AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Holly shook her head and bit her lip. ‘I didn’t realise you were going to use it to buy a mistress.’
‘Lay off, will you? The tubs haven’t worked out. I’ve had to sell the stock.’
Stepping back, Holly put her hands on her hips. ‘What? You said they were selling fast.’
‘I well and truly messed up. I went for the wrong market – the luxury end. It’s the economy tubs that are selling. It’s the latest craze for the lower classes, not the uppers. The other traders were killing it in cheap tub sales. It was too late by the time I noticed.’
Holly gritted her teeth and took a deep breath, aware of her sore lungs.
Tom nodded at the buildings. ‘You’re insured, right?’
‘Of course I’m insured, but I’ve got plans.’
‘For what?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Not that hare-brained art gallery thing?’
‘It doesn’t concern you. And to be honest, if I was seeking business advice I wouldn’t be looking in your direction.’
‘Alright, you’ve made your point.’
‘Get the money.’ Holly turned and began to walk away.
‘I’ve got a claim on this place you know.’ She heard Tom say from over her shoulder.
Holly swung around. Her hair flapping wildly in the breeze. ‘What are you on? It’s been in my family for generations.’
‘We’re married.’ Tom kicked a pebble.
‘You’re joking. You’ve added nothing to this place. Nothing at all. All you’ve been is a drain.’
Tom swept his arm across the horizon. ‘I’ve been speaking to a few people. By rights, half this land is mine.’
Holly felt her jaw tremble. ‘Get real, Tom. We’ve not even been married a year.’ Holly turned away and shouted over her shoulder. ‘Just repay me.’ Her voice became louder and her throat burned. Her mind flashed back to the paramedic –Get some rest make sure you see your GP.
‘We’ll talk about it later.’ Tom opened his car door.
Holly swung around, marching back to him. ‘No, we won’t and I don’t care who you’ve been chatting to down the pub. You’re getting nothing from me.’
‘Look at the place, Holly. It’s trashed. I feel bad about what’s happened but this is a chance for a new start for both of us. This place has got to be worth a few hundred grand, even with the burned buildings. Sell up. You can get back to London. Start afresh.’ He leaned on his car door. ‘It’ll be good for you to get out of Eversley.’
Holly clenched her teeth, heat rising up her neck.Realising thatTom wanted to remain in the area, with his new girlfriend, while pushing her out of Eversley.
Joe appeared at her side. ‘Give it a rest, Tom. Can’t you see what she’s going through?’
‘So what? ‘Cos I’m a bloke and she’s a woman?’ Tom pointed at Holly. ‘Plenty of wives walk away with money. Mate, your views are outdated.’
Holly could hear Trixy growl in the distance.
‘It’s all right, Joe.’ Holly put her hand on Joe's arm, feeling how tense it was. Knowing Joe would definitely come off worse in a fight with Tom, she left Joe’s side and approached Tom.
‘Please, Tom. Now is not the time.’ She tried to keep her voice steady but could hear it wavering.
‘Look, I feel sorry for you, babe. I’m only saying how it is. I’ve not got the money to give you. If I did I would, but Grace …’
‘What? She likes her designer clothes?’ Holly said.
