Page 61 of The Second Chance Supper Club

‘No worries, pet. We can all make a mistake. It’s nice you’re here helping out.’

Aw, that made her feel a lot better, and at least she didn’t now have to upset the applecart with the lads, having to explain her error, giving them more to do on their return.

After the lady had gathered up her things and left the stores, Will added with a grin, ‘Haven’t been called a young man for a very long time.’

‘Hah, I wouldn’t get too excited.’ Cath chuckled. ‘I think she has to be at least eighty.’

‘The cheek,’ he said, pretending to be offended, but they were both laughing.

He looked rather lovely when he laughed, Cath thought. And of late, he seemed happier altogether than when she had first met him. She wondered, and hoped, if it might have something to do with their growing friendship.

He seemed more relaxed with her today, here in the shop. Perhaps it was just a bit too much too soon, that evening back at hers under the stars. She’d felt it too, that night. But instead of dashing away, she so wished he’d been brave and run into her arms.

Strolling out along the village street in the early evening sunshine, Cath heard the light scrunch of tyres, as Will rolled up beside her on his bicycle.

‘Good evening.’

‘Hi.’ This was a pleasant surprise. Her smile was warm. Shirley wagged her tail excitedly beside her.

‘Doggie duties now?’ Will leaned over, to give the terrier a rub.

‘Yes, indeed. Been all go today at the shop. But it’s been okay. Tiring, just from concentrating and trying to remember it all. But it’s been good to be able to help the lads.’

‘Yeah, they’re great guys. Wonder how the Greek wedding’s going.’

‘Oh, I had a couple of pictures through before,’ said Cath, fetching her phone from her jeans pocket. ‘Looks like they’re having a great time. Here’s one of the bride … doesn’t she look gorgeous, and so like Andreas. You can tell they’re family, all olive-skinned, and those dark eyes and hair. And look, here’s another of the lads at the reception, looking very dashing in all their finery.’

‘Ah, yeah, very smart. Great photos. I’m glad they’re having a good time.’ He paused, to take a breath. ‘So, ah, what time do you finish at the shop tomorrow?’

‘Oh, umm, eleven-thirty. It’s just a half day. Why?’

‘Ahm, I was just wondering if we might go for a walk … in the afternoon? With Shirley too, of course.’ He nodded at the dog.

What was this … some kind of date? Or just Will offering to help out? She warned herself not to read too much into it, but her heart was doing a little fluttery hammer in her chest.

Then, she remembered her plans. ‘Oh, sorry, but I’ve a tutorial booked and then I’ve promised Andreas I’d go and visit Maria. I said I’d look in on her while they’re away.’

He dipped his eyes, seeming a little disappointed, whilst saying, ‘Oh, that’s kind. She’ll enjoy a visit and some company.’

‘But ah, maybe later on,’ Cath quickly added, not wanting to miss this chance, and thinking she’d need to walk Shirley after she got back, anyhow. ‘How about after four?’

‘Ah no, sorry.’ He looked regretful. ‘I’m committed to a bike ride at four-thirty with a mate.’

Damn, it seemed fate had other plans. Cath felt suddenly deflated, but tried to hide it with a casual, ‘Oh, well, maybe some other time.’ Despite her easy words, Cath really didn’t want to lose this opportunity. She liked the idea of a walk, of getting to know Will even more … some time for just the two of them.

‘Yeah, okay, another time.’ Those melting hazel eyes were looking at her. He gave a small cough. ‘Right, well, catch you soon.’

He re-mounted his bike and was off. Cath stayed fixed on the spot for a few seconds, not quite sure what to make of the conversation they’d just had. Was it just a friendly gesture, rather than a getting-to-know-you-more kind of thing? Was Will not particularly worried if it happened or not? After all, he hadn’t gone on to suggest another day, had he?

She gave an inner groan. She was overthinking things as per usual, and being a daft eejit. But, she resolved, the next time she saw him in the village, she might just take the plunge and remind him. There was no harm in that, surely? And if it was just a walk as friends then that was fine, she’d avoid any unnecessary complications. Despite her giddy heart, the thought of any romantic relationship was way too risky. It was far too soon, of course …

Chapter 36

It was Sunday, and after a less eventful morning in the shop – in fact, she’d rather enjoyed it, feeling much more confident in the role – Cath was heading over to Kirkton to meet Maria in the care home.

She had made a batch of shortbread last night, despite feeling shattered after her busy day. It had actually been a nice way to de-stress, the rolling of the dough, cutting it out, the kitchen filling with aromas of toasted buttery baking. And, she now had a generous tub of biscuits for Maria to share with her fellow residents and the staff.

The home was in an old vicarage, a Victorian stone-built property with large lawns and gardens with pretty shrub borders. It was on the edge of the town, nestled in the valley beside open fields. Cath parked up, and entered a porch area, pressing a buzzer to announce herself to the lady in the reception. As the door released and she walked in, the house had a welcoming and homely feel to it. The entrance hall was light and airy. There were fresh white and yellow chrysanthemums in a vase on a mahogany circular table, and the wallpaper was a cheery floral. A smell of cabbagey-cottage pie, no doubt the residents’ lunch, lingered. The lady who’d answered the buzzer came out to say hello, and let Cath know that Maria was up and in the day room. She offered to take her through, realising that she was a first-time visitor.