‘Sarah. Hello. Wake up.’ Skye waved her hand in front of my face. ‘Penny for them?’
‘What? Erm… I was just thinking of something I have to do in the shop tomorrow.’
‘Must have been something serious. You were miles away.’
Pants! ‘It was… erm…’Think! Fast! Nick’s looking at you.‘It was a bouquet a customer wanted and I… erm… don’t think I have the right colour gerberas.’
‘Well, I reckon that’s a big fib and you’re really thinking about a man,’ Skye said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. ‘I’ve seen that look before. And you hardly touched your food. Must be love.’
My cheeks flushed and I cast a nervous glance at Nick. He laughed and put his arm round me.
‘Of course she’s thinking about a man,’ he announced. ‘She’s thinking about me, what a great evening she’s had in my scintillating company, and how she can’t wait to do it again.’
We all laughed, nervously in my case. Sitting so close to Nick, my head against his chest, I felt weak at the knees. He smelled so good. He felt so good. I could hear my heart thumping frantically and wondered if he could hear it too. I felt disappointed when he removed his arm although I couldn’t help thinking that he’d held me a little more closely and tightly than needed. Had he been aware that the words he spoke in jest were true?
Bill finally settled, everyone pulled on their coats and headed outside.
‘Would you mind if I walk you home?’ Nick asked.
‘I’d love that,’ I said, perhaps too quickly.
‘No need for that,’ piped up Bob. ‘I’m just round the corner from Sarah. Tony and I are both heading that way. We’ll see her home safe.’
I opened my mouth to protest but what could I say? Nick lived in the opposite direction. If I created a fuss, it would be obvious that I wanted to be alone with him and I’d feel pretty damn stupid if I’d misread the signals from him and he was just being a gent with his offer – not saying it because he wanted to be alone with me too.
‘Okay, if you’re sure you don’t mind…’ I caught Nick’s eye and he smiled sadly and shrugged his shoulders. That intense look was there again and I knew. I just knew. He felt the same way as me. Auntie Kay and Elise were right.
Bob, Tony and I reached Seashell Cottage and parted. I stood on the doorstep for a moment, imagining what I’d be doing if it had been Nick who’d walked me home instead. Would he have kissed me? If he hadn’t made a move, would I have dared kiss him? Oh well, I’d never know. I opened the door just as my phone beeped. Spotting his name on the screen, my heart skipped a beat. I opened his message and grinned.
?? From Nick
I had an amazing night thanks to you. I think you might have guessed that I hoped to walk you home so I could give you one of these in person so here’s 3 by text instead – xxx – I know I’m not a Steven, but if you give me a chance, I promise I’ll treat you better than 20 Stevens! I think we could be great together. Hope you feel the same. Let me know if you do. Goodnight, Sarah xxx
Aware I was letting all the heat out, I quickly closed the door then leaned against it as I read Nick’s text over and over again. By the time I found my way to the sofa, my face ached from smiling.
Kit and Kat appeared and rubbed round my legs. ‘Mummy will give you a fuss in a moment,’ I said. ‘First, I have a very important text to write.’
?? To Nick
I’ve been trying to ignore my feelings cos of the Steven thing but I do feel the same. How about a rain check without Bob and Tony to cramp our style? Come to the shop at 5.45 tomorrow if you’re free. Can’t wait to see you again and collect those kisses in person. Steven who? xxx
23
Beep… beep… beep…
I groaned and rolled over in bed, groped around on the bedside cabinet for my mobile, and blindly pressed a button to snooze the alarm. Relief flowed through me that the most hideous sound in the world had ceased, quickly followed by panic; I’d fallen asleep before Nick replied.
Sitting up, I squinted at the screen, expecting to see a little envelope, but it was blank. I switched the bedside lamp on and stared at the phone again. Still blank. My heart sank.
I reluctantly heaved myself out of bed and padded across the landing to the bathroom. Maybe he’d just turn up after work. I didn’t say he needed to reply. Yes, that was it. He’d pick me up at 5.45.
But I didn’t feel convinced.
At the shop that morning, I found myself constantly staring at my phone. I checked my inbox. I checked it wasn’t on silent. I checked my inbox again.
Shortly before eleven, I breathed a sigh of relief when a text envelope appeared with Nick’s name on it.
?? From Nick
