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‘Of course I did. We were getting on fine, becoming really good friends, and then I blew it.’ He rubbed his forehead. ‘I’m such an idiot. I’m so sorry, Kate.’
‘It wasn’t all you,’ she said, struggling to unhook her blessed seat belt. ‘It’s not like I was fighting you off. It was my fault as much as yours.’
‘But I hate that it’s made things awkward between us.’ He caught her arm, stopping her from wrestling with the seat belt. ‘Please don’t leave on my account. Everyone will be really sad to see you go, they adore you.’
She couldn’t look at him. ‘I think it’s better if I leave.’
‘I wish you wouldn’t,’ he said softly, sounding so upset that she nearly caved, and that wouldn’t have been sensible. Her fragile heart couldn’t take another knock-back.
With a sigh, he unhooked her seat belt and let it slide away.
She opened the car door. ‘Thanks for the lift.’
‘Will I see you in the morning, before you go?’
‘Sure,’ she said, but she fully intended to be long gone before anyone awoke. She’d say her goodbyes tonight and then scurry away, tail between her legs. ‘It’s not like I won’t be in touch. We’ll need to chat in January to arrange the transfer of assets and pay the beneficiaries.’
‘Right.’ He nodded slowly. ‘I’ll pay your bill as soon as the money hits my account.’
‘I’d appreciate that. I’ll email you my invoice, so you know what the final total is.’
Silence descended. ‘So, that’s it?’
‘That’s it. Enjoy your football training.’ She slid out of the car like a cowardly snake, hating the way every nerve ending in her body was screaming at her to stay.
What would be the point? She’d have to leave some time, and it was better to get it over and done with than prolong the agony.
‘Night,’ she said, grabbing her shopping bags and running up the care-home steps. Her throat was tight and tears threatened, but she forced herself to keep it together, determined that he wouldn’t see her cry.
The music hit her the moment she entered the lobby. The door to the lounge was open and she could see Lucky Larry at the piano. He was playing ‘When a Child is Born’, his voice low and raspy. Rowan and Esme were arm in arm, swaying, looking glassy-eyed and slightly drunk, and Natalie was cradling Jacob. Even Hanna was there, the only one not wearing a festive outfit, although her blue-black hair did have sprinkles of glitter in it.Alex was watching her, an odd look on his face, as if he was part-transfixed, part-terrified.
Kate was going to miss these people. She hadn’t meant to get attached, but they felt like family now.
‘Ah, here you are!’ Geraldine said, exiting the kitchen and startling her. ‘We were wondering where you’d got to. Have you eaten?’
The mention of food made her tummy rumble. ‘I’ll grab something later,’ she said, not wanting to encroach on Geraldine’s fun. ‘You go and join the others. I can sort myself out.’
‘No need,’ she said, smiling. ‘Calvin left you something in the kitchen. It’ll need heating up in the microwave, but it might still be warm enough. Come and join us when you’re done. No arguments, okay? You’re part of the team now.’
Calvin had left her something? ‘Er… I will, I promise.’ She headed into the kitchen, intrigued.
A paper bag was sitting on the table, her name scribbled on it. Next to it was a note and a wrapped gift. She read the note.
Just ensuring you get your Christmas Chinese.
Love, Cal. X
Kate peered inside the bag, breathing in a waft of ginger, spices and peanut satay. He’d bought her a Chinese takeaway? What the hell was he trying to do to her?
Ignoring the shake in her hands, she picked up the gift and peeled away the wrapping. Inside was a DVD.The Holiday.
Sinking onto a chair, her head dropped onto the table with a loud thud.
So much for holding it together.
Chapter Eighteen
Wednesday, 22ndDecember
