Page 53 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘I found them, I’ve no idea how they got into my apartment, and no idea where they came from.’ He started to make his way around the sofa towards her.

She stepped back. ‘You really are pathetic! I can’t believe I ever let myself get sucked in by a knicker-nicking weirdo like you.’ She went to walk away but stopped. ‘And you can keep my underwear, I don’t want any of it back. I don’t even want to think about what you’ve been doing with it.’ She caught sight of Fred with her knickers perched on his head, a comical expression on his face, and felt a laugh bubbling up inside her.

‘What?Ohcomeon!’ Alex looked appalled when he realised what she was insinuating, his words quashing her giggle before it had the chance to leave her mouth.

She shot him a look of pure disgust, turned on her heel and stomped out of his apartment, closing the door firmly behind her, her chest heaving with rage.

On the stairs, Brooke from the flat above stopped in her tracks. Judging from her soaked appearance, the rain evidently hadn’t let up.

‘Oh hi, Brooke.’ Stella rustled up a smile, doing all she could to affect an air of calm.

‘Hi, Stella.’ Brooke gave an apprehensive smile. ‘Everything okay?’

‘Everything’s just fine and dandy, thanks.’ Stella forced a smile. Much as she’d rather disappear into her apartment, she was reluctant to come across as rude. Instead, she asked, ‘Are you getting settled into your new home?’

‘Pretty much. Just a few boxes left to unpack.’

‘Cool. And are you still okay for Saturday night?’

‘Definitely.’ Brooke beamed. ‘It’ll be good to get to know a few more Micklewick Bay locals.’

You’ll be getting to know one less person at my party after what I’ve learnt tonight!

‘Great.’ Stella forced another smile. ‘Right, well, if I don’t see you before, I’ll see you then.’

‘Yeah, see you then.’ Brooke gave her a quizzical look as she continued up the stairs.

In her apartment, Stella threw herself on the sofa. ‘Ughh!Why did he have to turn out to be a creep?’ she said, angry that she hadn’t picked up on it. He’d seemed so open and likeable and funny and gorgeous and… perfect. And he’d completely fooled her. She threw her head back and let out a groan. Was she losing her touch? Had her intuition become dulled? Or had he been so successful in worming his way into her affections that she’d been blinkered to the signs? Frustration gripped her and she scrubbed her face with her hands. ‘Arghh!’

But it wasn’t just anger and frustration that was boiling inside her. A deep ache had taken hold in the pit of her stomach, the pain radiating outwards and encompassing her whole body. She’d let herself fall in love with him, shared her deepest thoughts with him, and now her heart felt like it was breaking, the pain becoming unbearable.What a fool I’ve been, she thought sadly, as tears misted her eyes.

She vowed, there and then, never to let it happen again.

THIRTY

Stella had headed into town before Andrea had arrived to give her apartment a quick once-over. Armed with a list of things she needed to pick up for her small get-together the following evening, and relieved that the sun had decided to make a reappearance, she made her way to the little gift shop that stocked an array of her favourite scented candles. With those taken care of, the next stop was the florist’s to pick up her weekly order of a pre-arranged bouquet. Treating herself to a bunch of flowers was something she’d been doing for a few years now, usually collecting the floral arrangement on a Saturday morning, but she’d given the florist, Maisie, the heads-up that she’d need it a day early this week.

After calling in at the deli, where she selected a range of dips, cheeses and continental meats, Stella headed to the supermarket to stock up on more drinks – top of the list there were a couple of bottles of traditional lemonade which was something Maggie had developed an insatiable craving for during her pregnancy.

Stella was pushing her trolley towards the tills when she spotted Alex wandering along with a half-filled basket in his hand. Her stomach leapt. He was wearing a troubled expressionand there was no trace of his usual confident demeanour. Annoyance prickled through her, tempered by a tinge of regret.

Since yesterday evening, she’d found herself wondering if she’d maybe overreacted to finding her underwear in his bathroom. She’d been quick to jump to the worst of conclusions, hadn’t been prepared to listen to his explanation. It made her embarrassed at her behaviour. She’d even wondered if her extreme reaction was linked to her reluctance to be in a relationship. She was used to being in control and had struggled to get used to the fact that her emotions had taken the lead – or at least tried their hardest to. It had ruffled her usually cool, level-headed disposition. Maybe she’d subconsciously thought that a way of regaining control was to get rid of the cause. It was easier to walk away than get involved and risk getting hurt. Even she had to admit, this line of thinking had all the hallmarks of an exercise in self-sabotage. But then again, she had found her missing underwear in his bathroom and he hadn’t even tried to tidy it away! The reminder justified her actions to herself.

As she went to turn in the opposite direction, he looked her way, their eyes locking. He froze on the spot, his troubled look exchanged for one of sadness. Stella felt a tug in her heart, the urge to go over to him gaining pace, until a little voice reminded her she’d found a stash of her knickers in his bathroom.Don’t be fooled, he’s a pervy knicker-nicker!In the next moment, she swung her trolley round and strode to the till furthest away.

Boy, did she have a lot to tell the lasses at their Jolly session tonight!

By the time Stella landed back at her apartment, Andrea had gone, leaving the citrussy smell of cleaning products in her wake, the place neat and tidy, just the way Stella liked it.

After putting her shopping away and placing the bouquet in a vase, being careful not to disturb the arrangement, she settled down to a couple of hours’ work at her desk. Rather annoyingly,Alex made regular appearances in her thoughts, the hurt look in his eyes triggering a pang of guilt. It frustrated her no end;sheshouldn’t be the one feeling guilty,hewas the one with her missing underwear in his bathroom. She really needed to forget about him. That was going to be easier said than done with him living in the apartment opposite, but she was determined to do just that, telling herself the passage of time would make the situation easier.You’re a strong woman, you can do it!

Stella always looked forward to her Friday nights at the Jolly, but tonight she found herself even more so.

With the weather being a little cooler, she’d opted for a jumpsuit in a bold floral print, teamed with her favourite designer ankle boots and a black cotton utility jacket. She’d fixed her hair in a messy “up-do”, leaving soft tendrils framing her face.

A chilly breeze was blowing in off the sea, a hint of mizzle in the air, as she strode briskly across the old cobbles, passing the ramshackle stack of lobster pots that lined the path to the Jolly. A couple of seagulls wheeled overhead, their screeching cries carried along the beach. She welcomed the blast of warmth that hit her when she opened the heavy oak door of the pub, her eyes going to the fire that was dancing in the grate of the old inglenook.

Spotting Florrie and Lark at their usual table, Stella headed over to them. ‘Hiya, lasses, how’re you diddlin’?’ She beamed a smile, glad to see them.

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