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‘You... When I saw you with your ex the other day, you looked really close...’ I murmur.
He pauses. ‘Harry’s having a really hard time. She used to talk about the problems she was having at work when we were together, so when we bumped into each other that morning, it was natural she should talk to me about it. She got quite emotional. She... wishes we’d never split up.’
I nod. ‘And you feel the same?’
‘Maybe.’ He sighs. ‘I don’t really know. We’ll have to see. But... I think you’re fond of Rory in the same way?’
‘What? No!’ I stare at him, horrified he should think there was anything going on between us.
Immediately, he shakes his head. ‘Clara, it’s fine. I wasn’t implying anything. You’re friends, you and Rory. I know that. But you and I... we’ve got to know each other quite well over the past few months, and... well, you get a feeling about these things.’
I nod, my heart rate calming down. ‘I guess you do.’
‘Why is life so complicated?’
‘I know.’ My throat feels constricted. I like Shaun so much and I’m going to really miss having him around.
He smiles at me. ‘So... what do you say? Friends?’
I nod. ‘Very good friends.’
We part with a plan to meet up for a drink when he gets back from Birmingham, and I wave him off with a smile, although my emotions are all over the place.
Single again!
But now that Shaun has spelled it out, I’m realising at some level that sadly, he’s probably right. We’re much better as friends.
Rory appears as I’m standing by the window, deep in thought. ‘Has Shaun gone already?’ he asks, sounding surprised.
‘Yes. He... we decided we’re better being just friends.’
‘Ah.’ He studies me. ‘And how do you feel about that?’
‘Actually, I’m okay.’ I manage a smile. ‘I think I’m going to be fine.’
‘Good.’
‘How did Lois take the news about you being gazumped?’
His mouth twists in a wry grin. ‘Funny, really. I thought she’d be delighted.’
‘But she’s not?’
He shakes his head. ‘She says she’s disappointed. She’d been thinking about it and apparently she’d already decided she wanted to work alongside me in the business.’
‘Really?’ I stare at him, still doubtful that Lois is genuine about this.
He chuckles. ‘I know. I couldn’t believe it, either.’ He shrugs. ‘So I guess that’s one good thing to come out of the whole gazumping experience. At least Lois and I seem to be on the same page now.’
I shake my head in disbelief. You could still knock me down with a feather at the thought of Lois willingly dedicating her life to mucking out stables!
I guess love really can conquer all.
Lois appears at that moment. ‘Has he told you the bad news? It’s awful, isn’t it, to think someone else can just crush your dreams like that.’
‘It’s terrible,’ I agree. ‘I don’t think I could ever gazump someone, no matter how much I wanted the property.’
Lois nods. ‘But it’s okay because I’m going to sign up for riding lessons next week. And then next time stables come up for sale, we’ll be all prepared, won’t we, Rory?’
