Page 51 of The Winter We Met
‘I’ve been meaning to say…’ My breathlessness continued, wondering if we might kiss. I couldn’t ever recall feeling this deliciously nervous with a man, apart from when Oliver and I had snogged, but there was no point thinking about that anymore. ‘I know you’re only here for a short time but—’
‘Jeeeess! Nik!’
He pulled a puzzled face and stood up. Buddy started yapping. Was that Lynn, interrupting us? I gazed up into the heavens. Was the universe determined I should remain single forever? But what if something was wrong with Gran? What if she’d fallen over again?
‘We’re coming,’ I called.
Nik slipped the rucksack on and I picked up my plastic bag. Holding hands we helped each other down the slippery bank.
‘Everything okay?’ I asked as we reached Lynn, suddenly aware of the bitter cold. Frost had appeared and icy air pinched my nose. Tail wagging Buddy lunged to greet her.
She stroked him and rolled her eyes. ‘Silly me, I left my keys in the rucksack. Another member of staff let us in but my shift’s ending now and my car keys are in there.’
23
Lynn’s timing couldn’t have been worse. I wouldn’t see Nik until Friday evening now. I was busy at work and he would be visiting a manufacturer of artificial intelligence toys in Liverpool tomorrow. Then during this afternoon’s forest walk I’d heard him arranging to go out with Glenda Friday afternoon. He insisted, as she was on her own, that he’d help her go through the directory to look for another home. She’d already rung a handful herself and found nothing suitable. As a thank you she was taking him to The Corner Dessert Shop, having been horrified that he hadn’t yet tried scones.
TheGazettewas out on Friday, hence the evening get-together of the residents in the lounge to celebrate. Then every Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening from then until the party there would be a meeting during which we’d make the decorations and discuss any offers of help that came in after the publicity. This Sunday was the 22ndof November. Two weeks before the party. That meant four crafting and brainstorming sessions.
And only three weeks until all the residents had to leave.
My chest tightened.
The smell of a scented candle hit me as I went walked into the flat. Oliver had set the breakfast bar for two people. He wore a smart shirt.
‘Have I forgotten a date you’ve arranged?’
‘No. It’s a spur of the moment meal thing,’ he said. ‘Hope that’s okay.’
‘Do you mind if I stay in my room? Or I can go out to the pub if you want more privacy. Been a bit of a day.’ I took a breath, hesitating over saying more and instead asked ‘Who’s the lucky lady?’
‘I don’t know if she’ll think it’s lucky, but…’ He put down the tea towel and came over. Oliver held out his hand. ‘The meal’s for you. Sorry for being an idiot, Jess. Your feelings about Nik are none of my business. As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters.’
I hesitated again then slipped my hand into his. His fingers wrapped around mine and he pulled me close. My body relaxed and I leant on him for a second.
‘I’m sorry too. I’ve hated the last few days. I can tell you really are full of remorse because you detest that particular candle.’
‘Why anyone wants to pay good money for something that smells of… what does the sticker say… ?Fluffy towels.’
‘It’s clean and cuddly.’
‘It smells more like toilet freshener.’
Five minutes later I came back in a fresh jumper and jeans instead of the pyjamas that were calling.
‘Just dishing up,’ he said. ‘You take a seat and pour the wine.’
‘Oooh, red. Fancy schmanzy,’ I said. Normally we got the cheapest white or cider.
‘Here we go,’ he said and came over carrying two plates of… pizza. ‘I added the veggie topping. I only finished work at six. It would have taken a miracle to shop, get back and cook from scratch. Anyway, this means you can have you favourite accompaniment.’ He fetched a saucepan and poured hot baked beans over the top. Oliver knew me so well. ‘Cheers,’ he said. His glass touched mine. ‘How did the walk go?’
‘We collected twigs and some lovely pine cones. It was a shame Gran couldn’t come but I think it did the others good. Alf picked up a feather and gave it to Glenda, harking back to their discussion afterIt’s a Wonderful Lifeand whether angels exist.’ I sipped my wine. ‘Contradictory, isn’t it, how conspiracy theorists often don’t believe in things that have evidence behind them, but do believe in things that are simply based on myths?’
Oliver shrugged. ‘Sometimes it’s just a feeling you get, I suppose, that you have to follow – an instinct that Mother Nature gave us.’
I didn’t react, giving him the benefit of the doubt that he wasn’t talking about Nik.
‘I mean, I only have to look at baked beans to know they’re barely one step up from baby food.’
