Page 80 of Sunshine After the Rain

‘Bit drunk,’ I murmured. ‘Why are you here?’

Between them, Rosie and Georgia explained how Rosie had been delayed at the stables talking to a parent so had rushed in late, quickly changed and checked my bedroom, office and the library for me but, finding both empty, had presumed I’d left for the quiz without her. She’d noticed Flynn’s van was still parked on the drive and was surprised at that considering he’d said he couldn’t stay long. When she got to the pub, Georgia had asked where I was and Rosie had said there was no sign of me but Flynn’s van was still there so presumably we’d been in another room deep in conversation. Georgia told her that Flynn was my ex and we weren’t on speaking terms so that wouldn’t be the case and something had to be wrong if he was still there and there was no sign of us both. They both raced back to the hall and heard us banging and shouting as soon as they opened the front door.

‘Thanks for coming back for us,’ I said. ‘I need some food and bed.’

‘So do I,’ Flynn said and his cheeks reddened as his eyes caught mine. ‘My bed. Home.’

‘You won’t be able to drive if you’ve been drinking,’ Georgia said. ‘I’ll drop you home.’

‘Thanks. Now would be good, if that’s okay with you.’

‘Of course.’ Georgia hugged me again. ‘I’ll speak to you soon.’

‘I’m so sorry, Flynn,’ Rosie said as she followed them out of the kitchen. ‘I know you didn’t have much time free today and…’

I couldn’t hear anything else she said as they’d moved out of earshot. I knew Flynn would be gracious and accept her apology. It wouldn’t put him off doing the work and he’d be able to laugh about it with her soon. What could put him off the project was having to work with me. He’d barely been able to look at me. I’d wanted to avoid hurting him again but I’d still screwed things up.

40

I woke up on Friday morning with a banging head but, when that wore off, I felt better than I had in a long time. I’d finally found a release for my grief. Being trapped in a cellar with Flynn had been far from ideal but it had triggered an outpouring that had been long overdue.

I hoped that Flynn would get in touch today, even if just to confirm that he would be going ahead with the projects. Or not. My stomach lurched at the thought of the latter. The day slipped past without a peep from him.

Oliver and Rosie went to Christian’s house for their tea so I dined alone in the kitchen and took my book through to the library afterwards. It was late when they arrived back so Oliver poked his head round the door to say goodnight before heading up to bed and Rosie told him she’d be up in ten minutes.

‘Have you fully recovered from yesterday’s ordeal?’ she asked.

‘Just about. I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Flynn?’

‘Not before we went out, but let me check my emails again.’ Rosie took her phone out. ‘Oh! He’s been in touch and… hang on…’

I watched her face intently as she scrolled down the message. If her expression darkened, it meant he’d pulled out and I’d be to blame. She looked up and smiled.

‘Good news. He’s happy to work on the boat house and the hall but he needs the weekend to study his work schedule. He’ll come back to us by the end of Tuesday.’

‘That’s great news,’ I said.

She shrugged. ‘It is for the project, but is it for you? I had no idea he was your ex-husband. Will you be okay working with him?’

‘I guarantee neither of us will let our baggage get in the way of doing a fantastic job.’

‘I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you.’

‘Honestly, I’m fine. We used to run a business together and we worked together brilliantly. I’m sure there’ll be some awkward moments but we’ll get past them and I know he’s the best person for the job. He loves Willowdale Hall nearly as much as I do so we’re in good hands with him.’

‘Okay. I feel reassured.’

‘How did Oliver’s interview go, by the way?’ I asked.

‘Really good. They’ll let him know next week so don’t uncross anything just yet.’

* * *

On Saturday morning, I was walking back to the hall after helping Emma when a text message arrived from an unregistered number.

From Unknown

Hi Mel, it’s Jessie. Hope you don’t mind me getting in touch but I found your number on your website. I’d really like to talk to you. Any chance you’re free to meet me at The White Willow at 11 this morning?

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