‘Thesecondperson?’ I glance at her in alarm. What afool I am for not realising there would be competition. It’s so obvious achocolate-box cottage like this is going to be in demand.
‘The viewing was yesterday but they haven’t got back to meyet,’ Lois reassures me. ‘And I always say that what’s for you won’t go byyou.’ She pulls onto the neat driveway, switches off the engine and smiles atme. ‘So... are you ready to take a look?’
*****
The cottage turns out to be as magical inside as I hopedit would be.
It’s unfurnished – apart from a beautiful pale oak bed framein the master bedroom and a gloriously chic sofa and armchair in the livingroom – so what I’m looking at as I wander through the spacious, white-paintedrooms is almost a blank canvas, full of light pouring in through the manywindows, just waiting for me to enhance the spaces with my own taste ininterior design bliss. The furniture is in a lovely neutral oatmeal colour andwhen I try out the sofa, I find it doesn’t only look good – it’s surprisinglycomfortable as well.
The kitchen-diner is everything I’d hoped it would be...beautiful granite worktops and central island dappled with the sunlight that’sstreaming in through the stylish French doors. The integrated white goods areincluded and are top of the range, along with a stylish (and huge)American-style fridge-freezer that comes complete with an ice and waterdispenser.
‘It’s gorgeous,’ I murmur to Lois, my heels tapping as Icross the beautiful pale wood floor, admiring the way each small section has beenmeticulously laid to link up in a perfect herringbone pattern. The doors openonto a lovely mature garden. Blooms in a riot of purples, pinks and blues swayin the light summer breeze, bordering a smooth, manicured lawn of lush green.
‘Come and look at the wisteria,’ says Lois, opening theFrench doors with a smile. ‘Usually it flowers around May, but sometimesthere’s a second flush at the height of summer – and you’re in luck this year!Isn’t it beautiful?’
We step out into the garden, onto a wide patio and I turn towhere Lois is pointing.
The sight takes my breath away. Cascading tresses ofdelicate lilac flowers nestle against bright green foliage, all blooming on avine that curls around the windows and meanders its way up, as if reaching forthe sky. Against the white-washed wall of the cottage, the effect is stunning,and the sweet scent that fills the air is equally so. I look at Lois inamazement. ‘It’s so beautiful. The pictures online don’t show this.’
‘Don’t they? Well, that’s a missed opportunity. Although...’She smiles. ‘Maybe we won’t need to worry about advertising the cottage fromnow on? Are you liking it so far?’
‘I love it. Can we go back inside, please?’ I ask, eager toexplore the rest of the rooms.
‘Of course. Come on.’
Intrigued by its name, I’ve been doing some research online,and people who believe in the power of crystals say that rose quartz attractslove into your life. It’s also supposed to teach you self-love and acceptance,which is quite interesting because Carrie says that’s something I need to workon because I don’t value myself enough. The best news of all is that rosequartz is meant to boost feelings of inner peace and calm – so three cheers forthat after the chaos my life has become lately...
*****
Half an hour later, I find myself telling Lois I’d like tosign a rental agreement for a year to live at Rose Quartz Cottage...
*****
Over the next few days, I have a lot to think about,including handing in my notice at the café. (Everyone knows about Carrie’s winby now; it’s apparently all over the village).
Fen, who runs the place, says she’s really happy for me andthat there’s no problem about me leaving straight away, bearing in mind I’mmoving house which she knows from experience is a really time-consuming thingto do.
I feel sad saying goodbye to everyone – especially Bertha –but when she sees my eyes fill up, she’s quick to reassure me.
‘Hey, what’s this? Tears? But we’ll be seeing you all thetime, won’t we? You’ll be coming into Sunnybrook for your shopping, I guess, sopop in for a coffee and we can arrange to go out and grab something to eat sometime.’
‘Okay.’ Smiling, I brush away the tears. ‘Sorry, this wholething has made me so emotional.’
She nods. ‘I’m not surprised. But it’s great that you’regoing to be an interior designer!’
‘Well, hopefully...’
‘When you’ve done your course, you can practise on my livingroom.’ She smiles. ‘It’s a bit like me. It could do with a spruce up.’
I laugh. ‘Perhaps we should do a bit of clothes shoppingtogether, then?’
‘Well, I’m game if you are.’
It feels strange walking away from the café for the lasttime as an employee. But I tell myself that Bertha’s right. I’ll be seeing themall the time. It’s not as if I’m moving hundreds of miles away.
I call in at Adam’s workshop after that, knowing I canalways count on him to lift my spirits. He makes me a coffee and we toast thefuture, and he confirms he’ll be at the flat bright and early with his van onSaturday morning to help me with the move.
I leave him, feeling much more cheerful, and drive back tothe flat to get on with my packing.
