‘Right. So you moved there from somewhere else?’
‘I did.’
He studies me for a moment, clearly expecting me toelaborate. And when I don’t, he chuckles. ‘You’re very mysterious, Kenzie.’
‘I’m told it’s glamorous to be a woman of mystery,’ I say,tongue in cheek. ‘By the way, I’m definitely up for taking a stall at yourfete.’
‘You are?’
I nod. ‘I’d love to help such a fantastic cause. Plus, itwould be great exposure for me. I’d meet loads of people and introduce them tomy pottery.’
‘Brilliant.’ Leaning forward, he picks up his phone. ‘Inthat case, we’d better swap numbers.’
As we do, I tell him I’ll ask around about other businessesin Sunnybrook that might like to take a stall for such a great cause. ‘When areyou thinking of holding it?’
‘End of May. The bank holiday.’
‘Perfect. You could organise a few rides for the kids, toattract more people. Make it into a sort of family fun day?’
‘Great minds think alike.’
We smile at each other and as our eyes meet and hold, I feela delicious little shiver run through me.
‘What about a bouncy castle and perhaps a traditionalmerry-go-round?’ I suggest. ‘The sort with horses?’
He nods, considering this.
‘I used to love riding those horses when I was a kid. Andhelter skelters are fabulous. They always look so magnificent, and you can seethem from miles around.’
He laughs. ‘I ought to be taking notes here. All ideasgratefully received.’
‘But what about the cost of all of this?’ I frown. ‘I mean,I know you’ll probably recoup it all after the event. But won’t it be a lot toshell out up front?’
He looks down, and for a horrible moment, I think he isn’tgoing to reply.
Maybe I’ve offended him somehow?
Then he looks up with a wistful smile. ‘The money’s there,’he says simply, and I nod, not wanting to probe further.
He glances at his watch. ‘I need to go,’ he says, as if he’sjust realised the time.
‘Oh... me, too.’ I drain my cup and reachfor my bag, wondering if I’ll see him again. At least we’ve swapped numbers...
‘I’m very glad I met you, Kenzie,’ he says as we’re leavingthe café. ‘Even if it did involve a certain amount of crockery carnage.’
I laugh too loudly at his joke, always a give-away that youlike someone. But I can’t seem to help it.
‘I’ll drop by the Duck Café some time,’ he says.
‘TheLittle Duck PondCafé.’
‘Right.’ He smiles. ‘What you said. Good to see you again,Kenzie. I’ll be in touch about the fete.’
We go our separate ways. And then on a mad impulse, I turnback and call out his name. ‘You should come over for a pottery lesson sometime.’
‘Great.’ He sticks up his thumb. ‘I’d really like that.’
Walking away, I’m still smiling. Helping Aidan with hisfundraiser might be fun.
