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‘That’s amazing. Thanks so much.’ Holly smiled, feeling a warm sensation inside.
‘A lot different to my original design. You’ve obviously been thinking about this for months.’
‘A couple of years, actually. It’s what kept me going after Mum and Dad passed. They gave me the gift of life and the nursery. I want to give back to others. To make myself feel good, I guess. Because since my parents died …’ Holly felt a lump form in her throat.
Ethan put a hand on hers.
Holly took a drink from a glass of water. ‘You’ve really brought it to life with this programme. Thanks. I’m impressed and truly grateful.’
Ethan rose, stepped back from the computer desk and stretched. ‘You know this is going to cost more than the insurance pay-out?’
Holly took a deep breath. ‘Yes. I was saving up for it. But, as I said, I stupidly lent the money to Tom.’
‘There’s always the bank.’
‘True. I need a business plan. But I feel they’ll want an income stream before they lend me anything. That’s why I’m setting up temporary retail sheds, away from the damage, to get the nursery back up and running.’
‘You sound fired up, I’m sure you’re going to pull it off. Let’s celebrate new beginnings.’ Ethan beckoned her to follow him. Holly walked behind him, towards the kitchen area, wanting to slip into the conversation that she was ready to go home.
Ethan pulled a bottle of bubbly from the huge American-style fridge. ‘Do you want to stay over?’
Holly bit her lip.
Ethan smiled. ‘It’ll be like the old days, at my Mum’s house. You’ll be in the spare room, of course.’
A poem came into Holly’s mind, from her childhood. One about a spider trying to tempt a fly into its parlour. But she had not seen Ethan drink any alcohol, with him being on water most of the time, due to driving. Clearly, he wanted a relaxing glass of fizz or two.
‘I could rustle us up a pasta dish?’ Ethan reached into the fridge and took out various ingredients. ‘Peppers, onions …’ Naming them, as he placed them on the worktop as if presenting a cookery show.
What’s wrong with me?Holly thought. She knew Ethan was a great guy. He had spent a lot of time on her, got her out of a pickle with the insurance and it was not as if they would be sharing a bed.
‘I know your situation and I’m not going to force myself on you. We’ll have a chilled evening.’
She did not fancy being driven home in his car, at great speed, along dark country lanes.Ethan popped the cork and poured the bubbly liquid into champagne flutes.
Holly took a glass.‘Okay, but I’m quite tired, I won’t be able to drink too many of these.’ She took a sip.
Ethan smiled. ‘Don’t worry, it’s non-alcoholic.’
* * *
Holly smiledas her caravan came into view. It was slowly feeling like her place, which was a good thing since she imagined she would be living in it for some time to come. Ethan killed the engine and jumped out and sped around to her side of the car. Determined to avoid his help, she hoisted herself out of the seat but he reached her in lightning speed and grabbed her hand, pulling her up with such force that she found herself slap against his chest. With their similar heights, they were at eye level.
‘It was great to spend time with you again. I had an amazing evening,’ Ethan said, gazing into her eyes.
‘Sorry if I wasn’t that much fun,’ Holly said. ‘Falling asleep like that, after dinner.’
‘Holly, you’re always perfect company.’ Ethan leaned forward pressing his lips to hers. Holly would have turned her head if she was able to, however he held her in a vice-like embrace. She pecked him back, attempting to make it friendly.He leaned forward again, as if going in for something a tad more passionate, but she wriggled free before it developed.
Ethan laughed. Taking her hand, he rubbed it. ‘I know. Take it slow.’
‘There’s no need to see me in. Thanks again, Ethan, for the plans.’ She retrieved her hand.
‘Don’t forget the print-outs.’ Ethan reached into the car, fishing out a folder. ‘I’ve emailed you the originals, for when you replace your computer. Remember, I’m happy to lend you a laptop.’
‘Thanks. But there’s no need for that. I’m hoping to hear from the insurance company soon.’
Ethan drove off the nursery property with a toot. As soon as Holly entered the caravan, she plopped herself on the soft seating. Reaching for her mobile phone she scrolled to Jaz’s number. Jaz had called and Holly had let it go to voicemail, sending her a text to say she was at Ethan’s.
