AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The dining table is more befitting of a banquet hall. Down one side there’s an absolutely huge wooden bench for seating, and at the other side there are chairs built for kings, all carved wood and huge arms.
“We were lucky. My dad did all the work for us. Isn’t it impressive?” Susan sounds thrilled, truly.
We walk further into the room and admire the huge worktops, reminding me of a kitchen that ought to belong in a log cabin in Canada or New Zealand.
“It’s stunning,” I agree, “and you haven’t been in long. It’s truly something. You can have big parties in here. You wouldn’t have to move from the room. It’s amazing.”
The central island has a hob and plenty of storage space. They have an American-style fridge freezer, plus a double oven built into what looks like an old chimney breast that’s been plastered and re-purposed. There are windows all the way down one side, it being an end terrace, and with all the light and space, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to stay in here all the time.
“We had all our colleagues over for New Year’s Eve last week, it was amazing,” she says, giggling.
Theo and I look at one another. I guess they’re socialising in different circles now, but at least this gorgeous kitchen isn’t going to waste.
“Ooh, let’s go upstairs,” she says.
We follow her and Adam upstairs and discover two lovely bedrooms, equally kitted out as wonderfully as the other rooms. Wood floors, rugs, huge pieces of oak furniture, big windows, the odd feminine touch here and there. The bathroom has a separate shower and bath and is as clean as a whistle. Bless her, she’s such a homemaker. I wish I had a Susan.
“And then the pièce de résistance,” Adam says, leading us even further into their secretive domain. We climb more stairs into the attic. A fixed staircase, so either it was converted when they got here or it was already boasting this before they bought the place.
We enter a huge space. Massive.
“Fucking hell,” Theo exclaims, making Susan and Adam laugh.
“It’s awesome,” I agree.
The attic space is a huge office area with a flatscreen, big desks, big computer screens and even a little kitchenette with drinks facilities, a microwave and gas hob.
“I’m going freelance,” Adam proudly admits, “so that, if we have kids, I can work from home and be around. I’m going to see how it goes and if it works, I’ll keep it going.”
“Wow, congratulations.” I squeeze Adam’s hand and walk about the room, stunned by it all.
“Let’s go get drinks,” Susan suggests, and we all head downstairs in silence.
Theo hasn’t said anything, but I think he’s letting it all sink in.
Downstairs Theo and I look out of the window while the happy couple go about fixing drinks. It’s idyllic, really. I mean Castleford isn’t exactly cultured or on the map, but I can’t argue, this house is perfect for a recently married pair like them.
Theo and I sit at the kitchen island on two stools, then Susan and Adam join us.
“Cheers,” Adam toasts, and we all clink our glasses. I’ll have one and no more, because I’m driving. I warned Theo earlier that he can have no more than four, or he can make his own way home.
Susan messes about with something on her phone, then music begins playing magically, out of some hidden speaker somewhere.
“So, how in the heck did you get the work done so quickly?” I start the conversation.
“Oh,” she blushes, “my dad bought this for us in secret, when we said we were looking for somewhere to live in this area. It’s our wedding present, you see; he told us the morning after the big day, giving us something to look forward to after it was all over. It needed a lot of work, so we basically took out a small mortgage for the renovations, but we’re really lucky. I don’t think we’d have thought of half the little touches if we didn’t have my dad.”
“That’s really lucky.”
“How’s it going with you, anyway?” Adam asks, looking at me.
Theo’s holding his glass of wine, trying his hardest not to drink it all at once.
“I’m renting again, near where I used to live. I’m still under mentorship, but I’m out there, treating patients and everything. It’s pretty scary.”
“I think what you do is amazing,” Susan says, “I couldn’t do that.”
“It’s hard work,” I admit, “but can be rewarding, beyond what I imagined actually. I don’t think I’ll do it forever. The dream is to eventually one day have a workspace at home like you do, maybe specialise in paediatric therapy, it’s what I’m most passionate about.”
