Page 55 of Be More Capybara

‘She’s given you the brush-off?’

‘Not exactly. But it’s obvious she’s not looking for a new relationship, and I’ve come to the conclusion I shouldn’t be either. I need to get the situation with Madison sorted out first.’

‘If you change your mind and there’s anything Lucy and I can do to encourage things along, just say.’

‘Sounds like you’ve inherited the matchmaking gene from our beloved mother.’

Nancy walked in through the back door.‘Who’s matchmaking?’

‘No one,’ Mark said. ‘I appreciate that is your exclusive preserve round here. I was only enquiring why Nige looked tired, that’s all.’

‘You do look tired, darling. Is everything ok?’

‘I was up late mulling things over, that’s all. Is that offer of joining you for your eclipse trip to New York still open?’

‘Of course, we’d be delighted to have you there. I’ve already booked the flights for everyone else, though, so you’ll have to sort out your own tickets. I’ll dig out the flight numbers.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ve got a few things to do in New York first. I’ll make my own way over to the lake. Just give me the address where you’re stopping.’

‘Whatever suits you. You could bring Helen if you like?’

He noticed Mark give her a “shut up now” glare.

‘Or not. Entirely up to you.’

‘It will just be me.’ He hastily changed the subject before his mother started interrogating him as well. ‘How’s the treehouse build going?’

Mark’s face lit up. ‘Brilliantly. We’re at the second fix stage now.’

‘Hel said she was working on socket locations.’

‘Yes, the furniture should start turning up next week. It’s all coming together better than I ever expected. I think we’re in with a very good chance of scooping up a tourist board award. I just need to decide which category to enter. If you’re not doing anything this morning, pop in and see what you think.’

‘I might just do that.’

41

HELEN

How did the meal go? Xx

Helen looked at the message from Carrie. She could do with a conversation about how exactly the meal with Nigel had gone, but she was currently standing in the middle of a treehouse surrounded by electricians, plumbers and kitchen fitters.

Will phone you later xx

Sounds like there’s a lot to tell - I hope xx

There wasn’t that much, but it was enough to distract her from doing her job today. Perhaps a quick conversation with Carrie would help sort out the thoughts that were racing around her head.

Time for a quick chat now? xx

Carrie responded with a thumbs up.

‘Sorry folks, I’ve just got to step outside to make a phone call.’

Phil, the electrician, looked up at her from where he was crouched on the floor, doing some wiring in what would become the main sleeping area. ‘Don’t be long because we need a chat about one of the kitchen sockets. It’s too close to the sink under the latest regs.’

‘I’ll be back in five,’ she said, heading for the front door.