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“Just a little something we’ve been working on,” he says, dangling a set of keys out to me. I frown but take the keys all the same. “Go and have a look around. We’ll be here when you’re done.”
I look between them, still unclear of exactly what all this, but I turn back to the cabin and step up to the door.
As I push the door open, the smell of cedar, pine and smoke invades my nostrils, and I breathe it in deeply. It’s a smell that brings forth memories of my parents and my brother. Times when, things were simpler, easier and a hell of a lot happier.
The centre of the room is occupied by a large wood cook stove and explains the smoky smell as it burns low. Stepping further in, the right houses a compact kitchen with a Belfast sink set into a walnut worktop, and to the left, part of the far wall is banked with shelving stacked with books along with a comfy armchair, a throw haphazardly tossed over the back, and a two-seater sofa, both in soft, dark leather. The floor is a beautiful walnut with several smaller rugs scattered around, and as I look around more, I spot a wooden ladder in the corner of the living room area that leads to a mezzanine floor.
As my head peaks over the top, my mouth drops open in amazement. A large circular bed takes up most of the floor space with a half wardrobe on each side. Finally making my feet move again, I climb the rest of the way, spotting a small screened off area that contains a toilet, basin and a roll top bath.
After having a thorough look around and discovering a shower room and toilet downstairs, I step back outside to find Harry and Eleanor sitting on the steps to the porch.
“Hey,” I say, halting their hushed conversation as they both turn to me “This place is amazing, but I don’t understand. Are you planning on building more of these?” I take a seat next to Eleanor on the top step.
“We are, yes, as a more luxurious rental.” She lowers her head for a second as though she’s considering her next words. Looking back up, she says, “How were the properties you went to view today?”
The change in subject throws me for a minute and then my mind makes the connection. Schooling my features just in case I’m wrong, I say, “The first was a definite no go, but the second was really lovely and perfect for my needs. Why?”
They exchange a look before Harry speaks this time. “We’d like it if you’d consider staying here, in this cabin.” My brows rise, eyes widening now I realise I was right. Folding my arms over my chest, I wait for Harry to continue. “I know you won’t accept it free of charge or without contribution—”
“Damn right, I won’t,” I exclaim, non-too gently.
Harry nods, but otherwise ignores my interruption. “So, we thought, perhaps you’d consider working here for the summer.”
“I don’t know what to say.” I rub my hands down my thighs as my mind races with the possibility. But I’m also aware of the difficult position this could place them in with my parents. “I don’t want to cause problems between you and my parents, but I also can’t say I’m not very tempted by your offer.”
It’s Eleanor that speaks up this time. “We’ve already had this conversation, Jess. As far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want.”
Before the words have left her mouth, I’ve made my mind up. “Then you have yourself a deal,” I say before throwing my arms around Eleanor and hugging her tightly. Pulling back, I say, “Thank you.” The words almost get stuck in my throat, but I push them out. And it’s clear from the look on Eleanor’s face she can see my sincerity.
Harry climbs to his feet before declaring, “Right, best we get you moved before it gets dark.”
The sun sets just as I bid goodbye to Harry and Eleanor. Closing the door, I lean back against it and take in this amazing little cabin. I’m still in shock that this is my home for the foreseeable future.
My stomach grumbles, and I decide that I’m going to celebrate. After a quick shower, I throw on a pair of black jeans and my favourite jumper before snatching up my coat and bag and slipping my boots on at the door.
It’s dark outside now, but hundreds of small lights illuminate the path through the trees back to the main pathway. Once I exit the front gate, I turn right along the trod path that leads to The Kingfisher, the only pub within walking distance.
Ten
Rick
I swirl my glass of whiskey as the waitress collects my empty plate.
“Can I get you anything else?” she asks, flashing white teeth at me and fluttering her eyelashes. I don’t miss the flirtatious lilt to her words or the double meaning.
I knock back the rest of my drink, placing it back on the table and ask for another without even looking at her. She snatches the glass with a huff, putting it on her tray before stalking back to the bar.
When she returns a few minutes later with my new drink, she doesn’t bother engaging me a second time. I know I’m being an arsehole, but I don’t have it in me to care.
The video from only a few hours earlier has doused me in a blanket of memories, and the whiskey isn’t doing the stand-up job of numbing them as I had hoped it would.
A gust of cold air reaches me in my little corner as the door opens admitting someone else inside the cocooning warmth of the bar.
I don’t bother looking up as a shadow passes me by. Not until the scent of coconut permeates my nose, forcing my eyes to lift from the scratched wood of the table.
I catch the jean clad legs of a woman, and it’s almost impossible not to look at her tight arse as she sashays to the bar. It’s a nice arse but not enough to tempt me from my thoughts.
Dropping my gaze back to the table, I take a mouthful of my drink. For some inexplicable reason there’s a lull in conversation and the bar quiets as the tracks change on the jukebox just as the woman orders her drink.
