“Well, wonderful service if you go that far to make sure adelivery is made.” I wink at him, making him feel OK again.
His dimples are back, his smile climbing up his face.
“So I’ll drop them round this afternoon? Without the witchy sidekick.” He shoots a look at Lola who sticks her tongue out.
“Great, see you then.” I wave.
As I walk away, I can hear him telling Lola to keep quiet but she’s giggling too much to care. I make it back to Aradia who is now packing up.
“Sold the lot,” she exclaims.
“That’s amazing. Well done!”
“Did you find anything?”
“I got that blanket from Hannah’s stall. Oh, and I bumped into Sam.” I blush a little.
“Oh, did you now?” The Cheshire cat grin is back.
“Yes.” I look at her sternly and she laughs. “He’s bringing the pheasants you ordered around tonight.”
She places her hands on either side of her face in shock. “Oh God, the pheasants! I forgot about that! Thanks for sorting it.”
I help my aunt pack away into her car and we head back to the cottage.
As we get into the kitchen my granny is sat at the table on the phone. Aradia whispers she’s going to put the crates back in the greenhouse and I slip in the kitchen and put the kettle on. Granny turns to look at me.
“I need to go, Cassandra. I’ll talk later,” she says calmly before ending the call.
“Was that my mother?” I ask.
“Yes, dear. She said your phone’s been off for days and just wanted to check in.” There’s a slight truth in her words, but I feel more was said than me just not picking up the phone.
Being here has made me forget the outside world. I haven’t charged my phone in days.
“I’ll go up and sort it,” I say, not wanting to rock the boat byasking Granny if that’s all that was said. Besides, I’m enjoying the no drama life at the moment.
I head upstairs and power up my phone while plugging it in. It takes a moment as it’s been off for the longest it’s ever been off.
Ten missed calls from Mother.
Two missed calls from Lauren.
Seventy-seven missed calls from Greg.
Firstly, Lauren can go fuck herself. Not a chance I’ll be calling that hag back.
Next, I open one of the many texts from Greg rather than calling him back. I don’t have the energy for a full-blown conversation with him.
Harri, please can we just talk? I’ve been a right ass. I’ve really fucked it all up so badly. Please pick up and talk to me. My family are so angry with me. Your mother said she can’t get hold of you. Please, Harri. Just talk to me. I’m sorry!
I send a quick reply just to stop him sending any more begging texts.
Greg, I’m fine.
I told you I needed space so let me have it.
I call my mum next to let her know I’m fine. She lectures me about making her call her mother to ask if I’m alive. Also she lets me know she’s booked us to attend a meal on Saturday with Greg and his family as both our fathers are going into business together and they thought it would be nice. Nice? Is she serious?
