AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 12
Mitch saw Holly’s face at the caravan window. He smiled, wishing he had not just seen her from a distance in what looked like a kiss with that flash bloke. The caravan door opened and Trixy went wild.
Holly laughed. ‘It’s nice to be so popular.’
He turned his head to the sound of a vehicle drawing up. It was a post office van. ‘Here, you take Trixy and I’ll fetch your post.’ As he passed the dog lead to Holly his arm brushed against her soft skin. He swallowed and then walked towards the car park as a woman got out, dressed in the usual red and grey uniform.
‘Hi there, one signed for and two regulars.’ She handed over a black chunky tablet and he scribbled on it with his finger. Taking the letters, he walked back to the caravan. Holly stood in the doorway watching and smiling.I wish she wouldn’t smile like that,he thought as his body reacted.
Holly stretched out her hand and took the envelopes from him. Removing his boots, he followed her in.
‘I’ll just make us a drink and get water for this little rascal.’ Holly scratched Trixy’s head.
Holly poured water for Trixy into a dessert bowl as the little dog’s tail wagged at speed. Mitch wondered what had happened between Holly and Maserati man. Had they spent the night together? Holly appeared a lot less stressed. In fact,she seemed to glow as she smiled at him.Maybe she’s really hitting it off with that guy,he thought.
‘I’ve got something to show you,’ she said flicking on the kettle.
He watched her open a folder and pass him various sheets of paper. ‘These are the plans for the nursery rebuild, to include an arts hub. I’m so excited.’
Mitch studied the designs in his hands. ‘They’re really detailed.’
‘Ethan created them with professional software.’ She pushed her hair away from her face. ‘He’s my architect and … friend from college. You met him the other day, remember?’
Mitch looked at the plans. ‘They’re extremely professional.’He’s not just a pretty face then,he thought.‘I’m glad things are moving along for you.’
Holly poured out the hot drinks and passed him a mug, placing hers on the worktop. ‘I’d better open these,’ she said, picking up the first envelope.
Mitch turned his head to see Trixy, making herself comfortable on Holly’s soft seating. ‘No, Trixy. Down.’
‘That’s fine,’ Holly said. ‘She’s on the throw, it’ll be going in the wash at some point.’ Holly opened the letter. Her face broke into a broad smile and she waved it above her head. ‘Written confirmation of my insurance claim. The business interruption insurance will kick in now, so I’ll get a monthly payment for staff wages and living expenses. They’ve asked for a list of the items I’m replacing immediately, so I can get an interim payment.’
‘Great news. So they stopped the enquiries into accelerants then?’
‘Ethan knew someone at the fire brigade, who pulled some strings.’
Typical,he thought.
Holly picked up the next envelope. Mitch watched her face as, the colour left her cheeks.
‘Are you okay?’ Mitch leaned forward.
Holly shook her head, passing the letter to Mitch. The paper was thick and embossed. He read the first line.
We act on behalf of your husband Thomas Stone and set out below, proposals for the financial separation.He lifted his gaze back to Holly.
‘He wants half of everything I own. Even a share of the van. He’s got a nerve.’
‘You need to find a decent solicitor to act for you. How long were you married?’
‘A year this month.’
‘If you need any help …’ Mitch watched Holly shaking her head and fought off the urge to take her in his arms.
She frowned at the last envelope. ‘This one is recorded delivery. More bad news knowing my luck.’ She turned the envelope over. ‘It’s from the Council, probably a parking fine.’ Tearing it open, her eyes opened wide as the page fluttered in her hand.
‘Not more bad news?’
Holly moved the letter closer to her eyes, as if she was trying to focus on it. ‘It’s from Wells Council, congratulating me on making the short list for theBeauty of Somersetcompetition.’
