James has been away for months and the house is more chaos than cottage. It’s gone way beyond homely clutter. I’m worried about her. I think she’soverwhelmed, and doesn’t know where to start even if she had the time or the energy.’
‘Have you offered any help?’
‘I still babysit Nancy and Pete while she trains with Anton. I hang out a load of washing when I can, or chuck some toys in a box, but when I bring it up, she changes the subject.’
Hester nodded, her mouth a flat line. ‘Leave it with me.’
