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Chapter Six
‘Thanks.’ With the boxof leaflets safely in the boot of her car, Evie turned to Jack, who had carried the box for her.
‘You’re welcome. The least I can do after all you’ve done for me today is to provide you with my carrying skills.’
She laughed. ‘Yes, particularly after putting me through the excruciating task of helping you choose your parents’ anniversary gift.’
‘Well, yes. That too. I think we worked well as a team, though, and I’m quietly confident they’ll enjoy their new fondue set.’
‘Umm, or if they don’t, you will.’
‘Ha-ha. Yes! As I said, it’s a gift with two purposes. They can enjoy it and when they’re bored with it and it ends up in the back of the cupboard, I can borrow it.’ Jack closed the boot and shoved his hands in his pockets. ‘I still think you should get a new coat. November in Penworth Bay; you’ll need a decent one.’
Evie looked up at the sky. The downpour had stopped as soon as they’d reached Trestow and the sun was now peeking through the grey clouds as if to remind everyone it was still there. ‘I suppose so. But not today. I hate shopping for clothes.’
‘How about coffee?’
‘Sorry?’
‘Do you hate coffee too?’
She smiled. ‘No, that’s one thing I love, coffee.’
Jack pointed back in the direction of the precinct. “Do you fancy grabbing one with me? I don’t know about you, but after all the excitement of the day, I sure could use a large dose of caffeine.’
Laughing, she nodded. ‘Same here.’ After spending the afternoon with him, she hadn’t actually thought about work. She shook her head. How could she not have thought about work? How could she have forgotten, even for just a couple of hours, that Melissa had given the position she’d promised to her to Steven of all people?
‘Are you okay? You look as though something’s bothering you?’
She shook her head. There was nothing she could do. Not right now. When she got back to the bakery, she’d try ringing Melissa again, and in the likely scenario she didn’t get a response, she’d write that email. For now, though? What difference was an hour going to make? ‘Just in need of an extra strong coffee.’
‘Great minds think alike and all that.’ Holding his arm out, he linked arms with her as they walked back to the precinct and the promised coffee shops.
––––––––
TAKING A SLOW, LONGsip of her drink, Evie rolled her shoulders back and relaxed into her chair. ‘That’s good.’
‘It’s one of the best here. I sometimes come and do my paperwork here. The coffee helps.’ He grinned. ‘I meant what I said earlier, thank you for rescuing me off the side of the road and in the eyes of my parents too.’
‘I’m sure they wouldn’t really care what you bought them.’ Replacing the coffee mug, she picked at her flapjack.
‘Probably not, but it’ll be nice just this one year not to be the butt of my sisters’ jokes.’ He took a gulp of coffee. ‘I’m not the best at present buying.’
‘I had noticed.’ She laughed.
‘The bathroom shop gave it away?’
‘Yes! I didn’t know what to think when you dragged me into the there to look for presents! Who wants a new toilet seat or shower curtain for their anniversary gift?’ Shaking her head, she grinned.
‘True. Maybe. I think I’d be happy with a new shower curtain as a gift.’ Tucking his hair behind his ears, he shrugged. ‘I might put one on my Christmas list this year.’
Choking on her flapjack with laughter, she leaned forward, letting Jack pat her on the back. ‘Thanks.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you choke.’
‘No problem.’
