“Well, well…” She smiles. “What are you two doing up so early? Together.”
“Why would we be doing anything?” Sam tips his head and kicks a stick with his foot. I try to hide the smile that has now filled my face, but I can’t. Hannah looks at me and teases a smile back.
“You can’t hide it from me. It’s written all over your faces.”
“No idea what you’re talking about.” Sam’s jaw clenches into a smirk.
Hannah rolls her eyes. “You might not tell me, but she will, especially if I tempt her with wine and homemade cookies.”
“So, I don’t get cookies?” Sam jokingly puts on an offendedvoice.
“Mum!” a little voice shouts from inside.
“Saved by the bell, but this isn’t over, missus!” She points at me. “I’ll be seeing you later.” She sticks out her tongue and shuts the door leaving us both outside. Alone. Again.
The silence again feels awkward with words we want to say but can’t.
“So, see you tomorrow?” He brushes his hand upon his neck.
“If you want to.”
“I do.”
“OK then.” Our eyes lock.
Our breathing is slightly heavier.
“OK then.”
He leans in slightly. I follow suit and lean in as well. A moment to allow the tension to build against our lips. He kisses me. Soft and gentle. Different from last night. This was nurturing. Caring. Loving.
I step back and open my eyes. I can see Hannah and Lois now peering under the net curtain in the living room. I cover my face, and Sam looks to see what I was looking at. He laughs and gives a rude gesture towards them.
Well. It’s not secret anymore. That makes it more complicated.
He walks me back to the cottage, the morning sun warming our backs in the frozen air. I can’t help but feel nothing but happiness. This feeling, I never want it to end.
We get through the door and head into the kitchen where the sound of chatter fills the air. We walk in and see Jim and Aradia sat with coffee. Jim turns to look at me.
Busted. I am a hundred percent not ill. And he has caught me out!
“Ah, Harri! Aradia told me you had gone out for some fresh air! Nothing better than fresh air when you are feeling green.”
Aradia sips her coffee and raises her eyebrow at me. She knows I am not sick. But great auntie points for covering for me.
“I was just telling Jim how Sam and I thought a walk might do you good. He is a good boy, is he not?” She smiles at Sam with a twinkle of mischief in her eye.
Jim nods. “Oh yes, indeed. Fi and I always sing his praises to Gloria.”
We stand there like two school children, But I suppose to them and their life experience we might as well still be in a school uniform.
“I’m sorry I let you down today, Jim,” I wearily croak with my best sick voice.
“Oh no, it’s fine. You have done more than enough. I have come to tell you that I don’t need your help anymore.”
I feel a little taken back. “Oh, have I done something wro—?”
He cuts me off quickly. “Oh no, my dear, no, no. Well, you have done something but not something wrong. Since having time off from the shop, well, Fi and I… it has been fantastic. I forget that I am no spring chicken and with my darling wife’s diagnosis, time is precious. I’ve decided to give up the shop. We have enough saved to live out our days on a couple of cruises, a few coach trips and just enjoying the time in our tiny home. You, Harri, your generosity, gave me the opportunity to realise that. So, thank you.”
