Page 52 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Ahmm …’ Another evening away. How could she justify that to Ben? And, should she even be thinking about meeting up with Aiden with the way she was feeling?

‘There’ll be drinks and nibbles. Some other artists and gallery owners you could meet with …’

The contacts might be handy, she told herself. And it wasn’t as though it would be just the two of them there, or anything.

‘It sounds wonderful, Aiden. I’ll just have to check it’s all right babysitting-wise … that Ben’ – it seemed weird saying her husband’s name right now – ‘hasn’t got any plans that night.’ But actually, yes, mentioning his name was a good thing. A reminder to Aiden that she had a husband. Oh, bloody hell, her emotions were so mixed right now, was she just being daft and overhyping this whole thing? He might not even fancy her at all.

‘It’d mean a lot if you could come.’

Oh my, that look. Well, maybe he did, just a little. ‘Thank you. I’ll try my best. I’ll message you as soon as I know. What kind of time would it be?’

‘Say six thirty to start. You can stay as long or as little as you like then. It’s on until around nine thirty.’

‘Well, I might be able to manage an hour or so.’ Eve smiled.

‘Great. Right, well, time to get packed up and get my paintings crated and back to the gallery.’

‘Yeah … me too.’

‘Can I give you a hand with anything?’

‘Oh, I’m sure I can manage, but thanks,’ she spluttered.

‘Okay. Your work is stunning, by the way. Really well crafted. I love all the detail on the animals … you’ve given them all such character too,’ he enthused, picking up Mr Fox.

‘Aw, that’s lovely to hear. But it’s nothing compared to what you do.’

‘No, I mean it. Don’t put yourself down, you’re really talented. Creativity comes in all forms, not just painting.’

And that meant so much to Eve. Someone who was artistic himself recognising her talent. It was a shame that Ben couldn’t see beyond the pounds and pence, and ‘wasted time’.

‘Thank you, Aiden.’ Eve felt a weird pang inside as she watched Aiden turn to walk away. He was a kindred spirit; he understood what it felt like to create something. There was a palpable connection between them, and he seemed a really special person. And right then, it felt bloody awful that she’d never be able to touch him, hold him, find out all about him. Oh hell, she was falling for him good and proper.

Should she even go to this opening night? She felt a bit wobbly just watching him walk across the hall. But it was just a viewing of his new paintings, after all, so why did it feel like so much more than that?

27

‘Bye then my princess,’ Jake said to Maisy the next morning, gathering her up in a big hug. ‘And I’ll be seeing you very soon for the wedding, yeah? I can’t wait to see you in your special bridesmaid dress.’

‘Bye, Daddy,’ said Maisy, squeezing him back.

Jake caught Rachel’s eye for a moment over their daughter’s shoulder. It was a look full of feeling and nostalgia. And as he stepped forward, Rachel was hit with the strange thought that he was about to kiss her. Whether it was to be on the cheek or lips, she didn’t risk finding out, recoiling with a quick step backwards and politely rubbing his arm instead. After all, one good day out with Maisy didn’t mend all those broken bridges, or give him licence to get up close and personal. She had seen enough over the years to know that she wanted no romantic involvement with that lad ever again.

‘Ah, okay, well it’s been great … this weekend. See you both soon.’ He sounded a little awkward, no doubt realising his error.

‘Bye, Daddy.’ Maisy moved in for another hug, wrapping herself tightly around his legs.

He leaned back down. ‘Bye, sweetheart … and be a good girl for your mummy, yeah?’

‘I will.’

They watched and waved as his van headed away down the farm track. Rachel was sad to see Maisy’s face drop, as the vehicle got smaller and smaller. But at least their little girl had had a lovely time. And, amazingly, Jake did seem to be bucking up his act.

‘He’ll be back again soon, Mais,’ Rachel soothed; she was pretty sure he’d keep his promise to be there for the wedding. ‘Come on, let’s go and find Grandma and help set up the Pudding Pantry for the day.’ Diversionary tactics were needed.

Later that afternoon, with Maisy still at the Pantry happily helping Grandma to decorate cupcakes, and the tearooms a little quieter, Rachel took the opportunity to head over to Tom’s to finally catch up with him after their recent disasters. They’d texted briefly last night, but the emotions behind the everyday chitchat were difficult to gauge. Hopefully a little time apart might have helped to put things back in perspective. After all, life was too short for them to be cross with each other about the little things. Their relationship was worth so much more than that. Yes, she resolved, as she parked up outside Tom’s house, what they really needed to do was to mend their own rather rickety bridge in time for their wedding day.

‘Hi, I’m here for my sticky toffee!’ She popped her head around Tom’s kitchen door, ready to make her apologies for their lost weekend. But Tom was seated at the kitchen table with his head in his hands, looking totally worn down, a pile of documents spread out in front of him.