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“Yes, but not many people appreciate that suggestion.”

“Oh no, you don’t think I’ve offended her, do you? I was only trying to help.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. It’s hard for anyone to be offended by you.”

Jeff pulled Rissa close, and she leaned her head against his chest. She could feel the rapid beating of his heart, and breathed in his scent, storing it safely in the box of memories in her mind.

“We should call the girls and let them know we got here safely.”

“The girls can wait. Let’s get out before my energy fails me.”

“Alright. You’ll need to wrap up warm, it’s very cold out.”

“Rissa, please stop fussing. I’m not a child.”

“Sorry,” she said, but threw a hat and scarf his way anyway. He sighed, but put them on to please her.

*

“Right, let’s go,” said Jeff, stepping out onto the street. His pace didn’t match his enthusiasm, and Rissa supported his arm as he took slow, deliberate steps.

“Do you remember much about the town?”

“No, but I don’t get the impression it’s changed all that much. A few less shops than I remember, but that’s the case wherever you go. It’s nice to see they’ve made an effort with the Christmas lights.”

They wandered down the main shopping street, stopping at a clock tower at the far end. “It looks very quaint down there,” said Jeff. “You can’t go wrong with a street named Honey.”

“Come on then, let’s see what’s down there.”

They passed a gaming cafe full of excitable children, a classy restaurant and a cosy pub. “Oh now you’re talking,” said Jeff, stopping outside an antiques shop.

Rissa groaned. “Please, not more junk. The house is groaning with stuff already, in fact, I might set up my own antiques shop once you’re gone.”

Jeff looked horrified. “Tell me you’re not going to get rid of my treasures as soon as I snuff it?”

Rissa laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll honour your wishes. I’m sure the children will be thrilled to have the random sideboards, chests and knicknacks passed down to them.”

“Don’t be cheeky,” said Jeff, digging his wife in the ribs.

“Fine, but please remember it’s me who will have to carry whatever you buy back up the hill to the car.”

“Point taken,” said Jeff, disappearing into the quirky shop. “Come on then,” he called, beckoning her to join him.

Rissa sighed and prepared for the musty smell to hit. The aroma, as Jeff called it, was one of his favourite things about these types of shops. The only effect it had on Rissa was to make her sneeze. Jeff pointed to a large ornate mirror, swirling vines twisting around its glass. A raised eyebrow from Rissa was enough to make him move on.

“What do you think of this?” he asked her, pointing to a yellowing map on the wall. “It’s an old map of Bodmin, great, isn’t it?”

“You’ve got me with this one, it’s not like I can claim I can’t carry it, and it will help me remember our trip.”

Jeff handed over a couple of bank notes, and left the shop a happy man. He would have been happier with two hours browsing and a van to pack with all the items that caught his eye, but no one can have everything.

“How about a drink? Do you fancy a trad pub or posh bistro?”

“Let’s splurge on the bistro. I saw a sign saying they do cocktails.”

They found themselves a comfortable sofa in the window and settled down to study the drinks menu. Rissa picked a Chilli Margarita, while Jeff stuck with a Nojito. It surprised Rissa how easily he’d adapted to his no alcohol lifestyle. Not that he had much choice given the number of pills he was on, but as a lifelong beer lover, his dedication to quitting booze impressed her.

“I’m going to miss this.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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