Page 67 of The Runaway Wives

‘Why don’t you go and have a shower then we can talk about things. See if we can sort something out,’ she suggested. ‘I’ll make us a drink and some scrambled eggs and toast.’

He got slowly to his feet. ‘Thank you. You won’t regret it.’

She watched dumbfounded as he walked slowly out of the kitchen. It was like looking at a different man, as if he had aged ten years. Had she done that to him?

She put the kettle on, and loaded up the dishwasher as she waited for the kettle to boil. She decided to take Nigel’s coffee up to him. As she pushed open the bedroom door she heard Nigel’s voice, clear as day, on the phone.

‘She’s fallen for it, hook, line and sinker. All I have to do is keep her here until the contract is signed and then we can be together. Only one more week, darling.’

She froze, almost dropping the mug. What was going on?

She walked closer to the bedroom. ‘It was so clever of you to suggest not shaving and wearing larger clothes so that it looked like I’ve lost weight. Annabel was really shocked when she came! I knew she would tell Dee and Dee would come running back. She’s so gullible.’ She heard him give a little laugh.

‘Yes, Steve Connor is signing the contract on Friday, he’s a real family man. You know what these Bible Belt Americans are like. He’ll pull the deal if he gets wind that Dee is divorcing me for adultery.’

Another pause. ‘No, don’t worry. It’s all in hand. She’s downstairs right now, making me breakfast.’ He gave a triumphant laugh.

Dee pushed the bedroom door open, and Nigel’s jaw dropped. ‘Actually, she’s upstairs, packing the rest of her things. And she’s going to send a message to Steve Connor telling him that we’re getting divorced and exactly why.’

‘What!’ Nigel spluttered. ‘You’ve misheard?—’

‘I know exactly what I heard, Nigel. And I’ve recorded it so don’t try and wheedle your way out of it. Goodbye. I hope you and whoever you’re speaking to on the phone will be very unhappy together.’

44

She didn’t feel any sadness, only relief, as she drove back down to Cornwall. She was now rid of Nigel forever and free to live her own life. True, they would always have the connection of the children, Hallie and any other future grandchildren, but his decisions no longer influenced hers. He could play golf whenever he liked, go and have an affair with whoever he liked.

And so could she.

The thought sneaked into her mind, along with an image of Kenny. She was about to push it away but instead she let it stay there, linger for a moment. The car behind her sounded its horn, reminding her that the traffic lights had now changed to green, and she set off again. She couldn’t wait to get back down to Primrose Cottage and her Nigel-free life.

She’d messaged Kenny earlier and told him that she couldn’t make the meeting this evening but now she could, so when she arrived at the cottage she messaged again to tell him her plans had changed again.

He phoned her immediately. ‘Is everything okay? I got the impression that you had to go home urgently.’

‘I thought I did, but it turns out that it was a false alarm.’

‘I’m about to walk Toffee, fancy joining me and telling me all about it? Or not, whichever you prefer.’

A walk along the beach was just what she needed. ‘Sure. I can be there in fifteen minutes, if that’s okay?’

‘Perfect. I’ll wait by the harbour for you.’

Dee quickly changed into jeans, T-shirt and trainers then messaged Andi to tell her that she was back and would pick Snowy up in an hour or so.

When she reached the harbour, she saw Kenny standing in front of a newly erected board. It said:

Lyndon Developments, we build homes not houses

Kenny rubbed his chin. ‘Gordon isn’t too bad, after all. I get the impression he really does care.’

Dee looked around. It was wild, rugged and beautiful. She could see why Glenn and many others were against the development. But it was a lot of unused land, and people needed homes. It would be great if Gordon could provide some homes for the local people.

‘It will bring in a lot of money and jobs,’ she reminded him gently. ‘And it does look like a beautiful development. It will be a big attraction.’

Kenny shrugged. ‘I guess you can’t stop progress. Come on, let’s walk the Towans.’

Kenny took Toffee off the lead as soon as they were on the sand dunes and the lanky mongrel hurtled off barking and wagging his tail wildly. Betsy would enjoy it up here, too, Dee thought, she would have to bring her one day.

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