Money, which was dwindling. Yes, I’d made a killing on the London flat, but it couldn’t sustain me forever and as Dermot’s list grew, including things that should have already been done before I’d bought the house and had clearly either been skimped on or missed entirely, the potential bill was rolling out in my head like a cartoon till roll. As my eyes glazed over, I felt the lightest touch of a hand, just above my knee. Hesitant but there. I looked across and met Jesse’s questioning eyes. My smile was automatic and the weight of his hand increased.
I unballed the fists I hadn’t even realised I’d made and laid them flat on the table. My hands were bereft of jewellery and I realised that they had been ever since that fateful meeting with Jesse in the DIY shop. I’d taken off the rings I’d bought myself over the years and headed out to buy wood, practically brained Jesse in the process and that was the last time they’d been on. Once I’d noticed every little thing about my appearance, because those in the circles I’d mixed in would be noticing every little thing too. But here nobody seemed to care. Or at least I didn’t feel as scrutinised amongst these relative strangers as I had amongst my friends and colleagues.
‘So, that’s the main rub of it,’ Dermot concluded.
I nodded because that seemed like the right thing to do, but my head was swimming with numbers.
‘Thanks for coming out so quickly, Dermot,’ Jesse replied, his fingers tightening just enough on my leg to kick away the panic. ‘We really appreciate it.’
‘Not a problem,’ he replied and drained the last of his cappuccino before wiping away the foamy moustache it had left him with. ‘It was good to see you again, Jesse, and to meet you, Felicity. Although of course I wish it hadn’t been under such dramatic circumstances, but with this man on the case, you don’t have to worry.’
A faint blush touched Jesse’s cheekbones as he dipped his head and fished in his pocket with his free hand for his wallet.
‘I’m getting this,’ I said.
He turned to argue, then, seeing my face, thought better of it. He was learning.
‘Right, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll send over the full report later today. Tomorrow at the latest so you can get it in to the insurers.’
‘That’s great, thank you so much,’ I said, brightly, standing and holding out my hand for Dermot to shake, which he took, puzzlement now creasing his face, the cogs whirring.
‘It’s not insured, is it?’
‘Nope,’ Jesse replied as he too shook the man’s hand.
‘Can I ask a question?’
‘Yes.’
‘How come you’re smiling?’
‘Well, it’s either this or full hysteria, so right now, I’m going to keep trying to pull this off for as long as I can.’
‘That makes sense. And I wish you all the best with it. I’m sure I’ll see you again before too long but if there’s anything I can do in the meantime, don’t hesitate to shout.’
‘Thanks, mate. Appreciated,’ Jesse replied.
Dermot gave a final wave and dashed to his car in the still biblical rain.
* * *
‘How are you feeling?’ Jesse asked as we retook our seats for a moment.
‘A little shell-shocked, I think, but I’ll get over it.’
‘You will.’
‘Thanks. I mean… for…’ I shrugged one shoulder.
Highly articulate, Felicity.
‘You’re welcome to stay at my place for as long as it takes.’
‘Oh no!’ I said, finding my voice again. ‘I couldn’t possibly do that.’
‘Why not?’
‘I… I just couldn’t. Dermot has confirmed it’s not going to fall down around my ears now so I can move back in now.’
