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‘That’s fine. You helped me out enough yesterday, anyway.’
‘Right.’ Turning, she clicked the keys to lock the car and opened the gate. ‘Bye.’
‘Hang on.’ Holding the gate open, Jack stepped through before closing it behind them. ‘I’m not sure what I said to offend you?’
‘It doesn’t matter.’ Why did it? It was one conversation, one afternoon. An afternoon which had been nice, fun, but... it didn’t matter.
‘Well, it matters to me. I don’t enjoy upsetting people. I try not to offend people, especially people who have gone out of their way to help me. People who pick up abandoned drivers after a crash and help them choose anniversary gifts for their parents. People who seem pretty interesting. People who I’d quite like to get to know better.’
Pausing, Evie turned and looked at him. What was he talking about? ‘You really want to know?’
‘Yes. Was it because I chewed with my mouth open, or did I say something wrong?’ He raked his fingers through his hair.
‘I did notice you eating with your mouth open.’ She shook her head, trying not to laugh. ‘No, it was the conversation about love. Instead of taking my comments at face value and accepting that’s the way I feel, you tried to guess why I felt that way. I didn’t try to figure out the reasons behind your views.’
‘Oh.’ Jack looked down at the floor and rubbed his hand across his face. ‘I did, didn’t I?’
‘Yep. You did.’
‘Sorry.’ Shoving his hands in his pockets, Jack looked at her. ‘I am sorry.’
‘No, I am. I’m not usually so touchy about stuff like that.’ She shrugged. ‘It was a tough day yesterday, and I overreacted.’
‘Your job?’
Evie nodded. ‘Anyway, have you had any news about your car?’
‘I’ve spoken to the insurance company, and they reckon it’ll be written off, so, yeah, no car.’ He raised his eyebrows.
‘Ah, that’s rubbish.’
‘Yes, it is. Fortunately, I pick up a courtesy car this afternoon, so it’s not all bad news.’
‘That’s something then.’ Evie pointed towards the door to the kitchen. ‘Anyway, I’d best get back.’
‘Yes, of course. See you.’
‘Bye.’
‘Evie, wait.’
‘Yes?’ Turning around, Evie frowned.
‘Did you want to do something this evening?’
‘Do something?’
‘Yes. I’d say I’d take you out for dinner, but I’ve got that anniversary thing at my parents’, although that’s not until eight and I’ve got to pop somewhere beforehand. Did you want to come?’ He rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks turning a deep crimson.
‘Umm, okay.’
‘Really?’
‘Why not?’ She shrugged and pushed the back door open.
‘Okay, love?’ Elsie looked up from the magazine she was looking through with Ian.
‘Hello, Evie.’
