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“You might think I’m an idiot doing it at my age… but I’ve signed up to the Open University to finish my degree.”
“That’s brilliant!” said Bob, grinning at her. “When does the course start?”
“Not till September, which is good as I’ll be run off my feet with guests till then. There’s something else too.” Kate shuffled her feet, kicking up mud and leaves with the toe of her boot.
“Come on, Kate, what is it?”
“I’m going to start counselling.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“So, you think I’m nuts?” said Kate, smiling at him.
“No, not at all. I just think you’ve had more to deal with than most, and counselling is never a bad idea. Is it someone local?”
“No, it’s with a rather lovely lady who came to stay. I’ll do it over Skype as she’s in India for a few months.”
“Well I think that’s brilliant. Have you heard from Maddie at all?”
“Urgh, no. I’ve blocked her number.”
“Maybe the counselling can help you find a way to heal the rift between you?”
“You think I should forgive her? After the way she betrayed me?”
“Look, I just don’t think you should write her off completely. Yes, she did a nasty thing, but it was one stupid decision that has affected the rest of her life.”
They walked along in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The rain intensified and became so heavy it was hard to walk, let alone hear. They stopped to shelter under a bridge until the rain eased off.
“It’s so cold today,” said Kate, wrapping her arms round herself and shivering.
“Come here,” said Bob, pulling her closer towards him. His wet waterproofs did nothing to help with the cold, but there was something so comforting about being held by him.
“Bob,” she said, lifting her face until it was inches from his. He held her gaze, a shot of electricity passing through them. A drop of rain fell from his hood and landed on Kate’s nose. She smiled, but didn’t look away.
“Kate,” said Bob, his voice thick with some unexpressed emotion. “Can we meet back here, under this bridge in a few months’ time, when things with Dad are more settled and you’ve had time to work things through with your counsellor? I don’t think either of us are in a great place right now, and quite frankly, my heart is too fragile to risk it breaking again.”
“Yes,” she whispered, looking up at herinteresting gorgeous, kind-hearted friend. She stood on tiptoes and placed the lightest of kisses on his rain soaked-cheek. Bob took her hand, their fingers linking together. They turned and headed out into the rain.
Five Years Later…
“This is a world away from The Sunbeam,” said Kate, as they walked across the marble floor to the polished oak reception desk.
“Good morning, how can I help you?” asked a chirpy young woman, sleek blond ponytail swinging as she spoke.
“Hello, we’d like to check in please, Mr and Mrs Carter.” Bob was using his posh solicitor’s voice, and Kate smiled at him in amusement.
“Right, let’s see…” the woman clicked her mouse, checking the computer screen for their reservation. “You’re in room number…”
“I’ll handle this.” A woman in a tight-fitting jacket and pencil skirt, complimented by a rose-pink silk shirt, clicked across the lobby in a pair of patent heels. Her corkscrew hair bounced against her shoulders and a wide grin spread across her shiny pink lips.
“Flo!” Kate squealed and rushed forward to embrace her friend. “My God, you look incredible. Let me see,” said Kate, holding Flo at arm’s length.
“Watch out, Kate, you’ll undermine my authority if you go on like this.” Kate let go of her arms, then hugged Flo again when she realised she was joking.
“It’s so good to see you again,” said Kate, beaming at her friend.
“Wow, Kate, anyone would think it had been years. It’s only been three months.”
