“They probably do, but I think Londoners are too busy to notice when it does turn red.”
“That’s sad. Maybe you need to visit the country more.”
Is he saying that in general or does he mean he’d like me to visit more? Oh God. I’m spiralling and we’ve only made it two feet from the front door. He’s just taking you on a tour, Harri.
“Are you OK? You know if you don’t fancy coming, I won’t be offended. Just seemed like maybe you could use some time away from your aunt. Not that anything is wrong with her… I mean, but, yeah, I’m waffling, aren’t I?” He awkwardly rubs his neck again.
I laugh. So, he’s spiralling too?
“No, I’m really glad you invited me. I’ve not really seen anyone my age, so it’s good to talk to someone who doesn’t reminisce on the sixties every five minutes.”
He smiles and those dimples appear again. “No sixties speak here! Maybe a bit of nineties and early two-thousands though.”
“Now that I can do!” I laugh.
We walk to his van which is parked on the driveway. He opens the passenger door, and I slide in. It smells like him. He climbs in the other side.
“Nice ride, right? I’m sure you’re more used to Lamborghinis in the city,” he jokes.
“I like it actually. The heat is on, it’s pretty clean and having avan must be handy,” I reassure back.
“It is! Although technically it’s Chris’s, not mine, but he drives a BMW, so lets me have this. I’m just rolling in riches with my pity van.”
OK, he’s attractive, sweet and he genuinely makes me laugh. I need to not get ahead of myself. I’m here for a break from men. Not to jump into bed with another one.
“So is Chris your boss?” I ask.
“Yeah, he owns the butcher’s. He’s more of a mate/honorary dad though. Sorted me out with a job when I left school.”
“That’s sweet.” I’m guessing that means his dad isn’t in the picture.
“Sweet? Am I that lame?” His cheeks flush.
I laugh again and shake my head. “No! Sweet isn’t lame.”
“It is.” He chuckles, brushing his hand through his thick dark hair.
“So, do you live with your nana? And Lola?” I ask, trying to gauge if he lives with a girlfriend or wife.
“Yeah, I’ve lived with my nana all my life here. Lola has also lived with us since she was born. My mum lives sort of all over. She isn’t doing too good. She’s not able to care for us like she wants. My mum… she has addiction issues. She always has. She can’t give up the wrong crowd and it’s just sucked her in and spat out the bones of her. She had me at fourteen then Lola fourteen years after that. So, a bit of an age difference.”
My heart aches a little for them. That must be so hard. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s fine. Nana Thorne is the best.” He’s still beaming like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
I smile, happy that he’s happy. “She seems lovely.”
We get to the butcher’s and park the van round the back. Sam gets out and jogs round to greet me at the side of my door.
He opens the door and bows, gesturing to the shop in front ofus. “So, Harri from the city, this is Brindlewood’s finest butcher’s which is ran by yours truly.” He gestures to himself.
“I thought Chris ran it?” I tease.
“Chris sits on a chair and reads adverts for old beat-up cars he can do up while I do all the actual work.” He laughs. “He’s old, so I let him off.”
“Well, it looks like a very nice butcher’s.” I smile.
Sam gives me that dimpled smile back.
